Beerligion

Leffe Blonde Belgian Abbey Ale is a highly fermented beer, The ingredients are light malt, corn, water, hops and yeast, which give it a bright golden color. The alcohol content is 6.6%. The taste is full, sweet and fruity and has a hint of bitter orange, and the after-taste is powerful and surprising. Seriously the after …

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Brew Year’s Eve

Happy Brew Year’s Eve everyone. Today marks the eve of one of the historic dates in beer history. Brew Year’s Eve celebrates the eve of the modification of the Volstead Act which raised the legal alcohol percentage of beverages from 0.05 percent to 3.2 percent, allowing some beers to be legal once again on April 7, 1933. …

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Fat Tire

Named in honor of our founder Jeff’s bike trip through Belgium, Fat Tire Amber Ale marks a turning point in the young electrical engineer’s home brewing. Belgian beers use a far broader pallet of ingredients (fruits, spices, esoteric yeast strains) than German or English styles. Jeff found the Belgian approach freeing. Upon his return, Jeff …

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Stone Vertical Epic Ale 12.12.12

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Green Flash West Coast IPA Leffe Blonde Brew Year’s Eve Fat Tire Stone Vertical Epic Ale 12.12.12

May 02

Hidden Cup Holder Bottle Opener

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Beerligion Blog

by Highspanic

Credit to Redditor Bombingofdresden

This cool little feature was found in a Mercedes Minivan. Being a Mercedes you’d figure they’d have a hidden corkscrew but I guess even Mercedes drivers want to pop open a beer after dropping the kids off at soccer practice.

As beer drinkers we can applaud cool openers, even if this one pushes the responsibility line. I know the only reason I don’t open a beer while driving is because of the difficulty of getting my opener off my keys that are in the ignition.

But with this dandy feature I can just pull at my cup holder and pop open my beer with no hassle.

Whoever designed this definitely has a drinking problem but at least he’s sharing that problem with the world in a positive way.

A toast to the alcoholic Mercedes interior design engineer. You do us proud.

Tags: benz, bottle, mercedes, opener

May 01

Russian River Pliny the Elder

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Russian River Pliny the Elder

Russian River Pliny the Elder came to my hands by surprise. I was at my local craft store looking for a Enjoy By and sadly they did not have any in stock. A fellow craft drinker over heard and told me to pick up a Pliny the Elder Double IPA. he explained how Russian River has been brewing IPA’s with short expirations dates for some time now. He went on about how great the brew is and that I had to get it. The truth is it doesn’t take to long to convince me to try a new beer especially when its a IPA. There was a limit of one per customer, I hait it when they do that, but I guess you cant complain when it is brewed in limited supply. I purchased several beers that day but this is the one I opened and poured first. It pours a nice clear copper color with a smell of pine. Taste is rich of flavorful hops and high in bitterness. It truly is a great fresh IPA. I can’t wait to try Russian River’s highly talked about Pliny the Younger. If the Elder tasted this good The Younger should be a real joy.

Russian River gave this brew a very interesting name, here is their explanation of how they came bout it: “Where did we come up with this name? Back in the year 2000, our friend, Vic Kralj, who owns the Bistro in Hayward, California, decided to have his first ever Double IPA festival. Vic invited 10 breweries, 6 of whom (including us) had to brew something special for him since we had nothing that would fall under this style category. Vinnie had made a Double IPA at Blind Pig in 1994, but was not brewing one at Russian River Brewing at the time. He had an idea for the recipe, but not a name. After much research in beer books, brainstorming, and deliberation, we came up with “Pliny the Elder”. Pliny, the man, lived in the first century- 23 to 79 A.D. According to our brewing references, he and his contemporaries either created the botanical name or at least wrote about Lupus Salictarius, or hops, currently known as Humulus Lupulus. That was a very early reference to an important part of any Double IPA! Pliny the beer has now become one of our flagship brews!”

ABV: 8.0%

Tags: ale, BEER, beer review, beer-ligion, beer-ligion review, beerligion, craft, craft beer, drinking, drinking craft, Indian Pale Ale, IPA, Russian River Pliny the Elder

May 01

BeerLigion Cycling Jersey 2013

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Beerligion Blog

BeerLigion Cycling Jersey 2013

The BeerLigion Cycling Jersey 2013 is one of the best peaces of clothing in my closet. I signed up for a 50 mile cycling event in Mexico a few months ago and decided it would be nice to represent Beerligion.com on the ride. The tour starts in Rosarito Mexico and continues along the cost ending in Ensenada Mexico. The jersey includes logos from Live2Blade.com ran by my good friend Armando Colunga and is dedicated to show you aggressive rollerblading through his eyes. The Bowligans bowling team who are best described by their team slogan “A Drinking Team with a Bowling problem.” and ZinoFresh the printing t company that made this cycling jersey possible.

The tour takes place on Cinco de Mayo weekend so we will be sure to be drinking the best craft beers Mexico has to offer. More posts will follow with our drinking experiences so be sure to check back in.

Jersey printing by: www.zinofresh.com

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Apr 29

A Degree in Beer Craft

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Beerligion Blog

by Highspanic

As the craft beer market continues to grow so does interest in brewing.

According to the Brewer’s Association there are 5 colleges around the United States that offer professional courses in brewing. Soon there will 6.

Last week Colorado State University unveiled not only that they will be offering courses in brewing soon but they will be building a brewery on campus. The microbrewery will be built alongside a new classroom which will offer students a hands on opportunity to brew some beers. I imagine more than just brewing majors will be taking this course as frat boys across the school will be lining up for the opportunity to learn how make their own brews.

Colorado is already known as one of the great states for breweries. Fort Collins, which hosts CSU, already has 12 other breweries. More than likely this course could lead to some interesting opportunities for students at nearby facilities.

Collaborations between the university and breweries could lead to some advancements in brewing as well. We’re entering a brave new world in beer craft and with places of higher education putting their resources behind this development the future of our favorite beverage looks quite bright.

Hopefully other universities will begin to offer these sorts of courses.

Tags: Brewery, Colorado State, CSU, Fort Collins

Apr 11

Brewery Ommegang Rare Vos

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Brewery Ommegang Rare Vos

Brewery Ommegang Rare Vos came to my hands in a strange way, I don’t remember buying it because the night was a blur. My cousins and I went out for a friend’s birthday to a bar in Downtown LA. The bar is great good beer and a great environment. We were having a good time playing pool and drinking brews and every now and then the occasional round of shots would come around. I was drinking Epic Brewery Double IPA throughout the night, that with the shots got me quite buzzed. What makes this bar awesome is that inside there is a store so on your way out you can purchase beer to take home. After closing my tab at the bar I made my way to the store towards the exit. I selected a six-pack of Stone Oaked Arrogant Bastard and this Rare Vos. I pointed at the bottle and told the clerk “Fuck It ill take the red one”, I must admit drunk me makes some good beer choices. I got to tell you this is one of the best Amber Ales I’ve had.

Brewery Ommegang describes Rare Vos as: “Rare Vos Amber Ale is styled after the smooth, drinkable beers popular in Belgian cafés. It pours a light copper hue, contrasting beautifully with a big, creamy white head. The nose offers orange blossoms and slight spice. On the palate, the caramel maltiness shines strongly but with little sweetness. The profile leans toward dry fruity (yeast-affiliated), slightly fruity/hoppy with a beguiling spiciness. This complex, medium-bodied beer has a smooth mid-palate and moderate dry finish. Well-balanced in all elements, it’s a mild, mellow brew.”

ABV: 6.5%

Food Pairings: Black truffle and lobster risotto or pork belly and mustard greens. Add it to chili, jambalaya or gumbo to give your dish a pleasant bitterness and roastiness.

Tags: ale, Amber ale, BEER, beer review, beer-ligion, Brewery Ommegang, Brewery Ommegang Rare Vos, craft, craft beer, drinking craft, Rare Vos

Apr 05

Karl Strauss Big Barrel Double IPA

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Karl Strauss Big Barrel Double IPA

Karl Strauss Big Barrel Double IPA is a beer I bought in a batch of brews. I often go to my local craft store and grab a basket full of beer bottles. I’ve been enjoying Karl Strauss beers for some time now and I’m set out to try as many of their wonderful brews as I can. So when I walked across the Big Barrel Double IPA I did not hesitate to grab it. Talk about a tasty strong brew this is a beer that kick starts your taste buds. It pours a rich amber color with a nice white head that settles quickly. The head leaves a nice ring after every swig on the glass of your pint. The taste is full of flavors, some fruity, honey and obviously hoppy. Good brew to have in your taste collection so be sure to pick it up.

Karl Strauss describes it as: “When we kicked-off this series of intense hoppy beers, we wanted to go big. Imported New Zealand Nelson Sauvin hops provide a vibrant tropical aroma that raises eyebrows and expectations. Aggressive amounts of Warrior and Ahtanum hops produce an assertive bitterness that stands out against a firm malt backbone. Balanced even at 90 IBUs, Big Barrel leaves a considerable first impression that serves as a prelude of things to come.”

ABV: 9.0%

Availability: Limited Release in kegs and 22oz. Bottles. First of the Karl’s Coastal Reserve Series.

Tags: BEER, craft, craft beers, double ipa, drinking craft, Indian Pale Ale, IPA, Karl Strauss, Karl Strauss Big Barrel Double IPA

Apr 05

Primo Island Lager

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Primo Island Lager

Primo Island Lager is a smooth tasting Hawaii lager. It’s funny because one of my best friend’s nickname is Primo. He’s one of the funniest people I know and has the tendency to call everyone he meets primo, cousin in spanish. The first time I meet the guys I didn’t know if he just had a hard time remembering my name. But then I noticed a pattern he called all the guys primo and all the girls prima. It didn’t matter if he knew you for a few minutes of years. Then one day we discovered Primo Island Lager and of course he got a hot head and was very proud they named a beer after him or so he likes to tell the story. So my buddies and I had to get our hands on this and give it a shot just to see it the beer actually lived up to its name.

Primo Island Lager pours a clear gold somewhat yellow color with a soft foamy white head. very smooth taste sort of a corn flavor and hint of bread like a dry grain. The smell wasn’t spectacular enough for me to remember it but overall a good tasting lager.

ABV: 4.65%

Tags: BEER, beer review, beerligion, craft, craft beers, drinking, drinking craft, hawaii, lager, Primo Island Lager

Apr 04

Stone Vertical Epic Ale 12.12.12

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Stone 12.12.12 Vertical Epic Ale

Stone 12.12.12 Vertical Epic Ale was a great an interesting concept for craft drinkers around the world. I wish I can tell you that I followed the Vertical Epic from the beginning and I have bought two every year, one to drink and one to store away in my cellar to complete the collection. Sadly I didn’t do that and I still hate myself for it by the way. So lets break it down, Stone set out to release a different beer of Vertical Epic Al for the month that matched the year starting in 2002. So on the 2nd of Feb. in 2002 the first Vertical Epic Ale was released, On the 3rd of March in 2003 the second Vertical Epic Ale was released and so forth all the way to the 12th of Dec. in 2012. Great way to attract some buzz by Stone Brewery right. The release dates were announced by electronic newsletters another great marketing technique by Stone. I have seen online that some craft collectors have actually saved all eleven and were waiting for the last one to open all for drinking, others are selling the collection. In the beginning the bottling was limited because Stone was unaware of the demand. As the years went by and more craft drinkers caught wind of this they increased the bottling but still remained somewhat limited. If you want more details on the Stone Vertical Epic Ale series please visit this faq on the Stone website: here

I walked in to my local craft store looking for Stone Enjoy By IPA and saw this Dark Ale. I had heard about it online so I jumped at the chance to try it. This beer pours dark one of the darkest beers I have come across with a pitch black color. The head rises nicely with a dark tan color. The aroma is strong and gives off a dark chocolate smell with hints of cinnamon. The taste is extremely heavy so you might want to sip the brew at first. It provides a lingering chocolate taste with roasted malts.I must say this is one of the best dark ales I have ever had. please be sure to pick it up if you see it and if you do let me know so I can pick up a few 22oz bottles.

Stone Breweries description is: “The aromas wafting through the brewery as we brewed this beer were amazing! We couldn’t think of a better way to sign off this Epic series of beers. This beer will transport you to a very warm place; the house is warm, a fire’s going and grandma’s in the kitchen baking away.”

ABV: 9.0%

Food Pairings: Cocoa & chile-rubbed pork tenderloin, elk loin, merguez sausage, porterhouse steak, roasted goose

Tags: ale, BEER, craft, craft beer, drinking beer, Stone 12.12.12 Vertical Epic Ale, Stone Brewery

Apr 03

Anderson Valley Hop Ottin’ IPA

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Anderson Valley Hop Ottin IPA

Anderson Valley Hop Ottin IPA came to my hands in a strange way. I was heading home from work when my wife called to informed me that we would be having some guests over and I should pick up some beer for everyone. Buying beer for me can be a long process as I’m always trying to purchase something new and different. But in this case she was looking for quantity as we had some thirsty people coming over. So pushed my shopping cart over to the beer section and picked up a few cases of beer and made my way over to the craft section to look for something new to try. Like I said before I tend to gravitate towards IPA’s and the Anderson Valley Hop Ottin IPA quickly caught my eye. The label alone screams california brewing. It pours a some what of an amber color with a fluffy white head. It smells like a pine and taste strong and bitter. The taste was some what familier and once I looked it up found that it is modeled after West Coast IPA.

Anderson Valley describes this as: “Hops. They are the cornerstone of India Pale Ales around the world, and our Hop Ottin’ IPA is no exception. Handcrafted with copious amounts of Columbus and Cascade, this beer is a showcase of bright citrusy aromas, bold grapefruit and pine-like flavors, and the resiny bitterness that hop heads crave. With a brilliant, deep amber color and solid malt backbone, hints of citron, roses, and bergamot climax with a dry, herbal finish in this well balanced interpretation of a West Coast IPA.”

ABV: 7.0%

Food Pairing: Garlic fries, curry chicken, mahi fish tacos, carrot cake cookies

Tags: anderson valley, Anderson Valley Hop Ottin IPA, BEER, craft, craft beer, drinking craft, Indian Pale Ale, IPA

2 comments

Mar 28

Stone Enjoy By IPA 04.01.13

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Stone Enjoy By 04.01.13 IPA

Stone Enjoy By 04.01.13 IPA I have been waiting a long time to try this beer. My family and I are big Stone Brewery supporters and being from Southern California helps a lot as the Brew house is only a few hours away. So when we learned about the Enjoy By IPA we had to have it. I set out to following my local craft store as well as Stone to see when they’re new batch was being released. It was always released during my work hours and I was unable to make it to fill my growler. But with the help of social media I was informed that a local craft store, Plaza Market in El Monte had just got a batch in of the 04.01.13 in and they were putting a limit of one per customer. I’m glad I follow @craftbeerkings on Instagram who informed me of this deal.

Knowing that I have missed this beer before I knew I had to get to the store quick and get mine. I decided to take my lunch time to head over to the store, it’s only about 7 miles away with a freeway near by. Then my only concern was that it was going to be quite the trip for only one beer. I convinced my co-worker to take a drive with me and I would buy him lunch, I needed him so I can purchase two bottles. Once he agreed lunch time could not get here fast enough. We raced off on the 605 North swerving in and out of LA traffic. At first I was making good time, then the incorrect freeway sign made me go east on the 10 freeway instead of west. Crap! I had to make a big circle just to head in the correct direction. I made it to the store and didn’t waste any time looking for it too much. I asked the clerk for it and he said “ok I’ll get you one”. “one, I need two” I replied. When he responded to inform me that there was a limit I laughed and pointed to my friend. This clerk had no idea how much I had planned to get this Enjoy By IPA.

The Enjoy By IPA tastes so fresh and worth the wait. It pours a rich golden color with a thick and fluffy white head. The aroma is rich and smells of citrus hops. The taste is bitter and strong as most Double IPA’s do but i got to tell you its delicious. Described by Stone as: “You have in your hands a devastatingly fresh double IPA. While freshness is a key component of many beers – especially big, citrusy, floral IPAs – we’ve taken it further, a lot further, in this IPA. You see, we specifically brewed it NOT to last. We’ve not only gone to extensive lengths to ensure that you’re getting this beer in your hands within an extraordinarily short window, we made sure that the Enjoy By date isn’t randomly etched in tiny text somewhere on the label, to be overlooked by all but the most attentive of retailers and consumers. Instead, we’ve sent a clear message with the name of the beer itself that there is no better time than right now to enjoy this IPA.”

ABV: 9.4%

Availability: Limited (sold in batches to always be fresh)

Tags: ale, BEER, beer review, beer-ligion, beer-ligion review, craft, craft beer, craft beers, drinking, drinking craft, Indian Pale Ale, IPA, Stone Brewery, Stone Enjoy By 04.01.13 IPA