December 29, 2014
Top 10 Albums and Beers of 2014, Part 1
The return of my top beers and albums of the year. A marriage of two of my passions: Beer and music. The list comprises beers that were new in bottle or cans this year with a few minor exceptions. While I did try a lot of beer that was new to me this year, I didn’t try a lot of beers that were new in general. I know there were a lot of great beers debuting this year and this list is my tops of the few I tried. Same goes with the albums: I listened to a lot of new music this year so there are several really good albums that didn't make the list. As usual, these are all beers available in Texas at some time in the year, and in no particular order.
Probably the two tops on my list. Both stayed in heavy rotation all year and I found I couldn’t get enough of either. Hops and Grain Greenhouse IPA was a rotating IPA that featured a different hop profile every month and I was always sure to grab each months iteration. Cloud Nothings came out early in the year and was prominent in my playlist all year, with “I’m Not Part of Me” my favorite song of the year.
Refined is a great word for both of these. Andrew Bird have certainly refined his music at this point in his career and could sing the phone book and I would buy it and listen to it non-stop. I really appreciate his musicianship and his entire catalog gets frequent listens from me. The Hi-Res is a refined Triple IPA if that is even possible. A huge hop animal that took no shame in being what it was. An assault on your palate.
The Austin Beerworks Heavy Machinery Black IPA gets on this list as a technicality. It was supposed to be the first release of their canned IPA series last year, but missed out due to reasons out of the brewery's control. Instead they released it at the beginning of this year and it was tremendous. I was new to Against Me! until SXSW when their raucous live show blew me away. Transgender Dysphoria Blues stayed in heavy rotation for several months afterwards and helped me relive that excellent live experience.
December 16, 2014
The Brü Revü – Hops and Grain Greenhouse IPA, November
The #11 (November) Greenhouse IPA is a big juicy & resinous hoppy monster. Dry hopping with Meridian, Liberty and Nugget hops, Hops & Grain delivered a divine IPA. As usual the beer pours and looks almost identical each month with a deep golden amber and fluffy white head. The aroma was hugely fruity with a resinous pine note that was perfect right before the Holidays. The taste exploded with juicy tropical fruit tones that hit the Juicy Fruit description right on the head. Underneath was a piney resinous hop body that revealed itself after the initial fruity onslaught. This months iteration was a delicious IPA and beautiful beer all around. The Greenhouse IPA's are always easy to drink but this one was so smooth and drinkable I couldn’t put it down. Another great Greenhouse IPA and one of the best yet. I don’t see these lasting long in my beer fridge.
December 11, 2014
Beer Bums Meeting – December 2014 – Beer Bums Christmas Spectacular
Our annual Christmas party is always a great time and this year was no exception. There are always great beers, fantastic food, and an even better time. The lineup of beers was as exceptional as ever and we never miss an opportunity to bring out the big boys. It’s difficult to single out a beer as they were all great. The Cockeye Cooper, 2013 Stone IRS and Samuel Adams were all standouts for me, but again they were all great.
Next Month, January – Best of 2014
December 3, 2014
The Brü Revü – Armadillo Ale Works Brunch Money
The Armadillo Ale Works Brunch Money is a Golden Stout or a Blonde Porter, whatever it is it’s a very unique and tasty brew. Inspired by brunch Armadillo Ale Works adds maple syrup, cocoa nibs, vanilla, coffee and lactose sugar to the base golden ale that has flaked barley and oats and a hint of honey and caramel malts. This all adds up to a dynamic drinking experience that is truly Brunch in a bottle. The beer poured a light copper with a small tan head that disappeared quickly. The aroma has a vanilla and maple sweetness intertwined with coffee that can trick you into thinking stout. The taste hits you with an initial coffee roast followed immediately by the sweet vanilla and maple sugar that is boosted by the lactose sugar. The cocoa lingers on the back end and coats your palate with a pleasant bitterness. This beer truly takes your taste buds on a ride. It may seem like a lot but the parts equal a tantalizing whole that was surprisingly drinkable given the high ABV. While the Brunch Money may fool you into thinking its a stout it is altogether unique and a perfect brunch treat.
December 2, 2014
Pint Glass Nights - December 2014
Misc. pint glass nights around Austin for December. Buy the beer, keep the glass.
Gingerman – Mondays, at 6 PM
Dec 01 Brouwerij Vanhonsebrouck Kasteel Rouge
Dec 15 Samuel Adams Winter Lager
Dec 22 Boulevard Nutcracker
Dec 29 Utah Brewing Wasatch Apricot Hefeweizen
Zax Pints and Plates – Wednesdays, at 6 PM (will be updated when Zax updates)
Dec 03 Deschutes Jubelale
Dec 10 Independence Brewing Convict Hill Cask
Dec 17 Saint Arnold Christmas Ale
Dec 03 New Belgium Globe
Dec 10 Rahr & Sons Winter Warmer
Dec 17 Delerium Noel
Dec 24 Anchor Brewing Christmas
Draught House – Wednesdays
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