The Demon Hunter

I celebrated my birthday a few weeks ago with a bottle of the Demon Hunter from Birrificio Montegioco, that was brought over by a friend, and it is certainly worthy of a quick post/review.

A very complex beer brewed in the style of a Belgian Brown, but from Italy, so it has its own funky thing going on. Dried fruit and chestnuts comprise the ripe and roasty aroma while honey and stone fruit flavors dominate the body. This beer has a nice undercurrent of spice and alcohol warmth and ends on a brilliant hop note.

I'm looking forward to drinking this again in the fall, it would pair very well with pumpkin soup, roast duck or even pecan pie. It certainly wasn't out of place with some steak and pork loin off the grill though.

Added benefits: it comes in a sweet paper wrapped bottle and has a cool name.

Stein

Now that the rain in NY has finally let up, outdoor drinking is back in play. However, those pesky mosquitos are out and about. I may not be able to protect my skin but, thanks to those industrious Germans, I'll be able to protect my beer

To deal with insect invasions and the bubonic plague spreading through Europe in the 14th century, the Germans added a hinged lid, that could be operated with one's drinking hand, to their mugs. These capped vessels kept out the flies but unfortunately many of them were made of lead, leading to other problems.

As the plague became less of a concern, steins didn't go away but instead became more ornate and must have items for German, well-to-do drinkers. Nowadays you may not find too many Germans using steins, but I'm happy to have these unique vessels passed on down from my grandfather. They will certainly come in handy this summer.

Beer Cocktails

Good article in the NY Times on beer cocktails.

Happy 4th of July

I'll get back to a regular posting schedule after the Holiday. In the meantime, enjoy some American beers this weekend. Summer is usually a time for low ABV, easy drinking pilseners and wheats, but the 4th calls for some brazen American hop-bombs. So, pull out those Dogfish, Green Flash, Stone, Victory and Southern tier IPA's and enjoy.

Michael Jackson

The self proclaimed King of Pop has passed away, may he rest in peace. With all of the news coming in and all of his songs being played everywhere, I can't help but think of the real Michael Jackson. The Michael Jackson we all said goodbye to in the fall of 2007. When beer geeks sat around the bar talking about Michael Jackson (the beer writer) eavesdroppers would be confused, thinking that their pop idol was partial to Trappist ales. Often, as a joke, the beer hunter would don a single white glove on his hand. Now both are gone and perhaps the beer hunter was overshadowed in life by the pop star, but may he not be overshadowed in death.

Here's a link to his last work, the article is at the bottom of the page.

Michael churned out volumes on obscure beers and breweries from around the world. He had an insatiable appetite and encyclopedic knowledge when it came to beer. Without him promoting and fighting for respect and recognition of craft beer - the beer scene wouldn't be what it is today.

So, if you must, take a moment to remember the King of Pop but, please raise a beer tonight and remember the Beer Hunter and everything he stood for.

Beer & Food in NYC

Nice article from Eric Asimov of the NY Times on the NYC beer and food situation, check it out.

Any other places with good beer and food not listed in the article?

Gowanus

I checked out Meghan Halle's performance at the Bell House, a new music venue in the Gowanus neighborhood of Brooklyn, yesterday afternoon. It was a great performance, in an awesome venue, only made better by the well selected beers on tap from: Elysian, Sixpoint, Allagash, Brooklyn, Sierra and a few mainstream favorites like Guiness and Boddingtons to round it out.

You don't have to go to a concert to enjoy the great brews at the Bell House; they also have several beer/food events scheduled from time to time, including the Ommegang night advertised on the embedded poster.

Looking for more substantial food to go with your beer? A few blocks away is the Draft Barn - an Eastern Euro inspired beer hall with housemade sausages and a voluminous beer list. Service is a little stand-offish but the food is hearty, the space is nice and the beer is served with respect.

Hitting up both spots is a good way to spend a suds filled afternoon/evening in a neighborhood that was previously off the craft beer radar.