Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Breaking News for beer drinkers in New York!

Just got an Email alerting me to a pre-St. Patrick's Day event event that's being held TOMORROW in the Big Apple. I know, mucho short notice, but here be the details me lucky charmed New York beer drinkin' leprechauns!

Who: W Hotels guests, locals and fans of Sam Adams

What: A Sam Adams beer tasting (A Sam Adams expert will be on hand)

Where: Audrey at W New York – The Tuscany
130 East 39th Street, Between Park and Lexington

When: Thursday, March 13th, 2008 from 7PM to 9PM

RSVP (for the public): NYCHAPPENINGSRSVP@WHOTELS.COM

NOTE: This event is free and open to the public. RSVP is required.

If you got... let me know! Take pics, drink beer and make sure ya wear some green!

The LongShot heard 'round the world!

Or at least around the neighborhood.

You should be seeing the Sam Adams Longshot packages in your local liquor stores. I grabbed one this weekend (along with a hoary host of other new beers) and gave 'em both a try. Note: there should have been three beers - because there was three winners, but due to the hop shortage the third - a mucho hoppy beer - was not included this year.

In the pack is Rodney Kibzey's Weizenbock and Lili Hess' Grape Pale Ale. Now, I like Weizens and I like fruit beers, and maybe it's because I am still a bit sick... but I wasn't head over heels for either one. Don't get me wrong - they're good. They're just not great. No offense. But hey, who the hell am I? I grunt when I judge a beer. Thus, I give major props to them for not only being able to brew their own (which I cannot do), but for winning such a prestigious competition!

Rodney describes his traditional Bavarian brew (7.2% ABV) as "deep amber in color with a full creamy body and a dark fruit and clove aroma." Ya, I can agree with that. This was the better of the two, and something I'd drink again.

Lili describes here light-bodied brew (5.35% ABV) as such: "It's like you are drinking a pale ale after biting into a fresh green seedless grape!" Hmmm... don't know about you but I don't normally eat grapes when I'm drinking beer. I'm just not feeling it.

As much as I love Sam Adams, this is the third "thing" that's been somewhat of a disappointment to me. Last year they held the Beer Lover's Choice contest where, somehow, the Irish Red won over the Dunkelweizen. I went to two beerfests where SA had their voting booth, and both times the overwhelming choice was the Dunkelweizen. I do not like Reds. Period.

Oh well... plenty of other beers out there. Some good, some not so good. Some horrific. Tune in next time when I'll talk about one of those horrific beers. Until then... zivjeli!