PUBlication: Six Pack

Beer—A Holiday Tradition!

Over the past handful of years I've been digitally documenting some of my hobbies and guilty pleasures. Craft beer is one of those indulgences; thanks if you've been paying any attention. The Brew Detective is back, offering a year end roundup of my favorite oat sodas and barley pops. I was fortunate to visit some amazing beer towns this year. The selections below were enjoyed on draft (~), or at the brewery (*). Have fun this holiday season and be safe. Unfortunately there's not a good sarsaparilla.

Cheers. 

~ Central Coast Brewing | Kiwi a la Tarte | San Luis Obispo, CA 

~ Half Moon Bay | Strawberry Rhubarb | Half Moon Bay, CA 

* Wicked Weed Brewing | Tropic Most Gose | Asheville, NC 

* Wicked Weed Brewing | ROY G BIV | Asheville, NC

* Burial Beer Co. | Hibiscus Gose | Asheville, NC

~ Appalachian Mountain Brewery | Spoaty Oaty Pale | Boone, NC

* Oakshire Brewing | Cucumber Berliner Weisse | Eugene, OR

Looking for something to bring home on the regular? Perhaps a heady six pack, or god forbid, a four pack. Look for these if you live near the brewer, or in an area with tasty choices. Drink responsibly. 'Bottles and cans and just clap your hands.'

• Blackberry Gose | St. Archer | 6 pack

• Bike Party Pils | Sudwerk | 6 pack

• El Sully | 21st Amendment | 6 pack

• Cucumber Berliner Weisse | Oakshire | 6 pack

• Tropic Most Gose | Wicked Weed | 4 pack

• Festina Pêche | Dogfish Head | 4 pack

eightychoices. 

PUBlication: Asheville (part 2)

WNC

Western North Carolina is beautiful for many reasons, topography and geology are among the highest ranking. The Blue Ridge Parkway, Lake Lure and Chimney Rock, the mountains, rivers and bears, oh my. Fortunately we were able to enjoy some of these magical outdoor settings. Paddling on Lake Lure was a definite highlight. We found our way to a private little sand bar along a small island; it became our de facto swimming hole. We also braved some strong wind into the main stretch of the Lake to take in one of the better views of Chimney Rock and the surrounding tree-covered mountains. What a great detour with two dear friends. 

After our time on the water we darted to a neighboring marina for a picnic. This delicious intermission was aided considerably by our host's foresight and the tasty luncheon prepared by The Rhu. We had started our morning with a slough of The Rhu's strong breakfast choices. A homemade breakfast biscuit with egg and cheese, sea salt cacao donut, a french inspired summer fruit pastry and good coffee were our fuels for the day. At lunch we crushed egg salad sandwiches on seeded rolls with an amazing fermented root salad. Some bottles of Wicked Weed Tropic Most were on hand as well. A day at the lake was just what I needed. 

A favorite local businesses of mine in West Asheville is Harvest Records. This record shop came to town while we were living there; it has been a vital community hub. I scored a mint Chess Records LP of Bobby Womack & The Valentinos, plus a decent pressing of The Platters, I Love You 1,000 Times. Not only did I get a vinyl fix, I was hooked up with a new T-shirt and some fresh stickers. Thanks Harvest Records, you're a great example of business done right. I love this shop. 

Burial Beer Co.

Another fantastic district of Asheville is the South Slope neighborhood (we used to live there). One of our other amazing friends took us to Burial Beer Co. Immediately Burial resinated with me. Some thoughts on their aesthetic; the tap handles were great (the skillet is my fave) and the carrier\rack to transport your tasting flight, was the easiest to handle while not spilling, or sacrificing cool. Also, having two zones with taps is a good idea. Now on to the beer.

The Americana Farmhouse had good body with lingering flavor. A lasting finish stayed with you. Blooming early in the nose was the Ceremonial session at 4%. Burial's Hay-saw Saison felt less traditional, in a good way. This particular saison had more of grainy feel to it, yet was also dry. Good work on the Hay-saw. My potential belt-holder on this beer journey was the Hibiscus Gose! At 4.5% you can knock these back all day. With or without sunlight, the see-through copper color of this libation beams. There are few beers that simply illicit awesome, but this is one of them. Slight nuances ring out first, the later stages punch with tartness—definitely a knockout. I also gave Surf Wax a try. This 7.2% IPA had recently undergone a change in its hop-bill. Centennial, Mosaic and Citrus hops create the profile now, as the beer-keep told of their intentions to begin canning. Surf Wax resembled a British IPA that was a bit more clean; not my idea of a left coast IPA. There was however a skunk-like aroma. Regardless of my tasting notes, Burial Beer was the best scene yet within the friendly confines of Asheville. 

If you missed Part 1 continue scrolling down or click here. Please check back for the final installment of PUBlication: Asheville. Reviews of a western mid-mega brewery who opened up shop in WNC, tasting Appalachian Cider, Hi-Wire Brewing and Foggy Mountain Pub are on deck. Cheers.  

eightychoices.

PUBlication: Asheville (part 1)

ty

828 Graffiti 

Asheville, the best little big town their side of the Mississippi? After having spent an amazing week, culminating with a wonderfully decadent wedding, our old stomping grounds have since changed, yet are still deserving of high praise. The week leading up to Father's Day made downtown feel almost too busy. Thankfully our great hosts took us in and helped us to explore that which we knew, and that which was new. Asheville's economy seems to be booming. Three super-cranes were in the downtown, erecting towers for the people and cars. 

Our first full day was filled with some gluttony. Vortex Doughnuts were brought to us at breakfast—inside the newly built home of our friends, which is outstanding by the way—and Taco Billy for lunch. Each place was crushing what they do best. We also went down along the French Broad River to scope the graffiti co-op. Let's just say the aerosol game in the 828 is strong. Later that afternoon our adventure led us to Wicked Weed Brewing. This libation station was not around when we were in town, but I'm sure glad they're there now. Wicked Weed's brew is on lock—delicious on many fronts. Their infrastructure/design aesthetic was appealing too. No messing around from this establishment; tucked in next to the Orange Peel conveniently. We lucky three, who drank from the funkatorium and beyond, had a good old time. 

We took down multiple tasting flights and a couple of others from the pint. Due to our mildly copious consumption, I'll limit my rambling review to three favorites. Roy G. Biv was an otherworldly ale the dutifully embraces its name, taste the rainbow. Roy's subtle nose opens up to a snappy mouth feel. An airy head appears. The first taste is dangerous, because it made me want to down it. Potency is hidden by an illustrious list of yum: cactus water, passion fruit, pineapple, blood orange and Jasmine flowers. Roy rounds at 7.2%. Give me more!

Wicked Weed Brewing | Asheville, NC

Next up was perhaps my favorite ale of the entire trip—the Tropic Most Gose. This all-time tasty ale had an immensely fruity nose, it surprises you. I liked every nuance along the way. Both of the beautiful ladies tasting with me remarked, "summer beer extraordinaire." Passion Fruit prevails in the slightest over the entirety of the bouquet. The clarity of bright canary-yellow nectar reveals itself to be tart, let me say that again, tart. Of all traits, fresh is a label all beer makers clamor to achieve. The Tropic Most Gose is fresh. Five stars and only 4.1%, so drink up and do so responsibly. 

The third concoction to make this PUBlication list is the Brettanomyces Farmhouse Ale with peaches (6.2%). Oh My! They sold this amazing ale in the bottle. All told, I think we downed two of their 500ML bottles on top of what we took down in house. Imagine the creative possibilities of the Brett strain, coupled to the sweetness peaches; a match made in fermentation heaven. Wicked Weed is a must for any beer fan when in Asheville. 

Check back in the coming days to read more on the bounty of Western North Carolina. Upcoming installments of the Asheville PUBlication will focus on Lake Lure and Chimney Rock, The Rhu, Harvest Records, as well as, Hi-Wire Brewing, Burial Beer Co. and more...

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