Brew Detective: Cult Classic Pale Ale | Ex Novo

Hollywood theatre is, er was, and will be again, the place to observe cinema in all it's splendor and excess. Ex Novo has brewed Cult Classic Pale Ale for Hollywood theatre much prior to this review, but recently I scored a four pack of pint cans, which supports both my favorite brewery and the best cinematic palace this side of the Williamette (honorable mention Bagdad Theater). Hopefully we'll get to satiate our souls through the small joys of interactive and participatory arts and activities.

Strong hop aroma is a bit biting and spicy. Beautiful amounts of carbonation drive upward, replenishing the fluffy head. Subtle bitterness is apparent early. The amber-gold pale ale glimmers with agricultural bounty. It's liquid art in honor of "Movie Madness." Rated 5.6% / Cult Classic Pale Ale is an easy choice indoors or out. Enjoy craft beer respectfully.

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Brew Detective: Stay West IPA | Breakside

Breakside is not mess'n 'round, they brew good beer. Stay West IPA is kind of magical, the clarity is A-plus. Often we get caught up in the hype of what's new, it's nice to appreciate west coast IPA's as a standard-bearer within the brewing industry. 

Some breweries get it done without any gimmicks crafting beautiful, lush and taste-driven IPA's that are clearly filtered. A mixture of stone fruit and slightly tropical flavors pop from the bottle. Stay West is also delicate, the carbonation is subtle creating nice mouth feel. All of the nuances are clean and yet noticeable. If you happen to see this delectable India pale ale on the shelf I suggest grabbing some. Enjoy responsibly. 

Stay West IPA | 7% | 63 IBU

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Jack, the Raconteurs & Loretta

At a recent concert in Jack White's adopted home of Nashville, he invited some friends onto the Bridgestone Arena stage. Then they proceeded to annihilate. First out was his other band, the Raconteurs. This hybrid of old and new meshed well as they tore through songs from both Raconteurs albums. It should be noted that his newest ensemble also shreds—of course they do.

Van Lear Rose was released more than decade ago, whoa. Jack's fingerprints were all over that record. So when he welcomed Loretta Lynn out for a couple of numbers it seemed only fitting that they dive into "Portland Oregon." The pace was rocking, perhaps a bit out of the norm, in terms of tempo, for Lynn. White, the gentleman that he is, offered her some guidance when she repeated a verse. Regardless, this song is an all-time favorite of mine. Slow gin fizz, come on. Loretta remained on stage as Jack Coaxed her into singing, "Whispering Sea," a rarity from her earliest recordings. What a night in Nashville. Long live Third Man.

Jack White & Loretta Lynn | Nashville, TN | 01.28.15


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ps. I'm picking the Seahawks.