What We Drink, What We Think

The summer solstice or the first day of summer officially begins in the Northern Hemisphere at 7:09 pm (EDT) on June 20, 2012.  Solstice is derived from the Latin solstitium and refers to the sun being positioned higher in the northern sky during the daylight hours and its rays projecting at a more direct angle and providing us with the warm to oppressively hot temperatures we know as summer.

To enhance one’s enjoyment of the summer season and to mitigate the effects brought on by the heat, a number of craft brewers release their eagerly anticipated Summer Seasonal creations.  There is a wide selection of styles to choose from including: bold hoppy IPAs, Hefeweizens, Kolsch, Wheat Beers, and Belgian Style Saisons. Summer is the perfect time to add the delicate flavors of Satsuma’s, berries, ginger, spices, and yes, even oysters, to these beers creating an array of palate-pleasing perfection.  A number of summer seasonal beers are brewed as “high gravity’ beers, and if you enjoy craft ciders there are special summer editions available as well.  Click here to view or print a comprehensive list including descriptions of these outstanding summertime brews.

It is officially fall. The days are cooling off, and football is in full swing.

 You can find pumpkins at your local grocers and the mums are in bloom. Fall is definitely my favorite time of year.

 To celebrate the changing of season, the Germans do it right with one of the world’s largest festivals, Oktoberfest. Only fitting that your first sip of the season be an Oktoberfest!

 Spaten’s Oktoberfest is the original beer made for the festival. Its’ medium-bodied amber color and roasted malt flavors paired with the perfect amount of hops make it seem like it was brewed specifically for grilled meats, sausages, and just about anything else that you may have on your tailgate menus.

 Next up in your seasonal beer cooler should be a pumpkin ale. Over the past few years, craft brewers have really started having some fun with the seasonal pumpkin ales. Ranging from just a hint of pumpkin in rich, dark ales to the full “Grandma’s pumpkin pie experience” there are a variety of pumpkin beers to dabble in. Woodchuck Private Reserve Pumpkin is for the purist and foodies. Built on their signature crisp apple cider, the refreshing pumpkin comes in at the end for a refreshing finish.

 Shipyard’s Pumpkinhead Ale is another great option. Shipyard’s Pumpkinhead Ale is a refreshing wheat ale with aromatic hints of pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg with a subtle spiced flavor. This beer is a great way to bring fall home.

Now for something a little stronger, but just as much pleasure, some seasonal cocktails. There are two new products I’ve tried this year that can be incorporated into just about anything.

 Please don’t miss enjoying Fulton’s Harvest Pumpkin Pie Cream Liqueur – This all natural cream based liqueur is truly pumpkin pie in a glass, with rich flavors of vanilla, brown sugar, and pie spice. Perfect for an after dinner coffee or I even went as far as pouring it onto pumpkin bread right out of the oven.

 Lastly I would like to suggest exploring Dumante, an Italian pistachio liqueur made from a molasses based alcohol which not only helps meld the flavors but cuts the sugar down to half that of other nut flavored liqueurs like amaretto. Rich roasted pistachios from Italy’s Amalfi give Dumante a rich flavor that would add hints of toasted nuttiness and sweetness to any martini. In fact it would even be a great marinade for a pork loin to create a rich caramelized finish.

 Clearly there are few other things other than pretty leaves and fresh, cool mornings to enjoy this fall. Enjoy!

This is a public service announcement, FREE advice to follow.  What I am about to tell you could be the difference between experiences worthy of fond reflection in your “Golden Years”, and those you would rather forget.

Let’s flashback about 20 years – I was a young student at University of Tennessee, trying to fit in with the slightly “cool” older crowd. The “leader” of the cool people was a guy we will call “Jim” to protect the innocent.  About once a month, Jim hosted the best parties.  These parties were by invitation only, and the price of admission was a six pack, at least, of beer.  Jim had a 55 gallon trash can on his front porch filled with ice and the beer brought by all his guests.  The only rule at the party was if you needed a beer, you had to reach your hand in to the barrel and what ever you pulled out…you drank.  In order to ensure an invitation to the next party you had to impress Jim with your beer selection.  I was fortunate enough to impress Jim each time, even with the VERY limited selection in Knoxville circa 1990.

This is where the advice starts – read closely if you are invited to a party similar to Jim’s.  And if you are “Jim”, I will go ahead and say, “You are welcome” for enlightening your guests.

Oskar Blues Old Chub – There are two great reasons to bring Old Chub to the party.  First, Old Chub is the beer equivalent of a lightly smoked single malt scotch, or your favorite dark chocolate. This 8% abv Scottish Ale is brewed with a tremendous amount of malted barley and specialty grains, and a dash of beechwood-smoked malt.  The second great reason to bring this beer is, it is not available in a bottle, can only.  Aside from the “scientific” reasons of canning beer, most people still shy away from cans.  So when you reach your hand into the tub…grab a can.

Napa Smith Harvest Crush – Crush Beer is the autumn offering from Napa Smith as a tribute to the grape harvest in Napa Valley.  Brewed in the traditional Bavarian Oktoberfest style with a touch of grape added, this lager comes in at 6% abv, is balanced and complex with just a hint of fruitiness.  It is only available in a 4-pack, so bring two.  If “Jim “fancies himself a wine connoisseur, he will appreciate the homage to wine making in “The Valley”, as he would refer to it. 

Left Hand Sawtooth Ale – Unpretentious. The flagship of Left Hand Brewing, an American ESB, is proof that a beer can be both complex and balanced. Malty chewiness slowly transitioning to herbal, earthy hops with a dry finish. Sawtooth is brewed at 5.3% abv to be enjoyed with friends and to stimulate serendipity.

You may be sitting there with your tickets to the 10^th Annual Music City Brewers Festival wondering what delicious brews you will find….  Well, here are a few “Islands” to look for in the “Sea of Great Liquids”.

Definitely make your way to Hap & Harry’s Lynchburg Lager located close to the Music Stage.  H&H is crafted in a style that can be enjoyed on any occasion.  Crisp, full-bodied, with a clean finish, H&H Lynchburg Lager is a true representation of an American lager.  “Great Friends, Great Beer”… always a great way to drink beer!

Lexington Brewing Co. should be your next stop.  Kentucky Ale, Kentucky Light and Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale are Lexington’s only locally-brewed beers.  Located in the heart of downtown, Lexington Brewing Company has been creating award winning beers since 2000. Kentucky Ale was released that same year with Kentucky Light not far behind in 2003. Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale completed Kentucky’s Triple Crown of Beers with its introduction in 2006.  These brands are new to the Nashville market and will soon be found in your favorite watering hole.

 A few things to do in between sampling beers:

 Ask Scott at the Stone tent what he has against the GREAT State of New Jersey then make your way over to the BBC tent and ask Phil who his favorite drinkin’ buddy is. Lastly, find Lipman’s Denny and ask him to tell you the fish eye story. If you find out any of this juicy info, come back and tell us the tales!

This is a reminder to all the “adult” children out there… the greatest “play date” ever is just around the corner.  Mark your calendars, get a sitter lined up, make your TAXI reservations, but most of all get your tickets NOW!!!

The tenth annual Music City Brewers Festival is Saturday, July 30th.

Stay tuned for BREWERY updates.

For more information, please go to:

http://www.musiccitybrewersfest.com/