May 23, 2010
Beer rules
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In addition to joining a gym this year, I settled on an anti-gut rule: Beer only in social situations.
But recent local beer discoveries, a chance encounter with Bell's Oberon, and a trip to Asheville (Beer City) led to more and more beer buys.
In particular, I think I've found my beer style of choice: the Belgian Abbey (or dubbel). Exhibit A is the Evil 8 from Blue Mountain Brewery in nearby Nelson County. Oatess first tried this while visiting and I've since picked up two six-packs. Then we went to The Wedge in Asheville and discovered their Belgian Abbey. I know that in news three tends to make a trend, but these two experiences were enough to sell me on this beer style.
Sidenote: Don't bother with Rogue's Chipotle ale.
Local breweries and vineyards have definitely helped us settle into life here in the Shenandoah Valley. We recently enjoyed a five-course wine dinner at our favorite vineyard, Pollak, as a belated Christmas gift from the Garners. We met some really neat people -- a man with a super eco home that generates more energy than it consumes -- and got to buy up the vineyard's Pinot Gris (we'd been waiting months).
When Econ visits in June we'll have to debate attending the World Beer Festival in Richmond. So close, so well-timed, but a stiff $40 entry fee.
And likely by July, little ole Waynesboro will have a beer club at River City Art & Wine. The preliminary plan is this: $10 per month gets you into two tasting nights where you're entitled to a cold beer and other samplings. Then the club rates the beers for an information board that shoppers can consult. Pretty sweet. Super social. Unlikely in the 'boro.
by Tony at 10:20 AM |
4 Comments:
I was impressed with the dense pocket of breweries and vineyards in your area, Tony. I think the Evil 8 was too...spicy?...for me, though.
Today I'm finishing my Belgian-style Allagash White.
I was looking for an IPA or similarly hoppy beer tonight. Nothing caught my eye in that category though. But I saw a New Belgium Belgian Abbey and thought of this post. Picked it up, and I'm not regretting it. Reminds me of a Dunkelweiß, which they don't seem to have here.
In other words, thanks for the tip.
When I visit, we are going to drink beer together.
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