Confessions of a Sober Cab - The Parental Version

Cousin Mark was getting married! Clearly that meant two things; his wonderful girlfriend would now be an official member of the family, and we were going to party! The hubby and I were in a pickle though, seeing as we both wanted to get a little pickled ourselves that evening. I knew that Andy would want to drink and celebrate with his cousin and I certainly didn’t want to ruin his fun by asking him to sober cab. Besides, I knew the only way I’d manage to get at least one dance out of the guy was to get him drunk enough to not notice he was dancing. I wanted to cut loose as well and enjoy my night drinking with my siblings in law. It’s not very often that we’re all in town together, much less for a party, and a wedding at that. Plus, craft beer loving Mark would be supplying the party with kegs galore of Schell’s Oktoberfest. I really enjoy their Oktoberfest and wanted to take full advantage of the bride and groom’s hospitality. We did have an option for a ride though… Ma and Pa Strom.

Our sober cabs for the evening. (Studio Veil photo booth)

 

Really, it was perfect. They were going the same place we were, at the same time! Those are of course, the most basic rules of carpooling. And since they planned on driving home we knew at least one of them would be sober. Which is the first rule of taking a sober cab – making sure your driver is actually sober. Besides, if your parents were like the majority of parents I knew growing up, they always stressed the same rule – don’t get in a car with someone who’s been drinking. Andy’s parents were no different. And just because we were now adults and could legally drink didn’t mean that they had stopped worrying. Sometimes I think they worry more especially because we can legally drink. So of course they weren’t going to tell us that they couldn’t give us a ride. Go back on what they’ve been preaching since we were sixteen? That’s something no parent ever really wants to do. Besides, Andy still mows their lawn and they really didn’t want to mess that up.

As a bonus, brother Bob and sis-in-law Nichole were rolling in from out of town and needed a ride too. It was a regular family reunion. As we piled six deep into the old minivan I got the distinct impression that Ma and Pa Strom were actually enjoying themselves. Ok, maybe not so much when we were hinting (and not so subtly) that we wanted to pregame the wedding at the bar near the church. The idea was shot down and instead we arrived early and found our seats with the rest of the Strom clan in the church. We were witness to a beautiful and touching wedding, complete with a family photo at the end. And then it was on to dinner, dancing, and a night of debauchery!

 

Photographic evidence of debauchery. (Studio Veil photo booth)

 It was the best of both worlds – a lovely family wedding and a night of beer drinking with the buds.  The beer was wonderful, as the Oktoberfest from Schell's always proves to be, and it was free and free flowing. The beer flowed so freely in fact that Mark’s loving cousins got together and rewrote the announcement on the marquee sign at the venue with a touching message for the loving couple. I did successfully get Andy drunk enough to dance with me for the last song of the evening and my mood got as ripped as my fishnets stockings did after a night of breaking it down on the dance floor.  The ‘rents drove us safely home and I could tell that they were touched by our drunken bonding in the back seats of their van. They had most of their clan safely in their care, giggling over a night of drunken escapades and fun. We took them at their word, to always let them know when we needed a safe ride home, and they in turn held up their end of the bargain. Who knew mom and dad would provide one of the best sober rides we’ve had in a while. Besides, they got to spend some time with the kids, even if we were a little extra bubbly, and what parent doesn’t like that?

This is what happens when you provide such good beer. (via Mark and Jess Strom)

 

So while you think your parents are the last people you'd like to get a sober ride from, remember that they really do want to see you just as safe now as they did when you were younger. And if you're going the same place already, why not take them up on a ride and carpool? Besides, you're a legal, drinking adult and they can't yell at you for drinking all the free beer you can hold! Consider your parents the next time you need a sober cab, and hey, if they need a ride, return the favor!

Brews and Reviews: Schells Brewing Company's Arminius

Arminius, known to many of the citizens of New Ulm as Hermann the German, was a Germanic chieftain who united many other tribes to hold back Roman forces in the Battle of the Teutoburg Forest.  While eventually defeated by the Romans, his legacy and symbolism lead to the unification of many Germanic tribes, and his enduring spirit would go on to become a symbol of Germanic nationality.

His name and likeness, as depicted on the statue that lies in the hometown of the Schells Brewery, also adorn the cans of Shell's latest beer, Arminius.  This beer uses a unique blend of American hops, as well as French and German, assumably from regions near where Hermann the German carved his name into history.

This beer also symbolizes a rather unique shift in the mindset of Shells Brewery.  The New Ulm staple, until recently, has not been known for hoppy beers.  Rather, they've been more likely to stick with the typical German inspired beers, such as Pilsners, Goses, Bocks, Hefes and others.  However, a recent change in marketing, most likely influenced by the surge of hoppy beers in Minnesota, coupled with the national popularity of more experimental beers, has Schells living up to its slogan of "We are German Craft Beer". Arminius now being their hoppiest staple beer, will be brewed year round according to its website.

The can says right on it "Hoppy Pale Lager", which immediately scares off some consumers. Minnesotan Craft Beer fanatics will instantly think of beers in the Surly line, for example, which usually scream of hops, becoming something that is vastly popular, but only among select crowds. With Arminius, Schell's has found a way to create a hoppy beer, without it ransacking your mouth with that overwhelming "perfume" taste.

Arminius has a little bit of everything -  hints of floral and citrus flavors, a level amount of carbonation translating into a mouthfeel suitable for most beer drinkers,  and a crisp and clean flavor that still contains just the right amount of hops that even consumers on the fence could enjoy.  Truly, Arminius is a remarkable beer made for everyone.

Photo courtesy of Schell's Brewing Company

The fact that Arminius has a high 70 IBUs and bears  the inscription of "Hoppy Pale Lager" it would be easy to cast this beer off as just another over-the-top overly-hoppy brew. However, though Schell's is a traditional German craft beer maker, with Arminius, they've proven they can think outside of the box. In fact, they may have beaten the hop head breweries at their own game.  Hoppy Pale Lager is probably a terrible way to describe this beer -- it has a clean and crisp taste, without the intense off-putting sensation that comes with many hoppy brews. Call it what you will, but this brew should become a staple in any self respecting beer fan’s rotation.

Beer Style Guide: Bocks

Spring is just around the corner…

I say this as we are currently looking down the throat of a Winter Storm Warning.  But still the 40°F days we had this week was a welcome break to the -20°F we have had since early December.  While I am looking forward to Spring, I am also looking forward to the beer season that is represented by some of my favorite styles; Kölsch styles, Cream Ales, and Bocks.  Today we are going to talk about Bocks, an often overlooked member of the Lager family.  Bock style is actually a super style that encompasses many sub styles like Maibock, Dopplebock, Dunkel Bock, and the oft overlooked Eisbock.

First let’s take a look at the history of Bock Beers:

Bocks are a strong beer originating from Einbeck, Germany.  In general true bocks are above 6.5% ABV.  There are reports that Bock beer was being brewed prior to 1578 (Oliver, 2012).  Bock beer is actually a superfamily of beers and the family includes Maibocks, Dopplebocks, Dunkle Bock, and Eisbock.  Here are the general characteristics of each:

Maibock:  Maibocks are generally around 6.5% - 8% ABV.  They are rich and creamy, malty, with a slight bitter aftertaste (Mosher, 2009).

Dopplebock:  Roughly the same ABV.  The flavor is a big burst of Carmel that finishes with a roasty finish.  A lot of Dopplebocks have names that end in “-ator” (Mosher, 2009).

Dunkle Bock:    Dunkle being the German word for dark, this is one of the darker offerings from the bock family.  It has a creamy malt taste with a soft bitter finish, with a hint of cocoa (Mosher, 2009).

Eisbock:  This is a very strong version of one of the previous types of Bocks.  Usually the beer passes the 7% ABV mark.  It is a Bock that undergoes a process called freeze distilling.  This separates the water from the rest of product.  What is left is a stronger version of the beer that is more intense.

We have a lot of German Immigrants here in Minnesota.  As many of you know, New Ulm is home to a large population of German Americans.  August Schell’s Brewery from New Ulm specializes in traditional German style beers including Bocks.  In fact hey host an annual Bock Fest to celebrate this awesome beer.  If you are reading this before March 1^st, 2014 check out the link to find out about details on Bockfest!  Many places offer bus service to this big outdoor party including our friends at the Herkimer!

Here are examples of Minnesota Bocks:

• Schell’s Bock
• Summit Maibock (Seasonal)
• Schell’s Maifest (Seasonal)
• Harriet Brewing Sol Bock

Here are examples of other famous Bocks:

• Hinterland Maple Bock (Green Bay, WI)
• New Glarus Cabin Fever (New Glarus, WI) (Seasonal)
• Shiner Bock (TX)

Works Cited

Mosher, T. (2009). Tasting Beer: An Insider's Guide To The World's Greatest Drink. North Adams, MA: Storey Publishing.

Oliver, G. (2012). The Oxford Companion to Beer. New York: Oxford University Press.

An Adventure to Castle Danger!!!!

Before I get to the cheesy title I would like to talk about the other dragon I have slain this week.  My Father-in-law, Hubert, is visiting from Germany this week.  He normally has a good taste for GREAT pilsners on his home turf but someone got him in a bad habit of drinking Budweiser.  Well this week I convinced him to try Grain Belt Premium.  And while this might not be the shining example to some craft beer drinkers (I personally like it), at least I am keeping it local.  That and he has been doing some major damage to my stash of August Schell's Zommerfest.

 


For those of you traveling the North Shore this summer you are in for a treat.  The Duluth Area has new breweries opening left and right.  But don't forget the breweries in other parts of this great scenic drive.  While on a little family get-a-way I had pleasure of visiting Castle Danger Brewing, in Castle Danger, MN just a little over 10 miles north of Two Harbors (just a hint, bring driving directions if you decide to go, my two GPS units in the car failed to find the place).

Now for those of you used to going into breweries in the city might be in for a little shock, because this brewery is set up in the space that is about the size of your average garage.  But don't let its small size fool you, this brewery packs some flavor!  You are instantly greeted by friendly faces offering you a taste of their wares from the makeshift tap room.  I got the chance to taste 5 of their beers:  Danger Ale, Nordic, Gale Force Wheat, Double Crossing IPA, and George Hunter Stout.

All five beers were solid, and definitely all worth the trip if you are in the area.  For me three of them stand out as noteworthy:

1.  Nordic:  This is Castle Danger's take on a Finish Sahti style of beer.  Made with Juniper Berries for a bittering agent (usually in place of the hops).  This beer had a thick golden color, and a hearty and sharp aroma which translated easily into the taste.  It was, in my opinion, even a more robust beer then their stout.  The rye in the beer gave it a thick mouth feel, and it finished clean.  For those looking for something different from the craft beer industry needs to look no further then Castle Danger's Nordic!

2.  Double Crossing IPA:  Seeing brewers buck the trend of over-hopped (or as I like to say over-hyped) IPAs makes me smile.  Double Crossing IPA is a great IPA because it actually tastes like something other then grapefruit.  It has a very fruity taste, and is thick.  It was tasty and is a great IPA that can be enjoyed all year round!

3.  Gale Force Wheat:  When picking my growler this is what I decided to take home.  This was a softer more gentler take on a wheat beer and was perfect for spring time at the cabin.  This beer is a little hard to describe, as it is not your typical wheat, but don't let that statement make you think any less of it.  It had a noticeable clove/banana flavor that accompanies a true German wheat style, but the hops felt a little more prevalent in this beer.  For me this was the perfect spring time beer.  When I crack open the growler I will write a little more in-depth review of it.

So with another brewery under my belt I was happy, and my adventure had come to an end.  It was time to return to our rented Cabin and enjoy some family time.  But the next day held a little surprise when we stopped for lunch at the Rustic Inn Cafe & Gifts, also located in Castle Danger, MN.  Their feature beer is...you guessed it, Castle Danger.  They also included Castle Danger beer in some of their recipes including the beer batter used to make the Onion Rings (pictured below is Beth Sullivan, one of the co-owners making the beer batter).  The food is some of the best I have had along the North Shore, and their pies are top notch to boot!

Over all it was quite the Beer Adventure for that little family getaway.  So if you find yourself in the area this summer stop in at Castle Danger and have your own adventure!

Welcome To The Dark Side...Of Lagers

Last week August Schell's Brewing Company was kind enough to share with us their upcoming new beer:

Now I know for a fact that some of my readers are already "Wow, that's a dark beer, I'm not really interested".  But hold on, this one is different, and maybe you should think about giving this one a try!  For starters most dark beers you have probably had before are Ales, meaning it was brewed with top fermenting yeast and brewed at warmer temps.  This here is a Lager brewed at colder temps with a bottom fermenting yeast.  

Still not interested, wait there is more…

As a lager it will carry a nice robust taste, but won’t leave you with that heavy feeling you would get from a stout. And according to The Oxford Companion To Beer dark lagers can sometime lean towards a coffee or chocolate flavor more often than not they have a clean matiness to them with hints of caramel or toffee (Oliver, 2012).  Also the hops are going to be more moderate and forward in this beer then with others.  This will make this beer more familiar to those who like beers like Newcastle.  A lot of stouts and porters like to push past the 6% ABV barrier.  Not so with Dark Lagers which tend to be down around the 5% ABV, the Chimney Sweep above carries a 5.2% ABV.  This make Dark Lagers less heavy to consume and you can enjoy a couple without feeling the effects as much (but still, make sure you are drinking responsibly and not driving!)  These things combined make a beer, like Chimney Sweep, more in line with a pilsner then with a stout.  So if you are one of those out there seeking to increase their beer horizon and start adding darker beer, then this is my recommendation of a place to start!

Can’t find Chimney Sweep in your area? Then try one of these other great Dark Lagers:

Midwest:

• Chimney Sweep –August Schell’s Brewing Co. (Seasonal)
• Black Bavarian –Sprecher Brewery
• Dark Helmet Schwartzbier –Titletown Brewing Co.

National:

•  Black Lager –Boston Brewing Co.

Bibliography

Oliver, G. (2012). The Oxfor Companion To Beer. New York: Oxford University Press.