Twisted Pine shakes it

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Karl Strauss 4S Ranch update

My profile of the Karl Strauss Brewing Co. 4S Ranch location from last August, found here, may have been a bit premature.  As the post states, the location, food, and beer were all awesome.  What I just learned is that they were not yet brewing at the time of my visit.  However, as of today, they are officially brewing at this location.  It looks like I'll have to make another visit for some fresh beer soon!

An Imperial Post

An imperial thanks goes to The Bruery for posting this great information about the origins of the term "imperial" on Facebook today.  The Bruery always provides great beer and great information.

"The word "imperial" is quite often thrown around recklessly in the craft beer community when referring to stronger than typical beers, but do you know where the term actually originated?

In the early 18th century, Peter the Great fell in love with the classic English porter, but when trying to import the beer to the imperial court in Russia, it spoiled.  So, the Barclay brewery of London came up with a new recipe that was higher in alcohol and higher in hops, both of which serve as a preservative.

And thus, the Russian Imperial Stout was born and the term "imperial" has now been borrowed to describe any beer of higher than average alcohol percentage and hop additions."

Who else has a...

Sunday

The Brewery Project: Wet 'N Reckless

Braveheart Scottish Ale, Heaven's Belge, Hell's Belge, Super Destroyer, Golden Boy.  You've probably never heard of these beers.  You've probably never heard of the brewery who produces these beers.  These are the beers I tried when I visited Wet 'N Reckless Brewing Co.  One man, Dave Hyndman, on a simple mission to brew beer his way.  There is no rhyme.  There is no reason.  He brews what he loves, serves it, and moves on.  I don't even know if he has any "core beers".  Chris, a volunteer manning the bar for the first time, was extremely friendly and open.  He made the experience great.  That's a good thing, because "great" is not a word I would use for the beer.  I would classify this beer as decent homebrew.  It wasn't bad.  It lacked polish.  It was thin, lacking any real character.  Each sample blended together, with no defined distinction.  Super Destroyer, the IPA, had a fairly good hop profile, but again, lacked any other memorable quality.  If a friend handed me an unmarked bottle of one of these beers and told me he had just bottled it in his garage, I would be impressed.  Would I go to a "commercial" brewery and pay for a sampler, pint, or growler of this beer?  No.  However, he has a fan base that he's working on building.  As this happens, perhaps the beer will improve.  I can't bash the man, the brewery, or his vision.  He's doing what he loves and making it work the best he can.  We should all be so bold.  I should be so bold!  While I can't recommend this brewery based on the beer alone, it's worth a visit to see what Dave's working on next.  Who knows where he'll be a year from now.  Who knows.

Photo of the week

Thank you, Jacob, for the perfect end to the "Photo of the week" series!  If I wasn't ready for the weekend already, I am now!