Coming soon: New beers from Slippery pig brewery, Hopworks beer dinner, my beer vacation, and some tasty 22 oz beers! February 24, 2012
Spring forward with two new seasonal releases! February 16, 2012
Though the weather in the PNW is still a bit on the chilly side, the beer choices are lightening up a bit. Yes kids, it’s time for spring seasonals! You know… the light, fruity, hoppy beers that drink nicely on cool, breezy days and crisp nights. I recently picked up a 
couple of fresh releases to get me in the mood for those flowery spring days.
New Belgium’s spring seasonal for 2012, Dig Pale Ale (5.6% ABV), is brewed with Sorachi Ace, Nelson Sauvin and Cascade hops and has a beautiful citrus aroma. Grapefruit, lemon rind and mango come on strong with grassy notes in the finish. It’s crisp and clean and quite refreshing. Dig Pale Ale is a lovely spring ale.
Changing styles a bit, Deschutes Brewery’s Red Chair Northwest Pale Ale (6.2% ABV) is the polar opposite of Dig Pale Ale. Red Chair is lightly hopped and gives just enough punch for the PNW palate. Seven select European and American malts gives a smooth and slightly caramel finish. Red Chair is medium bodied and quite yummy.
Although Dig Pale Ale is more of a classic style pale ale, I think Red Chair is equally as tasty. Both are available at the local grocery so run in and grab a sixer!
Cheers!
Liz
Have beer will travel! February 7, 2012
I’ve always wanted to travel the world and experience the sights, sounds, and tastes of different places. Thanks to a little place in Pacific, WA I can at least experience the taste part. Trade Route Brewing Company takes the best and most interesting flavors from around the world and creates flavorful brews that would give Sir Francis Drake flashbacks.
Mango Weizen (5.0% ABV) – Fresh mango aroma & flavor. Syrupy mouth feel, medium body and finishes sweet, but not too sweet. Trade Route adds mango puree after fermentation creating this wonderfully unfiltered, fruity beer. This is definitely a
favorite of mine.
Jet Stream (4.5% ABV) – Golden honey color. Flaked rice is used during brewing creating a crisp, “sparkly” lager with soft floral and honey notes.
Ginger Pale Ale (5.0% ABV) – With a fresh ginger aroma this ale may have you thinking twice before tasting. DON’T THINK! You must try this beer! The flavor mimics ginger ale with a little kick to it. Spicy yet slightly sweet, the first sip is quite unusual. The second and third sip and you are hooked. Pungent ginger finish, but really fun to experience.
Sumatra Coffee Stout (6.3% ABV) – Ink black color with light tan head. This wonderful stout has a smoky aroma and tastes like a dark chocolate mocha. For a stout it has a lighter body than one would expect, but very easy to drink. This was my favorite beer of the day!
253 Amber (6.0% ABV) – Pretty red color. Fruity, floral nose. Light sugar/candy flavor with a touch of honey to finish. Very nice beer for those breezy spring days.
Midnight Ale (6.0% ABV) – Dark red color and “pancake syrup” aroma. The body was a bit watery but syrupy sweet. Too sweet in fact. This was not one of my favorites.
Hoppy Bitch IPA (6.3% ABV) – Light hop aroma. This IPA starts out on the sweeter side and then the hops creep up on you and POW! Nice malty character. Hop heads will enjoy this bitch!
The tasting room offers a few snacks (popcorn, sausage on a roll, and chips), and serves pizza, sub sandwiches, and pastas after 4:00pm. They are also one of the only tasting rooms open seven days a week and have live music on Saturday nights.
Cheers,
Liz
Pacific Northwest Beer Chick 