Rare Opportunity

Posted in Casks, Rare Opportunity, SweetWater Brewing

RARE BEER ALERT – Sweetwater French Oaked Double IPA

Action alert. Today, June 23rd at 12pm- Brickstore Pub is tapping another rare keg in conjunction with their 12th Anniversary. It’s Sweetwater’s French Oaked Double IPA.

First of all, in the past Sweetwater has not made many Double IPA’s. (Recently one was released as a part of the “Dank Tank” series – Double Medlin IPA.)

Anyway – today’s keg is a little different. This double IPA was aged in French Oak previously used to age first run Bordeaux. There is some significance to this. To simplify, oak casks are simply wood lined barrels used for aging – whether it be wine, whiskey, beer etc. The oak casks allow a tiny bit of air into the product, while allowing the woody aromas to enter into your (in this case) beer.

So todays keg sat in a woody cask that aged a first run bordeaux. ( Some wines age in what is called a 200% process – first round 1 oak cask, second round another.) In the case of this double IPA, the bordeaux took up some of the woody oak aroma, and in turn transfered some of its wine flavor to the wood. Once the double IPA is added, it takes up some of the woody, wine favor into its body as it ages.

The result? Should be a hoppy, oaky flavor. French oak is typically not as strong as American oak. It provides a different favor in the aging process. Again this keg is tapping at noon today, and will go fast I’m sure. I will add a photo soon. Off to try!

Check twitter for live images of the tapping…

by Reid Ramsay
Posted in Rare Opportunity, Sierra Nevada

RARE BEER ALERT – Sierra Nevada I.D.E.A

Sierra Nevada I.D.E.A

Sierra Nevada I.D.E.A

If you are reading this, leave your house or work. There is a rare beer on tap right now that you have to have; otherwise you will never see it again.

Sierra Nevada hosts “beer camps” at their brewery in California. It allows the average person (typically restaurant owners or VIP beer geeks) a change to get involved with the brewing process alongside the pro brewers at Sierra. (An Atlanta local — Fred Crudder with Taco Mac also got to take part, and created Sierra Nevada Hop Secret 393.) Luckily, we beer geeks here got a chance to taste that beer a few months ago (yet another rare creation never to be seen again.)

Well, here is another chance at a super rare, one time beerportunity (my blog I can make up words if I want to…) to have something you will never see again- Sierra Nevada India Dark Elusive Ale — aka I.D.E.A. There is a keg.. (A SINGLE KEG) currently pouring at Manuel’s Tavern in Atlanta.

Why go? How is it?

I hope you love surprises. This is a beer that you really don’t know what you are going to get just by looking at it. At first glance, this beer looks also like a porter. This beer is actually dark brown, and has a malty tone when poured.

In keeping with the promise of simplifying beer reviews ( for the not beer expert), this beer does not taste like it looks. The taste — more greatly resembles an IPA — as the hops come right out immediately. The finish is the fun part and up for debate. I tasted what I believe to be a hint of apricot. As it warms up — a tiny bit of coffee.

This is a fun beer to try. It is so unique you probably won’t forget it. If I were you, I wouldn’t miss the opportunity… if there is any left.

Manual’s Tavern
602 N. Highland Ave, Atlanta
404.525.3447

Notes — Sierra Nevada I.D.E.A. was in part – created by Chris Holder and Rachel Ryan of Capital City Ale House in Richmond, Virginia. www.capitalalehouse.com (and of course www.sierranevada.com)

by Reid Ramsay