Sunday, July 14, 2019

Riverside Brewing Company in Cambridge Springs, Pennsylvania

Riverside Brewing Company






Riverside Brewing Company in Cambridge Springs, Pennsylvania





We had the opportunity to preview the newest edition to North Western PA's thriving craft brewing scene. To put it mildly, we were awestruck with the brand new facility; Riverside Brewing Company in Cambridge Springs, Pennsylvania. From the gorgeous bar and dining room to the soon to be completed outdoor patio bar, every detail is crafted with old-school precision.



My fellow Beer Tourists are going to love this place, as it is a destination which screams for exploration. Naturally, a re-purposed old barn (moved to this location) is pure eye candy. Yet, it is the grounds of the former Riverside Inn with the remnants of botanical gardens, lawns, and paths leading you down to the French Creek, which is soaked with history and haunted with decades of romance.










The selection of in-house craft beer is impressive. Stouts, IPAs, Sours, Ales, etc make a flight a necessity. All good, all cold. Yum! We were fortunate enough to take an early tour of the fermenting facility and trust me, these guys are not messing around. The craft brewer's dream, it just amazes me that home brewer, Jason, could visualize and design such a brilliantly well-organized beer making machine. It was here in the depths of the brewery that we got to taste the newest offering. Not to be a spoiler; it's a classic and delicious! Well done, Alex the Brew Master.

Finally, the cherry on my brewing sundae was the Black Bean Burger. I guess you can say I have a mild obsession with creating my own recipes and trying the Bean burgers of any restaurant which dares to offer. It was sooo good, I am going to borrow some of their ideas for my own recipe.





Monday, January 8, 2018

Missing Links Brewery, Butler, PA

A nice start for this craft brewery start-up.


Naturally, my interest was piqued by the sheer nature of the quirky name, the Missing Links Brewery. As one who loves to explore the craft breweries of Western Pennsylvania and Eastern Ohio, I have an affinity for the craft beer experience which can only be gained by visiting the brewery and tap room. So, beyond the qualities of a local fresh beer, I expect interesting atmospheres and friendly service.



Missing Links definitely has a very friendly staff who are super attentive and know the beer. I was informed by the beer tender that the new facility was rather hastily created after a different location became unavailable shortly before their desired opening. Which makes perfect sense as to how and why the current location was quickly rehabbed and made functional, probably at a considerable expense. The result however appears more like a blank canvas for the young brewery to grow onto. Somewhat sterile and bland, the taproom has a real identity crisis. The name and cave man logo inspires an organic primitive motif. Yes, just call me Mr. Obvious.


My other obvious observation was the beer selection. Anyone who reads my reviews knows that I am not a fan of the “Beers of the Weird”. When did Pumpkin beer become a standard? Instead, when exploring, I like to start with a conventional style. This allows the opportunity to get a feel for the head brewer’s skills by comparing to a known reference. I should have started with their Lake Arthur IPA, but it was a little early in the afternoon to be drinking a 7.5 ABV. So, I scanned the menu, didn’t see any familiar faces, and closed my eyes. Eeny, meeny, miny, moe: Scottish Ale!

Scottish Ale

Just as described on the menu, “A cross between Scottish Export and Wee Heavy ales, this beer has deep malt flavors with hints of chocolate and caramel. It is smooth with the overall impression of a wee heavy without the high alcohol content typically associated with this style.”

This is a complex and well-made beer. With only a 5.1% ABV, its pleasant aroma and taste makes it more of fine beer than a dessert beer. Amazingly, the 23 IBU is so well blended, any hoppiness is evasive. The chocolate and caramel tones are very well tuned in and don’t steal the show. Overall: Very good!

Paradise Ale: 5.1% ABV - 12 IBU

Definitely not a shanty, this description is very accurate, “A light and refreshing ale brewed using Belgian pilsner and wheat malts. Paradise seeds and other spices combine with sweet orange peel for a balanced spice and fruit profile that doesn't overpower the light malt and hop flavors.”

This one caught my eye because of its slight haze and extreme pale color. Without consulting the beer menu, I expected East Coast IPA qualities. Nope. (By the way, there are local brewers who are making very good tasting clear IPAs without cold filtering or pasteurization.) It’s a Saison and definitely made me think of summer. Overall: Good

Dinoweizen Hefeweizen: 4.3% ABV - 11 IB
U

Sure, it’s light, it’s drinkable, but? “A light and refreshing beer appropriate for year-round consumption. Primary flavors include banana and clove with a moderate wheat aroma and light citrus flavor also present. Hefeweizen is best when it is young and fresh, and you can't get it any fresher than at the brewery.”

It’s really just another session style beer that is going to appeal to a select few. I really expected more Weissbier qualities to give it that wheaty-yeasty base that you typically get with a Hefeweizen. Don’t get me wrong, it’s close, but maybe just a little watered down version. Overall: OK







The Missing Links Brewery is definitely an up-and-comer to visit and watch. Their initial offerings already show promise, including some beers that are spot-on. I look forward to seeing them develop some ambiance and enhance the experience. I also am impressed that they have established a pricing standard ($5 a pint) that doesn’t make you want to walk away after a bland beer.

One other big draw for those of you who drag (often kicking and screaming) a wine drinker with you, Missing Links Brewery carries the Deer Creek Winery products.  They have a Fryburg White Niagara style which is by far the best wine we have encountered during our brewery adventures.  Stay tuned because I'm going write about this, as we have had numerous laborious conversations about this topic.

Great start! I will definitely return.

Monday, December 25, 2017

Santa brought Socks and Real Budweiser

Well Ho Ho Ho!

Guess what I found under the tree, besides the socks?  



It's Budweiser, not Budweiser.  

It's actually the real Budweiser you can buy in the Czech Republic, as well as the rest of the world. Except, because it was imported into the USA, it is called "Czechvar" so as not to infringe on its baby sister.

Wait, what? No, it's not the King of Beers, it's the Beer of Kings. Also, I have not gone to the dark side and joined the BIG beer Imperial. Let me explain. The family has roots in the Czech Republic, formerly known as Czechoslovakia, formerly known as the Austrian Empire. So brother Dave was at the Bohemian Hall the other day and decided to pick up a case of the genuine beverage.

Beer brewing in the city of České Budějovice (German: Böhmisch Budweis), which was then in the Kingdom of Bohemia and is now in the Czech Republic, dates back to the 13th century,[1] when the city was granted brewing rights during the reign of Ottokar II of Bohemia. (from Wikipedia, complete with links).

So, from the Czech city of Budweis sometime between 1268-1273 A.D. this early beer recipe by far out-dates the American version which started brewing in 1873. While 
 in this case both Budweisers are a Lager, the Czech Republic is also well known for its Pilsner style beers.

As these Budweisers were gifted to me warm, I'm waiting for them to chill before I chill with one. Curious?  Me too.

Thursday, December 21, 2017

CR Brewing Company of New Castle, PA




I had the pleasure of trying the maiden brewing of craft beers just out from CR Brewing in New Castle, PA. Yes, the beers are now on tap at the Crane Room Grille, part of the New Englander complex. There are two offerings – a Kolsch and a Double IPA. Rumor has it there are also two new brews a-brewing: a chocolate stout and a Weiss. First off, I was very impressed with the first releases. After all, I would find it so nerve-racking to go from a home system to a large batch brewing. Well done, head brewer Bryan McDowell.

I had to ask specifically for the house beers, so I didn’t see any promotional material offering the typical whimsical names afforded craft beers. Therefore we will just call them out for their style.


The Kolsch:

True to its name, the CR Kolsch is a light tasting, low alcohol (ABV 5, I believe) beer that boarders the flavors of an ale and a lager. The low hoppiness is perfect for craft beer drinkers who enjoy quality but aren’t fans of the IPAs. Extremely pleasant aroma and taste, this Kolsch only deviates from a traditional Kolsch in the fact that it definitely leans more towards the lager flavors by being a little on the sweet side. Overall: Excellent


The Douple IPA:

Jump in feet first on this IPA, because it is true to its name, Double IPA. Most impressive is the visual clarity of this beer. I assume the little brewery does not have pasteurization or cold-filtering, so I find the light amber clear color of this IPA beautiful. It’s everything you would expect from a double with a hops essence which I imagine are the traditional cascade and/or centennial. If there is any blend of the citrusy hop varieties it is quite aloof. As expected, the ABV is 8-ish. Best served cold, a good IPA is one of my personal favorites of the craft scene, and the CR Double IPA meets the mark on all counts. Overall: Very Good


As I also took a little stroll through the new facility and was impressed with the new addition. While there is plenty of room for private parties or a wedding reception, I saw no areas dedicated to a taproom. Unfortunately, if you’re a craft beer explorer like me, you will have to do your tastings in the Crane Room Grille (or a beer festival like Super Brew IX). With an ambiance which is the furthest thing away from the awesomeness of a taproom, this dark, cramped, lounge bar environment will have to do.






CR Brewing overall: WOW! Their first big scale production is amazing. I can’t wait to try any new offerings.



Saturday, December 17, 2016

Beers of the Weird: Enough with the Pumpkin Beer!


As we trudge forward towards the holidays with its endless consumerism and cheerful music we often seek solace by visiting our merry little local brewery.  While I understand it is in the spirit of the holidays, but why do they all have to have a pumpkin beer?  Sure it’s an interesting combination that is deserved of a beer flight, or sampler, yet it is now such holiday staple - I for one ask all brewers to become more creative.  Heck, some even have two different types of pumpkin beer. Stop the fermenters!

Image result for no pumpkinSo after a little thought, I have come up with some ideas to scrooge the pumpkin beer.

  • ·         Chocolate Stout with a touch of Peppermint
  • ·         Eggnog Malt Beer
  • ·         Chestnut IPA Beer
  • ·         Nutmeg Bok Beer
  • ·         Belgian Fruitcake Beer
  • ·         Sugar Cookie Ale