Oct 03 2008
It is fall in California…
I know, it’s technically been fall for longer than today, but today feels like fall to me.
In the land of TheDow, however, the seasons are marked more by changes in beer than in the weather, I think. Those of you who have never heard much of seasonal beers might be wondering at my insanity, but it’s true, I tell you.
The summer and spring are marked by hoppy, fruity, light lagers and ales. Essentially, these are ales that quench your thirst after mowing the lawn, or beside the pool. The only also often associated with the summer with which I disagree is the India Pale Ale, or IPA. IPA’s are generally higher in alcohol than standard Pales and Lagers, so they have a tendency to warm me up a great deal.
In fall, however, the beers begin to darken. While there are some lighter fall ales like Buffalo Bill’s Pumpkin Ale (and indeed all the myriad pumpkin ales that are released in early fall), you also start to see a tendency of what are called “winter warmers” to appear on shelves. I live for these beers.
The winter warmer is characterized by an intense malty experience. Many think that hops are to beer what grapes are to wine, but I couldn’t disagree more. What makes a beer is the malted barley, and these beers have a huge, rich, complex maltiness that sets them apart from the crowd. Lots of malt means lots of fermentable sugars, which means lots of alcohol in the finished product, hence the “warmer” aspect of these beers’ name. In non-traditional beers, cloves, cinnamon, and other spices are used to give these beers a taste of winter. (Alaskan Winter Ale uses spruce tips, which adds a bit of…acridness to the finished product.) These non-traditional winter warmers are also quite pleasant and remind me a great deal of what things will be like in a few short months.
The fall heralds Scotch Ale season, to be honest, and I’ve missed it a great deal. The “thin” light, the gusty winds, the rain, and the wonderful beers are what I look forward to when the weather changes.
I still can’t believe we forgot the Blueberry Stout growlers. I bet next time we’re at Buffalo Bill’s, that beer is all gone. :-(
Well…looks like we’re gonna get our chance today!!!!!!
I can NOT believe they were out of Blueberry last night. That is RIDICULOUS!!! Not even winter yet.
lol. what the hell is a blueberry growler lol.
Well, Blueberry Stout is one of the best beers of all time. :) It’s made and sold at the Buffalo Bill’s Brewery in Hayward, and when we were there last Saturday, we left without getting a half-gallon of it (or 2) to go.
That’s what a growler is…a half gallon jug which you can get refilled at a brewpub. Buffalo Bill’s is quite inexpensive, and you get to enjoy a half-gallon of quality beer at home. :)
Oakdale Brewing Company used to do growlers. I got one a long time ago, and it’s now a collector’s item, since the Brewing Co. has since gone out of business. lol.
Anyway, when we went back yesterday evening, they were out of the Blueberry Stout. It was very disappointing.