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| Stone's Oak Aged Arrogant Bastard and Stone's Russian Imperial Stout |
The next evening (Wednesday, March 28), we were on our way EARLY to Engine 15 for the Stone Brewing Company tasting. Having arrived a little late for the last tasting there, we had arranged our day to make sure we were there right at the start. You know, “The early Brew Bitch captures the stout” and all.
When we arrived, we noticed Dave Rigdon (Champion Brands – Team Hopheads) and James from Team Hopheads already set up and providing samples of Stone's Cali Belique Belgian Style IPA, Oak Aged Arrogant Bastard, Ruination IPA and Russian Imperial Stout.
Stone describes these brews, per their website:
Cali Belique Belgian Style IPA
“When reading the name "Stone Cali-Belgique IPA", "Cali" hints that it is a California-style IPA, and this brew has an undeniable Belgian influence, indicated by the word "Belgique" (which is how Belgium's French-speaking population says the word "Belgian"; the Dutch-speaking Belgians say "België"). We carefully selected a Belgian yeast strain that illuminates a fascinating new aspect of the beer that is otherwise quite simply Stone IPA. The result is both completely new and different, while still being recognizable as a Stone brew—and Stone IPA in particular. Think of it as an otherwise identical twin to Stone IPA that was raised in a Belgian culture. Literally.” - Notes: 6.9% ABV, 77 IBUs
Oak Aged Arrogant Bastard
“This is an aggressive beer. You probably won’t like it. It is quite doubtful that you have the taste or sophistication to be able to appreciate an ale of this quality and depth. We would suggest that you stick to safer and more familiar territory --- maybe something with a multi-million dollar ad campaign aimed at convincing you it’s made in a little brewery, or one that implies that their tasteless fizzy yellow beer will give you more sex appeal. Perhaps you think multi-million dollar ad campaigns make a beer taste better. Perhaps you’re mouthing your words as you read this.
Too many strive towards complacency as a goal. We grow up thinking that the ability to become complacent is the equivalence of success in life. True Arrogant Bastards know that this could not be further from the truth. The real beauty, richness and depth in life can only be found if the journey through life itself is looked upon as a constant chance to learn, live and find life’s passion. Passion threatens the complacent, and fills them with fear. Fear of the new, the deep and the different. We, on the other hand, seek it out. Endlessly, joyously...and aggressively. To this end we bring you the “OAKED Arrogant Bastard Ale.” Another reward for those seeking new sources of passion, and another point of dissension for those who are not.” - Notes: 7.2% ABV
Too many strive towards complacency as a goal. We grow up thinking that the ability to become complacent is the equivalence of success in life. True Arrogant Bastards know that this could not be further from the truth. The real beauty, richness and depth in life can only be found if the journey through life itself is looked upon as a constant chance to learn, live and find life’s passion. Passion threatens the complacent, and fills them with fear. Fear of the new, the deep and the different. We, on the other hand, seek it out. Endlessly, joyously...and aggressively. To this end we bring you the “OAKED Arrogant Bastard Ale.” Another reward for those seeking new sources of passion, and another point of dissension for those who are not.” - Notes: 7.2% ABV
Stone Imperial Russian Stout
“Brewed in the authentic historical style of an Imperial Russian Stout, this beer is massive. Intensely aromatic (notes of anise, black currants, coffee, roastiness and alcohol) and heavy on the palate, this brew goes where few can - and fewer dare even try. The style originated from Czarist Russia's demand for ever thicker English stouts. Expect our version of this mysterious brew to pour like Siberian crude and taste even heavier! “ - Notes: 10.5% ABV, 65 IBUs
Stone Ruination IPA
“So called because of the "ruinous" effect on your palate! This massive hop monster has a wonderfully delicious and intensely bitter flavor on a refreshing malt base. One taste and you can easily see why we call this brew "a liquid poem to the glory of the hop!" Those who seek, crave and rejoice in beers with big, bold, bitter character will find true nirvana in Stone Ruination IPA! “ - Notes: 7.7% ABV, 100+ IBUs
Of course, I have always been a fan of the Russian Imperial Stout – strong, a lot of body. The Ruination IPA has that hop jolt I adore and is very smooth. The Celi Begian gave me the impression of “spicy banana”. The Oak Aged Arrogant Bastard was WOW! ... an amazing mix of bitter citrus and pine with oak. All were phenomenal, however.
Due to the motivation gained from the tasting, companion ordered a pint of the Russian Imperial Stout and I had an Oak Aged Arrogant Bastard. Mission accomplished for Team HopHeads!
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| Engine 15's Empanadas ASK FOR THEM! |
Jason, tap room manager from the Green Room had suggested we try Engine 15's empanadas. Although not on the menu, you can ask for them when placing your order.
The empanadas were amazing – Jason was so right! … others at our table started ordering them once they saw us inhaling them. Some even ordered a second helping.
Others joining us at our table that evening included Marc from Springfield Brew Crew and Kristi, Danny, his neighbor John and Ian who we met at Intuition Ale Works.
Another afternoon of great beer and fellowship with good folks!
Thank you to David Rigdon and James from Team Hopheads and the crew at Engine 15 for a memorable Jax Brew Bitch experience!
To view more images visit the link below ...
Danny was heading out of Engine 15 (after two orders of empanadas!) and casually mentioned he was bound for European Street where it was still Happy Hour! ... we were soon " Green Flag Racin' " just down the street to the European Street Cafe (992 Beach Blvd).
Danny was at the bar as we arrived and Ryan was our friendly and experienced bartender. I knew I wanted another Kasteel Rouge, a delicious nectar I had frist tried just a few days earlier (see earlier blog post). Companion locked in on the tap indicating Terrapin Beer Company's Hopsecutioner was "in the house"!
We also met some of the other patrons, including Rich. Rich lives locally and serves our country in active duty with the military. He also loves beer!
I think it was Danny who started floating around a glass of the St. Bernardus Abt. 12 – also available on tap. I was feeling "very European" indeed guzzling ... uh ... I mean sipping both the Kasteel Rouge and St. Bernadus Abt. 12. Companion said something about the "night we met" and "always loving a two-fisted drinkin' gal" ... but I attributed that to the tasty, award-winning Hopsecutioner he was inhaling.
Terrapin's website includes the following info on that brew:
"This Killer IPA earns its name by using six different types of hops while still remaining an aggressive well balanced beer."
Malt: 2 Row Pale Malt,Munich, Pale Crystal 24L, Victory
Hops: Warrior, Chinook, Centennial, Simcoe, Amarillo, Cascade (dry hop)
Awards: Gold Medal- 2010 Atlantic City Beer Festival (India Pale Ale)
ABV: 7.3%
IBU’s: 78
Okay, the empanadas companion and I had shared were wearing off ... our fellow patrons were applauding the growls being generated by our rather empty stomachs, so we knew it was time to eat.
I was able to swat the freakin' Fried Fairy away and we ordered (descriptions per their menu):
Blue Max ($8.50) - "Smoked pastrami and hot mustard, corned beef, melted Swiss cheese, sauerkraut and blue cheese dressing. Served hot.”
and
Muffaletta ($8.50) - “Ciabotta bread filled with ham, Genoa salami, provolone, Swiss cheese, olive oil and olive salad mix. Served hot”
The Blue Max was the perfect sandwish to pair with the St. Bernardus! ... I love the blue cheese dressing!
The Muffaletta was delicious – and I am very partial to the original prepared daily at Central Grocery in New Orleans. The olive oil salad mix differs from that in the Crescent City, but it is unique and tasty!
As I posted in my blog a few days ago, the descriptions of the Kasteel Rouge and St. Bernardus Abt. 12 included here again;
Kasteel's rather unique website contains this description for the Kasteel Rouge - “Castle Red is the fruit beer of the Castle range. Its unique dark red colour is obtained by mixing Castle brown that has been left to mature for at least 6 months with sour cherries. This beer has gastronomic qualities and can be drunk as an aperitif, with a BBQ, to accompany a dessert or simply as an outstanding real ale.
The website for St. Bernardus declares: “The absolute top quality in the hierarchy of the St. Bernardus beers. It is also the beer with the highest alcohol content (10.50 %). A dark ivory coloured beer with a high fermentation.
The show piece of the brewery. Thanks to its soft and unconditionally genuine aroma, the beer can be smoothly tasted. The Abt has a very fruity flavour.”
The show piece of the brewery. Thanks to its soft and unconditionally genuine aroma, the beer can be smoothly tasted. The Abt has a very fruity flavour.”
Thanks to Ryan and European Street Cafe – Jax Beach for providing the perfect setting for a memorable Jax Brew Bitch experience!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Central-Grocery-New-Orleans/222083581138191
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| Jason & Christine at Green Room Brewing |
Danny was taking his leave of our group and we decided to venture forth on this Prowl to the Green Room Brewing's Tap Room (228 3rd Street North, Jax Beach). Bidding farewell to Ryan and Rich, we skipped on over there.
Upon entering, we were pleased to see Christine and Jason, Tap Room Manager. We let him know how right he was about Engine 15's empanadas and ordered pints of their Undertow Orange Blossom Barleywine and Shaka Oatmeal Stout.
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| Sweet, precious Diamond |
The Shaka is somewhat sweet with a strong coffee influence. The Undertow was brewed with local orange blossom honey and has a noticeable citrusy body with what I perceived as honey and oak notes..
We had convinced Marc and Kristi to join us and we were easily able to carry on conversations owing to the sparse crowd at this late hour on a “school-night”.
Thanks to Christine and Jason for indulging our questions and extended discussions! … they are the best!
To view more images from Green Room Brewing, visit the link below
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| Exploding Cheeseburger from Philly's Finest Ice Bar |
Exiting Green Room, for some reason (was it the Kasteel Rouge at European Street?), I was reminded of my ballet days as a little girl – so, I “couru”-ed myself to the Jeep. Climbing in, who else but the freakin' Fried Fairy had appeared once again. Unable to swat effectively, that fairy had the nerve to challenge me to eat the “Exploding Cheeseburger” at Philly’s Finest Ice Bar (1527 North 3rd Street, Jax Beach).
We were pleased and impressed Philly’s Finest Ice Bar was still open and still serving burgers! … their menu describes the “Exploding Cheeseburger” as:
“Our “2-Wheeler” stuffed down the middle with extra, extra cheddar cheese sauce - $7.99” … extra-extra cheddar cheese sauce? … well then, “bring-it-on - bring-it-on” !
We ordered a pint (to share) of Bold City Brewery's Dukes Cold Nose Brown Ale described on their website as: “This is a mild brown ale which is easily drinkable. A Slight nuttiness and sweetness are present.”
The Exploding Cheeseburger was fabulous! … Served in two halves open-faced, it was a perfect substantial meal to share. Jacque was once again our gracious bartender/server and she did a great job.
Having embarked at such an early hour that day, it was sadly time to call an end to this Jax Brew Bitch Prowl – thank you to Jacque and Philly’s Finest Ice Bar for providing the perfect conclusion to this very exciting day!
The freakin' Fried Fairy was chuckling at me while winking once and disappearing from my shoulder on my way to the Jeep. Contentedly strapped into my seat and quickly falling to sleep, I realized THAT fairy is really not such a bad fairy, after all.
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