issue 34 working_Layout 1 8/7/2013 11:43 AM Page 22
Cider’s monthly beer column
other hand, grabs patron’s attention with a big ol’ goose head! You should grab a few of their main-stream beers if you want a well-rounded regular beer, or grow some sack and find a 22 oz. of something elite, like the Bourbon County Coffee – A Bourbon Barrel-Aged Imperial Coffee Stout with a little over 14% ABV (That’s right! You heard me). You can taste the passion in every bottle (I only had two that night). Let’s get to the product on hand though, shall we? What to start with… How about the Honker’s? I’m putting it my newly acquired
a brew! I’ll have one too! In fact, I’m planning on having three (well, we’ll see what happens). I plan on REVIEWING three and if you’ve read my beer page before, you know that usually turns into “tasting” each beer extensively. I wouldn’t be doing my job well if I didn’t! Let’s get to it. For August, I have selected a variety pack that you may already be familiar with. In a world finally filling to the brim with new craft beer (over 400 new breweries in the US last year and a shocking 1200+ slated for next year), we have some options. But next comes the question to the beer connoisseur, “Where can I find these small batch, local beers; other than going to the brewery and filling a growler? And how can I regularly get good quality handcrafted beer form other areas?” Goose Island is a prime example. This Chicago brewery turned 25 years old this year and that’s impressive in the craft beer world. I picked up a mixer of Goose Island’s Honkers Ale, IPA, & Summertime. So let’s get into those. But before we do, let me make a comment… I really like the tap handles that Goose Island has come up with to market their product. I saw the 312 for the first time in Keene and the unique, rotary phone style handset that was pulled to produce the urban ale, is quite clever and sharp looking. The Honkers Ale, on the
It’s BEER THIRTY! Grab