I read in the paper today that Samuel Adams just introduced two new beers called Dunkelweizen (Drunkelweizen?) and Irish Red Ale.
Todd over at beeradvocate.com gave these two beers the following review:
Dunkelweizen
Spot on for the style. Light bodied, green banana, a hint of smoke, touch of caramel, soft powdery clove, moderate alcohol, and a tremendous drinkability (under 5% abv, I believe). I wanted to stay and drink this beer all day long.
Irish Red Ale
Gorgeous to look at, toasty, some mineral, and a bit hoppy for the style, but the brewers are going to tone it down just a bit, which should allow for the malt to shine through a bit more. Personally, I really enjoyed the hoppier edge, but with the tweaks it’ll be a great example of the style and great session beer with its below 5% abv.
These two beers are not available to the public, but have received very good reviews from professional beer drinkers in the industry. There are, however, two tastings in New York City where you can try these beers and vote on your favorite. The two bars offering these tastings are below:
Kennedy’s Sunday, 9/2/07, 6:30 PM
327 W. 57th St., 212-307-1722
Smith’s Bar & Restaurant Monday, 9/3/07, 9 PM
701 8th Ave., 212-246-3268
www.smithsbar.com
The Whole Foods store located on the Lower East Side at 95 East Houston St. opened a brand new “beer room,” which stocks up to 300 different domestic and imported beers as well as a “circular counter with bartenders and six taps. Each will dispense beer made in New York State by companies like Brooklyn Brewery, Sixpoint, Kelso of Brooklyn, Ommegang, Blue Point and Captain Lawrence.”
I have yet to make it to the beer room, but I have heard from sources that people are recognizing how great these growlers are because yesterday at around lunch time they had already sold out of two of their six beers on tap. Including the Blue Point No Appologies Double IPA, which costs only $9.99 and is a strong 10% ABV. My friend Oli who works nearby informed me that he overheard other people in the beer room shocked and excited to hear the high alcohol percentages of the beers making the growlers even more economical. If you define a “drink” as a 12 oz beer that is 4% ABV (the way almost all big name beers are), the Blue Point No Appologies Double IPA is 12.3 “drinks” for $9.99 or 80 cents per “drink.” 80 cents per “drink” for a craft brew is pretty impressive in New York City where your typical six-pack of very uninspired beer at a bodega or grocery store will cost you 10 bucks.
I have also been informed that the growlers, which normally cost a 3 dollar deposit (they can be reused or returned to get your money back) are FREE through Sunday. Free growlers through Sunday! Currently my only set plans for the weekend are to take advantage of this deal.
Read More