The Beer Guy

I hope everyone enjoyed their Labor Day holiday.  I know I enjoyed all the events that were in Waukesha over the weekend and seeing Bruce Springsteen play a marathon show on Saturday night. 

As we all recover from the roar of the Harleys, warm weather and the end of a very quick summer, I have to inform you that "Fall is Here".  I will try and keep that quiet.  With the flip of the calender to September it also indicates the beginning of the Octoberfest season for beer.  The Octoberfest traditon dates back to the original Octoberfest in Munich Germany in 1810 celebrating the marriage of Prince Ludwig.  That festival continues to be held in Munich every year and the guests on average consume 5.5 million liters of beer every year.

For us in Wisconsin, it is a celebration of the arrival of fall.  There are a lot of fall festivals that will be beginning shortly all across Southeast Wisconsin.  Here is a quick list of some of the great seasonal beers that have arrived or due to arrive shortly.

Leinenkugel Octoberfest

Blue Moon Pumpkin

Hacker Pschorr Octoberfest (Munich Germany)

Paulaner Octoberfest (Munich Germany)

Hofbrau Octoberfest (Munich Germany)

Sam Adams Octoberfest

Capital Brewery Octoberfest (Middleton Wisconsin)

Point Octoberfest (Stevens Point Wisconsin)

Lakefront Octoberfest (Milwaukee)

Bells Octoberfest (Michigan)

Tyranena Octoberfest (Lake Mills)

Great Lakes Octoberfest (Ohio)

Enjoy some of these great beers and let me know your favorite "fall" beer.

Cheers,

Dave

It is an intresting time for beer this summer.  Miller and Coors have combined to form Miller-Coors in the United States and announced the headquarters will be in Chicago.  The Miller brewery here in Milwaukee will be growing to be able to brew for all the increased volume.

InBev and Budweiser came to an agreement to have InBev take over and rename the company.  That is expected to happen by the end of the year so the largest American brewery will become Belgian owned.

Craft Beers continue to grow despite the state of the economy.  The Brewers association stating that thru June, sales were growing at 11% nationwide.

Schlitz has been reborn here in the greater Milwaukee area with the re-introduction of the original 60's "Gusto" receipe.  The demand continues to be high throughout the marketplace as customers are intrested in trying and sampling this new beer.

 What does this all mean?

It is a great time to enjoy beer with the changing landscape of beer.  Breweries are ranging in global in scale to new brew pubs and breweries entering the area.  Breweries are continuing to innovate with new products and packaging.  Great beer is continually being produced, new beer receipes are continuing to pop up from Beer and Ice cream to soups to marinades. 

By suggestion is to keep your eyes peeled for some of the intresting summer seasonals to try as summer is in full swing and to get ready for the number of great Octoberfest and fall beer styles that will be coming out very shortly.  Some of my personal favorites this August are

Leinenkugel Summer Shandy, Bells Oberon, Schlitz, Blue Moon Honey Moon Summer Ale, Pacifico, Ale Asylum Porter and Capital Brewery's new Rustic Ale.

Drop me a line to give me your favorites this month and I will compile the August favorites.

Cheers

With Memorial Day fast approaching,it's time to dust off your picnic baskets and coolers for the long weekend.  As with all holidays, beer can be a big part of the celebration whether it is pairing one with a favorite recepie or raising a pint with your buddies. 

Give this question some thought but e-mail me back with your list of your favorite beers(Limit to a top 10 list).  I will compile a readers list in a later blog.

Here is a quick list of some great seasonal beers that are just hitting the shelves:

Leinenkugel's Summer Shandy

Blue Moon Honey Moon Summer Ale

Sam Adams Summer Ale

Point Nude Beach Summer Wheat(yes, that is the name)

Bells Oberon Ale

Lakefront Symphony- proceeds go to the Waukesha Symphony

Sierra Nevada Summerfest

and one new year round beer that has become my dad's new favorite beer:

Sam Adams Irish Red.

Enjoy the holiday and I look forward to your lists.

Cheers

March 31st:

All About Beer magazine's latest issue has an article on the 125 Places to have a Beer before you die.  Unfortunately, there is not a spot from Wisconsin although there are a couple mentioned from our neighbors to the south.  I know I could come with a list of all the great and/or interesting spots to have a beer but I would like some thoughts from you.

Email me your list of your favorite spots to have a beer and I will compile a list for a future post.

With the snow finally melting, we could officially begin to think like spring.  Here are some great beers for the warmer days ahead:

Leinenkugel Summer Shandy

Blue Moon Rising Moon Spring Ale

Sam Adams White Ale

Capital Maibock

Point Brewery's Einbock

Bells Oberon Ale

or a great year round beer from Mexico:Modelo Especial. 

Please send me your ideas on your best places to have a beer.  Until then "Cheers"

While parades, corned beef and cabbage, and lucky four leafed clovers are what typically come to mind this time of year, St.  Patrick's Day celebrations would not be complete without delicious stout beer. 

That said, there are many stouts available that you may have not yet tried.  And next Monday, the 17th is a great opportunity to broaden your horizons and try something new and unique.

But before I get into the details on some of the great stouts out there and an idea for hosting a stout-tasting party, let me explain a bit of the story behind stouts.

History of Stout
Stout is a relatively young style of beer.  It was first introduced to the in the 1700s, as an “extra stout” version of a porter beer.  The name “stout” referred to the fact that this beer was a little more assertive than the regular porter.  The foamy head characteristic of a stout is the result of the centuries old brewing process.  And, while the dark color might be deceiving, stouts are actually light in taste and texture and are often on the lighter side in alcohol content as well.

American Stouts
There are multitudes of stout styles; the most popular are Irish in origin, like Murphy’s Irish Stout, and boast a coffee-like, or ‘toasted’ flavor.  With a great deal of innovation and originality, American brewers have taken this style to a new level.  Whether it's adding coffee, chocolate or even oatmeal to compliment the roasted flavors, American stouts will not disappoint die-hard Irish stout enthusiasts.

With American stouts, the hop bitterness range is quite wide but most are balanced.  Beers with robust flavors like the creamy and malty Sierra Nevada Stout, the dark and rich Bell's Expedition Stout or the tart and slightly fruity Cherry Stout (also from Bell's) are great examples of American-made brews that have earned a solid standing with stout connoisseurs.  

Host a Stout Tasting
This St. Patrick’s Day, host a stout tasting.  Gather some friends and some different types of stouts.  With Lakefront's Snake Chaser; try to identify flavors of toffee and coffee aromas.  When tasting the Breckenridge Oatmeal Stout, look for the distinct flavors of chocolate, coffee, and, of course, oatmeal.  As expected, Bell's Java Stout will have a smooth, velvety coffee flavor.  Note the different aromas that are infused into these American brews, and maybe contrast their flavors with that of traditional Beamish Irish Stout, for example.  Take small sips and cleanse the palate in between tastes with crackers, or different types of fruit and sips of water.

And lastly, remember to drink responsibly wherever you end up this St. Patrick's Day.

That great green holiday known as St. Patrick's Day is coming up quick.  In addition to a day and night filled with revelry and recreation, you've also got a chance to do some good while you're out grabbing a couple beers with friends as many area bars participate in raffles and other contests that benefit local charities and non-profits.

The largest contest I've found this year is the 27th annual Jig with The Green Pig raffle, which benefits The Threshold, a non-profit organization that provides community rehabilitation services to children and adults in Washington County. This year, through the sponsorship of W.O.W. Distributing and Miller Lite, the event will expand to include over 20 area bars, restaurants and retailers, and profits are anticipated to triple.
The Threshold's Web site can be found here.

Here are the details:

Available from through March 17th, raffle tickets will be sold at participating pubs, restaurants and retailers individually for $5, three for $10 and seven for $20.  Prizes include: a trip for two to Ireland including airfare, hotel, meals and excursions or $3000 cash; four tickets to a 2008 season Notre Dame football game at the home of the Irish, including hotel accommodations and a parking pass; packages for four to top rated Washington county golf clubs; a Miller Brewery Hard Hat Tour package for 15 guests; a whole dressed pig; two tickets to the Milwaukee Brewers opening day game, and two tickets to a Chicago Cubs game; Irish Fest packages and over 40 additional prizes.

The grand drawing will occur on March 24th at The Threshold in West Bend.  Winners do not need to be present to claim prizes.

For some background on the group and participating locations, check out a recent Journal Sentinel article about the raffle here.

Remember Responsibility on the 17th
Don't forget to plan ahead and keep safety and responsibility in mind on St. Pat's Day.

Here are a few tips:

• Eat before and while drinking. This is especially easy on St. Patrick's Day as many bars and taverns will be offering up great food specials such as corned beef and Irish stews
• Use a designated driver. Or rent a car service - or even a bus if your group is big enough - to shuttle you and your friends between stops. It's also a good idea to keep phone numbers of local cab companies with you
• Know your limit and keep track of what you drink. It's also best to stick to one type of alcohol while drinking

Another Valentine's Day will be upon us tomorrow.  But no matter what you're got planned – whether it’s an exciting night out or a delicious, intimate home-cooked meal – beer can play a part in your Valentine’s Day festivities.  Here are a few ideas.

Red Beer and Red Roses
You may already have plans to get your better half a boutique of long-stemmed, beautiful red roses for Valentine’s Day – but that doesn’t mean you should stop there.  Expand on the color theme of your gift by adding a six-pack or two of some great red beers.  Some of your options include Leinenkugel Red, Killian’s Red and Berghoff Red.

Beer and Chocolate – Obvious and Irresistible
Many of the natural complexities of full-bodied beers are echoed in rich, flavored chocolates and vice versa.  Much like how dark-roasted coffees and chocolates pair well, the roasted malt flavor of stouts and porters parallel the deep tones of dark chocolate, a known aphrodisiac.  For a great gift, combine a few varieties of Godiva or Ghirardelli chocolate in a basket with and a six-pack of Bell’s Java Stout.  Or if you’re out to eat, finish the meal with chocolate mousse and a couple of Anchor
Steam Porters.  Other options include Beamish Irish Stout and Negra Modelo.

Pairing Beer with Aphrodisiacs
We’ve covered chocolate, so the next obvious and available aphrodisiac to pair with beer would be oysters.  It’s best to fry the oysters, say experts.  That way, the beer’s carbonation and fizz will temper the oysters’ oily richness, for a unique, flavorful experience.  Oysters are great with porters, so try them with a Sleeman Porter, Breckenridge Vanilla Porter or Tyranena Black Hawk Porter.

Get Them What They Love and More
If you’re lucky enough have plans with a beer-lover, take a little time, do a bit of research and pull together a gift they’ll cherish with every sip and remember for years to come.  If your guy or gal has a favorite style or brand of beer, help them push the envelope and explore other, similar styles and types.  For example, if your sweetie’s favorite brew is a pilsner, like Miller Lite, make up a sampling package that includes other pilsners like Coors Light and Pilsner Urquell.  If he or she is into bocks or dopplebocks, open them up to other brands like Lakefront Bock or Capital Blonde Dopplebock.  By doing this, you’ll show your significant other that you pay attention to what they like – a favor they’ll undoubtedly repay.

Happy Fat Tuesday everyone!

Thousands of rambunctious revelers and painted partygoers will clog the streets of New Orleans' French Quarter and Garden district today to celebrate the last day of Mardi Gras.  But just because you're home in Wisconsin, doesn't mean you have to miss out on all the fun.  With a little creative thinking, some sizzling Cajun cooking, a few great beers and some spirited, uptempo music, you can host your own Milwaukee Mardi Gras party tonight.

First Things First: The Food
New Orleans has always been known as a hot spot for food - literally.  Full of rich spices and intricate, full flavor dishes, Cajun food is rooted in both southern and French cooking styles.  To make sure your party is a hit, take a page from Fishbones Restaurant Chef Jesse Souza's cookbook and prepare these two stellar Cajun dishes. (For more information on this great Delafield restaurant, visit their site at www.fishbonesrestaurant.com)

New Orleans Barbecued Shrimp with a Spicy Mango Sauce
Ingredients:
4 lb. Shrimp
1 lb. Unsalted Butter            
1 cup Olive Oil                
2 tsp Ground Thyme            
4 tsp Chili Sauce            
4 tsp Black Pepper            
1 tsp Ground Oregano        
2 tsp Paprika                
6 tsp Crushed Garlic            
4 tsp Worcestershire sauce        
2 tsp Tabasco sauce            
1 tsp Lemon Juice        
3 Bay leaves (finely crushed)    

Directions: Rinse shrimp and drain.  Spread out in a shallow baking pan.  Combine remaining ingredients in a saucepan over heat until butter is melted.  Pour over shrimp.  Marinate for 3 hours.   Bake at 325 degrees for 25 minutes or until shrimp turns pink (do not cook for more then 30 minutes).

Spicy Mango Sauce
Ingredients:
12 oz Mango Puree            
6 oz Orange Juice            
3 tsp Cajun seasoning        
Salt & Pepper to taste

Directions: in a small bowl mix all ingredients together, place sauce in a dipping dish.

Ragin Cajun Pasta
Ingredients:
3 oz Andouille Sausage            
3 oz Grilled Chicken             
2 oz Chopped Tomatoes        
1 oz Sliced Mushrooms    
4 oz Heavy Whipping Cream        
4 ea Cleaned Shrimp            
2 oz Olive Oil                
Salt & Pepper    to taste
Cajun Seasoning to taste
4 oz Spaghetti Pasta (cooked)

Directions: in a medium sauté pan, add the oil and heat for 2 minutes, then add the sausage and cook for 1 minute.  Then add the chicken and cook for another minute, then add the shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes.  Add the tomatoes and mushrooms and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, then add the whipping cream and season with salt and pepper.  Let the cream reduce for 3 to 4 minutes then add the Cajun seasoning, taste it adjust the seasoning for the level of spiciness you prefer.  Add the pasta and mix well, place in a medium bowl and serve.

Next on Tap: The Beer
Now that you've got the food covered, it's time to think about what to drink.  In addition to non-alcoholic options for your guests, offer beers that match well with the spicy, savory food.  One obvious choice for a Mardi Gras party is the seasonal - and aptly named - brew Big Easy from Lakefront Brewery.  This full-bodied, blonde dopplebock is brewed with generous amounts of malt to give it a refreshingly sweet flavor.  Another sure hit would be Sierra Nevada's Pale Ale.  Full of a hoppy aroma and taste, this beer also has a pleasant malty undertone.  A third pairing would be Leinenkugel Original.  Crisp and smooth with a balance of malt and hops, this lager can easily cut through a spicy Cajun dish.


 

Hopefully by now, the pain of the Packers' loss to that team from New York has begun to subside and you can get on to more important things -- such as deciding what beer you'll be drinking for Super Bowl XLII.

While ice-cold Miller Lite is important to have on hand while watching any sporting event, here are some additional ideas.

Team vs. Team, Beer vs. Beer
Make an own off-field match-up by pitting beers from the opposing teams' home states against each other.  From New England, Sam Adams Boston Lager is a clean, crisp beer that balances sweet malt and slightly hoppy, bitter flavors.  Challenging the Boston beer is JW Dundee's Honey Brown Lager from Rochester, New York.  This incredibly drinkable beer has slightly sweet malt flavors that are followed by a hint of hops and honey.  Pair the variety of tastes with foods that bring out their flavors, such as spicy nachos or a savory spinach and artichoke dip.  Take a poll and determine the winner!

Act Like You're in Arizona
Forget the weather.  Crank up the thermostat a bit and enjoy a few warm weather beers like fans at the big game in Arizona will do.  Miller Chill or High Life and Corona Extra or Corona Light can help bring a little Southwest flavor and complement dishes like enchiladas and fajitas.  Also, consider serving some Just-You-Wait-Until-Next-Season Salsa.

Well, we're nearing the end of the month, so I thought it would be fitting to check in on the most common New Year's resolution - the pledge to be more healthy - and how beer can help you keep that promise.  

Many of us have gone on diets, joined gyms and cut out unhealthy behaviors - but that doesn't mean you need to give up beer.  In fact, medical research has found that moderate beer consumption can improve health, ward off disease and increase brain activity.  New studies proving additional health benefits of consuming beer continue to emerge.  And that's news worth drinking to. Here are some recent findings

Hops for Heart Health
Last year, a team of doctors at Germany's Innsbruck Medical University found that beer offers anti-inflammatory effects that may reduce cardiovascular risk.  The authors note that "this might be connected with the calming effect of beer," and that beer promotes "the availability of the 'happiness hormone' serotonin."  Simply put, the happiness a pint or two brings us can have a "beneficial impact on coronary heart diseases."  A few especially hearty beers to try include Leinenkugel's Red, Bell's Brewery Amber Ale and Capital Brewery Maibock.

Beer and Your Brain
Finally, evidence that beer makes you smarter.  A couple years ago, researchers from University College in London found that drinking alcohol, even in low amounts, might be associated with higher cognitive abilities, particularly for women.  The study found that drinkers performed better than non-drinkers on a battery of tests designed to measure intellectual ability.  "Moderate consumption could be a proxy marker for good mental and physical health ...  both of which are related to good cognitive performance," noted the astute authors.  Some great beers to ponder all of this over include Sam Adams Boston Lager, Berghoff Pale Ale and Corona.

Beer Beats Water
Earlier this year, professors at a Spanish university released findings from a study that found that beer might be more effective than water at re-hydrating the body after working out.   After strenuous exercise in 104 degree heat, the study's subjects who drank beer were had slightly better levels of hydration.  Some brews that would serve as a great reward for pumping some iron or running a few laps include Heineken Premium Light, Miller High Life and St. Pauli Girl Lager.

Your Bones Need Beer
Two recent studies found that moderately drinking beer may prevent the bone disease osteoporosis. The first study, published in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, found a striking relationship between the intake of dietary silicon and bone mineral density in the hips sites of men and pre-menopausal women. The second study, published in the British Journal of Nutrition, shows that beer, in particular, is a highly-bioavailable source of dietary silicon.  The silicon found in beer, which increases the strength of the bone, comes from the husks of grains used during the brewing process. Lift a glass of Paulaner Hefe Weiss or Lakefront Riverwest Stein to healthy bones through beer.

More Good News
In addition to all of these benefits, beer has no fat, cholesterol or caffeine.  Beer also contains significant amounts of helpful nutrients and vitamins, such as magnesium, selenium, potassium and vitamin B.  Another healthy advantage to beer is that you don't have to drink it to reap the benefits - you can also cook with it.  Try substituting a stout or porter for oils and sugars in marinades.  Or you can swap out the wine and use beer in stews, soups and sauces.  And in baked goods, beer ads moisture but has few calories.  The options are endless.

Looking around on a night out, you'll notice people enjoying beer in a variety of oddly shaped glasses.  Some are short and wide; others are tall and slender.  Some may even have stems.

The reason for these different glasses is simple: depending on what kind of beer you're drinking, the glass shape can affect its aroma as well as how the head forms and sits, both of which ultimately affect the beer's flavor.  To get the maximum flavor from whatever beer you're drinking, use glassware that fits the style.  Here's a quick guide to grabbing the right glass.

Pints are the universal beer glass.   There are two main types: the 16-ounce and the 20- ounce "Imperial," which has a slight bulge near the top.   Use these for stouts, ales and porters. They're great for Bell's Expedition Stout or Anchor Steam Porter.

The tallest option is the wheat beer or weizen glass.  Obviously, this one is meant for wheat beers like Hacker-Pschorr Weisse or Paulaner Hefe Weiss.  Its tall shape provides room for the fluffy, thick head to cap off and trap the beer's aroma.

The pilsner glass is for beers like Miller Lite or Pilsner Urquell.  It looks a little like a Weiss glass but is smaller and lacks the curvature.  These glasses are made to showcase the beer's color and effervescence.

The stein is used more for function than anything else.  The handle makes it great for those of us who like to sing and dance with our beer.  I think true German beers, like anything from the Hofbrau Brewery, taste best from a stein.


The Goblet or Chalice is meant for heavy beers.  The goblet is usually delicate and long-stemmed while the chalice is thick-walled and heavy.  Some are even etched on the bottom, which attracts carbon dioxide and provides a stream of bubbles to maintain a nice head.  Next time you order a Lakefront Bock (available beginning in early January) or a Great Lakes Commodore IPA, try it in one of these.

The flute resembles a champagne glass, just bigger.  This one is preferred for fruit beers like Leinenkugel's Berry Weiss.  The narrow shape maintains carbonation and makes the strong aromas stand out.  They also display lively carbonation and the beer's sparkling color.

Other beer vessel oddities are the Tulip, meant to capture flavor by making room for large foamy heads, and the Snifter, which promotes the aroma of strong ales, much like liquors its served in.  Either of these would be great for a beer like Capital Brown Ale.

Maybe you’ve got friends or family in from out of town.  Or maybe you've just got an afternoon to kill.  Whatever the reason – and you don’t really need one – checking out some of our local brewery tours is great, inexpensive fun.

Not only do you get to see where and exactly how some of your favorite hometown beer is born, you’ll undoubtedly come away with some trivia to enlighten your friends or boss with.

Here are two popular options:

LAKEFRONT BREWERY, 1872 N. Commerce St.
Web site: www.lakefrontbrewery.com
They’re not joking when they call this tour “infamous.”  Most Friday and Saturday tours sell out fast and even faster when there’s a Brewer’s game or Summerfest is on, so come early and be prepared to wait in line.  That said, there’s a reason this tour sells out.  First, it’s a great value. For $5 you get a souvenir Lakefront glass and four beer vouchers to use as you go through the tour.  Secondly, the tour guides are hilarious and keep the mood light and fun.  While the beers available for sampling during the tour change by season, you can usually count on Riverwest Stein, Eastside Dark and Cattail Ale being on tap.
Details:  Tours are $5 and are held at 3 p.m. Monday – Thursday; additional tours are offered on Fridays at 5:30, 6, 6:30, 7 and 7:30 p.m.  These additional Friday tours are $10 but they come with a $5 coupon for the brewery’s restaurant, Lakefront Palm Garden.  Saturday tours ($5) are at 1, 1:30, 2, 2:30 and 3 p.m.  A special tour detailing the brewery’s efforts to be an environmentally friendly operation are guided by president Russ Klisch and begin at 3:30 p.m. on Fridays.  No reservations taken.
December tours extended:  As an early holiday gift, Lakefront is adding more tours the their regular schedule at the end of the month.  Dec. 24 – 27 and 31 at 1, 2, and 3 p.m.  And on Dec. 28, tours will run every half hour from 1 – 7:30 p.m.

MILLER BREWING COMPANY, 4251 W. State St.
Web site: www.millerbrewing.com
First off, this one is FREE.  It lasts about an hour and includes an informative video and up-close look at the brew house and the company’s brewing process, packaging center and historical caves.  The tour concludes with some frosty beer sampling in the Miller Inn or if weather permits, in the beer garden.  Some of the beers up for sampling will include Miller Lite, Miller Genuine Draft and High Life.
Details:  Tours generally run from 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday.  That said, the tour schedule is updated daily so before you head down, call 931-BEER for exact times.   For groups of 15 or more call 414-931-3552 for reservations (not available on Saturdays).

So, what's my next topic on tap?  Yours.

Since September, I’ve offered my opinion, tips and ideas of all things beer on this blog.  Now, it’s time to hear from you.

Got a beer topic you’d like me to tackle?  A mystery of the malt, barely and hops that you need unraveled?  Send me an email about it to wowbeerguy@gmail.com.

I can’t say I’ll address every inquiry but if it’s something I think others will find value in learning about, I’ll give it a go and post what I know/learn here.
 

Some of you will laugh at me for this, but I encourage you to read the entire post first.  Beer as a holiday gift, or as part of a gift, can be a huge hit for beer lovers and non-beer lovers alike.  It's all about how you package it.

Here are some ideas:

A New Take on an Old Classic
Put a new twist on the age-old fruit basket by adding beer to the equation.  Many specialty beers are garnished with citrus and other types of fruits.  Load a basket with a few oranges and a couple bottles of Blue Moon and Leinie's Sunset Wheat.  Add some lemons, limes and a few bottles of Hofbrau Weiss, Corona or Modelo.

A Gift that Sizzles
For the culinary-inclined, check out a beer cookbook like The Beer Cook Book by Susan Nowak or The Beer Makes it Better Cook Book by Maria Russell.  Add a few beers and ingredients to the package and it makes a perfect gift.  Or get really creative and include a nice dish, utensils or other cooking-related gifts as part of a cooking with beer basket.

Glass with Class
From flutes and goblets to snifters and mugs, different types of beers require different types of glasses.  For a true beer enthusiast or for those who like to entertain, include a set or two of glassware and the beers best served in each.  Package pint glasses with Anchor Steam Porter and Bells Kalamazoo Stout, pilsner glasses with Pilsner Urquell, and wheat beer glasses with Leinie's Sunset Wheat.

A Winning Pair
To satisfy a sweet-toothed beer lover, look no further than the local specialty grocer.  Just as champagne pairs with strawberries, dark rich beers pair well with dark rich chocolates.  Create a gift box filled with imported dark chocolates and a few bottles of Breckenridge Vanilla Porter or Negra Modelo.

The Beer that Keeps on Giving
Create a customized beer of the month club.  Place the first of the beers under the tree along with details on the club and the remaining beers that will arrive at the lucky recipient's doorstep.  Get creative and choose a theme.  Focus on varieties of a specific type of beer (follow a wheat trend by giving 12 different wheat beers like Leinie's Sunset Wheat and Capital Island Wheat), choose a craft brewer and give 12 different beers made by that brewer (Lakefront Brewing Co., Bells Brewing, or Great Lakes Brewing Co.), or look for the most interesting beer names and give 12 varieties of uniquely named beer.

There are so many ways to have fun with beer as a gift.  Some may even appreciate a simple six-pack with a bow set under the tree.  But, if you're looking for a way to personalize a gift this year, beer is the way to go!

Welcome to the holidays!  ‘Tis the season of shopping, gifts and parties.  I'm sure you're familiar with the "BYOB Leftover" phenomenon - your guests all contribute to your holiday party by bringing along a 12-pack of their favorite beer and then leave you with the leftovers after the party.  I'm all for cracking open a cold one by the fire, but I have some other more creative ideas for using up that leftover brew.

Cooking with Beer
Beer makes a great ingredient in a lot of recipes.  Here are a couple of my favorites, perfect for using up leftover holiday beer.  I'd recommend making them both and dipping the bread in the chili.

Beer Bread (from www.cooksrecipes.com)
3 cups self-rising flour
12 oz. Bells Winter White, Hacker-Pschorr or another amber-colored beer
3 Tbsp. sugar
Combine ingredients and mix thoroughly.  Place in well-greased bread pan.  Bake at 350 degrees for about 1 hour.  Allow to cool for 10 minutes before removing from pan.

Game-Day Chili (from www.cooksrecipes.com)
2 pounds ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
3 to 4 garlic cloves, minced
2 (15 oz.) cans pinto beans, rinsed and drained
3 (8 oz.) cans tomato sauce
1 (12 oz.) bottle Leinenkugel's Creamy Dark, Capital Brown Ale, Samuel Adams Winter Lager or another dark beer
1 (14 ½ oz.) can beef broth
1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste
1 (4.5 oz.) can chopped green chilies
2 Tbsp. chili powder
1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
2 tsp. ground cumin
1 to 2 tsp. ground red pepper
1 tsp. paprika
1 tsp. hot sauce
    Cook first 3 ingredients in a large pot over medium heat, stirring until meat crumbles and is no longer pink. Drain well.  Combine meat mixture, beans, and next 11 ingredients in pot; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer for 3 hours or until thickened. Makes 6 to 8 servings.

Beer Tasting
If you have a variety of beers leftover after a party, throw another party!  Make the second party a beer tasting where the point is to appreciate the subtle flavors of many different beers.
Look at and smell the beer.  Take a small sip to get an initial taste.  Try to determine unique tastes and ingredients through each of these steps.  Most importantly, compare the tastes of different types of beer to examine both the subtle and drastic differences between beverages.  This can be a great way for friends to experience new and different beers and to use up the stock left over from any holiday gathering.

 

 I love Thanksgiving.  Our whole family gets together, and my wife makes a killer sweet potato casserole.  And of course, being the beer lover that I am, I love to figure out which beers pair well with the different dishes and courses of my Thanksgiving dinner.  Here are some of my favorite duos.

Appetizers:
In spite of the fact that we’re about to consume a giant meal, we always have snacks like veggies and dip and cheese and crackers out beforehand.  Cheese and beer actually pair better together than cheese and wine (according to a study that came out last November from The University of California) so sometimes we get a little fancy with the cheese platter.

• Smoked Gouda and Shiner Bock

• Fresh Mozzarella and St. Pauli Girl Dark

• Aged Cheddar and Bell’s Pale Ale

• Gruyere/Aged Swiss and Great Lakes Holy Moses White Ale

Turkey and all the fixings:
Because of its smoky and herbal flavorings, turkey tastes great with an Oktoberfest like Sam Adams Octoberfest, Leinie’s Oktoberfest or Paulaner Octoberfest.  Or try an amber ale like Bells Amber Ale, Coors Winterfest or Murphy’s Irish Amber.

Pumpkin Pie:
Arguably the best part of Thanksgiving dinner is the pumpkin pie.  I don’t want the sweetness of my desserts to overpower my beer so I like a robust, dark beer with my pie.  Try a stout like Murphy’s Irish Stout or Gray’s Oatmeal Stout.  I also enjoy Anchor Steam Christmas Ale, Lakefront Pumpkin or Blue Moon with my final course (before leftovers, that is).

If you haven’t tried beer can turkey, you’re missing out.  I’ve used this technique with chicken too, but cooking turkey this way gives Thanksgiving dinner a whole new flavor.  In case you’re not familiar with the technique, I’ll give you the rundown:

Take a can of beer, either cut the top off or use a skewer to add a few additional steam holes near the top, add seasonings, carefully place the upright can inside the turkey (so the bird is balanced as if its standing on its legs), cook and ENJOY!  That may be slightly simplified, but that’s the concept.  The beer steams and seasons the turkey from the inside and adds excellent flavor.

For the record – the beer matters.  I recently heard from a blog reader that Miller Chill is great with chicken.  When choosing the beer, take into consideration the ingredients that were used during brewing and make sure to use complementary seasonings.

Here’s a recipe from www.cooksrecipes.com to try out.  If you’re not sure about trying it at Thanksgiving with the whole family, try it with a whole chicken at another time.

Beer Can Turkey
1 (9 to 10 pound) whole turkey, thawed or fresh
2 teaspoons dry mustard
2 teaspoons granulated onion
2 teaspoons paprika
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon granulated garlic
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup canola oil
12 to 24 ounces beer (Miller Genuine Draft,

• Remove giblets, neck and any excess fat from turkey. Rinse with cold water; drain well.

• In a small bowl combine spices, herbs and seasonings.

• Meanwhile, preheat gas grill with all burners on high or build a charcoal fire. Reduce heat to Indirect Medium heat (about 350ºF) or position gray-ashed briquettes on either side of an aluminum drip pan. Pour beer inside turkey sitter and set aside.

• Blot turkey dry with paper towels. Rub interior of bird with 2-3 teaspoons of rub mixture. Brush turkey all over with oil and place drumstick-side down on sitter. Season turkey Place turkey/sitter directly on the grill rack cooking grate, carefully balancing the bird.

• Grill over Indirect Medium heat for about 2-3 hours until the juices run clear and a meat thermometer registers 185 degrees F in thigh and 170 degrees F in breast. Wearing barbecue mitts, carefully remove turkey from the grill, being careful not to spill the hot beer. Discard the beer.

• Let turkey rest at least 20 minutes before carving. Serve warm.

Makes 12 servings.

NOTE: On some grills, lid may not close completely. In this case, a small gap will still allow turkey to grill thoroughly. For added safety, place foil over turkey to avoid contact with grill lid.
 

Unless you live under a rock, you’ve heard by now that Miller Brewing Co. and Coors Brewing Co. have announced their intention to create a joint venture that will be known as MillerCoors. The news made me think about our hometown beers and brewery beginnings.

When I think of hometown brews, the first brewer to come to mind is Miller Brewing Co.

Miller produces some of the tried-and-true standbys we all know and love (like Miller Lite, High Life and Miller Genuine Draft), and I’m a big fan of this past summer’s new release, Miller Chill.

But Miller wasn’t the first. Pabst and Schlitz are also a part of Milwaukee’s beer beginnings.

The first brewery to open in our corner of the state was Pabst, which enjoyed 153 years of business here in Milwaukee, closing its doors in 1997.

Schlitz, or “The Beer that Made Milwaukee Famous” also comes to mind as a hometown brew. Schlitz immediately donated thousands of barrels of beer to Chicago after the Great Fire of 1871, which earned the brewery the ‘famous’ slogan. 

Thanks to Miller Brewing Co., we can still consider Pabst, Schlitz and their many beers hometown favorites, since they are now brewed at the Miller plant.

The best way I can think of to celebrate our Brew City past, present and future is by throwing a hometown beer-themed party. Not only are Milwaukee’s beers famous world-wide, they are also very drinkable and tasty. They make for a great celebration of Milwaukee’s food and beer heritage.

Ask each of your attending friends to bring a different hometown beer, whether it be Miller or a beer that reminds them of their hometown. But don’t forget the newest members of our family and make sure someone grabs some Coors Banquet, Coors Light, Molson and Blue Moon. The party will also give you a chance to enjoy some of the food we’re known for like Usinger’s or Klement’s sausage, bratwurst and hotdogs, cheese from West Allis Cheese or the bevy of barbeque options from Saz’s. Be proud of your hometown!
 

A few weeks ago I posted about the great fall seasonal beers that are available right now.  As a big fan of pairing a beer with my meal, I thought I’d offer some pairing suggestions for some of the fall seasonals.

Pairing is all about experimentation.  Sure, there are suggested pairings, but the best way to figure out if a beer pairs well with a certain dish is to try it!  There are no rules when it comes to pairing, but there are a few guidelines as to which tastes go best together:
•    Ales go well with red meats in the same fashion as red wines do.
•    With lighter, beers like lagers, consider pairing as you would with white wines (pastas, light meals, cooked vegetables). 
•    Dark beers pair well with rich foods. 
•    Hoppy beers match up and hold their own with spicy foods.

Seasonal beers are around for a limited time, so I’d recommend trying them with your dinner soon.  You can try my suggestions or experiment and find your own favorite combos. 

Oktoberfest beers, like Leinenkugel’s Oktoberfest and Samuel Adams Octoberfest, are full bodied and bold.  They pair best with foods that are also full-flavored like brats and *** or pretzels and mustard.  The full flavors of the beers and the food balance each other well.

Sierra Nevada Pale Ale is a bitter, hoppy beer.  The bitterness cuts through spicy foods like jambalaya or Szechwan chicken.

Lakefront Pumpkin Lager tastes like liquid pumpkin pie and pairs perfectly with holiday meals like turkey, chicken or ham.

Capital Autumnal Fire is a rich Dopplebock with a slightly bitter finish.  I like this one best with bread or barbequed ribs.

Leinenkugel’s Apple Spice is full of apple flavor with a hint of cinnamon.  It pairs best with dishes with similar tastes like pork tenderloin with applesauce.
 

As a self-proclaimed beer buff, one of the things I like best about beer is how many different types there are out there to try.  Over the years, we’ve heard of wine tasting classes, events and parties; now all of theses trends are pertinent to beer as well.  We can partially attribute this awesome trend to the influence of microbreweries, and the new exotic flavors that are being produced.

A beer tasting is something you can host easily at home.  Stick with all varieties of one brand (for example, purchase a few different varieties of Capital beer like Amber, Island Wheat, etc. and explore the similarities and differences in taste) or explore one type of beer from several different brands (compare and contrast pale ales from Sierra Nevada, Great Lakes Brewing and Bells Brewing Company).

Here are a few things to keep in mind when planning an event like this:

• A variety of beers equals a variety of tastes.
• Have something on hand to cleanse the palate between beers.  Light snacks or seltzer water work well.
• Provide small tasting cups to portion out samples.  The point of a tasting is to get a small taste of several different flavors to compare and contrast.
• Encourage guests to write down the beers they like, including the tastes and ingredients that stood out to them.
  

I’ve learned that just like a wine tasting, there’s a bit of a science to beer tasting.  The steps are very similar and are designed to help fully experience the beer.  Here’s what to look for:

• Aroma
• Tasting starts even before you drink a drop. Give it a sniff- the aroma of a beer comes from a lot of factors (malt, type of hops, alcohol, and other spices and ingredients used during the brewing process).  The smell has a strong influence over the taste of a beer.  Try to distinguish any distinct flavors unique to that particular beer.
  

• Appearance
• Look at the color, clarity and the nature of the head.  The malts used during the brewing process influence the color of the beer. Many beers are transparent, but some beers, such as hefeweizen, may be cloudy due to the presence of yeast making them translucent. A third variety is the opaque or near-opaque color that exists with stouts, porters and other dark colored styles. Also pay attention to the thickness and retention of the head when the beer is poured.
  

• Flavor
• Take a small sip and explore the taste characteristics.  Malt, hops and yeast are common ingredients in beer.  Try to distinguish those ingredients apart from any other flavors in the beer.  Rate the strength of bitterness of a beer using the International Bitterness Units scale, which is used in North America by a number of brewers.
  

•  Mouth feel
• Thickness, creaminess and carbonation are all factors to be evaluated when tasting a beer.  Pay attention not only to how the beer tastes, but also how it feels in your mouth.
  

• Other ingredients
• Many beers on the market use fruits and spices as key ingredients in the brewing process.  Each contributes unique flavors.  Try to discern those flavors each individually and evaluate how combinations of certain spices react within each beer. 
  

I don’t know about you, but I always start to crave soup about this time of year.  Just like ice-cold beer tastes great on those 90 degree summer days, the idea of a big, steaming bowl of chili in October sounds so good.  My taste for the type of beer I like to drink starts to shift with the season, too.  I like the light, crisp beers in the summer, but dark and rich is what I want with my chili.

I’m not alone in this.  Look at the seasonal beers that are out during summertime (Bell’s Oberon and Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy) - Light, garnished with citrus. Oktoberfest and pumpkin brews start to hit shelves in September and October.  Perfect timing for the taste-shift.

There’s something hearty about the fall seasonal beers.  Oktoberfest brews are typically dark lagers and bring brats to mind as well as  the annual Oktoberfest festivals that bring a little more German tradition to Wisconsin.  Samuel Adams, Leinenkugel’s and Capital Brewing are just a few of the brands that have great Oktoberfest beers available locally.

Pumpkin ale also comes out around this time.  Pumpkin flavored beer may sound a little odd, but don’t knock it ‘til you’ve tried it!  Lakefront Brewery and Blue Moon both make great pumpkin beers that tastes like pumpkin pie with nutmeg, cinnamon and pumpkin brewed right into the beer.  All that's missing is the pie crust!