Lyke2Drink

Pints for Prostates Portland Pale Ale Invitational Celebrates America's Favorite Beer Style

noreply@blogger.com (Rick Lyke) — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 15:30:00 +0000

The inaugural Pints for Prostates Portland Pale Ale Invitational will be held on July 25 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at Tom McCall Waterfront Park in Portland, Ore. The event celebrates the allure, complexity and flavors of pale ale.

The tasting event features pale ales from a dozen Oregon breweries and a dozen breweries from around the globe. Presented by Beer West magazine in conjunction with the Oregon Brewers Festival, the event benefits the Pints for Prostates campaign.

“We are bringing together a collection of great pale ales in a city where pale ales are truly appreciated, all to raise awareness about an important men’s health issue,” said Rick Lyke, a drinks journalist and prostate cancer survivor. Lyke founded Pints for Prostates in 2008 after successful prostate cancer surgery. “Our goal is to reach men through the universal language of beer with a message about the importance of early detection.”

Tickets for the Portland Pale Ale Invitational are $30 and will be available online starting on March 1 at http://www.pintsforprostates.org/ or through the secure link at eTix. All net proceeds support the mission of the Pints for Prostates campaign.

“We are excited about the brewers that have agreed to take part and the world class pale ales they will be pouring. Beer fans will get the chance to try a wide variety of pale ale styles in a single session,” said Megan Flynn, publisher and editor-in-chief of Beer West magazine. “Pale ales have become America’s favorite type of craft beer. This event salutes the passion brewers and beer drinkers have for pale ale.”

The 24 participating breweries include: BridgePort Brewing, Portland, Ore.; Caldera Brewing, Ashland, Ore.; Cascade Brewing, Portland, Ore.; Deschutes Brewery, Bend, Ore.; Fire Mountain Brew House, Carlton, Ore.; Firestone Walker Brewing, Paso Robles, Calif.; Full Sail Brewing, Hood River, Ore.; Lompoc Brewing, Portland, Ore.; MacTarnahan's Brewing, Portland, Ore.; Moa Brewing, Marlborough, New Zealand; New Holland Brewing, Holland, Mich.; Ninkasi Brewing, Eugene, Ore.; NoDa Brewing, Charlotte, N.C.; Odell Brewing, Fort Collins, Colo.; Oregon Brew Crew, homebrewers from Portland, Ore.; Rogue Ales, Newport, Ore.; Sierra Nevada Brewing, Chico, Calif.; Silver City Brewery, Bremerton, Wash.; Snake River Brewery, Jackson Hole, Wyo.; Southern Oregon Brewing, Medford, Ore.; Stone Brewing, Escondido, Calif.; Tree Brewing, Kelowna, British Columbia; 21st Amendment Brewery, San Francisco, Calif.; and Wells & Young’s, Bedford, United Kingdom.

“This year marks the 25th annual Oregon Brewers Festival so we are proud to be able to help support Pints for Prostates by making our venue available for the Portland Pale Ale Invitational on the eve of our silver anniversary,” said Art Larrance, one of the founders of the Oregon Brewers Festival. “The Oregon Brewers Festival is already one of the world’s biggest beer events and the Portland Pale Ale Invitational is another reason for people to visit and enjoy great craft beer.”
Judges at the Great American Beer Festival award medals in seven different pale ale categories. Pale ale categories attract the most entries and are the hottest contested.

“Men are 33 percent more likely to develop prostate cancer than women are to have breast cancer, yet few men know about the critical importance of early detection,” Lyke said. “The support of Beer West magazine, the Oregon Brewers Festival and the two dozen great craft brewers donating beer for the event will help us reach an audience that needs to hear our message.”

About Pints for Prostates
Pints for Prostates is a 501(c)3 a campaign that reaches men through the universal language of beer to encourage them to take charge of their health. The group was founded by prostate cancer survivor and beer writer Rick Lyke in 2008. The grassroots effort raises awareness among men about the importance of regular health screenings and PSA testing by making appearances at beer festivals, social networking and pro bono advertising. According to the National Cancer Institute, 240,890 new prostate cancer cases were diagnosed in the U.S. in 2011. More information is available at www.pintsforprostates.org. Pints for Prostates also has a presence on Facebook and Twitter (@pints4prostates).

About Beer West Magazine
Founded in 2007, Beer Northwest has grown to become the leading beer culture and lifestyle magazine in the Northwest. In January 2011, the magazine expanded into California and became Beer West. The magazine covers the thriving West Coast beer market and is the only regional publication of its kind. Beer West has more than doubled its circulation and visibility in the past year, with a focused readership of 80,000 beer and food enthusiasts. Beer West is a celebration of the unique Western beer-loving life.

About the Oregon Brewers Festival
The Oregon Brewers Festival is one of the nation's longest running and best loved craft beer festivals. Situated on the west bank of the Willamette River, with towering Mt. Hood as a backdrop, it is the ideal venue for anyone who loves craft beer. With a laid back attitude and scores of award-winning beers, the festival reflects the essence of the city of Portland, and is the crowning jewel of Oregon Craft Beer Month. The OBF was at the forefront of exposing craft beers to the public. A total of 84 craft breweries from all parts of the nation will serve more than 30 beer styles to nearly 80,000 beer lovers from around the world. Another 50 specialty beers will be available for tastes in the Buzz Tent.

German Chancellor Merkel Gets a Beer Shower

noreply@blogger.com (Rick Lyke) — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 12:29:00 +0000

German Chancellor Angela Merkel was attending the annual Ash Wednesday meal held by the Demmin Christian Democratic Union in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania when a 21-year old waiter, identified only as Martin, became an instant You Tube phenomenon.

Merkel had just arrived at her table when Martin rushed over with a tray of cold beers, making sure he served one of the world's most powerful women first. He later told reporters he was a last minute substitute for a female waiter who was too nervous to serve the German leader's table. Five glasses of lager end up on Chancellor Merkel's back, but she hardly reacts.

Merkel raised a toast to the table and later gave a speech to the gathering. I guess if you spend enough time in German beer halls you have to expect the occasional beer shower.

Pints with Presidents

noreply@blogger.com (Rick Lyke) — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 01:04:00 +0000

Which leader of the free world would you like to hoist a pint with at your local pub?

President’s Day is Monday, Feb. 20. TapHunter.com and Pintley.com surveyed more than 3,000 U.S. craft beer drinkers asking them “Which American President would you most like to share a beer with?”

The results were:

1. Bill Clinton (22.4%)
2. Barack Obama (15.5%)
3. Abraham Lincoln (14.9%)
4. George Washington (14.5%)
5. John Kennedy (10.2%)
6. Ronald Regan (7.7%)
7. George W. Bush (3.6%)

Missing from the list are two presidents that knew a thing or two about beer: Thomas Jefferson, who brewed at Monticello, and Franklin Roosevelt, who lifted the tyranny of Prohibition. Jimmy Carter, who signed the bill that exempted homebrewed beer from excise tax, is also missing from the list.

Oddly, George W. Bush makes this list even though he is said to have stopped drinking long before entering the White House. Abraham Lincoln might also raise some eyebrows, since he implemented the first tax on beer to help fund the Civil War.

Around the World in 80 Drinks: Nightclub & Bar Top 100 U.S. Clubs

noreply@blogger.com (Rick Lyke) — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 16:52:00 +0000

Around the World in 80 Drinks is a regular feature of Lyke2Drink that explores drink culture and the places where great beer, wine and spirits are created and consumed.

Nightclub & Bar magazine has released its 2012 Top 100 list of nightclubs, bars and lounge venues. The list is dominated by venues in major markets, with eight of the top 10 located in Las Vegas, Nev. The list is topped by Marquee Nightclub & Dayclub in Las Vegas, which reported revenue in excess of $70 million for 2011.

Nightclub & Bar Top 10

1. Marquee Nightclub & Dayclub ($70-$80 million), Las Vegas
2. XS Nightclub ($60-$70 million), Las Vegas
3. Tao Nightclub ($60-$70 million), Las Vegas
4. Pure Nightclub ($45-$60 million), Las Vegas
5. LIV ($35-$45 million), Miami Beach, Fla.
6. LAX Nightclub ($35-$45 million), Las Vegas
7. HAZE Nightclub ($35-$45 million), Las Vegas
8. Surrender Nightclub ($35-$45 million), Las Vegas
9. The Bank Nightclub ($25-$35 million), Las Vegas
10. LAVO Nightclub NYC ($25-$35 million), New York City

According to Nightclub & Bar magazine and Technomic, which compiled the list, members of the Top 100 list generated revenue totaling $1.4 billion. The Nightclub & Bar Convention and Trade Show will be held March 12-14 in Las Vegas.

Tuesday Tasting: Two Beers from Bodebrown Brewery in Brazil

noreply@blogger.com (Rick Lyke) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 19:11:00 +0000

Tuesday Tasting is a regular feature of Lyke2Drink that explores some of the best beers, wines and spirits on the market. This week we sample a pair of brews from a Brazilian microbrewery.

Bodebrown Brewery is located in Curitiba, the state capital of Parana in Brazil. The microbrewery features a school, homebrew supply store and a small library to help the local beer community. Bode means "goat" in English and the brewery's name salutes the founders' grandfather who raised goats in the northwest of Brazil

Paulo de Tarso Cavalcanti of Cervejaria e Escola Bodebrown brought some of his beers to the Raleigh Rare & Vintage Beer Tasting last weekend. The event was held at Tyler's Restaurant and Taproom and raised funds for the Pints for Prostates campaign.

Bodebrow Strong Scotch Ale Wee Heavy is 8 percent alcohol by volume. The beer won a gold medal at the Mondial de La Bierre in Montreal in 2011. The beer pours a reddish brown with a off white head. There is a nice caramelized malt base to this beer with just a faint hint of smoke in the background. The mouth feel is not as heavy as some other wee heavy Scotch ales on the market.

Bodebrown Perigosa Imperial Milk Stout comes in a couple of strengths. The beer getting most of the crowd noise at the event in Raleigh was the 21 percent alcohol by volume giant that is aged in Hungarian oak and former Bourbon barrels. The beer is a thick black pour with a minimal head. There is a sweet and roasted nose that opens up as the beer warms slightly. The beer is full flavored with tons of dark fruits, wood and chocolate throughout. The high alcohol content is not a major component of the flavor.

Wynkoop Brewery Names Three Finalists for "Beerdrinker of the Year"

noreply@blogger.com (Rick Lyke) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:09:00 +0000

Wynkoop Brewery is getting set to host its annual Beerdrinker of the Year competition and the three finalists have impressive beer drinking resumes. If you are around Denver on Feb. 25 you might want to stop in for the finals.

The three finalists are:

Warren Monteiro, a New York City freelance writer, beer traveler, homebrewer and BeerSensei columnist for Alestreet News. Monteiro has sampled beers in Europe, Central American, India, Sri Lanka, numerous other nations and throughout the United States. In 2011 he visited breweries and beer festivals in England, Belgium, the Netherlands and the US. He samples an average of 350 beers each year. His home beer bar: Blind Tiger Ale House, New York City.

Greg Nowatzki, a Las Vegas, Nevada accountant, home brewer and beer judge. Nowatzki has tasted over 13,600 beers from 84 different countries and all 50 states in the U.S. He has visited over 500 breweries in 32 different states and the District of Columbia, and attended over 150 beer festivals in 8 states. In 2011 he visited 16 beer festivals (including an 11th consecutive Great American Beer Festival) and visited over 100 different breweries in 7 states. His home beer bar: Big Dog’s Draft House, Las Vegas, Nevada.

J. Wilson, a Prescott, Iowa writer, homebrewer, beer judge and beer blogger. He has a three tap, 8-foot home bar supplied by a 10-gallon brewing system in his basement. An advocate for beer for 15 years, he organized numerous beer events in his hometown in 2011. The past year was highlighted by a research project in which he fasted for 46 days on water and a dopplebock he brewed with a local brewery. It became a book, Diary of a Part-Time Monk. His home beer bar: El Bait Shop, Des Moines, Iowa.

The judging takes place at Wynkoop on Feb. 25 at 2 p.m., when the finalists face questions from a panel of previous Beerdrinkers of the Year and beer experts. More information is available at http://www.wynkoop.com/.

Belgian Post Honors Trappist Brewers on Stamps

noreply@blogger.com (Rick Lyke) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 12:34:00 +0000

Belgium is the home of six of the world's seven Trappist breweries. Belgian Post recently issued a special set of stamps to recognize these amazing Belgian beers.

The stamps feature bottles, caps and glasses filled with Achel, Chimay, Orval, Rochefort, Westmalle and Westvleteren.

It is not the first time that postal officials in Belgium have celebrated the national drink with special stamps.

A total of 174 Trappist monasteries exist worldwide. Six in Belgium and one in the Netherlands still brew beer and are approved to use the Authentic Trappist Product logo that indicates compliance with the rules of the International Trappist Association. Originally, Trappist monks brewed for the needs of the monastery. Now money raised through the sale of beer fund good works.

Tuesday Tasting: 21st Amendment Bitter American Session Ale

noreply@blogger.com (Rick Lyke) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 19:55:00 +0000

Tuesday Tasting is a regular feature of Lyke2Drink that explores some of the best beers, wines and spirits on the market. This week we sample a session beer from San Francisco.

21st Amendment Brewery is a California brewery that many people know because of its High or Hell Watermelon Wheat and as one of the craft breweries that was an early adopter of cans.

21st Amendment Bitter American Session Ale is a 4.4 percent alcohol by volume beer that is 42 IBU thanks to the Warrior and Cascade hops used in the boils and the dry hopping by Simcoe and Centennial hops. The brewery uses Simpson's Golden Promise, two-row pale, Munich and Crystal malts.

Bitter American pours with bright new penny color with a substantial head. The aroma is a fresh pine base with hints of biscuit malt. The flavor is pretty smooth even with all of the hops that are packed into this one. Just right for a session beer.

Tuesday Tasting: Woodford Reserve Double Oaked

noreply@blogger.com (Rick Lyke) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 19:44:00 +0000

Tuesday Tasting is a regular feature of Lyke2Drink that explores some of the best beers, wines and spirits on the market. This week we sample a new whiskey from Brown-Forman.

The Labrot & Graham Distillery was brought back from the dead in 1996 thanks to the renewed interest in quality Bourbon. Located in Woodford County, about an hour outside of Louisville, in the midst of major thoroughbred horse farms the site was first used for a distillery in 1812 by Elijah Pepper. The facility changed hands several times before it became the Labrot & Graham Distillery. Brown-Forman acquired that company and in 1973, during a long slide in Bourbon sales, the company ended up abandoning the distillery. Twenty years later Brown-Forman was looking for a location to house a new premium spirits brand and the company re-acquired the property.

Under the leadership of Master Distiller Chris Morris the distillery has established the Woodford Reserve label as one of the leading premium American whiskey brands. The Bourbon has a grain bill of 72 percent corn, 18 percent rye and 10 percent barley.

The Woodford label has been used for some special releases and now Woodford Reserve Double Oak is the first permanent line extension. The whiskey uses barrels from the Brown-Forman Cooperage, maturing first in new, charred oak barrels, then moved to a second barrel which has been toasted for more than twice as long as the first barrel.

Woodford Reserve Double Oaked is a deep amber color and has a honey-sweet and wood aroma with a hint of caramel. This whiskey has a long flavor profile. Classic vanilla and dark fruit notes dominate the taste, with bits of nut and spice notes. The finish is bright with a hint of pear skins.

Around the World in 80 Drinks: CIA Launches Wine Lovers Boot Camp

noreply@blogger.com (Rick Lyke) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 15:06:00 +0000

Around the World in 80 Drinks is a regular feature of Lyke2Drink that explores drink culture and the places where great beer, wine and spirits are created and consumed.

The Culinary Institute of America is launching a new series of classes designed for the wine enthusiast at its St. Helena, Calif. campus.

Wine Lovers Boot Camp will take place at the CIA Greystone campus, near many great Napa Valley vineyards. Two courses will launch the Wine Lovers Boot Camp series, a five day Basic Training program and a two day Tasting Like a Pro program.

The Basic Training program will feature CIA faculty, information on great wine regions, tastings and food and wine pairings. Students will use the CIA kitchen to prepare a multi-course meal with paired wines. Class dates for 2012 are Feb. 13–17, April 16–20 and May 21–25. Tuition is $2,195 per person.
Tasting Like a Pro will teach the casual wine drinker how to adopt professional approaches to tasting wine. The two day program will guide feature structured tastings, where students will learn the influence on flavor of winemaking techniques, from barrel fermentation to fortification. Blind tastings will ultimately test their ability to identify wines like professionals. Class dates for 2012 are Feb. 2–3, Feb. 29–March 1, March 26–27, April 13–14 and May 17–18. Tuition is $895 per person.

Both classes are open to students 21 years of age and older.

Information about the CIA Wine Lovers Boot Camp is available at www.ciachef.edu/enthusiasts.

Tyler’s Restaurant & Taproom to Host Raleigh Rare and Vintage Beer Tasting on Feb. 4 to Benefit Pints for Prostates

noreply@blogger.com (Rick Lyke) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 22:55:00 +0000

Tyler’s Restaurant &Taproom in Raleigh will play host to the Raleigh Rare and Vintage Beer Tasting on Feb. 4 from 2-6 p.m. to raise awareness and funds in the fight against prostate cancer.

The tasting event features beers and cider from 40 craft producers served under a tent adjacent to Tyler’s at 18 Seaboard Ave. in Raleigh, N.C. The event benefits Pints for Prostates, an awareness campaign reaching men through the universal language of beer.

“Tyler’s has put together an incredible collection of rare and vintage beers for this event. It’s a great way for beer fans to come together and support the fight against prostate cancer,” said Rick Lyke, a drinks journalist and prostate cancer survivor. Lyke founded Pints for Prostates in 2008 after successful prostate cancer surgery. The group urges men to get regular prostate health screenings.

Tickets for the Raleigh Rare and Vintage Beer Tasting are $65 and available online at http://raleighrarebeertasting.eventbrite.com/. Designated driver tickets are available for $15. A percentage of the net proceeds will be support Pints for Prostates.

“We created the Raleigh Rare & Vintage Beer Tasting to provide beer enthusiasts with the ultimate beer tasting experience,” said Daniel Kulenic, one of the owners of Tyler’s Restaurant and Taproom. “We are serving 40 rare and vintage beers poured by brewery representatives – all benefiting a great cause. This is a gathering of some extremely unique and hard to find offerings.”

Event sponsors include Aquafina Pure Water, Harris Fine Beverage Distributors, Long Beverage, Mims Distributing and Tryon Distributing.

Forty breweries are expected to appear at the event, including: 21st Amendment Brewery of California (Allies Win the War 2011 Vintage); Allagash Brewing of Maine (Allagash Thing 2); Anchor Brewing of California (Anchor O.B.A. Our Barrel Ale); Anderson Valley Brewing of California (Boont Bruin); Avery Brewing of Colorado (Avery Immitis and Avery Meph Addict); Bear Republic Brewing of California (Bear Republic Black Racer); Bell’s Brewing of Michigan (Black Note Stout); Big Boss Brewing of North Carolina (Hell’s Bizz-Ness White Oak Aged Blend on Cherries); Bodebrown Cerejaria & Escola of Chile; Brooklyn Brewery of New York (Brooklyn 2007 Black Chocolate Stout and Brooklyn 2007 Vintage Monster); The Bruery of California (Bruery Cuir Anniversary Ale); Crispin Cider of (Wonderwall Unfiltered Pear Cider); Dogfish Head Craft Brewed Ales of Delaware (Dogfish Head Bitches Brew 2010 Vintage Original Batch); The Duck-Rabbit Craft Brewery of North Carolina (Duck Rabbit Bourbon Barrel Aged Baltic Porter); Duvel Moortgat of Belgium; Elysian Brewing of Washington (Elysian Mens Room Ale); Foothills Brewing of North Carolina (Sexual Chocolate 2010 Vintage); Fullsteam Brewing of North Carolina (Summer Basil Farmhouse Ale 2011 Vintage); Great Divide Brewing of Colorado (Great Divide Petty Theft Sour); Green Flash Brewing of California (Green Flash 2009 Barleywine); Heavy Seas Brewing of Maryland (firkin of Heavy Seas Siren Noire); Highland Brewing of North Carolina (Highland Spivey Mountain Wit); Huske Hardware House Brewing of North Carolina (Black hOPS and Watermellon Wheat); Kuhnhenn Brewing of Michigan (Kuhnhenn Olde Brune); Lagunitas Brewing of California (Lagunitas 2010 Bourbon Barrel Cappuccino Stout); Left Hand Brewing of Colorado (Whiskey Barrel Aged Widdershins Barleywine); Lone Rider Brewing of North Carolina (cask of Lone Rider Deadeye Jack with Laphroaig soaked oak chips); Natty Greene’s Brewing of North Carolina (Natty Greene’s Habanero Smoked Porter and Natty Greene’s Barrel Aged Strong Ale); New Belgium Brewing of Colorado (2011 La Terrior); New Holland Brewing of Michigan (Blue Sunday Sour); Brewery Ommegang of New York (Ommegang 2010 Adoration Aged in a Buffalo Trace Bourbon Barrel); Peak Organic Brewing of Maine (Weiss Principal); Brouwerij Rodenbach of Belgium (Rodenbach 2008 Vintage); Rogue Ales of Oregon (Rogue Creamery 75th Anniversary Ale); Sierra Nevada Brewing of California (Sierra Nevada Barrel Aged Quad); Ska Brewing of Colorado (Ska Local Series Hoperation Ivy #18); Smuttynose Brewing of New Hampshire (Smuttynose 2006 S'muttonator Doppelbock and Smuttynose 2007 Wheat Wine Ale); Stone Brewing of California (Stone Double Dry Hopped Ruination); Terrapin Brewing of Georgia (The Wizard 2009 Side Project Aged in Woodford Reserve Barrels); Uinta Brewing of Utah (Uinta 2009 Vintage Anniversary Barleywine); Victory Brewing of Pennsylvania (Ranch S Double IPA); Weyerbacher Brewing of Pennsylvania (Weyerbacher Fifteen).

The Sheraton Hotel in Raleigh has rooms available for attendees and free public transportation is available via the R-LINE, an eco-friendly approach to urban transportation. This FREE circulator service features hybrid electric buses that will connect you to The Raleigh Rare & Vintage Beer Tasting (Seaboard Station – R3) from the Sheraton (Raleigh Convention Center – R13).
“Men are 33 percent more likely to develop prostate cancer than women are to have breast cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, prostate cancer claimed the lives of nearly 34,000 American men in 2011,” Lyke said. “The Raleigh Rare and Vintage Beer Tasting is a great way to remind men to get screened.”

About Tyler’s Restaurant & Taproom

Tyler’s Restaurant and Tap Room has locations in Apex, Carrboro, Durham and now Raleigh. Founded in 1998, Tyler’s has been a local favorite for folks of all ages and has won a variety of awards for its food, beer and atmosphere. Serving American comfort food with a seasonal twist, Tyler’s offers business-paced lunches by day and casual dining at night. Tyler’s was voted one of America’s 100 Best Beer Bars by Draft Magazine. For more information visit: www.tylerstaproom.com.

About Pints for Prostates

Pints for Prostates is a 501(c)3 a campaign that reaches men through the universal language of beer to encourage them to take charge of their health. The group was founded by prostate cancer survivor and beer writer Rick Lyke in 2008. The grassroots effort raises awareness among men about the importance of regular health screenings and PSA testing by making appearances at beer festivals, social networking and pro bono advertising. According to the National Cancer Institute, 240,890 new prostate cancer cases will be diagnosed in the U.S. in 2011. More information is available at www.pintsforprostates.org. Pints for Prostates also has a presence on Facebook and Twitter (@pints4prostates).

Tuesday Tasting: Cigar City Jai Alia IPA

noreply@blogger.com (Rick Lyke) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 04:42:00 +0000

Tuesday Tasting is a regular feature of Lyke2Drink that explores some of the best beers, wines and spirits on the market. This week we sample an IPA from Florida.

Cigar City Brewing is recognized as one of the best craft breweries in the south. Cigar City Brewing was founded by Joey Redner in Tampa, Fla., is 2009. The company has a 15 barrel brewhouse located in the Carver City-Lincoln Gardens neighborhood.

Cigar City Jai Alia IPA pours a hazy amber gold color with a moderate off-white head. The beer has a hoppy aroma and the flavor offers a classic combination of IPA notes. There is an assertive grapefruit note to open and plenty of hops are present throughout the flavor profile. This beer is a great way to show friends what an American IPA should taste like.

Beer Hunter: The Movie Looks to Kickstarter to Get Off the Ground

noreply@blogger.com (Rick Lyke) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 23:11:00 +0000

Michael Jackson was the unlikely father of the global craft beer movement. But the British journalist, who passed away in 2007, did more for good beer with words than most brewers in the late 1970s were doing with hops and malt. He can rightfully be credited with inspiring a generation of craft brewers and beer enthusiasts.

Jackson's landmark 1977 book, The World Guide to Beer, cataloged beer styles and brewing nations as they had previously never been treated. More books would follow and his 1989 The Beer Hunter television series was way ahead its time. There were no Food Networks or Travel Channels back then, but Jackson took viewers to the capitals of the brewing world.

J.R. Richards, a freelance documentary filmmaker and television producer, worked with Jackson from 2003-2006, producing video tastings and short documentaries for Michael Jackson's Rare Beer Club. Along the way he captured 60 hours of video of Jackson in the U.S., England, Ireland, France, Belgium and the Czech Republic, much of it still unreleased. The idea was to turn the footage into a documentary or even an update of The Beer Hunter series. A 2006 heart attack and Jackson's struggles with Parkinson's disease slowed the project, then news came of Jackson's death.

Now Richards is using Kickstarter to try to raise $30,000 to finish the project and produce a documentary film that could premier at the 2012 Great American Beer Festival in Denver, Colo. It was at several GABFs that I had my limited encounters with Jackson, who was a rock star to the throngs of beer fans. When Jackson would approach a booth to try a beer or show up at a media tasting event you could see brewers spring to attention and make sure that The Beer Hunter received a perfect pour. So it would be a fitting tribute to Jackson to have this film ready for the fifth anniversary of his passing.

So far Richards has raised just under a third of his goal. If you want more information you can visit http://www.beerhuntermovie.com/.

Around the World in 80 Drinks: Trip Advisor Food and Wine Rankings

noreply@blogger.com (Rick Lyke) — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 15:13:00 +0000

Around the World in 80 Drinks is a regular feature of Lyke2Drink that explores drink culture and the places where great beer, wine and spirits are created and consumed.

Trip Advisor is a useful online service if you want to avoid booking a room at a modern day version of the Bates Motel. They also provide consumer feedback on what to do and where to eat in top travel destinations around the world.

Trip Advisor recently published its Travelers' Choice award winners, including a list of the Top 10 U.S. food and wine destinations:

New Orleans, La.
Napa, Calif.
Chicago, Ill.
Charleston, S.C.
San Francisco, Calif.
New York, N.Y.
Savannah, Ga.
Santa Fe, N.M.
Las Vegas, Nev.
Asheville, N.C.

It is hard to argue with any of these locations as being noteworthy for foodies. However, since the list is promoted as a top 10 for food and wine, it is difficult to understand why cities such as Portland, Ore., or Seattle, Wash., are left off the rankings.

Like any of these rankings, it is designed to get people talking and build website traffic. The difficulty is that what might make my top 10 will not necessarily hit your top 10. The best service these types of lists perform is to suggest new places to try.

Around the World in 80 Drinks: American Wine Society to Hold National Conference in Oregon

noreply@blogger.com (Rick Lyke) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 22:48:00 +0000

Around the World in 80 Drinks is a regular feature of Lyke2Drink that explores drink culture and the places where great beer, wine and spirits are created and consumed.

The American Wine Society, the nation’s largest wine consumers’ organization, will hold its 45th National Conference in Portland, Ore., from Nov. 8-10.

The event opens with a reception featuring Oregon wines followed by two days of tasting sessions with leading wine personalities from the world's top regions. The event features wine pairing meals, including a sparkling wine breakfast and grand banquet. Pre-conference activities include wine dinners and excursions to nearby wine country.

The AWS selected Portland because of the easy access to the Pacific Northwest wine industry, as well as the city's nightlife, and emphasis on locally produced food and drink. To learn more about registering for the event visit http://www.americanwinesociety.org/.

The American Wine Society Commercial Wine Competition and the Amateur Wine Competition are held in conjunction with the conference. The organization’s wine judge certification training will also be held at the event.

Founded in 1967, the AWS has more than 4,000 members and 125 local chapters. This is the first time the organization has held its conference in Portland.

Tuesday Tasting: Rogue Yellow Snow IPA

noreply@blogger.com (Rick Lyke) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 05:27:00 +0000

Tuesday Tasting is a regular feature of Lyke2Drink that explores some of the best beers, wines and spirits on the market. This week we sample a winter IPA from Oregon.

Rogue Ales has a tongue in cheek approach to brewing serious beers. Hence the name "Yellow Snow." But while it is good advice not to eat yellow snow, it is a good idea to drink a Rogue Yellow Snow IPA.

Rogue Yellow Snow IPA pours a cloudy orange-gold color with a slightly off-white foamy head. The beer has a rich hoppy nose, with plenty of pine and spice notes. The Amarillo and Revolution hops come through pretty firm in the beer's 70 IBU body. This beer has the classic west coast IPA bitter finish.

Champagne: The Science Behind the Bubbles

noreply@blogger.com (Rick Lyke) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 11:26:00 +0000

More sparkling wine is purchased during this time of year than any other. Popping the cork on New Year's Eve is a well established tradition.

Thanks to the American Chemical Society's Bytesize Science video series we now know the bubbles that give Champagne its pop are just following Henry's Law. The video notes that more than 600 different chemical compounds join carbon dioxide in sparkling wine, helping to create the aroma and flavor.

Quoting a study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, the video also suggests the best way to pour a glass of Champagne to maximize the sensory experience is at an angle to retain up to twice as much carbon dioxide in the wine when compared to pouring down the middle of the glass.

Tuesday Tasting: Two Great Smoked Beers

noreply@blogger.com (Rick Lyke) — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 22:33:00 +0000

Tuesday Tasting is a regular feature of Lyke2Drink that explores some of the best beers, wines and spirits on the market. This week we sample a pair of smoked beers.

Smoked beers are fairly rare finds. You know you have found a great beer bar or retailer that stocks smoked beer. A recent trip to Bamberg, Germany, reminded me of just how much I enjoy these beers. Rauchbier is not for every day or for every one. But when the time is right, these are flavorful beers that satisfy a unique taste spectrum.

The myth about smoked beers is that they are heavy. The reality is that these beers can be delicate. While they are full of flavor, smoked beers don't need to be overwhelming. If you have not tried rauchbier, my suggestion is to ease into it and not make a smoked beer your first beer of the day. There is nothing to be afraid of with these beers, but they do tend to challenge your concept of what a beer should taste like. You don't want to follow up a Miller Lite with a Schlenkerla Urbock. You may want to have a roasty stout or porter before you crack open your first smoked beer. Others beers that present solid flavor profiles, such as a hoppy IPA or malty bock, can also serve to get you in the right mindset for your first-ever smoked beer. The flavors in these beers are no more intense, just different.

Smoked beer is a taste of history, taking you back in time to when malt was dried with the help of open fires. If you like peaty Scotch or enjoy smoked meats, rauchbier will be at once familiar and also different. Trying new drinks is all about the adventure and having a willingness to maintain an open mind. Remember as you try these beers that in many parts of the world prior to the industrial revolution almost all beer was smoked beer.

Heading into the Christmas season I visited several of my favorite retailers looking for holiday beers and specialties to share with family and friends. At the grapevine Wine Shop and Wine Bar in Fort Mill, S.C., I discovered Victory Otto Ale. At Total Wine & More, Aecht Schlenkerla Eiche, a doppelbock brewed for the holidays, was on the shelf. Even though I have enjoyed many beers from Victory and Schlenkerla over the years, this is my first encounter with either of these beers.

Aecht Schlenkerla Eiche: Schenkerla typically uses beech wood from Franconian forests to smoke its beers, but in this case they use oak for a holiday doppelbock. Traditionally, oak trees were harvested for home and ship building. The brewery says the malt smoked with oak produces a smoother and more multi-layered smoky note than the intensely aromatic beech smoked malt. This doppelbock is a bright copper colors and is 8 percent alcohol by volume. The brewery adds a nice amount of Hallertau aroma hops to this beer. The smoke is round and pleasant in this beer with a good amount of sweet malt for balance.

Victory Otto Ale: The back label on this beer explains it was inspired by a 1987 visit to Bamberg by travelers that recently had also visited the Orval monastery brewery in Belgium. Decades later they wondered what impact smoked malt might have on a Belgian dubbel. This 8.1 percent alcohol by volume ale is the result of the pairing of two classic European beer styles. The beer pours a light brown color with a decent tan head. The Trappist yeast strain comes through with some fruit notes and the smoke is mellow and long lasting. The beer is unique and flavorful.

Around the World in 80 Drinks: Napa Valley Restaurant Month

noreply@blogger.com (Rick Lyke) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 12:08:00 +0000

Around the World in 80 Drinks is a regular feature of Lyke2Drink that explores drink culture and the places where great beer, wine and spirits are created and consumed.

Most of the world's truly great wine regions are also well known for great cuisine and artisan food products. Vineyard operations and the entire wine making process fits well with the tenants of the Slow Food movement and its emphasis on utilizing quality locally produced ingredients. Napa Valley has earned its reputation for producing exceptional wines and the culinary scene across the region is nothing short of amazing.

But just like Napa's cult cabs, higher calibre Napa Valley restaurants command breathtaking prices and reservations can be hard to come by during the height of the tourist season.

That makes Napa Valley Restaurant Month in January worth considering for a winter wine country escape. Napa Valley Restaurant Month is taking place at more than 58 restaurants and hotels, including Michelin-star recipients the Restaurant at Auberge du Soleil, La Toque, Solbar and Bouchon, along with other notable eateries such as Fish Story, Bottega Napa Valley, Cole’s Chop House, FARM, Brix, Brannan’s Grill and Mustard’s Grill.

Napa Valley hotels and inns are also offering special packages so you can turn dinner into a full weekend of touring and wine tasting.

Tuesday Tasting: Twelve Beers for This Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (Rick Lyke) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 04:56:00 +0000

Tuesday Tasting is a regular feature of Lyke2Drink that explores some of the best beers, wines and spirits on the market. This week we sample a dozen beers worthy of holiday celebrations.

A Facebook friend recently asked me if I had a list of my favorite beers for the holiday season. A Twelve Beers of Christmas collection of can’t miss favorites for holiday entertaining and special meals with family and friends. That prompted me to do a little thinking and a bit of tasting.

This is my 2011 list of the Twelve Beers of Christmas. I have to admit that I’ve not encountered some of my old favorites (such as Young’s Winter Warmer, Pyramid Snow Cap Ale, Avery Old Jubilation Ale, Saranac Season’s Best Nut Brown Ale, Duck-Rabbit Baltic Porter and Affligem Noel) that might have earned a spot on this list. There is still plenty of time to catch up with these old friends over the holidays, but these 12 beers are worth looking for and sharing with guests.

Sierra Nevada Celebration: The 2011 version of this beer is even more flavorful than I recall. It pours a reddish brass color and has a pronounced hoppy nose. From the thick lacing head to the bountiful hop character that carries this beer, it is an American classic. Missing this beer during the holidays would be like not putting up a Christmas tree.

Southern Tier Old Man Winter Ale: As a veteran of more than 40 Upstate New York winters I can testify to the need for a warm winter coat and a refrigerator stocked with beers like Southern Tier Old Man Winter Ale. The beer pours an amber brown color with a decent head. The aroma is slightly sweet and the flavor has good balancing hops, malt, maple and fruit notes. You can sense the 7.7 percent alcohol by volume.

Rogue Santa's Private Reserve Ale: This copper colored ale packs plenty of hops, but is nicely balanced with a slightly roasted malt character. Rogue has long been one of my favorite northwestern breweries and, even with the amazing growth of craft breweries in the region, Santa’s Private Reserve is a reminder why you want to stay off the naughty list.

Trader Joe’s 2011 Vintage Ale: Pound for pound the best value among seasonal beers on the market. At $4.99 a 750-milliliter corked and caged bottle, this beer is made for the grocery chain by Unibroue in Quebec and could easily sell for twice the price. A Belgian-style dark ale on lees, there is a fruit quality to the aroma and plenty of spice character in the flavor. There is a good firm malt body to this beer. I now have four years of Trader Joe's bottles laid down and the 2008 is still very drinkable, so I look for this beer to improve in the next 12-18 months.

Corsendonk Christmas Ale: This Belgian ale pours a dark brown color with a moderate tan head. The nose offers some spice notes and a hint of toffee sweetness. Figs, biscuit cookies and brown sugar in the malty flavor profile is balanced slightly by some bitter notes. Plenty of holiday character in this beer.

Thirsty Dog Bourbon Barrel Aged Siberian Night: Siberian Night Russian Imperial Stout is a year-round beer from this Ohio brewery, but add some time in an ex-Bourbon barrel and I’ll stack this one up against any Christmas ale or winter warmer. Dark, thick character with plenty of roasted notes balanced by vanilla and Bourbon sweetness. Throw a couple of logs on the fire.

St. Bernardus Christmas Ale: Want to find a great Christmas beer? Try starting with a brewery that makes nothing but great beer. The ale pours a dark and slightly cloudy color, with a decent amount of carbonation. Lots of dark fruit notes, biscuity and spicy. You will want to split the 750 milliliter bottle with at least two friends.

Deschutes Jubale: This annual winter release is a dark reddish brown color and offers a malty aroma. This is a true winter warmer. The flavor has a great toffee base, spicy hops and long finish. The beer opens nicely as it warms in your glass.

Geary’s Winter Ale: The Maine brewery is one of the original east coast craft beer pioneers, brewing for the first time in 1986. Described on the company’s website as a hearty India Pale Ale, the brewery uses Mt. Hood, Golding & Fuggle hops in this ruby colored ale. But Geary's Winter Ale goes a bit beyond what you would expect from an IPA. There is more malt than you usually find, along with hints of vanilla and a trailing hint of baking spices.

Scaldis Noel: This unfiltered Belgian ale undergoes a secondary bottle finishing. The beer pours a reddish brown and has enough malt for two average beers. This is a rich and flavorful beer. Figs, apricot and raisin flavors roll from the glass.

21st Amendment Fireside Chat: This 7.9 percent alcohol by volume brew pours a nut brown color. The solid malt base has hints of cinnamon and nutmeg. Cocoa nibs are used in the brew, giving the beer some extra depth.

Anchor Christmas Ale 2011: They have been making this holiday treat in San Francisco for an amazing 37 years. The 2011 beer pours a dark brown color with a thick tan head. The recipe on this beer changes each year and they keep it a secret. The 2011 is not my all-time favorite vintage, but it is tasty with some nutmeg, cloves and allspice in the profile that includes pine hop notes.

Tuesday Tasting: Red State & Blue State Straight Bourbon Whiskeys

noreply@blogger.com (Rick Lyke) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 12:57:00 +0000

Tuesday Tasting is a regular feature of Lyke2Drink that explores some of the best beers, wines and spirits on the market. This week we sample Heaven Hill Distilleries new Red State and Blue State Bourbons.

Heaven Hill Distilleries have decided to insert themselves in a fun way in the run up to the 2012 election season with the release of Red State and Blue State Straight Bourbon Whiskeys. These 80 proof Bourbons are designed to give drinkers a chance to show party affiliation. The electronic maps on television news coverage of presidential elections have forever associated "red" with states backing Republican candidates and "blue" with states won by Democrat candidates.

As part of the release of the whiskeys, Heaven Hill will launch a Facebook promotion where "likes" between Jan. 3 and Nov. 6, 2012 of either Red or Blue will result in a donation to the USO and its programs offering support to members of the U.S. military.

Blue State Bourbon opens with a caramel nose. The whiskey has a new penny color. The flavor starts with a sweet note, but the rich barrel finish takes over. There is a toffee and bit of spice in the finish.

Red State Bourbon has a slightly sweet nose with more wood showing through. The whiskey is also a bright copper color. The flavor on this one starts off mellow and there is plenty of oak.

Both of these Bourbons are solid, basic drinks. They won't knock your socks off, but at around $15 a bottle they are decent values and good conversation starters.

Around the World in 80 Drinks: Drinking Smoke -- Rauchbier in Bamberg, Germany

noreply@blogger.com (Rick Lyke) — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 12:50:00 +0000

Bamberg Rathaus

Around the World in 80 Drinks is a regular feature of Lyke2Drink that explores drink culture by visiting the places where great beer, wine and spirits are created and consumed. In this edition we explore Bamberg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site tucked away in Germany's Franconia region.

What it lacks in size and big city glitz, Bamberg more than makes up for in charm and beer. Bamberg is a fairytale place with centuries-old buildings that luckily went untouched by World War II. The narrow lanes that criss-cross the Regnitz River climb up and down the seven hills that make up the city.

Bamberg is a city known for flavorful beer and food. The city's 70,000 residents have nine breweries to quench their thirsts. If they tire of these, nearly 100 more are in nearby Franconian villages like Memmelsdorf. The brewing tradition runs deep in Bamberg. The Reinheitsgobot (German Beer Purity Law of 1516) is widely recognized, but it was preceded by the Bamberg Beer Purity Law of 1489 dictating that local brewers could use only hops, malt and water to make beer. Prince Bishop Henry III Gross of Trockau had become frustrated by the use of herbs, berries and even mushrooms and decided to take a stand.

Walking around the ancient city of Bamberg is a delight for photographers.

Located to the north of Munich and east of Frankfurt, Bamberg would own a rightful place on the world beer map for brews like Fassla’s Bambergator Doppelbock, Mahrs’ Ungesspundete Lagerbier and Keesmann Herren-Pils, but it is the Rauchbier (smoke beer) that puts this city on every serious beer tourist’s itinerary. All told, there are nine breweries in the city: Ambräusianum, Brauerei Fässla, Brauerei Greifenklau, Brauerei Kaiserdom, Keesmann Bräu, Klosterbräu, Mahrs Bräu, Schlenkerla Brauerei Heller-Trum and Brauerei Spezial. A tenth brewery, Maisel, closed in 2008. Fassla Keller now operates at the former Maisel location.

Mahrs is just one of nine Bamberg breweries.

Much like Bamberg itself, Rauchbier is taste of history. Two of Bamberg’s breweries continue to make Rauchbier and both export to the U.S. Schlenkerla, home of the world famous Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier, and Spezial, which dates back to 1536, both use beechwood fueled fires to create a mellow smokiness to the malt.

A visit to either Schlenkerla or Spezial is a classic German brewery tap experience. Unlike the massive beerhalls of Munich, these multi-room locations feel more like a friend's home. Entering from the street into a wide hall, you open a second door that brings you inside the tavern. You will not find a traditional bar. Instead, you will be taken to one of a series long tables and there you will join strangers already enjoying beer or in the middle of a meal. This feels odd the first time you do it, but that soon passes as you get the feel for the Bamberg beer culture. A busy bartender is visible at a service bar, expertly pouring half liter “Willy” glasses, and waiters and waitresses fill trays, whisking them to the tables.

The Spezial Keller is a great place to rest and hydrate after a walking tour of the city.

In warm weather months outdoor drinking is popular in Bamberg. Bierkellers or Sommerkellers are tree-shaded affairs that make for pleasant gatherings with friends. The Spezial Keller is an 800-seat beer garden located high on a hill, oddly not far from where the rival Schlenkerla in brewed. The Greifenklau Brewery also has a wonderful outdoor terrace that overlooks the red tile roofs of Bamberg. Service at these locations can be a bit slower than at the pubs in Bamberg, but relax. Half the experience is slowing down to enjoy the beer, view and atmosphere.

Bamberg is known to many brewers in the U.S. because it is home for Weyermann Specialty Malt. The company traces it roots back to 1879 when it was little more than a roasting drum under a tarp. Today the massive maltings, located across the railroad tracks from the Bamberg station, is a complex of buildings. The company ships specialty malts around the world. The Bamberg facility has a test brewery where lucky visiting guests get to taste pilot batches of beer.

Smoking barley for rauchbier is a different process than roasting barley. Roasted barley is what gives beer some of its flavor and produces the dark color in stouts and porters. The roasting process halts germination, which makes sugars available to the brewer. Roasting barley, which is similar to roasting coffee beans, is done with indirect heat at higher temperatures. The smoking process purposely allows flavors from wood fires to infiltrate and impart flavor.

Weyermann Specialty Malt calls Bamberg home.

The Schlenkerla sign is a beacon for many beer tourists.

The Schlenkerla pub retains its traditional feel.

Tasting Smoke

If you wonder what beers tasted like before the mid-1800s, you can search for clues of brewing’s smoky past in a glass filled with a Rauchbier. To be used for brewing barley must be turned into malt and that germination process must be halted at just the right time. In the past brewers had really two options: spreading the grain and allowing either the air, wind or the sun to help dry it, or employing open flames fed by wood to assist the process along, much like Scotch distillers us peat.

Schlenkerla Rauchbier: This 5.1 percent alcohol by volume Bamberg classic is dark amber with a thin, but lacing head. Light and refreshing, it offers immediate smoke up front that lingers throughout.

Schlenkerla Urbock: This fall seasonal tastes slightly less smoky, with more hop character and more malt. This 6.5 percent alcohol by volume beer has a sweet alcohol edge.

Spezial Rauchbier: Amber brown color, this brew has a soft malty character and its subtle level of smoke leads you to think of having a second.

“Rauchbier is historic beer. Beer as it used to be,” says Matthias Trum, the sixth generation of his family to run the brewery where Schlenkerla is made. Trum says that today’s smoked beer is a throwback to the middle ages when brewers did not have access to the heat exchangers developed during the industrial revolution.

Planning Your Trip

The best air connections from the U.S. will take you to Frankfurt or Munich. German trains are fast, clean and convenient. You can be drinking a rauchbier in just about three hours after landing in Germany.

The Bamberg Tourism and Congress Service has packages designed for beer lovers. They also can arrange for guides with a great knowledge of local history and familiarity with Bamberg’s brewers.

A number of tour groups also make stops in Bamberg. I recently lead a group organized by BeerTrips.com on a visit to the city as part of a fundraiser for the Pints for Prostates campaign.

Where to Stay

You will not find the usual glut of chain hotel in Bamberg, where most lodgings are small family-run operations. Hotel Brudermuhle at Schranne 1 is located along the river and a short walk from some of Bamberg's best places to grab a beer. If you want to stay even closer to the beer, Fassla Brewery at Obere Konigstrasse 21 has basic rooms right above the brewery and beer hall. It also happens to be located directly across the street from Spezial.

What to Do When You are Not Drinking

Visit the Franconian Brewery Museum which is located in the former Saint Michael's Benedictine Abbey overlooking Bamberg. The former abbey, now a home for senior citizens, once had a brewery dating back to 1122. The museum has a great collection of earlier brewing equipment, signs and other memorabilia.

Eat a Bamberg Onion. Like Rauchbier, this baked onion stuffed with ground pork and spices, is a flavorful treat you will not find in many other places. Here's a Bamberg Onion recipe if you would like to try making them at home.

Take in the four tower Bamberg Cathedral, which was consecrated in 1237. It is the final resting place for Emperor Henry II and Pope Clemens II. Among the art in the cathedral is the Bamberg Rider.

Find your sweet spot at the Cafe am Dom on Ringleinsgasse, which makes a great chocolate filled with a Schlenkerla Rauchbier creme.

Walk the city with your camera looking for the perfect Bamberg photo. For many it is the Bamberg Rathaus (old city hall) that was built literally hanging off a bridge. For others it is the rose garden at the Prince-bishop Friedrich Karl von Schönborn residence across from the Bamberg Cathedral. You will come back with plenty of great photos.

Bamberg's narrow streets are great to roam.

Fassla offers guest rooms right above the brewery.

Matthias Trum runs the famous Schlenkerla Brewery.

Spezial Rauchbier is a local treat.

What Will Santa Leave Under Your Beer Can (or Bottle) Christmas Tree?

noreply@blogger.com (Rick Lyke) — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 00:11:00 +0000

I'm sure Martha Stewart and my interior designer wife, Sandy, would would throw disappointed glances in the direction of these crafty beer drinkers, but in our current hard economic times let's face it: the cost of a fresh cut Christmas tree is just not in the budget for many Americans.

You can still get into the mood of the holiday season and all you need are the contents of your recycle bin. Lyke2Drink has chronicled beer can Christmas trees in the past and felt like it was time to revisit this timeless holiday tradition.

Obviously, the elves behind these creations have differing points of view on key design elements. Some prefer bottles, while others go for cans. Some are devoted to single brands, while others are a bit more flexible and like to experiment with color.

Here's wishing you a happy holiday season. Now get drinking. That tree just won't grow on its own.

Tuesday Tasting 18 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky

noreply@blogger.com (Rick Lyke) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 16:58:00 +0000

Tuesday Tasting is a regular feature of Lyke2Drink that explores some of the best beers, wines and spirits on the market. This week we sample Highland Park 18 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky.

Highland Park is recognized by many as one of the top Scotch brands in the world and rightfully so. The range from the Kirkwall distillery is delightful from bottom to top. The distillery has been turning out whisky on the Orkney Islands since 1798.

Highland Park 18 Year Old Single Malt pours a light golden color. First added to the line up in 1997, the nose has a bit of wood and a whiff of smoke. The flavor is full and bright. There is a honey sweetness overall, nice hints of salt and wood, with a smooth peat smoke finish.

This is a very nice sipper and at $105 a bottle a great gift for a special Scotch fan.

Tuesday Tasting: Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage 2002

noreply@blogger.com (Rick Lyke) — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 03:17:00 +0000

Tuesday Tasting is a regular feature of Lyke2Drink that explores some of the best beers, wines and spirits on the market. This week we sample Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage 2002.

Vintage and special release Bourbons are some of my favorite spirits. Distillers bring out the best and rarest from their rickhouses. The results are often spectacular and seldom fail to deliver something memorable.

Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage 2002 is a rich amber copper color. There is an inviting maple note to the aroma. The flavor has more of the maple at the outset, but evolves with a nutty character and some nice raw oak edges. The finish has bits of spice.

This is the 17th vintage in the Evan Williams Single Barrel Bourbon series. Bottled at 86.6 proof cut from the 129.8 barrel strength, the whiskey is smooth and inviting. Priced at $25.99, the is a great bargain. The release is expected to hit the market at the end of January 2012.

The bottle sent to me as a sample was from barrel number one, put in the barrel on June 7, 2002. It was bottled on November 1, 2011.