Happy 4th of July!

So what does El Presidente bring to a Fourth of July Barbecue? After a heated internal debate, Stoudts American Pale Ale and Troegs Sunshine Pils were the winners. Here's why:

My first selection was the Stoudts American Pale Ale. This pale ale is flavorful and crisp and just a little bold. It's guaranteed to complement just about anything you could possibly put on the grill. Besides that, the packaging is the perfect for the Independence Day holiday, proudly sporting the Red, White, and Blue.

Here's to the Army and Navy and the battles they have won... Here's to America's colors -- the colors that never run. May the Wings of Liberty never lose a feather.

Next selection: Troegs Sunshine Pils. This pilsner is easy-drinking but not at all wimpy. Boasting plenty of taste, Troegs Sunshine Pils is the perfect upgrade to the shiny cans of stuff that coolers all across America contain at this very moment. And that sunshine on the label... I don't know if I can trust him but he looks great on this beautiful sunny day.

Just so you know, there are plenty of other choices that you may want to investigate on your way to the celebration. These are some of the other brews that almost made it to the Presidential BBQ: Yards Philadelphia Pale Ale; Yards Thomas Jefferson Tavern Ale; Victory Prima Pils; Victory Hop Devil; Anchor Summer Beer; Sierra Nevada Summerfest Lager; Sam Adams Summer Ale.

Enjoy your 4th of July celebration responsibly and be sure to watch the obligatory video footage of the little manequin boy getting his hands blown off by illegal fireworks. I know my Independence Day wouldn't be the same without it.

Pourapalooza

[CLICK HERE FOR POUR-A-PALOOZA 2010 Detials!]

Greetings, Citizens!

El Presidente here to let you know about an upcoming event that has everyone here at the Orval Office bubbling with excitement. South Jersey is about to rock a BEER FESTIVAL within walking distance of the PATCO rail system. This fine event is known as POUR-A-PALOOZA (or Pourapalooza ... if you're not into the whole hyphenation thing).

Presented by The Pour House in Westmont, NJ, this tented event will go on rain or shine on Saturday, July 18th from Noon til 4 pm and will play host to a virtual who's who of local breweries as well as a few guests from farther out of town. Among the dignitaries in attendance:

Victory, Flying Fish, Otter Creek, Sly Fox, Stoudts, River Horse, Konrad, Left Hand, Hunterdon, Troegs, Yards, Harpoon, New Castle, Southampton, Red Hook, and Weyerbacher. Not a bad guest list, eh?

We here at the Presidential Offices are anxiously awaiting the event. In fact, your own El Presidente will be attending the festivities with special giveaway items for the citizenry of the Ferment Nation! As our guests you will be given the motive, opportunity, and means to conduct your own reviews of the beverages you sample on the POUR-A-PALOOZA fairgrounds. Submitting reviews at the festival not only increases your chances of winning FREE Fermentnation swag but also puts you in the running to be published on our blog and our website! Citizen reviews are on their way!

After personally experiencing the festive atmosphere of the Victory Beer Dinner, I cannot wait for the POUR-A-PALOOZA to get rolling. The Pour House is a quality outfit run by people who care about beer and beer drinkers. This event promises to deliver every penny's worth of excitement ($25 advance tix include a food voucher but $30 door tix do not) with live bands inside and craft brews flowing indoors and out!

Come visit me at the Ferment Nation's Diplomatic Outpost on Saturday, July 18th 2009. POUR-A-PALOOZA will be held on the grounds of The Pour House: 124 Haddon Ave, Westmont, NJ [see a map]. See you there!

Taste Victory

Victory Brewing Company's Beer Dinner at the Pour House in Westmont, NJ was a resounding success! All the guests seemed to enjoy the event immensely. Speaking for myself and the Veep, the food and beer pairings were expertly matched and the entire event went off without a hitch. Thanks to the staff of the Pour House for bringing Victory into our backyard. Kudos to the waitstaff for awesome service. Special thanks to Pete Danford from Victory who briefly introduced the event and then generously spent time at each and every table answering questions and conversing with the guests.

First thing first: Before any talking or eating came the beer. An introductory beer was served in a take-home Hop Devil pint glass. Pretty cool. The first beer was Victory's infinitely drinkable Lager, a German-style lager with a refreshing light body and color. I recently had this beer in a bottle and much prefer it on draft!

The first course was an arugula salad dressed with a light vinegrette (is it possible for food to be light and rich at the same time? Mission accomplished.) and topped with fried gorgonzola. Creamy and wonderful. Powerful good. Victory's Braumeister Pils accompanied this course. The German-style single-hop unfiltered pilsner gives body to a normally extra-light brew. A bit hoppier (and a bit deliciouser) than your average pilsner. I prefer it over Prima Pils by just a smidge.

Mad King's Weiss came next. A little sweetness and spice blends with citrus in an un-tart kind of way. Made with Belgian yeast and malts and German hops, the flavors perfectly complemented the scallops they accompanied. Crusted and slightly singed, the scallops were topped with a fresh salsa. The first two courses with the brews could stand alone as a nice, light summer meal. But then again, why stop if you're on a roll?

Wild Devil rocks. Smooth as all get-out on tap. A touch of wildness from the wild Brettanomyces yeast gives Wild Devil a funk that I like. It finishes a little less hoppy than traditional Hop Devil, but that is just what the lamb chops needed. Potatoes au-gratin and charred asparagus finished up the hearty main course. Lamb has a little wilder flavor than your average meat (especially when done to perfection) and Wild Devil shared the spotlight with the chops. Sublime.

Desert was a fried ice cream pastry with real whipped cream and fresh mint leaves. Good Lord. Smooth and sweet with fresh ingredients but not overwhelming... just like the Baltic Thunder that finished off the meal. I said it before: Boom! Perkuno's Hammer is not completely lost after all.

Extreme diligence went into pairing, preparing, and serving these awesome courses. I had an enjoyable evening that was worth every penny ($40 is a steal!). Thanks again to the Pour House and to Pete Danford from Victory. And I apologize, Pete, for conducting half of our conversation with lamb bones hanging out of my mouth: The Wild Devil made me do it.

Read a review of Victory's Hop Devil
Read a review of Victory's Golden Monkey
Read a review of Victory's Whirlwind Witbier
Read a review of Victory's Hop Wallop

Victory Hop Devil

Victory Hop Devil:

The brewers at Victory have laid it out pretty clearly in their own description of Hop Devil:

"Bold, spicy, and menacingly delicious..." I could probably end my review right there ... but you know I won't.

Hop Devil has just the right blend of style and accessibility to bring with you to any event: party, tailgater, barbecue, wedding, monster truck rally, or memorial service. Its versatility allows for pleasurable drinking from the bottle as well as on tap. Even when poured into a plastic cup so as to avoid being pinched by security, Victory Hop Devil represents the finest in American IPAs.

Perhaps Victory's Hop Devil holds such a special place in my heart because it was one of my "gateway beers" into the craft world. Even still, whenever I go back to Hop Devil for refreshment and bold, spicy hop action I realize that nostalgia doesn't play a part in my enjoyment of this devilish beverage. Everyday usage or special occasion, Hop Devil satisfies every time. 6.7% abv is just right, too: Enough to provide body and warmth, but easy enough to sweat out while playing horseshoes or standing really close to a bbq grill.

By the way, Victory Hop Devil on cask: One of my fave IPAs on cask? Must be a winner, right? Answer: that depends. Here's the skinny: Had it twice at bars in Philadelphia (awesome bars, at that) but was disappointed. I wasn't sure how I would feel about it when I had it at the Victory brewpub in Downingtown, PA but I figured it was worth a shot (the third time being a charm and all that). My hunch was right... It was AWESOME!!! My conclusion: perhaps it simply doesn't travel well. Fresh as hell at the Victory location is definitely the way to go if you are in the mood for some hand-pumped VHD.

Also of note: Be on the lookout for Victory Wild Devil on the loose near you. It's Hop Devil brewed with wild yeast. I enjoyed it the first time I had it and I look forward to experiencing it on tap at Victory's Beer Dinner on Thursday, May 28th at the Pour House in Westmont, NJ.

So as for the scoring of Victory Hop Devil, what would you expect if I told you this brew is in the running for my one "desert island" beer. There is competition, but not a whole lot. Perfect score.

Victory Hop Devil:

Representation: 1.0

Accessibility: 1.0

Style: 1.0

Personal Preference: 1.0

Total Score: 4.0 Flags

Brandywine Valley Craft Brewer’s Festival

From the Office of the ToastMaster General:

So, I had these two pints…

ok, maybe it was more like two 4 oz. sampler glasses, but what’s the difference when
the supply is virtually unlimited. Such is the beauty of the “beerfest”. In this case,
it was The Brandywine Valley Craft Brewer’s Festival hosted by Iron Hill Brewery at their Media, PA location.

20 Breweries, 50+ beers and 4 hours. Here we go…

Appalachian - no show = Booo!

Bethlehem Brew Works - LocoLime

makes for a refreshing refreshment

Dogfish Head – 90 Minute IPA and

Raison D’Etre - nuff said

Flying Fish - was hoping to see Exit 4;

I did not. Dubbel & Farmhouse

Iron Hill – didn’t taste much here because

I live blocks away; chose pastures new

Lancaster – strawberries and milk; what

else would you expect from the farm

country?

Legacy - Hoptimus Prime & Euphoria!

McKenzie Brew House - I plan to spend

more time at this establishment ASAP!

Nodding Head - nodding side-to-side that

is; worst sample of the day kept me

from trying the rest; unfair? probably

Philadelphia - Fleur de Lehigh wins most

unique award

Riverhorse – Double Wit a welcome sight

Rock Bottom – Prussia’s Pride IPA = Yum

Sly Fox - yes canned beer can be great

Stewart’s - solid stable; very impressed;

Double IPA, Mojo Rye-zen and more

Stoudt’s - APA is a classic

Triumph - 2 of my top 5 live here; a

quintuple was born; yes, really.

Troegs - lazy selections; expected more;

Dream Weaver & Sunshine Pils… again

Victory - only slightly less lazy than

Troegs; Braumeister Pils & Sunrise

Weyerbacher - Merry Monks are my

friends forever

Yards – General Washington made a mean

Porter

Random notes:

I’m not sure why Appalachian didn’t show and they may have an acceptable reason, but this is Philly, so I say boo.

I was quite surprise by the terrific offerings from chain breweries, Brew Works, Triumph and Rock Bottom. I’ve ignored them for too long. There’s golden links to be found in those chains.

I can’t fathom why some vendors only brought bottles. Would it kill ya to tap a sixtel?

I’ve noticed a trend from some breweries to bring the basics (read boring and uninspired) to beer festivals and that bothers me. Especially, when they are sitting on a goldmine of other interesting and downright legendary beers. The best part of a tasting event is the chance to try new and unreleased beers.

The little lady was with me and her taste tends to the lighter beers, so I submit her Top 5 for those who appreciate the fairer selections.

Madam Speakeasy’s Top 5

1 Mojo Rye-zen – Stewart’s

2 Belgian Wit – McKenzie’s

3 Loco Lime – Bethlehem Brew Works

4 Weizen – Stoudt’s

5 Merry Monks - Weyerbacher

Many of these beers I’ve had before and loved, so not making the Top 5 is no indication of their quality. I tend to gravitate toward the new stuff (new to me at least) and my Top 5 will reflect that. Formal reviews will be left for El Presidente if he so chooses.

Kudos to Triumph for unveiling what may be the world’s first quintuple. It’s called Le Cinq and it’s a heavyweight for sure at 13.5%. Sheer daring alone would put it at #1 on my Top 5, but it makes the grade on all counts.

ToastMaster General’s Top 5

1 Le Cinq - Triumph

2 Prussia’s Pride IPA – Rock Bottom

3 Lockjaw Double IPA – Stewart’s

4 Mojo Rye-zen - Stewarts

5 Gothic Ale – Triumph

Honorable Mentions: McKenzie’s Smoked Porter, Stewart’s Maibock,

Legacy Hoptimus Prime and Euphoria, Philadelphia Fleur de Lehigh.

And last but not least, I bring you the High Priest of the beerfest. I want that brewery patch jacket!

--ToastMaster General

Dogfish Head Black & Blue

Dogfish Head Black & Blue:

Starts off like a Belgian strong ale. Flemish sour comes on... then just before you say, "Well, that's just not quite my thing..." the sour turns to tart and the fruit emerges (currants?). Kinda like a Bar Harbor Blueberry Ale with a tremendous set of cujones.

Served in a chalice, this sweet-tart-rich ale is worthy of a special occasion. Medium bodied magic happens when flavor pops like a berry between your teeth. Trouble is... here we linger between beer and wine and mixed drink. Tor true ale lovers, this is something tart and different but pretty strong fruit flavors prevail. Fruit beer drinkers need to be aware of the possibility that the ale-ish-ness may have the final say. Flemish sour lovers may be left not puckered enough, though ale lovers and hop heads could find it too much for their tastes. But this beer is too good to be left homeless! I'm not sure to cry tears of joy or sadness for Dogfish Head Black & Blue. The reason I love it is the reason others may turn away.

Different as anything. But Dogfish Head is always doing the experimental brewing with crazy results. Embrace the twist that Dogfish Head puts on beer. Subtle to mind-blowing, Black & Blue does not disappoint. But it may confuse you if you're not ready. By the way, I'm not sure but I think DFH B&B is somewhere between 9-10% abv. Another kick in the pants. Expect high style and preference scores, but a little low on the accessibility scores.

Dogfish Head Black & Blue:

Representation: 1.0

Accessibility: .79

Style: .975

Personal Preference: .895

Total Score: 3.66 Flags

Lagunitas Brown Shugga'

Lagunitas Brown Shugga':

That's something different! The easy-going brown ale gets a crafty, sweet makeover. This is a session beer that's spent some time in the weight room -- bursting with flavors that are defined and toned but not bulky. Brown Shugga' is mildly sweet in the way you'd expect -- earthy and deep with a tangy touch. Reminds me of a glaze. Boy, I bet it would be great with a baked ham!

The sweet yet not sweet taste of Brown Shugga' reminds me a bit of Dogfish Head Raison D'etre in the sense that it glows with an almost wine-like dryness despite the sweetness to the tongue. Not caramel, not fruit, but the brown shugga' makes its mark on the taste buds in a memorable way. Brown ale lovers have to give this beer a try. But be warned: Lagunitas Brown Shugga' packs a smooth punch at 9.9% abv.

Tradition, move over. This is a brown ale that has finally seen the next level without going too far over the edge.

Lagunitas Brown Shugga':

Representation: 1.0

Accessibility: .89

Style: .95

Personal Preference: .99

Total Score: 3.83 Flags

Samuel Smith's Imperial Stout

Samuel Smith's Imperial Stout:

I've had some imperial stouts that are so big that they fairly stand up from inside the glass and start ordering you around. Many American imperial stouts explode with flavor and throw their weight around, brandishing an imperial alcohol content somewhere between 9% and 12% abv. Don't get me wrong... I love these, of course. (Check out Weyerbacher Old Heathen, Victory Storm King, and North Coast Old Rasputin for good examples). British beers seem to favor erring on the side of caution (as evidenced by their milder IPA presentation which we Americans have adopted and cranked up to sometimes staggering levels of hoppiness). Samuel Smith has chosen to err on the side of sublimity.

Samuel Smith's Imperial Stout is as finely crafted as beer gets. Every bit as robust as any imperial stout with 50% more alcohol, Sam Smith's Imperial maintains its dignified reputation at a reserved 7% abv. The dangerous thing about this is its smoothness and drinkability. With just the right meal or lively conversation, this imperial stout could accidentally turn into a session beer... Oh good heavens!

Dark as night, with malty and some fruity notes, this hearty stout has a bready warmth, an unbelievably smooth mouthfeel, and a slightly bitter finish. Just enough boozy tang at the end to remind you that it's imperial. Fit for royalty.

Samuel Smith's Imperial Stout:

Representation: 1.0
Accessibility: 1.0

Style: 1.0

Personal Preference: 1.0

Total Score: 4.0 Flags

Atwater Block Vanilla Java Porter

Atwater Block Vanilla Java Porter

Being no stranger to vanilla, java, or porter, I was excited to review this particular beer from Atwater Block. However, I was also hesitant at first because of the presence of vanilla, especially after reading that they add plain old vanilla extract to the brew (couldn't they slow roast imported vanilla beans over an open fire or something?). I was also ready and willing to be critical, having recently sampled other coffee flavored brews.

Needless to say, the Vanilla Java Porter was disappointing because of its tameness and yet simultaneously exciting because of its accessibility. This is clearly a drinking beer and not a sipping beer. Unlike the 8% Flying Fish Espresso Porter or the 12% Southern Tier Jah-Va Imperial Coffee Stout, Atwater Block Vanilla Java Porter (at 6%) strikes me as an after-work beer and not an after dinner-beer. You get just enough vanilla and coffee aroma and taste as you sniff before you drink as well as on the back of your tongue when you let it bubble down your throat.

The subtle flavors make this a great transition beer, helping traditional drinkers bridge the gap between everyday porters and over-the-top imperials. Sadly, of course, it could also be a gateway beer, enslaving unwary drinkers to their new dark masters of the coffee brews.

Atwater Block Vanilla Java Porter

Representation: .8
Accessibility: .9
Style: .85
Personal Preference: .85

Total: 3.4 Flags

National Hat Requisitioned

The Ferment Nation has just requisitioned a new standard issue military cap. Here it is. Sporting the trademark bottle cap logo and the National colors, this cap will give you the air of authority while preserving your beer-fueled sophistication.

Hoppy Easter from The Ferment Nation!

Hoppy Easter from the Ferment Nation!

If you are looking for a breath of fresh hoppy air for this hoppy holiday, look no further than these Ferment Nation reviews.

Victory Hop Wallop
Founders Double Trouble
Weyerbacher's Double Simcoe

Stone Levitation

Stone Levitation

In the craft brew world, a few names stand out as true innovators... Stone is one of them. With the near-perfect-just-out-of-the-average-beer-drinker's-league (Yes, that would be a reference to Arrogant Bastard) to more extreme versions of the same (Double and Oaked) and even mind-melting hop events likely to bring about the end of civilization (Ruination), Stone presents nothing but unabashed quality. They spare no expense and make no excuses.

So who could make a brew so light in body and low in alcohol (4.4% abv) that the term "session beer" needs to be redefined? Stone, of course. In order to fight the effects of a brew that drags you down, one needs the power of Levitation. Stone Levitation has an amazing cache of flavors stored in a very light body. Dry and hoppy, this ale is extremely drinkable and could, given enough servings, allow the drinker to conjure up a supernatural levity that defies the very laws of nature.

Present Stone Levitation to those who seek the knowledge which you have already attained. Small beer drinkers who are looking for something more might be brought across if only they had a beer worth trying... a beer floating just above the rest. And so behold the power of Levitation.

Stone Levitation:

Representation: 1.0

Accessibility: 1.0

Style: .95

Personal Preference: .90

Total Score: 3.85 Flags

De Dolle Oerbier

De Dolle Oerbier:

Belgian delight. Very rich and dark and lovely. If you are a fan of Belgian strong ales like Chimay, this will intrigue you. Rich fruity flavors and a bit of caramel sweetness make this Oerbier a nice dessert beer or possibly a sipper to accompany a nice cheese. I would imagine that after one or two of these puppies, judgment could fog over and Oerbier could be considered "easy-drinking" but one may be enough before moving on to something a little tamer.

De Dolle Oerbier is flavorful-- perhaps a little flamboyant -- but not terribly extreme. Malty and full-bodied, the warming boozy feeling hits you in the belly, not the tongue. The sweetness of candi sugar and malty goodness give Oerbier a signature Belgian flare. And 9% abv is enough to warrant a warning: Take your time and sip this brew! But the flavors alone are complex enough to command respect. I'm kinda getting a cherry vanilla vibe with some oaky hints. Mellow and yet vibrant. Really nice all-around Belgian brew.

De Dolle Oerbier:

Representation: .95

Accessibility: .90

Style: .95

Personal Preference: .925

Total Score: 3.725 Flags

Founders KBS

Founders KBS:

The Amazing Kosmicki's Highly Acclaimed KBS is good for what ails ya. Warms you all the way to your very skeleton. Founders has done it again -- pushed the bounds of normal everyday brewing and kicked boring beers in the groin. How serious is KBS? It takes Founders own Breakfast Stout behind the woodshed to teach it a lesson. Not that the Breakfast of Champions needed any more complexity -- what with double chocolate, oatmeal, and coffee and all. But soak that breakfast in a bourbon barrel and you've got an elixir that's guaranteed to make even the most potent snake oil look and taste like a glass of muddy water.

KBS is a little drier than the Backwoods Bastard and is definitely a stoutish brew with excessive flavor. Step right up and experience a revelation... A veritable sip of Salvation if ever there was one. Stout lovers and Bourbon cask-conditioned lovers need to find this beer if you can. The body is outstanding and the bourbon essence is clearly evident though the bitter chocolate and coffee notes are not overpowered. Black as pitch and deep in flavor, it sticks to your ribs and then kicks you in them. At 11.2% abv, this is a breakfast for the truly fearless (or those with nothing to lose). Now quit stomping around! El Presidente needs his medicine.

Founders KBS:

Representation: 1.0

Accessibility: .85

Style: 1.0

Personal Preference: 1.0

Total Score: 3.85 Flags

Ferment Nation Beer Blog

Ferment Nation News Flash

The VP here with some late-breaking Ferment National News. We have begun uploading our review archives to the Internet. We will be periodically posting and upgrading our YouTube channel at www.YouTube.com/TheFermentNation. For now, check out our review of Founders Double Trouble Double IPA.



We would also like to announce that The Ferment Nation has struck an historic strategic alliance with The South Jersey Beer News Blog. All of our citizens residing in the Delaware Valley should check this out for "News and Clues About Brews You Can Use." Follow their Twitter "tweets" for the latest news.