FAINTHEART

Red Ale

RED LAGER ABV  4.9%   IBU  30 Fermentables: 2-Row Pale, Munich, CaraMunich, Chocolate Malt Hops: Horizon, Santiam In the most basic sense, there are two types of beer: ale and lager. The key difference between the two is the yeast. Ale yeasts prefer warmer fermentation temperatures, and they tend to produce esters that contribute a fruity flavor and aroma. Lager yeasts prefer cooler temperatures, and they impart a “cleaner,” less fruity flavor, allowing the malt and hops to really stand out. Faintheart is the first of several lagers that we …

Smoke ‘Em If Ya Got ‘Em

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Smoke ‘Em If Ya Got ‘Em by Jason Cercone It was less than two weeks ago that we watched the Pittsburgh Penguins win Game 6 of the Finals and bring the Stanley Cup back to Pittsburgh. There was something in the air that fateful Sunday evening that made me believe glory was about to be bestowed upon the Pens. Seven years to the day, they beat the Detroit Red Wings in Game 7 of the 2009 Stanley Cup Finals to secure the franchise’s 3rd championship. I grilled some delicious wings …

IN THE TANK, OUT THE TANK (VOL. 6)

Be on the lookout for a few malty lagers early this summer. We recently tapped Faintheart, a low-ABV red lager with a strong caramel malt presence. One guy referred to it as “malt-nificent.” (That guy was me.) About a week from now, we’ll tap Smoke & Oats, an amber with a generous helping of beechwood smoked malt. It’s a personal favorite, inspired by the classic smoked lagers of Bamberg, Germany. And finally, there will be a Doppelbock called Embiggenator, a vulgar display of malt power and a nod to the …

Giving Dad His Props

Giving Dad His Props As we roll into June, we prepare to bask in the glory that is Summer. Temperatures may have been generously warm prior to today, but there’s something reassuring about flipping the calendar and knowing the warmest days of the year are ahead of us. Barbeques, golf, hiking, baseball, a potential Stanley Cup parade, and a tremendous amount of other outdoor activities are all in sight. Yes, it’s time to break out the sunscreen and soak in the rays! This month also brings us the time-honored tradition …

FOREVER SINGLE 2

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SINGLE HOP IPA   ABV  7.1%  IBU  75 Fermentables: 2-Row Pale, CaraMunich, CaraPils Hops: Chinook This second installment of Forever Single features Chinook hops. We think it’s piney, spicey, and a little earthy. What do you think?

ICARUS WIT

BELGIAN WIT   ABV  6.4%   IBU  21 Fermentables: Pale, Wheat, Chocolate Malt, Black, Special B Hops/Spices: Ultra, Ginger, Star Anise, Orange Peel, Cocoa There happens to be a Pittsburgh-based power metal group called Icarus Witch, and we happen to be friends with them. So ever since when, we knew we wanted to do a riff on a Belgian witbier and call it Icarus Wit. So, what’s the weirdest thing you could add to a Belgian witbier? That’s correct – the answer is chocolate. But Jason (bass) loves chocolate beers, …