Brewed once per year on St. Nicholas Day (Dec. 6) and aged for 10 months before packaging, the Triplebock Samichlaus can rightfully be called the OG of extreme beers. In this episode, Dan Shaffer, head brewer at Land Grant, and Ralph Wolfe join us by the fireside for a warming tipple of a beer that... Continue Reading →
All Things Beer Episode 45 – Scotch Ales/Wee Heavies
Whether you call them Scotch Ales or Wee Heavies, who can resist the charms of one of Scotland’s best exports. These silky smooth, decadent ales are the more potent siblings of the Scottish Ales we reviewed in the last episode. Brian Kimmel, a veteran of several hikes across the Scottish Highlands, joins of for an... Continue Reading →
Turn Back the Clock – A Visit to Traquair House
When you strip it back to the basics brewing beer is a pretty simple process. You need some malted grains, preferably barley, some water, and a way to heat the water. The quality and efficiency goes up significantly if you can measure and control the temperature, but there are workarounds like decoction mashing if you... Continue Reading →
Barrel aged beers and ugly sweaters this Saturday at Zaftig
This coming Saturday, December 6, the crew at Zaftig Brewing are throwing a holiday party. The theme is an ugly sweater party, because what pairs with high abv beers better than a wool sweater depicting baby Jesus riding a reindeer who is kicking a soccer ball past a diving Santa Claus? Possibly a gyro, because the Pitabilities Food... Continue Reading →
Zaftig Brewing – Small Barrels, Big Beers
This past weekend I paid a visit to Columbus’ newest brewery, Zaftig. I’ve read a few things about Zaftig online but I’d not yet had a chance to try any of their beer. Their taproom is located in an industrial space (545 Schrock Road, Worthington, OH 43085) that is practically in the shadow of the... Continue Reading →
Beer Review – Dirty Bastard and Backwoods Bastard by Founders
Scotland is a little too far north to be ideal for growing hops. So Scottish beers are generally more lightly hopped, and hence maltier, than their English cousins. They come in various distinctions depending on their alcohol content, the strongest being called a Scotch Ale or Wee Heavy. In his book "Tasting Beer" Randy Mosher... Continue Reading →
Ohio vs. Michigan Beer Battle Round 8 – Wulver vs. Backwoods Bastard
At last we've come to the final round with Michigan clinging to a 1 point lead. Ohio needs to win in this round to even things up, any other result and Michigan wins. In this final round we have two bourbon barrel aged Scotch Ales. Wulver by Thirsty Dog (Akron, OH) – Thirsty Dog is... Continue Reading →