Food & Beer Friday :: The "I'm Back" Beer.

I'm not much for apologies here on the blog, but it's no secret it's been almost a month since I posted.  Summer has been busy, and I've been loving summer reading more than blogging.  I don't know many who would consider that a bad thing.  Then it happened.  The unexpected death that rocked my world. There's no need for details or emotions right now.  That was three weeks ago and now I'm trying to get back in the game.  For now, on to the beer!

It's no secret that I'm obsessed with farmhouse ales.  I assumed it would be fitting to debut my return with another!  Brewery Ommegang's Hennepin drew me in with it's style.  And let's be honest, the purples on the label didn't hurt.  This beer had a nice dry flavor with very little hops.  While Ommegang describes it as "hoppy and crisp," I would certainly disagree with the hoppy portion.  Crisp is quite the fitting word for this brew though.  At almost 8% alcohol, you likely want to pair one bottle with your dinner.

As for food pairings, the ginger, coriander, and citrus flavors in this beer make it perfect for pairing with your favorite Indian dish!  I didn't pair it with a meal myself, but I think I should have.  This isn't your typical cook-out summer beer.  

Now head on over to Sarah's and check out what she's reviewing this week!  Link up and tell me, what beers are you loving this summer?

Ps. my sincere apologies to those who sponsor/advertise with me.  In the wake of the past few weeks, I've stopped reading blogs, responding to comments, etc. I just took/am still taking a blogging break.  I'll likely start fresh sooner than later.  Until then, please bear with me while I maintain my life, emotions, and sanity.

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Food & Beer Friday :: Something a little saucey.

Even though I've been off the grids and the blog scene, it doesn't mean I haven't been drinking!  This week I decided to pull out another NC local like last week.  Big Boss Brewing is a pretty cool brewery in Raleigh.  They have awesome events in the brewery, and you'll likely spot a food truck or two out there.  If I ever recover from my injury, I like to join the run club that is hosted at the brewery as well. 

Based on my love for farmhouse ales, I picked up this saison at Bottle Revolution back before I started Whole 30.  Saison is kind of a "proper" name for a farmhouse ale.  This type of beer can be loosely described as a pale ale that's more carbonated.  As for Big Boss' Saucey Pants, it's only 4.5% alcohol and definitely easy to drink.  The brew has that dry, "farmhouse funk" to it with the hop bitterness definitely coming through.  Unfortunately, I was left hoping for a little something more.  The beer just felt...mediocre.  

Nonetheless, I would totally recommend visiting Big Boss if you're ever in the Raleigh area!  It's an awesome spot.  Some of my other favorite beers from them include Big Operator, Aces & Ates, and Harvest Time.

Head on over to Sarah's blog and link-up this week!

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Food & Beer Friday :: In the persnickity tank.

Time to make a complete switch from all those stouts!  A couple of weeks ago, I had a day off and enjoyed this as my day drinking beer.  I'm a big fan of farmhouse ales, and Boulevard Brewing Company's Tank 7 did not disappoint!  Tank 7 is a Belgian-style farmhouse ale.  Farmhouse/saison beers are always drier in taste for me, which I enjoy.  It's a bit of a different take on the hops.  This beer is brewed with three types of hops and corn flakes!  I'm not sure those make much of a difference in flavor; however the hop flavor is evident.  I would definitely order this beer if I found it on draft somewhere.  I thoroughly enjoyed sipping on this brew.

While my pairing (or glassware) doesn't quite mesh with what Boulevard recommends, I drank with my left over Moo Shu tofu from one of our fav restaurants in Raleigh, Dave's Dumpling and Noodle Bar.  The dry finish and hops paired well with the sweet & spicy of the Moo Shu.

(As always, this beer was purchased from Tasty Beverage Company in Raleigh, NC)

CHEERS!

Do you have a favorite farmhouse or saison beer?

Food & Beer Friday :: Don't worry, it wasn't brewed in a barn.

I've got a little bit of a thing for farmhouse ales, so when I spotted this at Tasty Beverage, I had to pick it up!

I've mentioned farmhouse ales before, and there is something that draws me to them.  Great Divide's Colette did not disappoint!

Great Divide characterizes Colette as their "homage to saisons that Belgian farm workers have enjoyed for centuries."  I believe it's pretty characteristic of saisons and farmhouse to be on the dry side.  This beer is the same.  It definitely has a dry finish with some tart flavors going on there.  Don't get me wrong; it's not sour!  There's some fruitiness to the beer too, but don't think lambic-style fruity.  I would compare it to a less-sweet champagne.

I mean that foamy head and golden color!  Gorgeous.  At 7%, you don't want to go too crazy on a six pack, but it'll lend a nice buzz after a long day of work!  It's easy to drink which makes it a perfect warm weather beer.  As for food, try your basic sandwich!  The flavors are complex enough to supplement even the most simple food!

CHEERS!

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