Food & Beer Friday :: Winter themed.

I took quite the break from Food & Beer Friday but that doesn't mean I haven't been drinking!  Since winter is seemingly just getting in full swing this week (um, they're predicting some snow here tonight), it's only fitting that I mention a winter lager.

Uinta Yard Sale is a pretty popular beer during this time of year.  It was sold out at Tasty Beverage when I checked just last week (lucky for me I "know people.") It's only distributed December through March.  Maybe people are tired of all the heavy beers that come with the winter season.  Maybe this is just one of those "fad" beers.  Maybe people were just drinking a lot in the month of December.  Whatever the case, I was happy to be able to snag a bottle of this to try.

Overall, there is nothing too special about the Yard Sale.  In my opinion, it was a pretty run of the mill lager.  The amber color gives it a little something extra than a warmer season lager.  The beer is by no means bad, and I would have no problem drinking plenty of it.  There was just nothing that made it jump out to me.  If your palate is very advanced, you may get some caramel and vanilla notes.  There's no chance I loved this as much as my favorite winter beer so far this season, but it was certainly easy to drink!  One thing I do love about this beer: the name.  Yard Sale is apparently the term used when a skiier falls down a slope and loses his/her gear (which in turn the gear is strewn across the mountain).

Have you found a favorite winter beer?

Cheers!

Food & Beer Friday :: Well there's a "fancy" letter in the name.

I've been a bit busy this week celebrating my birthday week, but rest assured I'll be back next week in full swing with updates and recipes and other fun!  For now, let's get to this week's spot light!

I have already featured a Heavy Seas beer, and I promise I'm really going to mix things up come pumpkin beer season (it's scary how quick it's coming!).  Since it's still summer, this Märzen vienna-style lager is just perfection.  I have the worst memory but remembered really enjoying this beer at a Heavy Seas event.  The second tasting did not disappoint!

This beer is light in color and the low alcohol level makes it easy to drink on a summer evening (or day...who doesn't love day drinking?).  The last is clean and easy.  In my opinion, there's not a prominent hop flavor, more malty but not a lot.  The aroma is sweet and appealing.  I'd completely recommend it for you beer newbies!

The food pairings are almost more appealing than the beer just amazing!  How much do you want to drink this beer coupled with the Pepperoni Pyrate bread?  Think Bisquick + cheese + pepperoni.  I'm in.  Heavy Seas also recommends a Märzen Mushroom Gravy which just looks delicious (and vegetarian!).