Daily Loaf

I challenge you to find a more suitable, adult-appropriate companion for a well assembled burger than a flavorful brew. But not every beer has the power to bring out the best in every burger — some matches are just better than others. Thankfully, Square One Burgers has an extensive beer list and a huge variety of killer burgers, so no matter what your preferences include, you have the opportunity to setup an ideal burger/ beer scenario. Read the rest of this entry »

Shipyard Pumpkinhead Ale — Brewed in Portland, Maine by Shipyard Brewing Company, Pumpkinhead is easily the mildest, most accessible, and sessionable pumpkin beer. At 4.5% ABV, this institution in pumpkin ales pours a golden hue, emitting aromas of wheat grain with faint traces of baking spices. On the palate, nutmeg dominates; making it very pie like, yet the brew is light bodied and easy drinking. It’s a nice introduction to pumpkin beer, with all the quintessential flavors packed into a thin, light-tasting brew.

Wolaver’s, Dogfish Head, Weyerbacher and Terrapin after the break: Read the rest of this entry »

Tomorrow (Saturday the 11th) at Datz Deli — All Hail the Ale — a celebration of the world’s best beers matched with fine cheeses. $25 per person includes 5 ounce pours and commemorative glassware. 4 pm- 7pm. 2616 MacDill Ave. Call (813) 831-7000 or email dixon@datzdeli to reserve your spot. Here’s the pairing lineup :

Westmalle Trappist Tripel : Belgium : 9.5%
This Belgian offering hails from one of the world’s seven Trappist monasteries, where brewing is conducted or overseen by monks. The cloudy, golden brew sports fruity, floral aromas. A strong malt component results in toasty flavors; the slight honey citrus sweetness is balanced by a mild alcohol warmth and a dry finish. The sharp, smoky flavors of Grafton Village Smoked Cheddar compliment the maltiness of Westmalle Tripel.

Many more beers after the break: Read the rest of this entry »

Off State Road 580 near downtown Dunedin, a mountain of beer joy lies in a rather unassuming strip mall. Luekens Liquors is rated by Beer Advocate as one of the best places to buy snobby brew in the Bay Area. A quick survey of the copious beer selection reveals that inventory is scattered everywhere, with no apparent organizational system whatsoever. Wild Blue is shelved between Christmas beer and Boon Gueuze; the same beer is displayed in five different locations. Browsing the shelves of this brew Wonderland is similar to digging for vinyl records. In order to find the good stuff, it is often necessary to look at every single item. In some ways, that aspect adds to the charm, at least for someone like me. Exploring in this manner is way more interactive than simply buying a six pack. Here’s what I found on my treasure hunt through Luekens. Read the rest of this entry »