18 December 2013

Friday BeerBuzz - 20 Dec 2013 - The Teaser

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We really enjoyed last week’s show.  It’s always an honor to have Mark Carpenter from Anchor Brewing join us, and even more so when we’re sampling the classic Anchor Christmas Ale.  We’ve had Mark on three years straight, so it was fun to do a vertical tasting of 2012 and 2013 Christmas Ale.

So what will we be sampling this week?  Hint: This week we’ll continue the Christmas theme only this week it’s a non-traditional but really unique holiday ale….and yes we’ll be once again waking up our brewmaster early for the show. Tune in at

8:30AM and see what beer we sample on the Friday BeerBuzz on WILK…bringing good beers and good people together. (103.1FM or wilknewsradio.com).
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11 December 2013

Friday BeerBuzz - 13 Dec 2013 - The Teaser

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Last week our pal Chris Trogner joined us on the show to sample one of my all-tie favorite holiday beers…..Troegs Mad Elf.  Of course the beer was tasty and we also got some tasty updates on what’s going on at Troegs…including the next upcoming Splinter Series Beer, Bourbon Barrel Aged Troegenator.  Stay tuned for release details in the next few weeks.

So what will we be sampling this week? Hint: This week we’ll continue the Christmas theme with another classic and favorite holiday beer….only this time we’ll be waking up our brewmaster really early. Tune in at

8:30AM and see what beer we sample on the Friday BeerBuzz on WILK…bringing good beers and good people together. (103.1FM or wilknewsradio.com).


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04 December 2013

WILK Friday BeerBuzz - 6 Dec 2013 - The Teaser

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Last week we took the day off for Black Friday and to give thanks to sleeping in on a Friday morning…so there was no Friday Beer Buzz except for Mrs. BeerBuzz and I playing the Friday BeerBuzz home version.  We had a blast the week before talking beer with Ben Kehs from Deschutes and sampling one of my favorites, Mirror Pond Pale Ale.

So what will we be sampling this week? Hint: We’ve crossed into December to it’s time to feature one of my absolutely favorite holiday beers…and of course the brewmaster will join us too.  Tune in at 

8:30AM and see what beer we sample on the Friday BeerBuzz on WILK…bringing good beers and good people together. (103.1FM or wilknewsradio.com).
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20 November 2013

Friday BeerBuzz - 22 Nov 2013 - The Teaser

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We had a great time talking to Christine Celis last week and a lot of fun tasting BOM Brewery Heaven & Hell.  Christine has a great family background in brewing with her father Pierre Celis so it’s also exciting to see her launching her new series of Gypsy collaborations.

So what will we be sampling this week? Hint: This week we’ll be bringing you a brewmaster from the left coast who is new to the PA market….and no he won’t be brewing this weeks beer on a river! Tune in at

8:30AM and see what beer we sample on the Friday BeerBuzz on WILK…bringing good beers and good people together. (103.1FM or wilknewsradio.com).
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13 November 2013

Friday BeerBuzz - 15 Nov 2013 - The Teaser

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It was a lot of fun to get to sample the two newest 16oz seasonal cans coming from Old Forge Brewing Co last week.  It was even more fun to taste them with out pal Damien Malfara.  Check out Old Forge Brewing Plowshare Porter & Resolution Rye Stout in 16oz cans for yourself and you’ll see what I mean.

So what will we be sampling this week? Hint: This week we’ll travel to Belgium but go through a Heaven & hell to get there…WITH a very special guest.  Tune in at

8:30AM and see what beer we sample on the Friday BeerBuzz on WILK…bringing good beers and good people together. (103.1FM or wilknewsradio.com).

07 November 2013

Friday BeerBuzz - 8 Nov 2013 - The Teaser

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We had a Franken-good time last week on the WILK Friday BeerBuzz.  It’s always fun when we have Chuck Yarmey & Dan Schreffler from the Wyoming Valley Homebrewers in the studio, but mix in costumes and face painting and our Halloween show was a blast.  Of course we sampled some great home brews and even a home made Irish Cream….and of course they were really good.

So what will we be sampling this week? Hint: This week we’ll welcome back a local brewmaster and he’s bringing two new cans!

Tune in at 8:30AM and see what beer we sample on the Friday BeerBuzz on WILK…bringing good beers and good people together. (103.1FM or wilknewsradio.com).

02 November 2013

WILK Friday BeerBuzz - 1 Nov 2013 - Wyoming Valley Homebrewers w/Chuck Yarmey & Dan Schreffler (Video)

It took a monumental effort, but the video of our Halloween Friday BeerBuzz has finally found it’s way to you.  Multiple conversion, copies and compressions…and here we are.

31 October 2013

WILK Friday BeerBuzz Bus Trip To Pizza Boy Brewing & Marley’s Brewery & Grill (Video)

We had way too much fun taking 50 our our best friends to visit Terry Hawbaker at Pizza Boy as well as Mark Braunwarth and Paul Shaw at Marley’s Brewery & Grill.  We sampled from barrels, marveled at 102+ tap handles, pigtailed from fermentation tanks and even wore a new GABF medal.  Want to see more?  Check out the video!


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30 October 2013

Friday BeerBuzz - 1 Nov 2013 - The Teaser

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We had way too much fun on last week’s show as Terry Hawbaker from Pizza Boy joined us in the studio to sample his HopTart and Sunny Side Up beers.  Both were fantastic and as always with Terry…both were very unique.  We also want to thank Terry & Kristen for visiting us on the show, but for also hosting 50 of our best friends as our BeerBuzz Bus Trip hit Pizza Boy on Saturday.  If you haven’t been down to Pizza Boy yet, be sure to go check it out.

So what will we be sampling this week? Hint: We’ll bring it all home this week with guests in the studio, a very special Halloween edition and an event on Saturday that YOU can attend.

Tune in at 8:30AM and see what beer we sample on the Friday BeerBuzz on WILK…bringing good beers and good people together. (103.1FM or wilknewsradio.com).
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23 October 2013

WILK Friday BeerBuzz - 25 Oct 2013 - The Teaser

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We had a lot of fun greeting belated fall weather with a mid-seasonal beer from Samuel Adams last week.  Ruby Mild is loaded with malt, toffee and caramel flavors and it’s a great beer to welcome cooler weather with.  Available only in the Harvest Variety pack, this beer is a great excuse to buy the 12-pack.

So what will we be sampling this week? Hint: Anyone paying attention will know what brewery & brewmaster we’re featuring on the show this week!  He’s one of my favorites and the beers are really unusual. 

Tune in at 8:30AM and see what beer we sample on the Friday BeerBuzz on WILK…bringing good beers and good people together. (103.1FM or wilknewsradio.com).

16 October 2013

Friday BeerBuzz - 18 Oct 2013 - The Teaser

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We had a lot of fun last week camping with the Friday BeerBuzz Team.  We always have too much fun when we have

just us in the studio, and it helped that we had a really unique beer.  Sierra Nevada Beer Camp #94 is a Belgian IPA and it’s really unique among Sierra Nevada Beers so be sure to try this one out.

So what will we be sampling this week? Hint: This week we’re featuring a new post-fall seasonal from one of our largest small breweries.

Tune in at 8:30AM and see what beer we sample on the Friday BeerBuzz on WILK…bringing good beers and good people together. (103.1FM or wilknewsradio.com).
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09 October 2013

Friday Beer Buzz - 11 Oct 2013 - The Teaser

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We had a great time with Matt Lindenmuth from Saucony Creek in the studio last week.  Matt brought up his Cucumber Kolsch as well as two of his new 12oz bottles….Captain Pumpkins Maple Mistress & Stonefly IPA.  We had a great time sampling and we really loved seeing how Matt’s previous extreme athletic career translates into his brewing.

So what will we be sampling this week? Hint: This week we’re going coast to coast so be sure to pack your tent.

Tune in at 8:30AM and see what beer we sample on the Friday BeerBuzz on WILK…bringing good beers and good people together. (103.1FM or wilknewsradio.com).
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02 October 2013

Friday BeerBuzz - 4 Oct 2013 - The Teaser

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Last week we had a really fun show.  Partially because of the great beer we were sampling, but mostly because of our guests.  James Watt & Martin Dickie from BrewDog kept us laughing for 15 solid minutes.  Their sense of humor and the funny chemistry between then makes for a lot of fun.  Thankfully that fun will now be captured on a TV show as they premiered their Brew Dogs TV Show on Esquire last week.  Tune in and check it out at 10PM on Tuesdays and be sure to check out their Punk IPA as well.

So what will we be sampling this week? Hint: This week we’ll be highlighting a new local brewery with a really extreme origin…and of course their founder will be joining us. 

Tune in at 8:30AM and see what beer we sample on the Friday BeerBuzz on WILK…bringing good beers and good people together. (103.1FM or wilknewsradio.com).
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27 September 2013

Friday BeerBuzz 27 Sep 2013 - BrewDog Punk IPA w/James Watt & Martin Dickie (Video)

WILK Friday BeerBuzz - 27 Sep 2013 BrewDog Punk IPA w/James Watt

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We’ve reached out pretty far for our beers on the WILK Friday BeerBuzz.  From the west coast and even to Hawaii, but today’s brewery really takes the cake.

BrewDog comes to us from Aberdeenshire Scotland, and their story is an exciting and irreverent one.  Started in 2007 when “Emperor” James Watt and Assistant-Emperor Martin Dickie convinced some banks to give them a large amount of money to start a brewery.  Tired of mainstream lagers and crappy beer, they decided to bring true craft beer to Scotland, and eventually the world.  By 2008 BrewDog had already grown to be Scotland's 2nd largest brewery and in 2012 the guys took it even a step further.

In less than 5 years BrewDog was running at capacity so they launched the first ever crowd-sourced brewery.  Equity For Punks is a stock purchase program launched twice by BrewDog to fund their new brewery & expansion..and it worked.  This new brewery launched in 2012 in Aberdeenshire and it is not only state of the art, but huge!

James & Martin are known for their irreverent antics and their unusual brewing techniques and beers.  They’ve brewed on a ship, they’ve brewed at the bottom of the ocean, they’ve launched what was at the time the highest ABV beer in the world in the 32% ABV Tactical Nuclear Penguin, and they’ve even trumped that with the worlds most expensive beer that not only comes in at 55% ABV but it fuses beer with the art of Taxidermy as the beer bottles are packaged in road kill.

Jump forward to 2013 and the guys have opened 6 new bars and launched into a new TV Show called Brew Dogs.  The show airs on the Esquire network, and James & Martin have been touring the US visiting and filming at multiple U.S. craft breweries.  I’ve seen the trailers and the show is hilarious…and as if that wasn’t enough fun, the Sept 30th show will be set in Philadelphia PA so be sure to check it out.

It was a lot of fun talking beer with James Watt & Martin Dickie.  Known for their irreverence and off-the-cuff profanity, we certainly had our hand on “the button” all morning.  James began his business saying, “the beer scene was sick and he was the “f**king Doctor!”  He’s a ton of fun to talk to, but don’t let that fool you.  These guys knows great beer and good business and I suspect we’ll see BrewDog get even larger in the future.  It was a blast hearing about the new BrewDog brewery and the new TV show from James & Martin, but even more fun talking beer.
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Today we featured BrewDog Punk IPA.  As James would put it, ‘This beer is a wolf in sheep's clothing as opposed to a sheep in sheep’s clothing” and that pretty much describes the beer.  This non UK traditional take on an IPA is loaded with Chinook, Ahtanum and Nelson Sauvin hops so it is loaded with mango, grapefruit, kiwi and other citrusy hop flavors and it finishes nice & clean.  Punk IPA is 45 IBU and 5.6% ABV so it is really drinkable and since it is their flagship beer, it is readily available so be sure to taste it for yourself.

Thank you to James Watt & Martin Dickie from BrewDog, Nancy, John, Karel & Kyle for yet another

fun Friday.

The Friday BeerBuzz…bringing good beers and good people together.  As always you can check out the video on-line at the WILK Friday BeerBuzz page by clicking HERE.
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25 September 2013

Friday BeerBuzz - 27 Sep 2013 - The Teaser

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Last week we shared an interesting pumpkin beer with the WILK Friday BeerBuzz team.  Anderson Valley Brewing was one of my first craft beer experiences, so it was a lot of fun featuring their Fall Hornin’.  Check it out for yourself and you’ll see how Bahl Hornin’ it is.

So what will we be sampling this week? Hint: This week we’re reaching out to the 2nd furthest brewery we’ve ever featured on the show…and trust me this TV-Star laced show will be special!

Tune in at 8:30AM and see what beer we sample on the Friday BeerBuzz on WILK…bringing good beers and good people together. (103.1FM or wilknewsradio.com).
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20 September 2013

Friday BeerBuzz - 20 Sep 2013 - Anderson Valley Fall Hornin’ (Video)

WILK Friday BeerBuzz - 20 Sept 2013 - Anderson Valley Fall Hornin’

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Back in the late 1990’s I stumbled across a beer that was one of my first exposures to a sweet stout.  The beer used oatmeal in the malt bill and the flavor and texture were distinctive.  The beer was called Anderson Valley Brewing Barney Flats Oatmeal Stout and it was literally like nothing I had tasted at the time.  It quickly became a favorite and it’s a beer I recommend whenever someone is unfamiliar with an oatmeal stout.

About 100 shows or so ago we featured another Anderson Valley Brewing classic on the WILK Friday BeerBuzz in Hop Ottin’ IPA.  The English-style-leaning IPA is another Anderson Valley Brewing classic, but more importantly, it introduced all of us to “boontling.”



So what is boontling?  Well the story goes back to the 1880’s shortly after the Anderson Valley and the town of Boonville was discovered.  The locals literally developed a language called boontling and to this day modern linguists consider it one of the most extraordinary examples of a home-made language.  Hop Ottin’ translated to “hard working hops” and the very logo of the brewery itself includes the line Bahl Hornin’ Since 1987…which translated to Good Drinking since 1987 when the brewery opened.
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This Bahl Hornin’ has now translated into a series of seasonal releases, so of course we had to sample one on the show today.  Fall Hornin’ (aka Fall Drinking) is a really interesting beer that uses pureed pumpkin as well as some classic fall spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.  Combined with 5 different malts, including a dark chocolate malt and simply hopped with just Bravo hops and you have an interesting and tasty fall beer.  Fall Hornin’ comes in at a sweet 20 IBU and with the ABV at 6% it will get you attention.  The color is deep-copper and the aroma is all caramel malt for me.  I did really like the creamy mouthfeel and of course the finish is sweet and spicy.

We’re marching into the fall season, so this is the perfect time to try a great pumpkin ale like Fall Hornin’ from Anderson Valley Brewing.  Be sure to get your Kimmies and apple-heads and drink a heelch of Steinber.

Thank you to Nancy, John, Karel & Kyle for yet another

fun Friday.

The Friday BeerBuzz…bringing good beers and good people together.As always you can check out the video on-line at the WILK Friday BeerBuzz page by clicking HERE.
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18 September 2013

Friday BeerBuzz - 20 Sep 2013 - The Teaser

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As much as I hate to see the summer end, last week we began the celebration of fall beers on the WILK Friday BeerBuzz.  I wasn’t quite ready to jump into Oktoberfest beers so I decided to choose something else.  Brewery Ommegang Scythe & Sickle is a perfect example of a great fall beer, and the fact that this beer celebrates the harvest of everything BUT hops, makes it a really interesting beer to sample.  Get out and try it for yourself.

So what will we be sampling this week? Hint: This week will be one of the most confusing descriptions of a pumpkin beer you may ever hear.

Tune in at 8:30AM and see what beer we sample on the Friday BeerBuzz on WILK…bringing good beers and good people together. (103.1FM or wilknewsradio.com).
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13 September 2013

Friday BeerBuzz - 13 Sep 2013 Ommegang Scythe & Sickle (Video)

WILK Friday BeerBuzz - 13 Sept 2013 - Ommegang Scythe & Sickle

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Brewery Ommegang has always made some of my favorite beers, so I always jump at the opportunity to feature a new beer from them on the WILK Friday BeerBuzz.  Brewery Ommegang was started in 1997 on a 134-acre former hop farm in Cooperstown, NY.  Known for it’s deep aquifer water, this was the perfect location for the first farmstead brewery built in the US in over 100-years.

Now owned by Belgian brewing giant Duvel, Brewery Ommegang now joins the family of other traditional farmhouse breweries like Maredsous, d’Achouffe & Liefmans.  Based purely on the sheer amount of interesting new brews we’ve seen from Ommegang  in the past several years, I’d say this growth is a testament to the positive effects Duvel has had on the brewery.

With roots in northeastern PA, former Lion Brewery brewmaster, Phil Leinhart has really found a brewmaster-home with Brewery Ommegang.  Phil joined us a few years back to sample Hennepin, and of course he even has his silhouette on the bottle of one of my favorites from Ommegang….3 Philosophers.  Still regarded as one of our all-time BeerBuzz favorites, 3 Philosophers is a beer I always keep in my beer-cellar.

As we progress into the fall season, I thought it would be appropriate to feature a seasonally-suitable beer.  In fine BeerBuzz tradition, I of course decided NOT to feature an Oktoberfest or Pumpkin beer yet, instead opting for a harvest ale….sort of.
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Ommegang Scythe & Sickle celebrates the harvest, however it doesn’t celebrate it in the way most beer lovers would expect.  Rather than celebrating the hop harvest, Scythe & Sickle actually celebrates the harvest of everything BUT hops.  Scythe & Sickle uses barley, oats, wheat and rye in a multi-grain celebration of not just the harvest, but the farmers themselves.

As Ommegang says, “Farming is about precision, timing and care” and they brewed their harvest beer to share those same qualities.  Scythe & Sickle is well balanced with a creamy and smooth mouthfeel.  The grain imparts a slightly sweet character and yes there are hops on board…but they’re subtle and delicate…again just enough to balance the strong malty backbone.  All in all a very nice beer, and one I know you’ll enjoy.

Be sure to get out and celebrate the harvest season for yourself with a Brewery Ommegang Scythe & Sickle. 

Thank you to Nancy, John & Kyle for yet another

fun Friday.

The Friday BeerBuzz…bringing good beers and good people together.As always you can check out the video on-line at the WILK Friday BeerBuzz page by clicking HERE.
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11 September 2013

Friday BeerBuzz - 13 Sept 2013 - The Teaser

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Our pal Mitch Steele returned to join us for a beer last week, and as always, it was a blast.  Mitch is not only brewmaster for Stone Brewing, but also an accomplished author and IPA expert.  We wished Mitch and everyone at Stone Brewing a Happy Anniversary by sampling their 17th Anniversary Ale--Götterdämmerung IPA and we really enjoyed talking “beer” with Mitch.  Be sure to get out there and try this non-traditional IPA before it’s all gone.

So what will we be sampling this week? Hint: This week we’re finally planning to sample a season-appropriate beer that celebrates the harvest season. Of course this beer won’t have any pumpkin in it and it’s not a ‘fest beer either! 

Tune in at 8:30AM and see what beer we sample on the Friday BeerBuzz on WILK…bringing good beers and good people together.(103.1FM or wilknewsradio.com).
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06 September 2013

Friday BeerBuzz - Stone 17 w/Mitch Steele (Video)

WILK Friday BeerBuzz - 6 Sep 2013 - Stone 17th Anniversary Gotterdammerung IPA w/Mitch Steele

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As much as I always feel bad when we wake him up at 5:30AM, we really love having our pal Mitch Steele from Stone Brewing join us on the WILK Friday BeerBuzz.  Mitch is a friend of the show and a frequent guest as we feature Stone’s latest Anniversary beer each year and it’s always great to get the inside scoop on what’s going on at Stone.

This year we were honored to wish Mitch and everyone at Stone Brewing a Happy 17th Anniversary…and what better way to do that than to sample their 17th Anniversary beer with Mitch.

Stone’s 17th Anniversary beer  is named Gotterdammerung IPA and as with all of their Anniversary brews, this one is really unique.  This beer starts life as a sort-of Imperial Pilsner, using all Pilsner malts, but it finishes up with Ale yeast.  In between all that, Gotterdammerung IPA gets loaded up with bittering, flavoring, whirlpool and dry-hopping using multiple unique and experimental German hops.  Look for Magnum, Herkules, Merkur, Opal, Emerald, Strisselspalt, Hersbrucker and even Sterling hops in the mix and the resulting flavor is a really unique IPA.
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Gotterdammerung departs from the traditional citrusy or fruity hops found in American and New Zealand hops, and heads off on a spicy and herbal German path.  The color is gorgeous, the nose is uniquely hoppy and the flavor is resinous, bright and even a bit boozy.  Try this one for yourself and see what I mean.

Not only did we talk about Gotterdammerung with Mitch, but we also got some updates on Mitch’s new blog, his book release, the construction projects going on at Stone and even the future releases coming up in the Stone Collaboration series of beers.  As usual, we also didn’t forget to beg Mitch to open a brewpub in NEPA….so stay tuned Winking smile
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Thank you to Mitch Steele from Stone Brewing, Nancy, John & Kyle for yet another

fun Friday.

The Friday BeerBuzz…bringing good beers and good people together.As always you can check out the video on-line at the WILK Friday BeerBuzz page by clicking HERE.

05 September 2013

Friday BeerBuzz - 30 Aug 2013 - Rivertowne Brewing Hala Kahiki


Better late than never…and yes technical difficulties wiped out the video.
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04 September 2013

Friday BeerBuzz - 6 Sept 2013 - The Teaser

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Last week we said Bon Voyage to Nancy & John as they headed off to Bermuda on a cruise.  Rather than our normal cast of characters, Rob Neyhard joined me to co-host the show.  We had a ton of fun sampling the Rivertowne Brewing Hala Kahiki Pineapple Ale, and talking about can packaging.  Get out and try this beer.  You will be surprised.

So what will we be sampling this week? Hint: This week we’re launching another 5:30AM wake-up call to taste a new and special IPA.

Tune in at 8:30AM and see what beer we sample on the Friday BeerBuzz on WILK…bringing good beers and good people together. (103.1FM or wilknewsradio.com).
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30 August 2013

WILK Friday BeerBuzz - 30 Aug 2013 - Rivertowne Brewing Hala Kahiki Pineapple Pale Ale

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It was a really unique show today on the WILK Friday BeerBuzz.  First off both Webster & Nancy were out of town on their cruise…and while we have done shows with out one or the other, only once did we do a Friday BeerBuzz without both Nancy & John.  That show was done during their previous cruise and I co-hosted with Joe Thomas & LA Tarrone.  Today for the first time it was just Rob & I, and considering Rob has never co-hosted a BeerBuzz before I think we did a great job and had a lot of fun.

Our brewery today comes to us from Export PA and they are relatively new in the Northeastern PA markets.  Rivertowne  Brewing was started by Andrew Maxwell, but not in a traditional manner.  Turns our Andrew was a chemist by trade, and his work with Smith Kline Beecham lead to the development of Sudafed.  Andrew took a buy out and ultimately used that money to open Rivertowne Brewing.

Originally a series of three contract brews coming from Full Pint Brewing, the Rivertowne brewing brand opened their production brewery in 2012 and they now produce six different beers, all in 12oz cans.
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So you may ask why I chose the beer I did today…to which I’d say why not?  Our beer choice today was Hala Kahiki Pineapple Pale Ale and yes I chose it simply because I knew Rob and I would have fun with it.  Don’t get too lost on that aspect, since this is actually a very good beer.  While I know the flavor of Pineapple in a beer is not for everyone, you’d be surprised how well balanced and drinkable this beer is….and in cans and coming in at 4.8% ABV it’s perfect for the beach, camping, hiking or even golfing.

Be sure to check out Rivertowne Hala Kahiki as well as their other beers: Babbling Blonde, Maxwell’s Scottish Ale, Grateful White, RT Lager & Old Wylie’s IPA…and see for yourself.

Thank you to Rob & Kyle for yet another

fun Friday.

The Friday BeerBuzz…bringing good beers and good people together. As always you can check out the video on-line at the WILK Friday BeerBuzz page by clicking HERE.
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28 August 2013

Friday BeerBuzz - 30 Aug 2013 - The Teaser

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We had a great time last week introducing Pennsylvania to Vail Valley Colorado’s Crazy Mountain Brewing…and what better way to do it than to speak to their Founder & CEO Kevin Selvy.  We really enjoyed the Lava Lake Wit & Mountain Livin’ Pale Ale and I can’t wait until they distribute in our area in the future.

So what will we be sampling this week? Hint: This week we have Nancy & Webster out on a cruise, so tune in to hear what unusual PA beer that Rob & I feature. 

Tune in at 8:30AM and see what beer we sample on the Friday BeerBuzz on WILK…bringing good beers and good people together.(103.1FM or wilknewsradio..com).
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23 August 2013

Friday BeerBuzz Crazy Mountain Brewery w/Kevin Selvy (Video)

WILK Friday BeerBuzz - 23 Aug 2013 - Crazy Mountain Lava Lake Wit & Mountain Livin’ Pale Ale w/Kevin Selvy

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We love reaching west and exploring new breweries on the WILK Friday BeerBuzz.  There’s something special about Mountain Living that has always attracted me, so I love featuring (and visiting) Colorado breweries.

Today we were very excited to feature Vail Valley Colorado’s Crazy Mountain Brewery on the show…and what better way to do it than to “talk beer” with Brewmaster, co-founder and CEO Kevin Selvy.  Kevin started out as many brewers do, with an out-of-control homebrewing hobby.  Kevin soon transitioned that into a job at Anchor Brewing in San Francisco and it was in that very tasting room where Kevin met wife Marisa and the idea to open a Crazy Mountain Brewery was hatched.

Crazy Mountain opened it’s doors in 2010 becoming the first production brewery in Vail Valley, CO and they’ve quickly progressed to feature a lineup of core beers, as well as specialty and seasonal ales.  Crazy Mountain also features a variety of packing that includes not only kegs & bottles, but the perfect package for active living….cans.

It was a lot of fun getting the latest news on Crazy Mountain from Kevin and catching up on what they’ve been brewing.  You also have to love a brewery that officially lists “Doobie” the DOG as their CFO (as well as Isha & Luna doggies on staff).  With a lineup like that, of course their tasting room is dog-friendly too.
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We didn’t forget to taste some Crazy Mountain beer today and Kevin was nice enough to send us some Lava Lake Wit.  This classic Belgian Wit uses a unique malt lineup that includes rolled oats & un-malted wheat.  Add in Coriander, Chamomile, Curacao orange peel and grains of paradise, and a really unique yeast strain and you have a great brew.  At 5.2% it’s perfect for summer, and in the 12oz can package it works well year round.
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We also sampled the classic Crazy Mountain Mountain Livin’ Pale Ale.  This beer features a very hop-forward and fruit-forward flavor with the Simcoe & Citra hops on-board.  Once I heard two of my favorite hop varieties are in this beer, I knew this would be a favorite…and it was right.  This beer comes in at 5.7% ABV and it’s also loaded into the perfect Mountain Linin’ package….12oz cans.

We had a great time talking beer with Kevin today, and while they are not in PA just yet, you can find Crazy Mountain in parts of NY and other neighboring states so stay tuned.

Thank you to Kevin Selvy from Crazy Mountain Brewing, Nancy, John & Kyle for yet another

fun Friday.

The Friday BeerBuzz…bringing good beers and good people together. As always you can check out the video on-line at the WILK Friday BeerBuzz page by clicking HERE.
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21 August 2013

Friday BeerBuzz - The Teaser - 23 Aug 2013

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It’s always fun welcoming our pal Mark Braunwarth into the studio.  Mark is brewmaster at Marley’s Brewery & Grill In Bloomsburg and it was fun to get an update last week on the “new” Marley’s Brewpub as well as getting to taste some of Mark’s new beers.  Stop down and check out their new location and try them for yourself.

So what will we be sampling this week? Hint: This week we’ll be sampling some of the Craziest beers we’ve ever had on the show.

Tune in at 8:30AM and see what beer we sample on the Friday BeerBuzz on WILK…bringing good beers and good people together. (103.1FM or wilknewsradio..com).
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16 August 2013

Friday BeerBuzz - 16 Aug 2013 - Marley’s Whimpering Pup Pale Wheat w/Mark Braunwarth (Video)

WILK Friday BeerBuzz - 16 Aug 2013 Marley’s Brewery Whimpering Pup Pale Wheat w/Mark Braunwarth

FBBbeerbuzzbanner_v4 Back in March 2011 when the signs first went up on the windows of this downtown Bloomsburg brewery, and the tips started coming in, we all wondered what new brewery would be opening it’s doors.  Jump forward a few years and I’m excited to bring you the news that not only did Marley’s Brewery & Grille open that original brewpub, but they’ve already upgraded to a new location in Bloomsburg.

Today we welcomed back our pal Mark Braunwarth for his third appearance on the WILK Friday BeerBuzz.  Just a few weeks ago I went down to visit Mark at the new brewery, and I’m excited to report the new facility is really nice.  While Mark tells me the seating is of a similar size to the original brewery, but the space seems bigger and much more open than the original galley-style brewpub.  In any case the parking is much easier at the new brewpub and more importantly the brewery itself is larger…and while the original equipment did make the move to the new facility, there’s much more room in the new brewery.

While we were visiting Marley’s Brewery, Mark was nice enough to share some fermenting brews with us.  One of those beers was the Pack Dog Peanut Ale we sampled earlier this year on the show.  Mark tells me this beer has become a regular and quick seller at Marley’s and he’s working full time to keep it on draft year round.  If you remember, this beer made it to the final round in a really tough category at GABF 2012 so it’s a really good brew.  Mark was also working on a hoppy wheat beer at the time.  This beer was brewed along the lines of 3 Floyds Gumball Head, and while it wasn’t quite ready, the potential was there and I knew we had to feature it on the show.
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Mark was nice enough to bring up the completed beer.  Named Whimpering Pup Pale Wheat I’m happy to report the beer came out wonderful.  For hoppy-beer-lovers like me, this beer is loaded with Amarillo hops.  The interesting twist in this beer is that Mark uses a partial wheat malt, which brings a really creamy mouthfeel to the table.  This is a really nice beer that I suspect will see a lot of activity and one I look forward to having a pint of at Marley’s.  Mark Also brought up another interesting wheat-based beer in his Mad Dog Maple Walnut Wheat.  Made with Vermont Maple Syrup and walnuts this beer has a decidedly sweet, well-balanced nutty flavor with the great wheat-malt mouthfeel.  Another great beer and another one you should get down to Marley’s to try.

It was great to get an update on the new brewery from Mark and really cool sampling once again with him.  Also please join me in wishing Mark the best of luck as he has entered his Pack Dog Peanut Ale and his IPA into the 2013 GABF competition.

Be sure to get down to the new Marley’s Brewery & Grille on 1323 Columbia Blvd in Bloomsburg, PA and try these beers for yourself.  The food and beer are great and the new brewpub is really nice.

Thank you to Mark Braunwarth from Marley’s Brewery & Grille, John, Nancy & Joe for yet another

fun Friday.

The Friday BeerBuzz…bringing good beers and good people together.As always you can check out the video on-line at the WILK Friday BeerBuzz page by clicking HERE.
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14 August 2013

Friday BeerBuzz - 16 Aug 2013 - The Teaser

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Last week we had a great time celebrating a milestone with one of my favorite breweries…and it was extra special to have their founder and brewmaster join us on the show.  Avery Brewing is celebrating their 20th Anniversary, and what better way to do it than with a special beer simply named Twenty.  It was extra special to have Adam Avery join us to talk beer…and be sure to get out and try Twenty for yourself.

So what will we be sampling this week? Hint: This week we’re welcoming a local brewmaster guest into the studio to help him launch his new brewery…sort of!

Tune in at 8:30AM and see what beer we sample on the Friday BeerBuzz on WILK…bringing good beers and good people together.(103.1FM or wilknewsradio..com).
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09 August 2013

Friday BeerBuzz - 9 Aug 2013 - Avery Twenty w/Adam Avery (Video)

WILK Friday BeerBuzz - 9 Aug 2013 Avery Twenty & White Rascal w/Adam Avery

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The summer is rolling along quickly and as it does, we wanted to reach out and bring you another great brewing rock star with not one but two of his beers.

Adam Avery opened Avery brewing in Boulder CO back in 1993 as a home brewing experiment and what an experiment it turned out to be.  Anyone familiar with craft beer knows all about the great variety of beers that Avery makes.  From their Hog Heaven Barleywine we featured on the show last winter, to their new cans, Avery makes some of the best and most unique craft beers in the market.

Things hit a new gear for Avery with their GABF gold in 1994 for their Out of Bounds Stout, and they really took off when the barrel program began in 2003.  Add to that their starring role at the 1997 San Diego Strong Ale Fest and the Stone Distribution deal that followed and Avery was on the craft beer map in a big way.

Jump forward 20-years and Avery is celebrating a very special anniversary this year.  In honor of that anniversary they have released a special beer simply called Twenty.
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Of course we had to feature Twenty on the show today and it was an honor sampling it with Adam Avery, the man who started it all.  Twenty is a Double IPA that comes in at 9.24% ABV and has a really big hoppy nose that is backed up by the big hop flavors that greet you on first sip.  Avery calls this a “Massively hopped IPA” and one taste will confirm that.  It was really cool sampling it with Adam and getting his insights on the beer itself as well as the future directions for Avery Brewing.

We also wanted to highlight an exciting new package recently released by Avery…12oz cans.  To balance out the day we decided to also sample Avery White Rascal.  This traditional Belgian wit is the perfect beer for a can package and a great beer to take camping or golfing as well.

It was very cool to get a chance to talk beer with Adam Avery and I can’t wait to see what the next twenty years will bring for them.  Be sure to get out and try Twenty before it’s gone, and do not miss out on White Rascal cans as well.

Thank you to Adam Avery from Avery Brewing, Nancy, John & Joe for yet another

fun Friday. 

The Friday BeerBuzz…bringing good beers and good people together. As always you can check out the video on-line at the WILK Friday BeerBuzz page by clicking HERE.
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07 August 2013

Friday BeerBuzz - 9 Aug 2013 - The Teaser

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We always have fun on the Friday BeerBuzz and each show seems to get better and better.  We of course had a great time sampling last week and with summer slipping by we’re already on to our next show.

So what will we be sampling this week? Hint: This week we’re reaching out west to talk to a Brewer who’s name is the same as the brewery and YES you know the name! 

Tune in at 8:30AM and see what beer we sample on the Friday BeerBuzz on WILK…bringing good beers and good people together.(103.1FM or wilknewsradio.com).
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02 August 2013

Friday BeerBuzz - 2 Aug 2013 - Smuttynose Clusters Last Stand w/David Yarrington (Video)

WILK Friday BeerBuzz - 2 Aug 2013 - Smuttynose Cluster’s Last Stand w/David Yarrington

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Back when our pal Mitch Steele from Stone Brewing was working on his book,

“IPA:

Brewing Techniques, Recipes and the Evolution of India Pale Ale”  I had the opportunity to speak with Mitch and even have a tiny part in the book.  This book featured historic IPA recipes that always sounded amazing, but many of these beers, ingredients and techniques make them unavailable….that is until today.

Portsmouth New Hampshire was long considered the home of America’s First IPA as the original Frank Jones Brewery created this new style many years ago.  Jump forward to 1994 and the owners of the Portsmouth Brewery & Northampton Brewery purchased the assets of Frank Jones Brewery and started Smuttynose Brewery.  This interesting connection of Smuttynose & Frank Jones Brewery with our pal Mitch Steele and his IPA recipe work made for the perfect IPA storm…and in Jan 2013 the guys set out to create a historical IPA.

With the Frank Jones IPA recipe still missing, the recipe they decided to use would come from an early Ballantine IPA recipe.  A test batch was brewed with Mitch and the results led to a full 30bbl batch brewed at Smuttynose with Stone Brewing’s Greg Koch in June…and of course that was todays’ show beer.
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Cluster’s Last Stand pays tribute to historic IPA’s that originated on the east coast and to a forgotten hop….Cluster.  The name is a play on the brief resurgence in the Cluster hop for this beer, however if you get to sample this beer, you may vote to bring Cluster into more mainstream IPA’s.  This beer is significant not just in it’s historical roots, but the fact that this beer is creating history as Smuttynose’s First ever Co-Brewed beer. 

Cluster’s Last Stand is big at 8.3% ABV, but the flavors and aromas make it a very approachable and I do almost feel like I’m experiencing IPA-History as we sipped it.


Our guest today was Smuttynose Director of Brewing Operations David Yarrington, the very man who had his hands on the controls with Greg Koch as Cluster’s Last Stand was brewed in June.  David was nice enough to not only give us some insight on this new brew, but also some exciting details on the new Smuttynose Dream Brewery at Towle Farms.  I’ll be very excited to see this new facility progress and see the 100hl new brewhouse fired up in the future.
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David also walked us through a sampling of Smuttynose Finestkind IPA and once and for all explained who the guys on the label are.  As if all that wasn’t enough, David also revealed how Smuttynose Brewery got its name and logo.  I didn’t realize the brewery is named after Smuttynose Island off the shore of New Hampshire and the logo is a harbor seal native to that island.  Of course in Friday BeerBuzz tradition we also tried to pry some details out of David on upcoming Big Beer & Short Batch Series Beers. Winking smile

If you can get your hands on some Cluster’s Last Stand, be sure to taste this historical brew.  If not, be sure to check out Finestkind IPA or any of Smuttynose’s great year-round and specialty brews.


Thank you to David Yarrington from Smuttynose Brewery, Nancy, John & Joe for yet another

fun Friday.

The Friday BeerBuzz…bringing good beers and good people together.As always you can check out the video on-line at the WILK Friday BeerBuzz page by clicking HERE.
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31 July 2013

Friday BeerBuzz - 2 Aug 2013 - The Teaser

FBBbeerbuzzbanner_v4 Last week we had a great time talking to Flying Fish founder Gene Muller…and an even better time saying FU to Hurricane Sandy.  Gene created Forever Ungrateful Sandy (FU Sandy) to benefit the NJ victims of hurricane Sandy, so it was an honor to sample the beer with him on the WILK Friday BeerBuzz.

So what will we be sampling this week? Hint: This week we we’ll be featuring a really historic beer with roots in New Hampshire & California!

Tune in at 8:30AM and see what beer we sample on the Friday BeerBuzz on WILK…bringing good beers and good people together.(103.1FM or wilknewsradio..com).
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26 July 2013

Friday BeerBuzz - 26 July 2013 - Flying Fish FU Sandy w/Gene Muller (Video)

WILK Friday BeerBuzz - 26 July 2013 - Flying Fish FU Sandy w/Gene Muller

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I’m sad to admit that we’ve made it over 170 episodes on the WILK Friday BeerBuzz and not featured today’s brewery.  After all, this was one of the first breweries I remember sampling at some of my earliest beer festivals, so my craft-beer-memories are very fond for their beers.

Hopefully we fixed that today by featuring Flying Fish Brewing Co on the show.  Coming to us from Somerdale, NJ, Flying Fish had a very interesting start in the brewing industry.  Started as the world’s first virtual brewery, Flying Fish hit the web in 1995 with a really cool site that drew in lots of media attention, and ultimately some investors.  A year later in 1996, the real brewery opened it’s doors and Flying Fish Brewing Co was born.

It was a real treat welcoming Flying Fish Brewing  founder and president Gene Muller on to the show today.  Gene not only founded Flying Fish, but is also eager to share his experiences & business lessons with other up and coming brewers.  Gene was at the helm when in 2012 Flying Fish opened their new brewery in Somerdale, NJ.  It was exciting to get the updates on the new brewery from Gene and it was great to hear that this new brewery has quadrupled their production and has become the largest brewery in NJ since prohibition.


imageWe didn’t forget to sample a beer today, and Gene was nice enough to send us a bottle of his new Forever Unloved Sandy.  This beer is actually named FU Sandy, and it is brewed to benefit the New Jersey victims of 2012’s Superstorm Sandy.  Gene has already donated over $45,000 to various charities involved in storm relief from the initial keg-only release, but with the 1000 cases of FU Sandy bottles he’s releasing now, Gene is hoping to donate $25,000 more.

FU Sandy is a hybrid Wheat / Pale ale that uses 2-row malt and white wheat malt.  This beer also uses an experimental hop called ADHA 483 that has never been used in a beer before.  FU Sandy has a great fruity nose and a wonderful silky mouthfeel making it very easy drinking.  Add to that FU Sandy benefiting such a worthwhile effort and you have reason to seek it out for yourself or buy some of the FU Sandy, T-Shirts, Hats & Pint Glasses.

Finally what Friday BeerBuzz would be complete without trying to pry some new beer info out of our guest, and it was really exciting to hear the latest news in the Flying Fish Exit series from Gene.  Stay tuned for the follow up for Exit # 16 - Wild Rice Double IPA.

Thank you to Gene Muller from Flying Fish Brewing, Nancy, John & Joe for yet another

fun Friday.

The Friday BeerBuzz…bringing good beers and good people together. As always you can check out the video on-line at the WILK Friday BeerBuzz page by clicking HERE.
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24 July 2013

Friday BeerBuzz - 26 July 2013 - The Teaser

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Last week we completed round two of welcoming a new Virginia Brewery into PA distribution as we spoke to Taylor Smack from Blue Mountain Brewing.  We really enjoyed the Kolsch 151 and Dark Hollow and it was especially exciting to hear what may be coming next form the Blue Mountain Barrel House.

So what will we be sampling this week? Hint: This brewery has a familiar name, but the name of the beer is one that most people on the east coast would like to forget!

Tune in at 8:30AM and see what beer we sample on the Friday BeerBuzz on WILK…bringing good beers and good people together.(103.1FM or wilknewsradio..com).
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19 July 2013

Friday BeerBuzz - 19 July 2013 - Blue Mountain Kolsch 151 & Dark Hollow w/Taylor Smack (Video)

WILK Friday BeerBuzz - 19 July 2013 Blue Mountain Kolsch 151 & Dark Hollow w/Taylor Smack

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It’s a real testament to craft beer and a really positive note for PA as we see yet another great craft brewery start distribution in our area.  Prior to the last few weeks only some limited markets in Virginia were able to taste the beers we sampled today, and I’m excited to report not only are they now available in PA, but they’re really good as well.



Blue Mountain Brewery comes to us from Afton Virginia where it was started in 2007.  The brewery has a restaurant and brewpub with some great outdoor space as well as something unique…a hop farm!  With the desire to return Virginia to it’s former glory when it was considered the hop capital of the world, Blue Mountain currently has 400 Rhizomes of Cascade Hops and 100 Rhizomes of Centennial hops growing at the brewery.   As if that’s not enough…the first 150-pounds harvested each year go into a special fresh Hop Harvest celebration beer and much of the remaining hops are used in their Full Nelson Pale Ale.


With a name like a pro-wrestler, brewmaster Taylor Smack co-founded Blue Mountain Brewery after attending the Seibel Institute and brewing with Goose Island in Chicago at their brewpubs.  Taylor not only does some really unique and award winning beers, but he also manages to do something even more special.  Through the Blue Mountain Barrel House (founded in 2011), Taylor Double Thread brews, splitting the mash into two smaller kettles to make two different beers…many of which are then barrel-aged.  If I mentioned that one of his brews is named Double Barrel Aged Chocolate Cherry Bourbon Stout would you be interested?  I know I am.
imageOf course we sampled beer on the show today with Taylor.  Up First was Kolsch 151.  Named after Route 151 in Virginia, this beer is a classic Kolsch style lager that is clean, drinkable and it has a really crisp finish that will make you want more.  A perfect summer beer and I suspect it’s only a matter of time before we see this one hit cans.
imageWe also sampled Dark Hollow.  This Imperial Stout is aged in American oak bourbon barrels “still dripping with uncut whisky” for 100 days and you can certainly taste it.  The flavor is big and bold and at 10%, so is the ABV.  This beer is bottle conditioned, so if you can get your hands on one, lay it down for a few years and see how much better it gets.  I really enjoyed this beer and Taylor should be proud of the complexity and depth this beer has.

Be sure to get out tonight (7/19) from 5-7PM at Krugel’s Georgetown Deli & Beer to check out the Blue Mountain Brewery Tasting event and welcome Blue Mountain Brewery beers into PA.

Thank you to Taylor Smack from Blue Mountain, John & Joe for yet another

fun Friday (we miss you Nancy).

The Friday BeerBuzz…bringing good beers and good people together. As always you can check out the video on-line at the WILK Friday BeerBuzz page by clicking HERE.
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