BEER
O'Fallon's Cherry Chocolate Beer
O'Fallon's Brewery
St. Louis, MO
I don't know whether this is the first you've heard about this blissfully crafted beer, but I must insist that this is worth a try. Now, I know that there are still some classicists out there. I know who you are. I recognize you, from your resolute stroll towards the section with which you're most familiar to your product and price memorization, plus tax. Mr. Half-a-pint-of-Barton-vodka, good to see you. Oh, hello, Ms. Thirty-Pack-of-Busch, how's the renovation coming? But no one... NO ONE should think that they would not completely love this beer. If you can't find it in stock at Harper Corner, then find it somewhere. Oh, and don't forget the whipped cream.
Hop Rod Rye
Bear Republic Brewery
Healdsburg, CA
Rumor has it that the guys that started this brewery went to college with the same guys that started Sierra Nevada Brewery. Whatever the reason, they have got a serious product, here. The Hop Rod Rye ale has a rich, driven flavor that screams and rattles like a race track. Deep roasty rye flavor slams headfirst at no less than 55 mph into a bright citrus that rounds into a caramel undertone, and, at 22 ounces of oak, it creates a heavy, intimidating brew worthy of only the most serious beer drinker. People talk about a meal in a bottle, and that would be this. Perfect for the holidays, this beer reminds me most of chestnuts roasted on an open fire.
LIQUOR
Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum
If you know the story of Sailor Jerry, then I won't bore you. My only statement I have to say is this. The Sailor answers to no man. He has no fleet of ships at his command, like the notorious Admiral Nelson. He has no crew to order about, like the cantankerous Captain Morgan. He is his own man. He is the Sailor! And here's how I like to enjoy him around the holidays:
Hot Buttered Rum
1 generous T brown sugar
1 cinnamon stick
Lemon Peel
6 whole cloves
boiling water
2-3 oz. Sailor Jerry
pat of Butter
Grated Nutmeg
Rinse a large glass with boiling water (dump out!), then add brown sugar, and a lemon peel studded with cloves. Pour in a little boiling water just until the sugar dissolves. Add rum, then fill to rim with boiling water. Stir, then place pat of butter on top. Sprinkle with grated nutmeg, then drink... Then drink again... Then drink a little bit more.
>>Now, I have to add, here, that the recipe for Hot Buttered Rum swears that you should never, under no circumstances, use a spiced rum for this recipe. I beg of you all to differ.<<
Old Charter Whiskey
Aged 8 years, this whiskey has the oomph to warm a body up on a cold snowy night (like tonight!), but also has the price of Jim Beam, a whiskey bottled in only half the time. This whiskey is smooth, it is genuine. It's the working man's whiskey. Old Charter is not a new player on the field, no. He is a seasoned pro, long-established in the industry for his remarkable ability to make the perfect holiday beverage:
The Hot Toddy
2-3 oz. Old Charter (Or other hard liquor, your choice)
1 oz. sugar syrup, or to taste
4 whole cloves
Generous pinch cinnamon
Lemon slice
Boiling water
Mix all ingredients in a mug. Let the cloves steep a few seconds, then top with grated nutmeg and call your neighbors. If they are fortunate enough to even witness what you are enjoying, they will then proceed to tell you how awesome you are. You can then ask them for a favor, if you want. If they agree to the favor, it is proper etiquette to then offer them a taste.
I hope that these reviews and suggestions give you all something to think about for the holidays. With snow on the ground, it's a great time to wall off the world, play hookie, and treat yourself to a hot toasty holiday beverage. We'll see you around the store, but until then...
Stay thirsty, my friends.
I stumbled upon your blog after seeing a comment on facebook. It is good to see you writing. Ah, beer....quite possibly the lack there of being the worst part of pregnancy...although still worth it. Only a few more weeks :) Bret and I have taken full advantage of PA brews since moving out east. Yuengling being the most common and popular. If you went to a bar or even a resturant and asked for a lager you would be served a Yuengling no questions asked. It is the choice of locals and a new favorite of ours. Although, we do miss a Boulevard Wheat every now and then.
ReplyDeleteIf you're back east, you should try a beer from Dogfish Head Brewery out of Delaware. They make a 60, 90, and 120 Minute IPA that'll knock Yuengling's socks off.
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