When I'm staring at a dry weekend, it's hard to do the Brews You Can Use, but that's not the case today. A brutal week at the office gives way to a light weekend. I have to work a little bit today and a little bit tomorrow, but this evening brings plenty of beer and so does tomorrow.
It's been awhile since I linked to Modern Drunkard Magazine's site, but they have a good piece up right now: Top 10 Alcohol Icons of all Time. Excerpt:
Believe it or not, when Schlitz added malt liquor to its stable in 1963, their plan was to market it to an upscale clientele. This was before malt liquor had acquired its rough and tumble reputation, and the marketing boys thought the stronger, richer, less carbonated brew might appeal to the sort of sport who imbibed imported ales in between cruising around in his MG Midget.
A far cry from today's 64 oz behemoths of instant street cred, it was initially sold in dainty 8 oz cans, and print ads went so far as to suggest you should enjoy it on the rocks with a twist of lemon. Though they were also quick to point out it was smooth enough to sip “straight up.”
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A friend recommends this brewery: Ommegang. Among other brands, it brews "Hennepin," which is named after the missionary priest who discovered Niagra Falls, and "Three Philosophers":
Cynics can't believe it, Epicures hail it a sensation, and Pythagoreans just can't add up what makes this luscious blend of rich malty ale and cherry lambic so delightful. It might be the flavor of dark chocolate and cherry cordials; it could be the way it acquires wisdom and grace in the cellar. Maybe it's a conundrum. What's your theory?
He brought me a sample of both beers. Both sit getting chilled.
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This might be the coolest practical beer-drinking development in years: An improved beer glass. I'll have to see if I can find one and try it out.
