SO much to update on!! If this post seems a bit frenetic, that's only because it is. It's been a busy couple of weeks!
First and foremost, I'm finally bucking up and buying my first (and hopefully last) set of Highland Bagpipes. The guys in the Sutherland Band have pointed me to a most reputable vendor in Gloucester, MA, Dick Chane at Richard Chane's Bagpipe Supply. I'm expecting to shell out a pretty penny, but it's worth it for a good quality set of pipes. My teacher is somewhat confident in my abilities to at least press out a tune so I'll take his word for it... Either way, I'm REALLY excited! It is my goal to be ready to play for St Patrick's Day.
My other purchase this weekend is one of my favorite movies about beer... Beerfest!! It was in the $5 bin at Walmart and I could not resist... I personally find it funny and even funnier after I've had a few. If you've not seen it, check it out. It's by the same guys who did SuperTroopers, an equally funny movie. Beerfest is a movie that takes me back to my college days. In fact, I'm watching it now for inspiration!
In other exciting news, the Pike Brewing Company's marketing manager, Linda Stratton wrote to thank me for my post last week. This is the second time that I've gotten a message back from a brewery and I have to tell you, it's both exciting and frightening to think that anyone is reading this at all!! I'm a bit jealous of Ms. Stratton's position at Pike's. I was a marketing major in college and I'd LOVE to work in a position such as the one Ms. Stratton is in at such a prominent brewery. She was most complimentary of my post and put me on their mailing list. I have to say, phenomenal newsletter! It's equal parts beer geek, foodie and advertisement for their beers and brewpub. In addition, she stated that the owners of the brewery, the Finkels are going to be doing an east coast tour to try and promote their beers. I suggested to her that she check out the Guest Brewer's night at Barleycorn's in Natick. It's an excellent opportunity for them to get to know true fans of beer. Either way, looking forward to them coming out and hope to meet them when they do!
I've got a few beers to review, I'll start with the Harpoon Octoberfest and then move onto the main event: Shipyard vs. Shipyard. A pumpkin beer battle royale!
Harpoon Octoberfest: ABV 5.5%, IBU 30 Marzen Style
The Harpoon Octoberfest is a beer which you might expect from Harpoon. In general, I love their beers and having had a chance to chat with the owners on one occasion, I can tell you that they take great care in the product they put out. The Octoberfest is a well balanced beer perfect for a long day of celebrating saaaaaay, the wedding of the crown prince of Bavaria for example. On the bottom of the box, they've paired it with pork or sausage and I agree, however this is the kind of beer you could mix with pretty much anything, Sauerkraut, Jaederschnitzel etc. Last night, for example, I had it with Kielbasa, meatballs, pepperoni bread, baguette and pub cheese. We did some eclectic (aka redneck) tapas with our friends Mark & Heather last night. Good times! Mark, thanks for leaving behind the Guiness by the way. Good man! Long and short, Harpoon Octoberfest is an excellent fall beer.
Shipyard Showdown!!
Before I get going, I have to comment on the Shipyard website. It's probably one of the most elaborate that I've ever seen. The sounds are a bit much but entertaining at least on the first run through. The beer bottle opening and the pour of the beer in particular was more that suggestive. One of the more interesting parts of the site is the video under the "What's hot" section. It gives a brief history of the company and I think most importantly, an introduction to the brewer, Alan Pugsley. This guy knows his stuff and I think the brewery has greatly benefited from having him on board. The only disappointing part about the website is the "news" Section. I would think with such a fine suite of beers and the attached brewpubs (Federal Jack's in particular) that Shipyard would have more press. However, at this point, the only thing they have is a link to their public relations person. Regardless, a great website. Pressing onward, Kommst du mit!
Never before have I seen one brewery put out two pumpkin beers, but less two beers that are so drastically different. The most famous of the two is the Pumpkinhead beer. It's Shipyard's fall seasonal beer and frankly it's not bad. It is not, however what I expected. There's very little in the way of pumpkin flavor and a hint of what I would consider to be traditional pumpkin spice flavor. Overall a light flavor and a somewhat uninspired finish. However for those that are looking for a light beer that fits with fall, this is it. I might suggest this for those that are looking to expand their horizons but aren't willing to really jump into the frey of truly experimental beers.
Beer number two is from the Pugsley's Signature Series. The "Shipyard Smashed Pumpkin" sold in a single 22oz bottle and perhaps is a bit more expensive than your average six pack at about $9 a bottle. Made with Pale Ale, Wheat and Munich malts as well as Hallertau and Willamette hops, it has a thick and rich body, dark malty hue. It also comes with a HEFTY 9% ABV. The high alcohol volume and the heavy use of malt helps it to have a full bodied character and frankly was a pleasure to consume. The interesting thing is, however that the alcohol is almost non present in the taste. This is due in part to the fact that they have flavors that really come through, Pumpkin, Nutmeg, Allspice. It TASTES like fall. The brewer states that this beer is best served at 55 degrees and pairs well with sharp cheeses, nuts, Lamb, Stews and deserts. They pretty much covered the bases for me as far as pairings, so I'll say no more. They did suggest that this beer be mixed with their Blue Fin Stout (another favorite of mine) to make a fall warmer. Interesting theory and I think I'm up to performing the experiment on my next go around. In short, I was REALLY impressed with this beer.
It think it's clear by my commentary that there is a clear winner between these pumpkin pugelists in this battle of the bier. The Pugsley's hands down is champion. Tasty, lovely velvety texture; this beer epitomizes fall harvest beer. Mr. Pugsely, both beers function well, but the Pumpkin Smasher is by far a better beer.
Gang, thanks for reading! Prosit!
Your Friend,
Rob
Shipyard Brewing Co: http://www.shipyard.com/
The Harpoon Brewery: http://www.harpoonbrewery.com/
Richard Chane Bagpipe Supply: http://www.rchanebagpipes.com/
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