Oct 2007

October “Witches Brew “

As October approaches and Halloween is upon us, there are a few beers/ales available such as; WychCraft, Hobgoblin, Shipyard’s Pumpkin Ale, and Dogfish Head Punkin Ale. Some are only available in fall, so act now. A pale golden potion with delicate red hues, WychCraft Imported English Ale seen around for ($4.25-5.50), has a heady burst of fresh citrus aroma derived from three infusions of Styrian golding hops. A sprig of gentle warming malty flavour finishes with a dry biscuit note and a counterpoise of bitterness. Pair with Red Dragon cheddar ale cheese and aged Grafton’s, burgers, and steak.

The Wychwood Brewery is located in Witney, in the heart of the Oxfordshire, England. Brewing in Witney has been taking place for centuries, originally carried out by pub owners, landlords, or more often their wives. Following the refurbishment and redevelopment of Wychwood Brewery in 2004, WychCraft was the first brew commissioned through the new brewery. Head Brewer Jeremy Moss hand-crafted the new brew especially for entry into the annual hard-fought foray that is the Tesco Beer Challenge. WychCraft excelled, delighting the judges, and to our immense pride and pleasure scooped the Winner's Trophy! WychCraft's innovative new recipe includes adding three infusions of Styrian Goldings hops to the copper, to create a highly aromatic brew, bursting with succulent citrus and lime hop character. A light base of delicately flavoured English Fuggles hops, and the use of lager malt, helps retain the signature hop character and create a wonderfully aromatic and fragrant summertime beer The Legendary Hobgoblin Strong Dark Ale found in pints ($3.49-5.99) and 6 packs ($9.99). Hobgoblin is a powerful full-bodied copper red, well-balanced brew. Strong in roasted malt with a moderate hoppy bitterness, and slight fruity character that lasts through to the end. Head Brewer, Jeremy Moss, has produced a full chocolate malt flavour beer by the addition of a small proportion of crystal malt and the use of Fuggles hops blended with Styrian Goldings hops. The ruby red coloured Hobgoblin is full-bodied and has a delicious chocolate toffee malt flavour balanced with a rounded moderate bitterness and an overall fruity.

Pumpkin Head Ale ($ 7.99- 9.99 6 pack) by Shipyard Brewery in Portland, Maine is a crisp and refreshing wheat ale with delightful aromatics and subtle spiced flavors with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg. Pumpkin head is available September through November. 4.5% alcohol by volume. This holiday beer is festive, good with turkey, chicken, pork, burgers, stilton, and Red Dragon Ale cheese. Try this beer with your Thanksgiving meal and pumpkin pie. Get it now or you will be out of luck till next fall!

Since 1994, Shipyard Brewing Company has been brewing fine quality products with a wide range of styles. Shipyard is using only top quality ingredients and prides themselves on consistency and freshness of their beers year after year. All their beer is hand crafted from recipes developed by brew master Alan Pugsley. Shipyard is brewed in Portland, Maine and ships to over 35 states in the US. Shipyard is Maine’s largest brewery and produces 13 varieties of English style, seasonal ales, and Captain Eli’s micro brewed sodas.

Another Pumpkin Ale that is seasonal is Dogfish Head Punkin Ale sold in 4 packs for about ($9.99-11.99). The ale is full bodied brown ale with smooth hints of pumpkin, caramel, malt, and brown sugar. Punkin Ale is 7 % alcohol by volume. This ale can be paired with turkey, roasted duck, lamb, stuffing, and various desserts. This ale is best served in a cold pint glass to allow the ale to open.