New Belgium Spring Blonde

Brewery: New Belgium Brewing Co.
Location: Fort Collins, CO
Style: Belgian Pale
ABV: 6%

Spring is around the corner. Everything about this time is about being lighter. The days will begin to stay lighter longer. Diets are in full swing as people are trying to get lighter for the swimsuit season. As we exit the winter season, we leave behind those heavy winter warmers, porters, and stouts, and turn our attention towards the slim and sexy blondes, like the one we have in front of us today.

Spring Blonde is brewed to commemorate New Belgium employees who take a Spring trip to Belgium after their 5 year anniversary with the company. It's meant to be a light and refreshing Belgian pale that gears us up for the warmer months. So, let's get to it!

Appearance: Pours a pale golden color with plenty of visible bubbles from the carbonation. There is a half-finger head that caps the pour nicely.


Aroma: There is a nice spiciness that comes off the nose that is complimented with sweet malt and bready yeast scents. I can also pick up some fruit aromas--apples, oranges, and lemons mostly.

Taste: Bread and biscuity yeasts followed by Belgian style spices and a cleansing lemon finish. Black pepper and floral bitterness come in on the aftertaste, but it's still a clean finish. The hops play a nice part in this Belgian. I didn't expect to notice them much, but they contribute to a satisfying bitterness on the back end of the flavor profile. Surprisingly, the Belgian spices that are so noticeable on the front of the palate are almost completely replaced by the hoppy notes of the finish.

Mouthfeel: This is a light, crisp, and clean beer with medium carbonation that would serve well on a hot summer (or Spring) afternoon.

Overall: This could easily be a go-to beer for the warm weather months. It's light and refreshing, but packs flavor. The label says it's a Belgian Wheat, but I think the Pale description is a better fit. Spring Blonde puts forth just enough hop flavors to separate it from a traditional wheat beer.

Spring Blonde is tasty, enjoyable, and very drinkable. Cheers to the end of winter!

He'Brew Jewbelation Reborn (17)

Brewery: Shmaltz Brewing Co.
Location: Clifton Park, NY
Style: American Strong Ale
ABV: 17%

Jewbelation Reborn is Shmaltz's 17th anniversary ale. At a whopping 17%, Reborn is not for casual drinking. It is a beer one should be intentional with, allowing the 17 different hops and 17 different malts to dance on the palate to a slow and methodical tasting waltz.

The commercial description provides some additional context around this celebratory ale. Here's what Shmaltz has to say about Reborn:

How could we hope to top last year’s Jewbelation Sweet 16 with its cupcakes, unicorns, & Satan’s Ferrari birthday cake? massive challenge. So for Year 17, we threw in a whole new dimension to our shtick – we built our very own brewery! After 17 years of contract brewing, our first Shmaltz Clifton Park batch emerged 17 months after the first draft of the business plan. Coincidence? Renaissance means “Re-birth” in French & Italian. In Buddhism, the concept does not truly translate as “reincarnation” but instead as “becoming,” or a “stream of consciousness.” 11 syllables structure a haiku. Shakespeare penned 17 comedies. In The Simpsons episode “Duffness” Homer sings “When I was 17″ about buying his first beer with a fake I.D. “I drank some very good beer. I stayed up listening to Queen, When I was 17.” In The Office, Dwight recites Rule 17 that all Schrute boys must learn: “Don’t turn your back on bears, men you have wronged, or the dominant turkey during mating season.” Knowledge and growth come in many forms. It is taught that Nirvana is only attained when the soul transcends cycles of rebirth. Looks like Shmaftz just isn’t there yet. So with 17 malts, 17 hops, and 17% abv,JEWBEL4TIONREBORNserves as another mark of our death as a contract brewer and proof of our conversion to a new life as brewery owner…… L’Chaim!!!

Appearance: Pours a very dark brown in color with an off-white head that forms along the ring of the glass.

Aroma: Bourbon, lots of bourbon, and maple, vanilla, toffee, and coffee malt.

Taste: Raisins and bourbon flavors come flying out of the gate. There's an immediate sweetness with this beer; sweet chocolate, vanilla, and toffee. The flavors are layered though, and this is a complex beer. With each sip, I pick up a new flavor and dive deeper into the many layers that come with this beer. The finish is boozy and mildly funky.

Mouthfeel: Low carbonation and a syrupy profile makes this a big and full-bodied beer. Almost creamy in texture. But definitely lots of syrup.

Overall: Jewbelation Reborn is a symphony of flavors. I guess that's what you get with 17 hops, 17 malts, and lots of booze. At times, this beer can seem a bit disjointed and all over the place, but not at the detriment of good flavor. Reborn is good with potential to be great. As with many beers of this stature, time will likely be a good thing and allow the flavors to balance and find harmony. The various malt layers and waves of sweetness will eventually settle into something more consistent on the palate. Reborn is enjoyable now, but the ceiling his high. It'll only get better.

Cheers!

4th Annual Mardi Gras Jax

Join me  at the 4th Annual Mardi Gras Jax, located at Jacksonville Beach, for the city's largest Mardi Gras Party and scavenger hunt!

Mardi Gras Jax is a Mardi Gras themed pub crawl that will take you to many of the popular “hot spots” on Jacksonville Beach.  Come dressed for Mardi Gras and win some great prizes: Best Dressed of the Night, Scavenger Hunt, and more.  Then make plans to join us for the Official After Party at Bo’s Coral Reef starting at 9 p.m. where we’ll crown the Annual King & Queen of Mardi Gras Jax!

Start at any of the following 4 locations:

• Ocean Grille
• Bo’s Club
• Lynch’s
• Zeta

Tickets are just $20 and you can purchase your tickets now by clicking the Tickets link or you can purchase tickets on-site at the participating bars/restaurants the day of the event from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m.

Wish there was a way to earn FREE TICKETS? There is! I will be giving away free tickets up until the day of the event. Here are 3 simple ways for you and your friends to score some tickets for the event without spending a penny:

1. Post a comment at the bottom of this article and share your best Mardi Gras memory OR let  us know what you plan to wear to this year's event.
2. Follow me on Twitter and wait for me to send out a tweet with instructions on how to win.
3. Click "Like" the Beer Apostle Facebook page and wait for your opportunity to score free tickets!

This is a Mardi Gras themed pub crawl!
(only 21 and up can participate)
Wear your most outrageous Mardi Gras outfit, catch beads, and have an excitingly fun time!

For everyone who purchases a ticket, you will receive:

• A wristband for admission
• Souvenir items and party beads
• A souvenir map/Mardi Gras scavenger hunt card
• Admission in all of the festivities, contests & prize give-away
• Drink specials at each bar (specials are solely up to the venue participating)

This is a Scavenger Hunt!
So collect a stamp at each participating venue.  Those who do, will be rewarded that night and be entered to win a cruise for 2, brought to you by Bud Light.  Can you say booze cruise?!?!  You will keep track with your map (the one you get when you pay), so don’t lose your map!! The all-mighty winner will walk home with their prize that night!  For contest rules, please click here.

Saint Arnold Icon Gold (Biere De Saison)

Brewery: Saint Arnold Brewing Co.
Location: Houston, TX
Style: Biere de Garde
ABV: 9%

The Saint Arnold Icon Series consists of specialty beers that the Houston brewery releases every three months or so. Each beer is unique and different from the last. Icon Gold is the fourth beer to be released (there have been five total). It is brewed in the Biere de Garde style, meaning "beer for keeping," and is most akin to a Belgian Saison. At 9%, Icon Gold holds the title for highest percent of alcohol among its icon[ic] peers.

According to Saint Arnold, Icon Gold is labeled as a Biere de Saison because it "combines the richness of a winter ale with the spicy, earthy notes of the saison yest."

Appearance: Icon Gold's label is wonderful. The bottle showcases the patron saint of beer, Saint Arnold, with a classic black and gold color combination. The label is simple, sophisticated, and eye-catching. In the glass, Icon Gold pours a cherry-copper color. The beer retains absolutely no head.

Smell: Belgian spices and sugary malts. I pick up booze and fermenting grapes (otherwise known as wine) beneath the Belgian yeast aromas.

Taste: The flavor profile begins with a strong surge of Belgian spices that is followed by fruit and berry tartness. I wouldn't consider the flavors sour, but there is an "over-ripeness" to the berry notes. The finish is spicy, boozy, and sweet. There's no hiding the alcohol in this beer, but that's not a bad thing.

Mouthfeel: Light carbonation yet crisp and clean. The beer appears flatter than it actually is, and I don't know that it needs any more carbonation than what it already has.

Overall: This is a flavorful beer. The Belgian spices blend well with the sweet malt and mild tartness. The alcohol shows up on the finish, leaving a subtle burn in the throat. Icon Gold is complex. There's depth of flavor and smell on every level.

Karbach Mother in Lager

Brewery: Karbach Brewing Co.
Location: Houston, TX
Style: Dunkel
ABV: 5.8%

I received this can through a trade and specifically requested a mix of Karbach brews. Mother in Lager is Karbach's Autumn/Winter seasonal that is meant to help calm one who may be spending an excessive amount of time with the in-laws over the holiday breaks.

The commercial description is as follows:

What can you say about the woman who brings a big serving of judgment to every occasion?  Sometimes it’s best to say nothing at all.  Mother-in-Lager recognizes those who have shown glimpses of sweetness through their otherwise bitter exterior and feels for those who have to put up with it.  Brewed with dark malts and German hops, this brew's depth of flavor will allow you to relax and bite your tongue while she reorganizes your entire kitchen.  So grab a 6’er of Mother-in-Lager and be prepared for the next time she comes to visit.  It’s going to be a long, cold night.

I may be one of the fortunate few who has a wonderful Mother-in-Law. I actually don't mind her company; in fact, she just celebrated a birthday this past weekend, which is what prompted this review.

Appearance: Mother in Lager pours a clean and deep brown with a quickly dissipating head. Minimal lacing.

Aroma: Malty-base. Chocolate, cherry, and butter notes. This is rich smelling beer. Very aromatic.

Taste: The flavor profile on this beer begins with strong malt flavors (I get a mix of toasted and chocolate malts). This is followed by fig and dates sugars and finishes with mildly bitter and roasted flavors. The hops are subtle in this beer. Except for a little dryness at the end, I can hardly detect their presence.

Mouthfeel: This is a creamy and smooth lager; it's full-bodied with medium complexity.

Overall: I appreciate Karbach's attempts at rejuvenating the lager. They have released a variety of tasty lagers and proven they can hang in a market that's mostly dominated by craft ales.

Mother in Lager is enjoyable, but may be a tad too sweet for some. Nonetheless, it's approachable, fun, and sweet.

FeBREWary at Brewer's Pizza: Brewfest and Bottle Share

What: Homebrew and Bottle Share Event
When: February 23 Homebrewing starts at 9am; Bottle share at 2pm
Where: Brewer's Pizza 14-B Blanding BLVD

This is a great event for anyone who enjoys good hand-crafted beer! Head out to Brewer's Pizza to meet some of the local homebrewers and taste their concoctions. Feel free to bring your own gear to brew with them, or simply hang out and watch others work their magic!

Most of Jacksonville's coolest people (I am not biased at all) are a part of the craft beer community. This is a great opportunity to gather with fun folks, eat good food, and consume uniquely tasty beer!

Cheers to local beer!

The New Beer Apostle Logo

I am excited to share the new and official logo for this site! The logo was designed by Stephen Nichols of Tallahassee Craft Beer. I asked Stephen to help me capture the essence of the Beer Apostle, and this logo does exactly that.

I also want to thank all those who voted to help me decide which logo you preferred. The votes came in at nearly 70% in favor of the logo you see here. So, YOU literally had a hand in this decision. And I couldn't be happier with this logo!

Feel free to contact Stephen for design work by clicking on any of the links above, or you can find him on Twitter: @TallyCraftBeer

Interested in learning more about how Beer Apostle came to be? Want to learn about how you can contribute to this site? You'll find everything you're looking for below. Just keep reading...

Interested in contributing to the Beer Apostle Site? Want to write a guest review?

I am always open to having guest contributions to the site. I am not the only person with a message, thus I am not the only Beer Apostle!

If you're interested in writing a review of a beer, event, or bar (or any other topic relating to beer), you can contact me by Email, Twitter, or Facebook.

Have beer you want me to review? 

If you enjoy this site and have a brew you'd like me to review, you can contact me for the address and information. As a beer enthusiast, I am always excited to expand my horizons and try new beers. This absolutely includes homebrews, too!

If you're a bar or restaurant owner, or are planning an event that you'd like me to feature, please email me for more details on how we can work together.

So, Beer Apostle. Is that like, beer and Christianity, or something?

The etymology of Apostle is a Middle English word meaning "one who is sent on a mission." The word has several religious contexts, and in this case, I am deliberately identifying with the Christian context of the word.

I am a Christian. I am also a person who enjoys tasting, sharing, and reviewing craft beer. I don't find that to be a bad blend. In fact, I find them to be quite compatible.

Beer has a rich history with Christianity--it was invented by Monks--and later enjoyed by amazing Christian leaders (CS Lewis and Pope John Paul are just two that come to mind).

Beer brings people together in unique ways. It's a common bond among people with vast differences. Craft beer has given me the opportunity to share my story, my experiences, my passions with people with whom I otherwise might never have met.

This site is not religious by any means, and I don't mean it to be. However, just as I cannot separate who I am from my Christian beliefs, I also cannot separate this blog from its Christian author. Thus, the Beer Apostle is nothing more than a beer blog, written by a Christian, who believes these things--beer and Christianity--can coexist.

Want to read more about the history of beer and Christianity? Check out these cool links!

• Cults, Christians, and Lagers--Where Did the Idea that Alcohol was a Sin Come From?
• The Story of God and Guinness
• Christians Drink Beer Too

Intution's Underdark (2014)

Brewery: Intuition Ale Works
Location: Jacksonville, FL
Style: Bourbon-Barrel Aged Imperial Stout
ABV: 9.5%

Saturday marked the second annual release of Underdark, brewed by Intuition Ale Works. The release drew a crowd, and the brewery shut down King Street for the block-party-event.

Bottles of Underdark, a bourbon-barrel aged imperial stout, went on sale at noon and were sold out by 6pm. I was fortunate. Not only was I there before the bottles sold out, I also got to try Underdark on tap.

The annual release of Intuition's Underdark is something that beer lovers in North Florida should rejoice. Whether you were able to make the event or not, I believe this event shows the direction in which Jacksonville's beer scene is heading. I have mentioned many time before about the recent development of the craft beer crowd in Jax. In the last 24 months, this city has seen several craft beer spots open their doors. And let's not forget that a mere five years ago, Jacksonville's only brewery was the Budweiser plant that's located on the North side.

Since then, Jacksonville has seen a whopping five craft breweries open their doors. Throw in Pinglehead (located in Orange Park), Mile Marker (Saint Augustine), and Veterans United Craft Brewery (set to open in Jacksonville this Spring), and it's easy to see what is being foreshadowed for the North Florida beer scene.

Now back to the beer at hand: Underdark. Here are my tasting notes from the imperial stout:

Underdark pours a deep black with an off-white head. The nose is sweet: vanilla and chocolate with subtle notes of oak wood.

The taste is also sweet. Reminds me of some Southern Tier stouts. Vanilla, milk chocolate, mocha, and bourbon fill the flavor profile. The texture is smooth and creamy, very much like a milk stout. The bourbon is subtle and, if I didn't know what I was drinking, I probably wouldn't guess this is bourbon-barrel aged.

Overall, this is a tasty stout that I proudly welcome to Jacksonville. I like to see these special releases coming from Intuition, and I am excited to observe how this beer changes with each annual release. The bourbon isn't as pronounced as it could be; I would like to see them work to bring more of the bourbon complexities to this beer. But this is just the second release of Underdark and Intuition will undoubtedly seek to build upon their creation.