by Judy Esguerra | Apr 22, 2015 | The Vault Reserve, Vault Reserve: April 2015
10% ABV | Belgian | 750ml | De Struise Brouwers | Oostvleteren, Belgium There are beers. And then there are beers. These are not the casual sort of beer you put in your basket at the market without a second thought – beers like these are sought, collected and revered. The kind of beer that transcends this plane of existence, is often accompanied with rays of light and a choir of angels when you open it – you know, that sort of thing. De Struise’s Pannepot Real Ale is one of those beers. Praised by beer fanatics since its debut a few years ago, the admiration for this brew and its valiant brewers is not some casual opinion – in 2008, they were voted best brewery in the world. Beyond that, both appear frequently on worldwide Top 10 lists by professionals and enthusiasts alike. Not too bad for a brewery started by three men and a name that comes from an old flemish word meaning “ostrich” (or, The Sturdy Brewery as it is officially translated, but that’s not as fun). The brewery is yet another splendid participant in the old-meets-new phenomenon of modern craft brewing, marrying the beliefs established by the past with the conventions of today’s tastes, including stronger flavors, higher alcohol content and increased emphasis on barrel aging. The brewers moved their operation from region to region for a couple of years before finally settling in Oostvleteren, Belgium, where they opened their own established brewery and tasting room in a, what else, renovated school house. Since they’ve set up shop, they’ve been quite busy, churning out an impressive collection...
by Judy Esguerra | Apr 22, 2015 | Lock Box: April 2015
3.6% ABV | Earl Grey Pale | 330ml | Siren Craft Brew | Berkshire, England “All beer drinkers should be able to enjoy craft beer as wine drinkers enjoy the finest wine,” claims Siren Craft Beer, and we’re inclined to agree. Beer drinkers have often been relegated to a second-class enthusiasts, curmudgeons who would sooner crush an emptied can on their forehead than dissect the nuances of a fine Belgian Trippel. Luckily for us (the sophisticated beer chuggers of the world), breweries like Siren exist, eager to readily disprove this misconception and elevate the art of brewing of brewing to a level that parallels the offerings of any vineyard. Take that, sommeliers. Sophisticated and exacting, the brewers at Siren have an almost sinful amount of pride in their process. They make use of the finest ingredients. Their methods are measured and meticulous. They absolutely, positively care. Everything Siren does seeks to exalt the glorious and noble beer, and the fervor and passion in which they brew is an enviable force indeed. And it works. In a short period of time – they opened their doors in Berkshire in Berkshire in 2012 – Siren has garnered the adoration of the public, going from RateBeer’s “Best New English Brewery” to “Best Brewery in England” in record time. But all of this sophistication lives alongside a certain playfulness that brings it all back down to earth. Celebrate the quality of your malt bill all you want, Siren, but you have a beer called Big Inflatable Cowboy Hat. And we like that about you. But we’re not here to talk about cowboy hats, inflatable or otherwise....
by Judy Esguerra | Mar 24, 2015 | Lock Box: March 2015
The Camden Town Brewery grew out of a desire to have outstanding locally sourced beers in the London area, including lager, wheat beer and pale ales that previously had to be imported. Owner and brewer Jasper Cuppaidge began experimenting and brewing cask beer in the cellar at his Horseshoe Pub in Hampstead, North London, where he regularly served his beer creations to pub clientele. The brewery then moved to it’s current location, and since 2010 Camden Town Brewery has been operating as a microbrewery, making and selling a variety of beers in the London market. Today they operate right under the railway at Kentish Town, in seven old Victorian railway arches that have been converted into a state of the art brewery and pub. Camden brews a variety of 7 classic beers year round plus several limited edition beers and the Versus Series, a collaboration between Camden and other breweries. These brews are available in bottles, cans and kegs throughout England, Sweden, Australia and Japan. What is really intriguing about the Camden Barrel Aged IHL, besides the light and crisp flavor, beautiful rich amber color and unusual process, is the story of dedication and drive that made the beer. It took Camden a year of trial brews to create IHL, and the brewer nearly died in an explosion during the process! Thankfully he escaped with only injuries and now the world knows a superior IHL. Camden Barrel Aged IHL is very much like an India Pale ale but is actually a lager that is aged for six months in six Bourbon barrels and one Tequila barrel, after the aging...
by Judy Esguerra | Mar 15, 2015 | Lock Box: March 2015
6.5% ABV | Double IPA | 330ml | Buxton Brewery | Buxton, Derbyshire Under the motto of “Make Better Beer”, Buxton Brewery owner Geoff Quinn has worked hard to create a diverse slate of beers during his short brewing career. Born from his passion for real ale, Quinn’s brewing career began in his garage in 2009. Although his first foray into brewing was less than spectacular, he continued experimenting and soon learned how to craft quality beers. Buxton Brewery was officially founded later that same year. Quinn found a suitable location in Buxton, took out a £50,000 loan, and started brewing on a larger scale. The company now employs several additional staff, including two full time brewers and brews over 20 regular and seasonal beers. The town of Buxton is surrounded by the Peak District, the UK’s first national park. Known for its ‘special water’, Buxton is a spa town situated in Derbyshire in the English Midlands. Known as Aquae Arnemetiae (‘The Waters of the Goddess of the Spring’ or ‘The Spa of the Goddess’) by the Romans, the area around Buxton has been valued for its special waters for several millennia. The Buxton Brewery takes advantage of these waters to craft all of their fine beers. Buxton Axe Edge (6.5%) IPA (India Pale Ale) is the brewery’s best selling beer. IPAs were originally brewed as pale ales which were meant to withstand the long sea voyage from England to India. Over the years, the IPA has evolved into its own style of beer. IPAs are generally very hoppy and strongly flavored beers which often have fruity and floral overtones....
