We've done "buy this beer" in the past as well as a smattering of beer reviews, but as something new for 2014 we're going to share what we're enjoying on a weekly basis. To kick it off, we've got three options that are sure to satisfy any kind of beer lover as they ring in 2014.
Twisted Pine Brewing Cucumber Cream ale
Essentially this is the hors d'oeuvres of the beer choices for my new years; playfully light, yet interesting enough to pair with smoked salmon or crackers and cheese. The smoothness of the cream ale pairs extremely well with the fresh grassy character of the cucumber.Twisted Pine began their Farm to Foam series in 2012 and again produced both their Cucumber Cream ale and Roots Revival their wildly popular carrot IPA in 2013. With the goal for some becoming increasingly about sourcing raw ingredients locally, Twisted Pine's brewers found all the ingredients for each beer in-state. Cucumber cream utilizes malted barley and wheat from Colorado Malting Company in Alamosa, Crystal hops from Misty Mountain Hop Farm in Olathe, and English cucumbers from 2 R’s Farm in Platteville.
I'm not sure what I'll be indulging in food wise on New Years, but Pikes Peak's latest Penrose Reserve is sure to taste great with anything, or by itself if that ends up being the case. We previously tasted this beer during their barrel-aged beer night at this year's Monument Beer week, and jumped at the chance once bottles were available. Pikes Peak's Penrose Private Reserve series is named for Spencer Penrose, the founder of the Broadmoor, who stockpiled wine and spirits in the hotel during Prohibition. Their barrel program has grown in leaps and bounds during 2013, and this will be a fitting tribute to help ring in the next year of awesome brews. If you want to enjoy this at the source, tickets are still available for their New Years Speakeasy party. Get them while you can
here.
Galaxy hops were the crème de la crème of hops in 2013. This high alpha acid hop from Australia has become very popular, with aroma comparable to Citra and Amarillo and bittering abilities much like Centennial, brewers have found it very fresh and exciting in their beers this year. We had a chance at our last Meet the Brewer event to have Great Divide's Space Kitten, a 100% Galaxy hopped IPA, and it was wonderful. Combining the wonderful hoppy greatness of Galaxy with Crooked Stave's amazing oak foeders fermentation, and you get a deliciously funky yet fresh beer that is an easy replacement for champagne this New Years.
Thanks for all the great times this past year! We're looking forward to another great year here at Focus on the Beer, and we hope you will join us! Be on the lookout for more Meet the Brewer events, hopefully we'll have a lineup set up soon!- - -Stay updated with our
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