Beer Board of the Week (Road Edition) @ The Charleston Beer Exchange

Most of my picks for Beer Board of the Week have been local (Philly area). This go around is coming from the road. Charleston South Carolina might not be the first town you'd think to roll into for a southern beer adventure but it has it's fair share of good craft beer spots. Perhaps the best place for variety and unique bottles is The Charleston Beer Exchange (CBX). 

Located in the French Quarter (surprise, New Orleans doesn't have the only one) on a quiet side street, CBX is a shop small in square footage but huge on selection.  Besides having shelves packed floor to ceiling with beer they operate 9 rotating taps for growler fills. If you're paying attention to the photos you've noticed their large growler isn't the normal 64oz instead these guys raise the bar with the 128 oz. Now that's some serious take home! Besides the amazing selection and kick ass growler station, CBX takes online orders (sorry no shipments to PA) and the guys who run the place are incredibly helpful and knowledgeable on all things beer related.

On my visit the growler station had some nice offerings including two Victory beers on tap. A fact that may of swayed my decision for this board as favorite of the week. More important, it's good to know the people of Charleston are enjoying some Philly flavor.

Tasting Central Waters Peruvian Morning

The previous post focused on what's currently my favorite beer glass. Now it's time to highlight what recently went in it. 

Current glass of choice

Peruvian Morning is a Bourbon Barrel Aged Stout done by Central Waters Brewing in Amherst, Wisconsin. To be more specific it's a bourbon-coffee stout.  This is evident from the first sip. While the bourbon attacks the nose the coffee is what tackles the tongue. The roasted coffee/espresso bitterness is there from go along with some alcohol warmth. The flavors then slip to sweet dark fruit, caramel and bourbon with added touches of vanilla and oak. Though the flavor leans heavy on coffee the oak and bourbon really come through as it warms.

As satisfying as the flavor is, the appearance and mouth feel are disappointing. This is not a big, rich, chewy, sit by the fire on a winters night kind of beer. It's moderately thin. Not what I was expecting from a bourbon stout. The color follows the same underwhelming path. Instead of a deep, oily opaque, pour it's more brown/black with red hues.  Not a deal breaker, just not what I look for in a Bourbon Barrel Imperial Stout. I'm sure I'm being slightly critical since my last two beers similar in style were KBS and Bourbon County Brand Coffee Stout. Peruvian falls short of both.

The bourbon and coffee flavors, along with the aroma, are winners. I can see this as a solid breakfast/brunch beer. Pancakes with maple syrup, sausage and a Peruvian Morning, perfect! Although it won't take top spot among the heavy hitters in this style, Peruvian Morning is worth the purchase.

Hey Dogfish Head...Sweet Glass!

Which glass takes top spot?

Kicking back and enjoying a craft beer is one of life's relaxing pleasures. Having that beer in a great glass can add to the experience.  Even though certain beers can require specific glassware I think most good beer drinkers have a favorite glass or two in their collection that handle a variety of beer styles. For me that glass has been the classic Duvel tulip. With a fairly large capacity, room for a brisk aroma raising swirl  and a fat bottom that fits perfectly in my palm, (make your own joke) the Duvel tulip is king in my cabinet.  No beer style has been denied access: Belgium Sours, DIPA's, Imperial Stouts, Rauchbier, Saisons, Pale Ales, Porters and so on have been enjoyed from those famous curves.

However, as of Sunday night there is a new glass on the rack and it's quickly moving in on the number one spot. From the creative mind that spawned "Randall the Enamel Animal" comes the Dogfish Head Signature Glass. Where the Duvel tulip flaunts sexy feminine curves, this goblet is all straight lines and heavy based machismo. A true man glass. What else would you expect from Mr. Calagione. While the 16oz capacity falls short of Duvel's 20oz and swirling requires a bit more care, what makes it a winner are good looks and a solid feel. Is it the end all, be all masculine imbibing vessel? Ehhh, maybe. Can it completely overtake the classic tulip? Hey for now it's the bad ass flavor of the week.  It's already a damn fine addition to my already over crowed glass collection. Time and many, many tastings will tell if it's worthy of the top self.  Cheers!

For more on the Dogfish Head Signature Glass