A Belgian Style Break: Resurrection Ale

During our big move this past week I found time to stop for a moment and taste a bit of Baltimore or Royersford depending on how you look at it. A bottle of The Brewer's Art Resurrection Ale that I received from the Baltimore Beer Guy has been residing in The Beer Fridge since the Super Bowl. My original plans were to use it to toast a Steelers victory but even though the Steelers were victorious the cork was never popped on this Belgian style ale. Now during the big move with all my beer in boxes and the cleaning out of the fridge I figured to lighten the load by one bottle.

This Belgian style Dubbel poured a cloudy copper color with a thick off white head that had staying power. The sweetness came through in the aroma with a mix of candi sugar and dark fruit. The malty beer had a medium mouthfeel, balanced carbonation, an upfront taste of apples, raisins and plums and was sweet without being cloying. Nothing shocking here, it was what you would expect from a easy drinking lighter Dubbel. There are certainly stronger more flavorful Dubbels but this one was perfect for a quick break in a full day of moving. The 7% abv thankfully provided a good kick without sending me into nap mode. I only wish that I could buy this in PA. It's funny to think that I now live only a short drive from Sly Fox Royersford where Resurrection is contract brewed, but unless I am heading to Maryland I'm not getting a bottle anytime soon. Again, a huge thanks to Brian for getting me this one.

To the Victor Belong the Spoils

A few weeks back I had a friendly wager with Brian/ The Baltimore Beer Guy on the Steelers/Ravens game. The bet was simple; if the Steelers won I would get a couple bottles of fine craft beer from Baltimore. If Baltimore won I would make sure Brian received a couple bottles from Philly. I know that sending Pittsburgh beers would make more sense but living in Philadelphia obviously it's bit easier to search out unique beers from the area.

Ultimately I didn't have to ponder about what beers to pick out. As any football fan knows the Steelers came away with a hard fought victory. "To the victor belong the spoils...", so yesterday I received a box and inside were two fantastic bottles from The Brewer's Art. Resurrection Ale and Ozzy Ale are two of the Baltimore brewery's more well known and highly rated beers. From the Brewer's Art website:

Ozzy

Our answer to the Belgian «devil» beers (i.e. Lucifer, Duvel, etc.). Both rich and dry, this beer is all too easy to consume in large quantities. Hopped with Styrian Goldings.7.25%abv

Resurrection

During the fermentation of the first batch of this Abbey-style ale, the yeast «died» and was «resurrected» by brewer Chris Cashell. Made with five types of barley malt and lots of sugar, this beer is quite flavorful, without being too sweet.7%abv

At one time Brewer's Art beers could be found around Philadelphia and I remember spending evenings at North 3rd enjoying goblets of Ozzy. Or was it Resurrection? Either way those days are gone. Not long ago the brewery stopped distribution to Philly to better support the Maryland market. This makes me even more appreciative of the bottles that now reside in my beer fridge.

I want to give a huge thanks to Brian for the fantastic beer choice and if you haven't done it yet make sure to check out his site Baltimore Beer Guy. I plan on resisting the urge to open either bottle until the first Steelers playoff game. Since they have a bye it's going to be a painful couple of weeks.

Weekend VICTORY!!!

Last week was heavy on the event side. Samplings, brewery promos, firkin specials, Keep the Pint Nights and IPA Project Day gave everyone ample opportunity to find their favorite beer and indulge. I managed to get to Sly Fox for the IPA Project but it was a friendly football wager on the Pittsburgh/Baltimore game with the Baltimore Beer Guy that put an interesting twist to my weekend.

On the line were craft beers from Philly and Baltimore. The winner receives a bottle or two from the opponent. Since the Pittsburgh Steelers won I now look forward to receiving some of B-more's finest brews. Even though I was victorious I am not gloating especially with the mistakes Pittsburgh made and the overall way the game ended. I am sure it is no surprise that I believe the ball did break the goal line. The call was close and the final outcome could of easily gone the other way. I'll just take comfort in knowing that the NFL's number 1 defense kept the game from getting out of hand.

Next up for the Pittsburgh Steelers (11-3) the AFC's number 1 team, the Tennessee Titans (12-2). Sunday @1pm.

A Sunday Wager

This Sunday I am preparing to watch the AFC North leading Pittsburgh Steelers take on the 2nd place Baltimore Ravens. I know here in the middle of Eagles country most of you are more focused on the Eagles/Browns Monday night game but being from Pittsburgh my focus is always on the Black and Gold. To kick up the excitement of watching today's AFC battle I have made a friendly wager with Baltimore Beer Guy.

Brian "Baltimore Beer Guy" does a great blog that focuses on beer happenings in and around the Baltimore area. It's always good to know what's happening a couple hours south and it's especially helpful if you are planing a quick beer adventure from Philly down 95.

Since BBG is a Raven's fan I figured why not put up a bottle or two of something from Philly that he can't get in Baltimore up against beer from one of my favorite Baltimore brew pubs, The Brewer's Art, or another Baltimore brewery. Simple enough. So today a Steelers victory not only satisfies my football side but also nets some good beer. What could be better?

GO STEELERS !!!