What’s Brewing?
September 2, 2010
Wow, hard to believe that it’s September 2nd already and that football season is finally upon us! That also means that tailgating is just about in full swing – and what better way to toast the home opener than by talking about some select suds. Each week we’ll be highlighting different beers – let’s start off with what’s brewing this weekend.
The Lot 13 tailgate will be opening up the season with a couple growlers of a special craft brew, Big Hop Harvest Ale, courtesy of East End Brewing in Pittsburgh (www.eastendbrewing.com). This beer is a higher gravity, wet hop version of their flagship, Big Hop Ale, which is a traditional American style IPA in and of itself. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to find this one unless you stop by the brewer’s tap room during their scheduled “growler hours.” If you live in the Pittsburgh area and haven’t stopped by, put it on your to do list now!
Although September is typically when our beer taste shifts from summer suds to fall seasonals, we’ll hold off on more of these reviews until later in the month. For now, if you’re still in the mood for a real thirst quencher in the lingering summer heat, we’d recommend a Bell’s Oberon Ale. This is a pale wheat ale with a bit of an orange citrus flavor…think Blue Moon, but with lot more backbone. (Yes, Bell’s is brewed in Michigan, but that doesn’t mean you have to like the school in Ann Arbor.
Photo courtesy of http://www.theperfectlyhappyman.com/uploads/galleries/bell039s-oberon-ale/bells-oberon-3.jpg
Or, do you enjoy a not-too-hoppy, not-too-malty cold one? Then you can’t beat a Troeg’s Hopback Amber Ale from right down Rt. 322 in Harrisburg (www.troegs.com/our_brews/hopback_amber_ale.aspx). This beer will go with just about any tailgate dish, and for $28.20 for a case at Hickey’s, it’s a steal of a deal (www.wrhickey.com/products.html)!
Remember, there are 24 hours in a day and 24 beers in a case…just saying.
-Lot 13 Staff
