Heavy Metal Beer Bash
Head banging and boozing!
Last night was the Heavy Metal Beer Bash at the Pub at Pipers Creek. Now, I’ve heard of extreme brewing, but putting metals in the boil… that’s a little too extreme. Just kidding, that didn’t happen.
The theme of this night came from a collection of beers that happen to have names that are in some way related to heavy metal music. What a genius Idea! I’m not exactly sure who it was that came up with this one, but if it was the owner of the P@PC, I wouldn’t be surprised. That dude’s metal as F@$%!
Anyway, as it turned out, this was the unofficial release of Whip Ale, brewed by Lazy Boy Brewing, and quite the who’s who of the local brewing community. Many props to the pub for creating a great atmosphere. At one point there was dry ice on the bar for a rock show fog effect, and a little later in the night the hair metal wigs came out for the staff. Freakin’ Metal!
Featured Brews:
Lazy Boy Brewing – Whip Ale
This is the Pale Ale that was brewed for Michael Wilton, guitarist from Queensryche. That’s pretty metal! I have had the great pleasure of tasting this first batch in wort form, still warm, as well as uncarbonated straight from the fermenter. Last night I had the final product, and I can honestly say it’s an amazing pale ale.
Shawn Loring is a local master of balance in brewing, and this one is a great example of his work. I could and will drink a whole bunch of these in the coming months, as long as they are available. Availability to be determined.
Left Hand Brewing – Fade to Black
This one is named after a Metallica song off of Ride the Lightning. Pretty darn metal! Apparently this is Volume 1 of a series… I think I like the sound of that. Not a bad start, but not entirely overwhelming.
Left Hand calls it a Foreign Export Stout. You don’t hear about that style very often, basically just means a stronger version of a stout to last the long journey across seas to foreign lands. This one’s 8.5%. I thought it had more of a porter nose and flavor and was more dry and smoky than full of sweet licorice and chocolate flavors.
The best part for me was the official Left Hand Brewing chalice that I got to keep with the purchase of the beer. Breweriana Ho!
Ninkasi Brewing – Sleighr
An obvious play off of the great metal band Slayer…well…more obvious if you see the font that they use on the label. The name also references Santa’s sleigh. Yes, a new season for the Oregon brewery.
This beer is categorized as a dark double alt. Again, not a very common style descriptor. To me, this is a winter warmer. Lots of German dark malts in this one. Smooth and a bit fruity. A good starter beer for a long winter night’s quest to warm ones cockles.
21st Amendment Brewery – Back in Black
This is referencing a song and album by AC/DC. AC/DC stands for alternating current/direct current. I know things. This is a black IPA.
I still think that this style isn’t made enough and that all who make it should judge themselves on Stone’s 11 Anniversary, or as it’s now know, Sublimely Self-Righteous. This guy is full of hops, and just so happens to be dark in color. Not much of a malt backbone in my opinion, but I’d no doubt drink this one for it’s great hop presence.
Great night. I now officially love the P@PC for hosting this one and being awesome. Thanks!
Let us know if you were there – or if you just have an opinion – either way – SPEAK!
