Craft Beer NYC

The Flying Dog were some of the earliest beers that inspired my blog last winter.   Doggie Style Pale Ale has become one of my fridge staples.   In the ever impressive growing portfolio of brands and unique labels from Ralph Steadman, Flying Dog has established themselves as a serious Mid-Altantic and soon to be national craft beer ribbon contender.   On a recent trip to Oriole Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore, it was great to see a custom booth in the food concession area dedicated to a local Maryland craft brand, rather than another Bud Light cart.   I think the New York sports area could learn a lot from our Maryland friends on how to have the right balance to give our sports fans the best choices when it comes to beverages.  The beer doesn't disappoint, and their pale ale matched up against any in my fridge.  Founded first in Colorado by George Stranahan after getting inspired by a painting of  a Flying Dog in Pakistan on route to climb K2- the se...

The Mendocino Brewery in Hopland was the first brewpub to open it's door in California after the repeal of the 18th Amendment ending prohibition, an unbelievable fact just illustrating how recent the craft beer explosion is.  Technically the first to sell both its beer and food at the same location gives them the crown.   Officially Sierra Nevada opened it's doors first as a pure brewery.  Mendocino just celebrating its 30th Anniversary was founded as an homage to Hopland California.  After inheriting the equipment from the New Albion Brewing Company, they expanded quickly to their new home in Ukiah, CA.  Their IPA is a fine selection, but not overwhelming.  An interesting blend of west coast cascade hops with english fuggle hops, which might give this a distinctively more english taste vs. American hoppiness. 7.0% ABV 6 out of 10 Jeremy Renner's

As promised here's the signature brew from the Lake Placid team.   The origins of the Clinton White House story revolve around interns sampling in the local pub and then bringing back a sample for the POTUS.   Upon his sampling they quickly ordered three cases of growlers for a private function.   The UBU Ale is named after a Chocolate Lab, who frequented Lake Placid brew pub.  They started with a classic english style amber ale, and then with just the right balance of malts and hops they manage to sustain a nice even tone, for any season.   It's quite a legand in the making, this New York State newcomer is bound to jump into the top tier of the northeast/mid atlantic craft beer scene very quickly. They have established a great brand with the signature Adirondack chair on all their labels with a unique tone for each style as seen below. 7.0% ABV 8 out of 10 Sit Ubu Sit... Find a pub in your town that serves Lake Placid http://www.ubuale.com/beer/find-o...

The folks at Lake Placid have been brewing for over 16 years from the sleepy village that was home to the 1980 Winter Games.   In 2000, they had a brush with fame when White House interns who were traveling north, brought some brew back to President Clinton and in return the White House ordered 3 cases of Growlers for an official gala.  Their Milk Stout is a strong entry into once a rare category of Lactose added brews.   The balance of the milk sugar, and the low hop flavor make it the sweetest stout brewed by the Lake Placid crew.  I loved the creamy, thick and full bodied nature of this one. Loved the Adirondack chair covered with just a little but of snow for their label, a perfect brand icon for their product. Next up is their UBU Ale- their original, classic brew. 4.9% ABV 8.5 out of 10 Fresh Powder Kegs of Fun http://www.ubuale.com/story/our-story

Remember summer camp?   Family trips in the station wagon or minivan?  I myself, got to ride in one of the first minivans from Toyota (1985) to many weekend adventures!  The label evokes everything fun and exciting about the summer, which given the temperature in NYC right now is something that can't come quick enough.   This Michigan brewed IPA is a clean, crisp, balanced ale for everyone.  Now available in bottles and 12 pack cans.   This ranks up there will some of the best American IPA's and is a great year round performer. 4.7% ABV 8 out of 10 Jeep Wagoneers http://foundersbrewing.com/our-beer/all-day-ipa

This was a great indie find from the Saratoga Springs brew master wing of the California based Mendocino Brewing Company, founded in 1983.  This Czech style pilsner is a nice classic re-imagination of the old standard, which has a nice dry finish and a clean crisp palette.   A nice golden brown amber color looks great poured into a proper tall pilsner glass.  The actually town is called Hopland, where the brewery was founded embodies the true spirit of American craft beer entrepreneurship. ABV 5.0% 7 out of 10 American Hawks http://www.mendobrew.com/aboutus/history.html

I've been drinking some of the Brooklyn Brewery selections for a while, but haven't reviewed them yet.    I wanted to start with a potential powerhouse winter seasonal selection called their Black Chocolate Stout.   I definitely recommend this to folks who like the rich, imperial stouts, but I prefer the  milky sweetness of a milk stout vs. the chalky aftertaste that comes along with this one.   For once I think this one deserves to stay as a once a year winter special. 10.0% ABV 5.5 out of 10 Brooklyn Nets http://brooklynbrewery.com/brooklyn-beers/seasonal-brews/brooklyn-black-chocolate-stout

One of the ongoing selections at Magic Hat available all year round.  This not quite pale ale has a nice fruity tone to offset the typical hoppyness of the ale.  This should be a standard staple, filling all fridges in america year round.  It does leave the owner with a mysterious finishing taste, as it goes down smooth.  Best poured into a tall pint glass to unleash the full mystery. 5.1% ABV 7.5 out of 10 Revolution #9 P.I.D http://www.magichat.net/elixirs/9/