Craft Beer NYC

This stellar German brew is a very smooth pale ale. Hövels namesake comes from the village of Hovels, which is a municipality in the district of Altenkirchen, in Rhineland-Palatinate, in western Germany. It had a hoppy bitterness, but the caramel after taste makes it very easy to enjoy. I had a chilled draft in a 12 oz glass, with steamed mussels at Henry's on the Upper West Side. The interior of this new American grill is designed to match the arts and crafts historic Gamble House from Pasadena California with all the wood work.   I hope some of my blog readers in Germany research and visit the site when they travel to Southern California.   American beer companies need to remember their European origins and taste what the Germans have to offer the brew masters. I prefer this bitter ale compared to the Radeberger Pilsner which is too light for my spicy tastes, also available on Draft at Henry's. 4 out of 5 boots..... http://www.hoevels-hausbrauerei.de/

At first Green Flash seemed like a mix of 2 DC Comics Green Lantern and The Flash, trying to remain relevant in post apocalyptic world where Marvel has taken over but after one glass I realized what I was missing. Based in San Diego, Green Flash brewery has been recently been getting NYC placement with some of the independent distributors in smaller markets and pubs in Manhattan. The West Coast IPA blends 4 different hops- Simcoe and Centennial are the most apparent for the fruitiness citrus flavor with some Pacific Northwest pine accents. Columbus and Cascade hops are also in the complex pleasant concoction. It's a really smooth brew that is better suited for Tony Stark than Emerald Hal Jordan or Barry Allen. Available at Five Lamps Tavern on Broadway on 106th Street. http://www.fivelampstavern.com/ http://www.greenflashbrew.com/our-beers.php

Exciting selection of craft local beers....take a look, only downside is that they are at least 10 months from opening  Rogue Dead Guy Ale from Oregon, Arrogant Bastard, Dogfish Head, etc.... http://www.westsiderag.com/2013/03/21/alamo-drafthouse-moviehouse-reveals-menu-from-brunch-to-booze

Kwak is an interesting Belgian ale, that is served in a custom unique glass in a wooden holder. Honestly I was not that impressed by the flavor, but it did have a light crisp amber taste which didn't overpower my meal. The unique story behind Kwak is the namesake. Reported to have been named by an 18th century innkeeper who coined the term 'kwak' after the sound the beer makes after flowing from the bottom of the glass bulb at the bottom of the glass. I originally thought the wood stand was designed to reduce the warming of the glass against your touch, but its really secondary compared to the glassware origins. It's the same effect of 'Das Boot' when you have to turn the ankle for the final gulp of euro pride. Enjoy with steamed mussels at B Cafe on the upper west side if one cannot get themselves to Belgium. 6.5 out of 10 boots

It feels like spring when these crisp wheat beers fill the shelves of our neighborhood markets. Although I think this aroma should be served all year round not just in the spring and summer. This Bavarian magic 'wheat' style, unfiltered with all the natural flavor intact skillfully brewed in the hills of Vermont is a delightful way to finish off a winter night with a hope of spring to come. 8.5 out of 10

This spicy IPA has quite a kick- most bars will serve this is a smaller glass due to the 8.3%.  Flying Dog never fails to entertain with its fun labels.....which when served on draft are almost disappointing vs. pouring the bottle yourself and getting a chuckle Great with pretzels, hush puppies, and BBQ chicken Another great selection from Growlers in Tuckahoe, NY -8.5 of out 10 Dogs

Exciting new gastropub coming to the upper west side Columbia district!  Right around the corner from Five Lamps and Amsterdam Tavern http://www.westsiderag.com/2013/03/11/new-bar-and-restaurant-the-ellington-opening-this-week