Craft Beer NYC

For anyone that has ever seen the 1999 David Cronenberg film Exitenz, admirers would agree it's a wild ride that was ahead of it's time.  Jude Law and Jennifer Jason Leigh both give amazing performances, and I think game makers weren't quite sure what to do with the didactic cinematic experience Cronenberg put on screen, still scared straight to drive on a freeway without "Crashing" into an unassuming Jane Mansfield impersonator.   Stillwater's Existent is a remarkably bold, intense ale that caught me by surprise.   The label reads as a ghosted reverse print of a  Nietzsche looking figure.  The after taste has a heavy hoppy overtone, but goes down like a smooth dark stout.  On the surface it looks like a Guinness, but after one taste it has a well bodied blend of dark aromas mixed with the earthy hoppy tones. It is a mandatory requirement to pour into a tall pint glass to  unleash the beast out of the bottle.  Slow pour do...

I first discovered this fantastical craft beer at Mrs. Green's market in Mount Kisco several years ago.  It's popped up in numerous markets in Manhattan and on draft recently as the hop explosion has hit the popular consciousness of the tristate area.  A True IPA, it has a fruitful flavor that goes well with a diverse selection of food pairings.  I love the Illuminati inspired bottle design and spirit of the Woodstock Music Festival from Psychedelic era that adds to the style of this unique beer.  But don't think the gimmick design is meant to hide any lackluster product, this IPA ranks as one of the best on the market.  Don't be fooled that they will take your money and invest like Fidelity, Blue Point is independently owned and operated without the purview of any other corporate entity. Blue Point Brewery is based in Patchogue, Long Island and offers tours and tastings http://www.bluepointbrewing.com/ 8 out of 10 Hops

Just recently discovered this new IPA at the West Side Market.  The label prepares the seasoned brew master for a barrel of monkey laughs!  The Monkey resides from Portland Maine and has a balanced medium taste from a wide variety of hops.  This American IPA brew comes in at 6.9% and is a great compliment to BBQ chicken, sliders, and tasty treats from Prohibition on Columbus.  Monkeys with fists full of hops is a festive image of mid summer fun that everyone should enjoy- Donkey Kong anyone? Recommendation- pour into a tall pint glass down the side to expose the full copper overtone.  Don't drink out of the bottle directly to avoid a harsh bitter nose. 7 out of 10 Monkeys

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