Greenbush Beer Dinner at LaSalle Grill

I received an email from the manager over at LaSalle Grill last week about the Greenbush Beer Dinner they are doing on May 10th, and totally forgot to post it, so here it is...

Some really incredible beers on that list, all of which I've had at one point or another, with Brother Ben, Anger and Distorter being some of my favorites. I've never actually been to LaSalle before, but I hear they have great food, wine, and are definitely taking craft beer seriously.

For all my guy readers with wives/girlfriends/whatever-you're-into, you can easily count this as date night, while enjoying some great food and beer. As Michael Scott would say, it's a win-win-win.

Greenbush food pairing at Fiddler's Hearth (Recap)

I must admit, I was fairly oblivious to the reason for the Greenbush food pairing last Thursday night at Fiddler's Hearth. I just figured they did it for the hell of it... but as I came to find out, it was for the Eat. Drink. Downtown South Bend "Third Thursday" event.

The special for the night was "Three Greenbush Brewery tasters paired with three unique sliders." Greenbush beer is always very good, and I would have likely been content with drinking a few different options without a corresponding food pairing, however a fellow patron ordered the sliders/tasters and when I saw what was served, I had to give them a try. I'm no foodie, I leave that up to Michele at South Bend Foodies, but I certainly enjoy great tasting food, and that's just what I got.

More about the 3 Pairings...

Beer: Greenbush Jadis Winter White. A Belgian style pale brewed with cloves, cardamom, and orange peel. 6.1%, 20 IBUs
Slider: Salmon Cake, Spring Greens, and Remoulade on a homemade Pretzel Bun.

Beer: Greenbush Ursus Old Winter Ale. An old ale brewed with an abundance of English and caramel malts, pureed dates, and a rounded hop bitterness. 8.9%, 47 IBUs
Slider: Pit Ham, with Smoked Gouda, and Carrot Chutney on a homemade Pretzel Bun.

Beer: Greenbush Anger Black IPA. Black IPA brewed with Belgian dark and british chocolate malts, dry hopped for an intense aroma. 7.6%, 85 IBUs
Slider: Lamb Sausage with Sharp Cheddar and Caramelized Onions on a Rosemary Bun.

When it comes to beer, I'm very adventurous, but food... not so much. I don't even know what Remoulade is; it sounds made-up to me. Carrot Chutney? Deal breaker. However, since the dish had a built-in beer component, I figured it would be at least half-good.

Tackling each slider with its paired beer was nothing short of amazing! I've never been into food pairing before, since I usually prefer to savor beer on its own. The food and beer was incredible! Together they formed one of the best meals I've ever had. I would regularly eat these sliders, I hope Fiddler's Hearth decides to keep them on the menu!

Food aside, the Greenbush beer was fantastic, as is the norm with them. Anger is my favorite Black IPA, and I never turn down an opportunity to enjoy a pint. Jadis and Ursus were new to me, but both extremely good. Jadis reminded me of 3 Floyds/Dogfish Head "Poppaskull" due to its liberal use of cardamom, which makes this beer taste like Thanksgiving (obviously a good thing). Ursus was just as delicious with its sweet malt, dark fruit and slight bitterness, resulting in a great cold-weather sipping beer.

After this experience, I can't wait to see what "Eat. Drink. Downtown South Bend." brings the next time around!

**Not accustomed to taking pictures of my food, I didn't think to do it until after the party in my mouth was over. If you happen to have a pictures of the dish that was served, please email me (andy@thebeerisgood.com) so I can add it here. Cheers!

Greenbush invades Fiddler's Hearth!

We received word from Ben Amster over at Indiana Beer letting us know that Greenbush is sending down 6 beers to be put on tap at Fiddler's Hearth (Main Street, South Bend) Thursday December 15th, starting at 5pm. No word yet on which ones will be on tap, but I've been told that there will be a couple of beers for this event only, along with some special food pairings.

Should be a fun night of great beer, food and people, so I hope you join us!

Labels: All Greenbush Edition. Also: Bottles Soon?

The picture you see to the right was posted to Greenbush Brewing Co.'s Facebook page yesterday. What you're seeing there appears to be a pallet chock full of empty bottles. Might they be ready to bottle their tasty brews? Surely it means they're at least getting closer.

You could say that their recent rash of label submissions and subsequent approvals might be another indicator. Could we soon be finding familiars such as Closure and Distorter or newcomers like Mammoth and Delusion in bottles?

Count 'em: 8 new label approvals in the last few weeks. These for their mostly winter style beers are just as "Go Big or Go Home" as before. Are they as awesome as their predecessors? I definitely think so. See for yourself below. I've included the label copy for each as some of those are just as interesting as the art.

Pain - 11.2% Imperial Milk Stout.

Label copy: "You know what they say don't you? You don't? Do we have to explain everything? There is something definitely to gain from this PAIN, with our select combination of grans, black malt, roasted barley, Belgian Munich and milk sugar. Work though this smooth stout and you'll appreciate the euphemism."

Isole - 9.7% Belgian Style Dubbel Ale.

Label copy: "Feeling a bit lonely? You won't be when you crack open a bottle of our Belgian Style Dubbel Ale. Carmel notes, a depth of sweetness and a touch of effervescence that's great for yourself or with others."

Apathy - 6.7% Oatmeal Stout.

Label copy: "Oh, I don't know. It's just that, well, it seems that maybe... What was I saying? Beat those ho-hum doldrums with a tall taste of Apathy. It's enough to snap you out of whatever state you're in.

Mammoth - 8.3% Weizenbock.

Label copy: "This one rises up from the depths of winter to breathe new life into the old beast (that's you, bub). Mammoth is what the name implies and if you don't know what that means, try a glass or two."

Ursus - 8.9% Old Winter Ale.

Label copy: "All you keep thinking to yourself is... will this snow EVER stop? When is it going to get warm again? Before cabin fever sets in, grab a bottle or two of Ursus, our warm winter ale and get a grip, man!"

Delusion - 11.7% Imperial Cream Stout (Aged in rye whiskey barrels from Journeyman Distillery of Three Oaks, MI.).

Label copy: "Don't be mistaken with common misconceptions pertaining to certain characteristics  of other forms of refreshment. Our Imperial Cream Stout aged in rye whiskey barrels may have you pondering the randomness of the universe."

Jadis - 6.1% Winter White Ale.

Label copy: "The cold sets in and hangs for months it seems. Everything slows down. Time warps... and you're covered with a wash of white. Thought I meant winter, didn't you? Jadis will take you away from winter, even if temporarily."

Mr. Hyde - 7.8% Sumatran Coffee Milk Stout, a collaboration with the Fullerton location of Chicago's Small Bar.

Label copy: "Honestly, we don't know WHAT'S become of you. Did you shave your goatee? Is that a new perfume you're wearing? Maybe it's time for a taste of Mr. Hyde."

Greenbush Brewing Co. In Beernews.org's Spotlight

In what's described as "...the first in a series of Spotlight posts on new breweries...", Beernews.org has chosen Michiana's own Greenbush Brewing Co. for its inaugural feature.

While informational for those who've had limited or no exposure to Greenbush, the 10+ Q&A session with owner/brewmaster, Scott Sullivan, also lends some brilliant insight into this fledgling company.

With all apologies to 3 Floyds ("not normal") and Dogfish Head ("off-centered"), I love the whimsical and quirky nature of Scott's responses that seem to follow in the footsteps of those that have come before Greenbush, yet are still unique in their own right:

2) It sounds like the beers are being received favorably. What resources have you used in forming your recipes? 

Interestingly enough, I’ve never had any idea what commercial breweries use for this sort of thing and now that I know people at other breweries, I still forget to ask. I started out homebrewing using Beer Tools and never switched. It does what I need it to, so I figure why reinvent the wheel? As for recipe development itself, I used to always pick a style I wanted to do and sort of get an idea of how other breweries I liked did things. Then I’d build a recipe that I thought was sort of something like that particular family. Usually, I was wrong. Apparently, people like our wrong-headed approach to brewing because yes, we’ve been at capacity from just about the first day and have another 60 barrels worth of fermentation coming online.

It's almost as if they don't really have a plan, don't care for one, and have shown they don't need one to be successful. (Note: I'm sure Scott, Jill - the Ambassador of Everything - and the rest of the crew do have a plan, they've just executed it with such ease that one could hardly tell.)

Furthermore, I absolutely respect his thoughts on growth:

 11) How big do you guys want to grow? Into the size of a regional craft brewery or stay smaller?

Ha, this and anonymous rating forums are my favorite topics! I have no problem with breweries getting big and I hope we are fortunate enough to do so. I do however have a problem with breweries sacrificing quality and creative aspiration. The indie beer cred community thinks those two things are synonymous, which I think is flat out ridiculous. If I can maintain quality standards and creativity and grow big, I will without hesitation do it. Is that the measure of success? No, not anymore than staying small is a measure of credibility. People in Michigan love piling on Larry Bell for being big, as if that’s against the code of beer ethics. Anybody who says they wouldn’t do the same thing if given the chance is couch quarterbacking.

If (When?) they really start to hit it big, there will undoubtedly be those who proclaim, "I liked Greenbush before they got popular/before everyone else did." The notion of "selling out," as far as simply losing credibility due to growth, is a terrible one. As the man said, if they're able to maintain quality standards and creativity and still grow big, who in their right mind wouldn't do that? It's about simple economics, not beer geek cred.

Remember, "Good Beer Wins", and right now Greenbush is winning. Head on over to the very well ran Beernews.org and read the rest of the article for more!

South Bend Brewfest Recap

After several days of cold and rain, the clouds finally parted, making way for the sun to shine down on hundreds of craft beer fans during yesterday's South Bend Brewfest at the Century Center. This highly anticipated festival included well over 100 beers to sample from over two dozen breweries from around the country and world.

Just a few of the local and regional breweries represented include Bell's, Founders, 3 Floyds, Four Horsemen, Bare Hands, Iechyd Da (kinda, but more on that later), Greenbush, Figure 8 and Backroad. On top of those great local favorites were many imported beers along with home-brew demonstrations and the Michiana Extract and Grain (MEGA) group talking all things beer.

Covering this event primarily from a blogger perspective, I only sampled a few select beers that I've not had the opportunity to try yet. First up was a silky smooth Chocolate Stout from Bare Hands that tasted exactly as the name suggested, chocolatey and thoroughly delicious. Although I've yet to come across a Pumpkin flavored beer that I like, I took a sip of their Pumpkin Ale... yep, still not a fan. In addition to enjoying the Chocolate Stout, people seemed to really like the Double IPA, Pale Ale and ThaI.P.A. Chris is a great guy that brews some fantastic beer, so look for Bare Hands to open in Granger before the end of the year!

Next up was a visit to another favorite local brewery, Greenbush. Although Scott (Brewer/Owner) was unable to attend, the rockstar women of Greenbush represented the brewery well. Their tap list included many of the same great beers from their Fiddler's Hearth invasion on October 12th such as Dungras, Anger, Pain and more. Dunegras IPA has evaded me since they opened over the summer, so this was my chance to savor every delicious hopped-up drop. If you haven't made it up to Sawyer, MI yet, what are you waiting for?  

Of course I couldn't pass up stopping by to see my friends Ben and Stephen at Four Horsemen. Having already sampled many of their offerings, I wanted to try the fabled Raspberry Ale that was rumored to be an accident turned success. Generally speaking, I'm not typically a fruity beer kind of guy, but I enjoyed this one quite a bit. Light, slightly tart and very refreshing, this "accident" would be an awesome way to cap a hot summer day. Ben mentioned that they are considering brewing this again in the future.

Finally after scheduling conflicts prevented a visit to new kids on the block (but certainly not new to brewing), Iechyd Da from Elkhart, it was great to stop by and talk to owners Chip and Summer Lewis. Unfortunately due to some ridiculous excise rule, Iechyd Da was unable to pour their beer for all to enjoy, but it was nice to spend time talking beer and plans to open their brewery/tasting room in Elkhart during the 2nd quarter of next year. Look for a post sometime in the next few weeks regarding an upcoming visit!

 

We could not have asked for a nicer day to sample beers from all over the country! Special thanks to Ben Amster of Indiana Beer, the Century Center and all involved for putting on such a great event. What was your favorite beer and/or brewery from Saturday?

Greenbush Launch Event at Fiddler's Hearth

"Good Beer Wins" and now so do we!

Excellent news today from Michigan Microbrews that Greenbush Brewing Company will be throwing a launch party at South Bend's own Fiddler's Hearth next week.

Wednesday, October 12th, starting at 5:00pm, you'll be able to sample beers from the following tentative - subject to change, of course - draft list:

- Memento Mori (6.3% Oktoberfest Ale)

- Dunegras (6.7% IPA)
- Anger (7.6% Black IPA)
- Retribution (8.3% Belgian Hybrid)
- 1825 (9.3% Belgian Strong)
- Pain (11.2% Imperial Cream Stout)

For the many of us who haven't been able to make the ~50 minute trip up to Sawyer, MI yet, and/or don't live in Michigan or Illinois where Greenbush is currently available, here's our chance to sample six of their brews right in our own backyard. I know I'm hoping to attend.

Live in Michigan and still thirsting for Greenbush closer to home? There will also be launch parties at Hopcat in Grand Rapids on October 20th and Crunchy's in East Lansing on October 26th.

The Week (Or So) In Labels

Several new labels in this update - A couple from old favorites and a handful from local newcomers...

Bell's Quinannan Falls - 6.4% pale lager - The former draft-only release was being sold at the Bell's General Store in 750ml bottles, but with this label approval it appears it will also be available... somewhere... in 12oz bottles as well.

Goose Island Bramble Rye Bourbon County Stout - 13% bourbon stout. As reported here earlier, Bramble Rye is coming and here's the 22oz label.

Greenbush Momento Mori - 6.1% Oktoberfest. The Sawyer, MI brewery is back again just in time for the fall season with this 12oz packaged ale.

Four Horsemen Brewing Company - This batch of labels are for FHBC's first 12oz bottled releases. If you've visited their tasting room, they may look familiar. (My apologies on the size and quality. Just working with what's available.) 4.8% Pale Ale, 5.2% Irish Lager, 4.2% Irish Red Ale, 4.2% Blonde Ale, and lastly Evil Genius', for whom FHBC is contract brewing, Good 'n Evil Golden Ale (4.5%).

The Week (Or Two) In Labels

Aaaaand... We're back with more labels! Quite a few from local/regional breweries, so let's dive right in, shall we?

Jolly Pumpkin La Roja Grand Reserve - ??% ABV, oak aged amber ale. Jolly Pumpkin is located in Dexter, MI, just west of Ann Arbor. *Shakes fist angrily at the nearby Wolverines*

Surly Darkness - ~10% Russian Imperial Stout - For the fifth year in a row, Brooklyn Center, MN based Surly brought the creepy for this highly sought-after pint-sized bottle.

Greenbush 1825 - 9.3% Belgian-style golden ale. Label darlings Greenbush strike again with 1825. I'm hoping the "little something special" is just love.

New Holland Charkoota Rye - ~8% smoked rye dopplebock. Not a new beer, but I believe a new label for this bomber that follows New Holland's High Gravity Series stock.

Bell's Eccentric Ale 2010 - 10-12% strong ale. From the label copy: "Malt beverage brewed with maple syrup with spices added." and "Brewed under the discerning eye of Larry." Hmm, sounds interesting.

Southern Tier Eurotrash Pilz - 5% pilsner lager. With a name like that, we have our random "WTF?" label winner of the week out of New York - You keep it classy, Southern Tier!

The Week In Labels

I can't decide what labels struck the biggest chord with me the last week or so. Greenbush Brewing Company's, posted here earlier in the week, certainly deserve a nod. Great artwork there from an exciting up and coming brewery. (Update: I was just informed that the Greenbush label artwork was done by Ken at Manifesto 1 in Wakarusa, IN. Thanks to Greenbush themselves for the info.) Earlier today, this also appeared:

Greenbush Anger - 7.6% Black IPA. I haven't seen an official approval for this label yet, but Greenbush's Facebook page is reporting it as such. More fantastic artwork.

And then there's...

Bell's This one goes to 11 Ale - Exact details unknown, but it appears this 12oz bottle is the successor to Bell's Batch 10,000. From the label itself: "When you get to batch 10,000, where can you go? You go one louder. The deep amber color of this Imperial Red Ale is complimented with a robust, sweet, toasted malt character that finds balance with a bolder, pronounced hop flavor. In other words, it pushes over the cliff to 11."

At first I thought it looked kitschy, but upon further review I kinda like it.

Goose Island Bramble Rye Bourbon County Stout - Details again unknown, but this keg label does tell us that it's stout aged in rye whiskey barrels with raspberries and blackberries. I think we can all breath easy when it comes to the Bourbon County brand as one that Goose is not going to let AB touch.

Rogue Voodoo Doughnut Bacon Maple Porter - Lots of info on the back of this 750ml label, but no ABV? The maple/bacon thing has been done to varying degrees of success, but Rogue's, based in Newport, OR, has several things going for it: Bacon + maple + giant guy on the label who looks like he just snatched a pig and is going to drop it in his beer mug = Sold.

Greenbush Brewing Co. Labels Approved (Sawyer, MI)

If you haven't had a chance to stop by Greenbush Brewing Co. in Sawyer, MI., do yourself a favor and give them a try. I met up with Scott, owner/brewer a couple weeks ago (details to come), tried some beer and had a really great time. He mentioned that we should be seeing his beer getting distributed outside of tiny Sawyer, however I'm not at liberty to discuss any further details at this time. Needless to say, this is an extremely promising brewery, and will be a welcomed addition on shelves, once it happens.

One step closer to seeing their beer on shelves is the label approval process, which has been completed and is ready to go. Below is what I've seen so far, two of which I was able to enjoy on tap (RedBud & Closure). Closure is particularly interesting, because they brew it with different hops each time.

These people definitely don't brew normal beer, something I fully embrace.

tracktor (Cream Ale, 6.1%)

 

RedBud (Wheat Ale, 6.1%)

Dunegras (IPA, 6.7%)

Distorter (stout-ish porter with a touch of porter-ish stout, 7.2%)

Closure (Pale Ale, 5.9%)