A lot of people make a lot of fuss from beers all over the world. Belgians beers are some of the most exotic and most flavorful available today. The spectrum of flavors coming out of Belgium almost defy description and are best enjoyed with an open mind and open palette. No less flavorful, German beers are rigid and dependable; almost stoic by contrast. The German brewing tradition as long as it is decorated. Yet, for my money, the best beers in the world are made right here in the good ol’ U.S. of A.
I don’t mean to brag or anything but last time I checked, us ‘mericans make a pretty mean Belgian-style ale. And we can hold our own brewin’ the lagers as well. In fact, there isn’t a style out there that hasn’t been brewed well by an American brewer. Our skill in brewing is such that even the Belgians and Germans are starting to takes pages our of our brew books. I’ve seen Belgian ales brewed with American hops in a style unseen in traditional Belgian brewing. Germans, on the other hand, are starting to think this whole dry-hopping thing has some merit to it after all.
That being said, Monday was the start of American Craft Beer Week: a declaration of American Craft Beer independence; a celebration of American craft beer and the people who make them. Last year I got an unfortunate and unexpected surprise when, for American Craft Beer Week 2009, I arrived at my local brewpub only to see its doors shuttered and brewing equipment gone. This year, I know for sure that won’t be the case. *knocks on wood*
How will you be celebrating? Hopefully drinking an American craft beer. You can find our what breweries are participating in your local area by clicking here. Here is a list of events happening in my neck of the woods:
Rock Bottom Brewery
1875 South Bascom Ave., Unit 700, San Jose, CA 95008 map
www.rockbottom.com
Description: Bringing back 3 strong aged seasonals on a rotating handle
- Imperial Stout 9.6%
- Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Red 9%
- Blitzen Belgian Triple 8.9%.
Tied House Microbrewery & Cafe
954 Villa Street, Mountain View, CA 94041 map
www.TiedHouse.com
Description: We have a very special Red American Lager in honor of Craft Beer Week. Only five kegs were filled. The recipe is the brainchild of our Brewmaster, Ron Manabe, and Brewer Peter Licht. Viva craft beer!
BJs Restaurant & Brewhouse
925 Blossom Hill Road, San Jose, CA 95123 map
www.bjsrestaurants.com
Description: 7 Beers for 7 Days. Pick Your Day, Pick Your Beer, Pick Your Perfect Meal! Join us in celebration of craft beer with one of our Daily Featured Handcrafted Beer & Food Pairings for $14.95. Monday, 5/17 – BJ’s Brewhouse Blonde® + Fish ‘N Chips; Tuesday, 5/18 – Harvest Hefeweizen® + Balsamic Glazed Chicken; Wednesday, 5/19 – Piranha® Pale Ale + Cajun Pasta; Thursday, 5/20 – BJ’s Jeremiah Red® + Small Pepperoni & Mushroom Pizza; Friday, 5/21 – Nutty Brewnette® + Grilled Chicken Pasta; Saturday, 5/22 – BJ’s P.M. Porter® + Texas-Style Chicken Fried Steak; Sunday, 5/23 – Tatonka® Stout + Small Sweet Pig® Pizza. Promotional pricing available where permitted by law. Oregon customers please visit your local BJ’s to find out what specials might be available in your area.
Hopefully I’ll be able to see some of you around! Cheers!
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I will be celebrating with some Pizza Port beers tonite while watching the Sharks come back to tie up the series before heading to the Windy City!
Well put Peter!