A Firkin of Jalapeño Pils

So there I was performing my domestic duties – mixing cocktails, fixing dinner, and whatnot.  When all of a sudden, from the living room, I hear what can only be described as a cross between a cry of anguish and a squeal of delight.


I rushed in to find my husband looking a little . . . well . . . odd.

He looked up at me and said. “Two Roads has a firkin of jalapeño pilsner pouring right now.”

He’s lounging in his comfy pants and I've got dinner on the stove.  And I’m like, “What the duck!  Let’s go!”  I didn't really say “duck”, but I’m trying to keep it clean here.  

He’s like, “Damn, now I have to get dressed again.”

But dressed he got, dinner was put on hold and we headed out the door.

The next thing I know, I’m seated at the bar in the tasting room of Two Roads Brewery with a cold beer in front me.

The firkin was filled with Ol’ Factory Pils (5.0% ABV) that had been infused with jalapeño.   One hot pepper had been soaking in that beer for a week and a half and the result was waiting patiently in front of me.

The aroma was pleasantly peppery and mildly spicy.  Tempting.

The clear golden lager was topped with a thick head of bright white head.  The unusually hoppy pilsner was enhanced by a mild peppery bite of jalapeño.  The brew wasn't too spicy but enough to leave behind a pleasant capsaicin burn that built up with each sip.  It never amounted to a real burn, though.  

The casked jalapeño pils was light, wonderful, and perfectly spicy.  What a fantastic beer!  I could drink it all day and all night long.

Awesomeness in a glass!

Olé!

Two Roads Brewery Doubletap

In all my excitement with blogging about the opening of Two Roads Brewery I was remiss in doing a review of the two new beers I tried while I was there.

When I had my sneak peek of the brewery prior to them opening their doors to the public I had the opportunity to try their Holiday Ale, Road 2 Ruin and Honeyspot Road.  All of which were outstanding brews!

When I was at the opening I got to try two new beers . . . 

Worker's Comp Saison is a very sessionable 4.8% ABV.  It is murky golden color with a fluffy head and a hearty wheat aroma.   Worker's Comp is a very wheaty beer that is lightly fruity and a little hoppy . . . making for a delicious, well-balance brew.  If you're a fan of wheat beer then this one is definitely for you!  Light and refreshing . . . very good!

The saison was good and all that but . . . 

Ol' Factory Pils was the star for me.  A clear golden colored beer with a thick head and a mouth-watering hoppy aroma.  A very drinkable and sessionable 5.0% ABV, Ol' Factory is a surprisingly hoppy pilsner.  It's not as hoppy as an IPA.  It is smooth, crisp and has just the right amount of bite.   Oh . . . and lacing?  It's got that! This is one of those beers I could sit around and drink all day . . . and enjoy every single sip.  Delish!!

However, I must admit that Honeyspot Road white IPA remains my favorite of all their beers . . . so far.


For more information about Two Roads Brewery visit their website or check them out on Facebook!

Two Roads Brewery opens quietly

Since I had my sneak peek at Two Roads Brewery a couple weeks ago, I have been waiting with happy anticipation for them to open their doors to the public and a chance to try more of their brews.

My opportunity came on December 18th, when they had a “soft” opening in order to work out the kinks in the tap lines, so to speak. Other than minor technical difficulties and a few foamy pours, I think they’re off to a great start.

Every stool at the bar in the tasting room was occupied with enthusiast beer lovers. Others roamed about taking in the view from the floor to ceiling windows overlooking the brewery.

On tap were Ol’ Factory Pils, Honeyspot Road White IPA, Worker’s Comp Saison, Road 2 Ruin Double IPA and Holiday Ale.  With the exception of the Holiday Ale, all the beer currently on tap will be available in bottles and available where beer is sold.  

I’ve tried all of the beers currently on tap but I’m looking forward to future brews that are already in various stages of the brewing process; a rye imperial stout and a double bock.

Two Roads Brewery is a great thing for Stratford.  Besides drawing new business and increasing revenue for the town, they took a defunct factory and transformed it into a state of the art brewery all the while retaining and incorporating much of the original woodwork and other aspects of the unique environment.  Two Roads is creating a quality product that is made with care.  In return, this draws positive attention to our historic small New England community.

Two Roads is now open to the public every day except Monday. Tuesday through Thursday, 3 to 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Sunday, 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.  There will be snacks for sale in the tasting room and there will be food trucks parked out front on Fridays and Saturdays offering more substantial food stuff. Tours will be available Friday, Saturday and Sunday.