Pale Tourist

When I was on vacation in St. Thomas, I spent a lot of time on the beach and in the water.

Basically, I spent a lot of time in the sun. That was a lot more sun than this fish belly white northern girl usually gets exposed to.

That's how I went from a pale tourist to a painfully pink tourist in a very short period of time.

So, when I spied a bottle of St. John Brewers Pale Tourist for sale in the market at Charlotte Amalie I had to laugh and get a bottle.

I liked Pale Tourist. It was pleasantly hoppy and super refreshing. Just the thing to cool off with after a day in the sun.

The sunburn? So worth it!

Cooking with Beer - Pickled Pink Cauliflower (Spicy)

I grew up in an area was densely populated with the descendants of German immigrants commonly known as Pennsylvania Dutch. One of the Pennsylvania Dutch treats I totally enjoyed and often devoured was hot pickled cauliflower. It's something I can't get here in Connecticut. The closest thing to it is Italian Giardiniera and that's not even close to being the same - nor as spicy hot.

Hot pickled cauliflower is generally yellow-ish due the spices in the brine. Mine are pink. I pickled these with radishes and the red from the radish skins seeps into the beer brine and makes the cauliflower pink.





Pickled Pink Cauliflower
(Refrigerator Pickles)

2 Heads of Cauliflower
1 Lb Radishes, Halved
6 Hot Peppers, Halved
6 Garlic Cloves, Peeled
3 Tbsp Brown Mustard Seeds
3 Tbsp Whole Black Peppercorns
1 Tbsp Hot Pepper Flakes
8 Cups Distilled White Vinegar
1 Cup Water
2 12-Oz Bottles IPA or Pale Ale
1 cup Kosher Salt











Break the cauliflower into bite-size-ish flowerettes.

Bring the vinegar, beer, and water to a fast simmer.

Pack sterilized glass jars with cauliflower, hot pepper, garlic clove, mustard seed, pepper flakes, kosher salt, and black peppercorns. Top with the radishes. Distribute ingredients evenly between jars.

Fill jars with hot brine. Secure with a lid and place in the refrigerator for a week (good) or two (better).

Enjoy!



Note: I used 2 half gallon mason jars. But you can use quart sized.

Note: I used a combination of fresh and dried peppers - fresh jalapenos / dried habaneros. Use whatever you like depending on how hot you want the cauliflower.

Beer and Barbecue

We found the Ugly Dog Saloon - a little local watering hole - within walking distance of our hotel. The menu was barbecue. Mmmm, nom nom nom.

I was more hungry than thirsty, so I immediately put in for an order of ribs with a side of mac-n-cheese and chili.

The food was fabulous. The ribs were fall off the bone, the macaroni was home made, the chili was delish, and the cornbread had a fire all its own.

I love it when a quest for good food also results in new beer experiences. There were two new-to-me brews on tap. Score! Aside from the typical macro beer fare, there were two beers on tap that I'd never had before. So, of course, I got one of each.

Canebrake (5% ABV) by Parish Brewing is an American Pale Wheat Ale. It pours a clear honey gold with a finger of foam that rapidly diminishes.

The aroma is almost non-existent. There is a subtle wafting of malt and grain.

The taste is soft and mild. There's a bit of sweet malt and wheat. A touch of lemon and earthy hops contrast and compliment the otherwise sweet flavors of the grains. The finish is clean and dry.

The mouthfeel is medium to light with good carbonation.

Canebrake is very light tasting, which makes this brew incredibly slam-back-able.

420 Extra Pale Ale (5.4% ABV) by
SweetWater Brewing pours a bright clear orange with a decent sized white head that leaves behind tight lacing.

The aroma was lightly citrus and not much else.

The flavor was that of a nice refreshing pale ale. Mildly bitter with a burst of citrus and a touch of underlying malty sweetness. The finish is crisp and clean.

The mouthfeel was smooth and moderately bubbly.

420 was a pleasant surprise. A very drinkable brew with a nice little bitter bite. Refreshing and quaffable. I like it!

Firefly Hollow

After attending Shebeen's anniversary party, we decided to swing by Firefly Hollow. Why not? We were in the area and Firefly Hollow kicks some beer butt!

There was a healthy crowd at the bar but there were plenty of cushy comfy seats so I grabbed a couple flights and pretzels and got all cozy.

I got one of each pretzel from Harvest Bakery - a jalapeno cheddar and a stout. I dare say these may be the best pretzels ever. Soft and flavorful. They went perfect with the beer, too! And oh so happy! Just look at that smiley face on the Jalapeno Cheddar!!  It's only mildly weird that it looks suspiciously like the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man. Just sayin'.

But I digress.

Anyhoo . . . I'd had a couple of the beers on the list during a previous visit but was happy to drink them again and try the new-to-me ones.









Wisp Single Hop Pale Ale (5.5%)

As the name perhaps implies this is a light and gentle pale ale. Mildly sweet and malty with some juicy fruit presence. It finishes dry and a little bitter. A drinkable for anyone brew. I like it! Overall: good

Crazed Copper Ale (4.9% ABV) 

This classic and a good example of the style. This is not by favorite style but it's not bad and I liked it. The hops make their presence known in the finish with a little bite. This is a good, quaffable brew. Overall: good.

Moonrise Amber (6.3% ABV) This one was a bit of a pleasant surprise. An amber with a hit of hops. That's my kind of amber! It's also has nice fruit characteristics; a little juicy, a little tart. Nice all around flavor and a pleasant divergence from your every day amber ale. Overall: good.














Toadstool Oat Stout (5.8% ABV) 
bursting with fresh roasted coffee flavor and sweet milk chocolate. The finish is mildly bitter and pleasant. The mouthfeel is creamy and smooth. Very nice. Overall: very good.

Nymph IPA (7.1% ABV) is hop forward but it is gently bitter. The hop profile is fruity and juicy. This is an IPA that anyone can enjoy. It's mild and tasty. The mouthfeel is medium with good carbonation. Overall: good.

Dire Chinchilla (9.8% ABV) is big. Not for the light weight beer drinker. It boozy for sure. But that's not all. Malt, hops and caramelized sugars are pronounced. This is a bold flavorful brew. Nice! And I like the name, too. Overall: Good.

Happy Birthday Shebeen!!

Could it possibly be a whole year since Shebeen began brewing beer for public consumption?  Wow!

The tap room manager, Marissa, asked me to come to the anniversary party. Of course I would be there! A keg party!! Woot!

I arrived early with my posse and there were a few folks hanging around. Marissa immediately poured me a brew. My friends and I went into the new but unfinished tap room expansion to enjoy our beer.

Not too long after we got there the tap room was packed with people clambering for beer. Outside they were playing a beanbag toss game quaintly called cornhole; appropriately, the game is also known as lawn darts for drunks. Folks were also enjoying brews at the picnic tables and on the porch.

By the time we were ready to leave, we had to elbow our way to the door. I'd say the anniversary party was a raging success! The beer was pretty good, too!

Here's  to another great year of brewing beer at Shebeen!

Cucumber Wasabi (4.5% ABV) is a hazy honey brown. It smells and tastes just like both cucumber and wasabi. Impressive but weird.  I liked it but I'm definitely not in love with it. It's interesting to drink, for sure, but I don't think I could drink more than a glassful. This a brew worth trying, if for no other reason, than that it's it is unlike any other beer. Tasty but odd.



Pineapple Wheat (5.1% ABV) is a fruit / wheat beer. This is a darned good beer. It pours a clear honey gold with a nice lingering bubbly head. The aroma is boldly wheaty and big on pineapple.  The taste is a burst of fresh pineapple backed up by wheat and sweet malt. This is a pleasantly sweet, refreshing beer with not a hint of bitterness.  I once even made Beer Zucchini Bread with it. NOM!



Cannoli Beer (5.2% ABV) is an American Pale Ale. Served with a rim of powdered sugar and a sprinkle of cocoa atop the foam, this is a Shebeen favorite. The aroma is, well, like a cannoli. The taste is wonderful! The airy sweetness of the sugar and subtle cocoa enhances and sends the spicy ale over the top. This is the first time I had it on Nitro. I have to say I like it better without it. The nitro does something not so great to the otherwise awesome brew, in my ever so humble opinion.



Grand Cru (6% ABV) is a witbier. It pours a deep amber color. Smooth, fruity, juicy.  I think this was my favorite of the day. Smooth, fruity, juicy. Mild grains, malt, and sweet citrus combine to make an easy drinking brew. Nary a hint of bitterness. Perfect for a hot summer day. Wonderful.

Cold Brews at the Red Parka Pub

One my favorite places to go to eat, drink, and be merry in the Mount Washington Valley in New Hampshire is The Red Parka Pub.  They have great selection of beer, of course, but the food is fabulous and the staff is fun and courteous.  And they have bands and dancing every weekend.

I was in the area for three nights, two of those nights found me at the Red Parka. They have the bestest ribs and I always get them; sometimes even for dessert. Their hot wings are big and tasty so those are a must have, as well. If you want a steak there is no better place! THE best.

As great as the Red Parka is, that's not why you're reading my blog. So let's talk about the beer.





 Pale Ale (5.5% ABV) by Tuckerman Brewing Company is always a good call and is always on tap at the Red Parka. It is an American Pale Ale that is light and refreshing with citrus and bitter hops but not quite IPAish.  It's lightly carbonated and exceedingly drinkable!  So good!  Overall . . . nearly awesome!

Mint Chocolate Stout (9% ABV) by Shipyard Brewing Company. I so much wanted to like this. A mint chocolate stout sounds like it should work but it's the second one I've had. And this one is just as gawd-awful horrible as the one from Bootlegger. It tastes like someone squeezed toothpaste into a bottle of stout. I'm not a huge fan of the brewery and this brew did nothing whatsoever to endear me to them. Blech!

Single Chair (5% ABV) by Magic Hat Brewing Company. An appropriate beer to be on tap for this ski loving venue. Single Chair Ale is named after the famed chair lift at Mad River Glen. It is a very drinkable golden ale that is an easy drinking, refreshing brew that is malty sweet and gently hopped. Overall - good.

Monkey Fist IPA by Shipyard Brewing Company. Why do I torture myself, you ask. Because sometimes you hit paydirt. I'm a big-time fan of IPA's. While this one is not gawd-awful horrible, it's nothing fantabulous either. It's a drinkable IPA with a citrussy hop profile. The sweet malts balance out the bitterness. A refreshing brew. It doesn't suck. Overall: good

Vienna Amber Lager (5% ABV) by Trapp Family Lodge Brewery.  Yes, this beer is brewed by the Sound of Music von Trapps who just happen to own a lodge in Vermont and brew their own beer.  This brew is a rich golden color with a very malty aroma.  The flavor is as rich as the color with toasty and caramel malts, it's slightly sweet and very tasty.  Overall - very good.

Local Harvest

I grabbed this brew when I was browsing my local beer shop. I went looking for nothing in particular. I was just like I'll take one of these and one of those and that looks good and that one is interesting and what a cool label.

This one ended up in the mix and that little act of randomness netted me a tasty brew.

Local Harvest (6.10% ABV) is an American Pale Ale brewed by Sebago is  brewed with water for Lake Sebago and locally grown hops and barley, hence the name.

The beer pours a gorgeous coppery red that is hazy in the glass. The head is thick and clingy. A very nice looking beer, very appealing.

The aroma is sweet caramel malts with the tart tang of hops.

The taste is malty but not overly sweet. Caramel and cocoa tease the palate. The bitterness of piney hops edges in but is not overpowering. The flavor is rounded out by a sweet lemon and sour grapefruit.  The finish is slick and pleasantly bitter.

The mouth feel is medium, creamy, and smooth.

Local Harvest is tasty and drinkable with a tasty balance of hoppy bitterness and sweet malt. A good all around brew.

Overall: good

Cannoli Beer

Shebeen is without a doubt one of the best new Connecticut breweries.  Brewmaster, Rich Visco, has created a line-up of beers that is truly inspired.

My favorite is the Cannoli Beer (5.2% ABV) is a spiced American Pale Ale brewed with cinnamon, nutmeg and bourbon soaked vanilla beans.

It pours a hazy amber with a big floof of white foam.

In the tasting room of the brewery it is offered with the glass rimmed in powdered sugar and Ghiradeli chocolate sprinkled into the foam.

The spices come through clearly in the aroma and very cannoli-ish. Yummy. Enticing.




















The brew stands up well enough on its own.

But with all the fixins it's amazing. The airy sweetness of the sugar and subtle cocoa enhances and sends the spicy ale over the top. I could drink this ALL day long. Or for a liquid dessert at the very least. The taste clings to the palette. Cinnamon and nutmeg come forward making for a gently sweet, quaffable brew.

The best sip is the last. All there is a concentration of chocolate and sweet sugar mixing with the last of the foam. Delicious!

Overall: excellent.

Hatch Plug

Our favorite date night locale was all decked out for the holidays!

I checked out the beer list scribbled on the mirror over the bar. Score! A beer from a local brewery. By local, I mean really local. Cavalry Brewing is less than 15 miles from the bar.

I first had Cavalry Hatch Plug about a year and a half ago. I haven't had one since, so when I saw it on tap at Porky's Cafe during my weekly wings and beer excursion I had to order it.

It was a good call, it went down easy and was a good compliment to my meal.

















Hatch Plug (4.5% ABV) is a classic English pale ale.

It was served in a standard shaker pint. It is a perfectly clear amber that came with a wisp of a head that left behind a decent amount of lacing.

The aroma is very light but malt and English hops waft forth.

The taste is also subtle. Biscuit malts and toffee up front with earthy hops lingering in the background. The balance of sweet to bitter is good. The finish is clean and mildly bitter.

The mouthfeel is medium with tingly carbonation.

Hatch Plug is a smooth drinking beer that anyone can enjoy. The low alcohol content makes it a good sessionable brew.

Overall: good

Cogsman Ale

I don't always drink beer when I come to the White Mountains, oh wait, yes I do.

There are many places to drink great beer brewed locally. One of my favorite places to go for fresh beer brewed right on the premises is Woodstock Inn Brewery.  The beer is always good and the food is nothing to shake a stick at either.

Aside from the beer, I enjoyed hot wings and their famous meat loaf served à la wellington. Nom-dilly-icious!

Check this! We're in one of their promotional videos!  Hubby is the one nomming the enormous burger and I'm the one laughing at him!

(Skip to 0:25 in the video)

Cogsman Ale (5.60% ABV) was poured from the tap into a Pig's Ear shaker pint.  The beer is a clear reddish amber and arrived with a thin wisp of head. Little lacing to speak of.

The aroma is pretty low-key; caramel malt and a hint of earthy hops. Light smelling but promising.

The taste is toasty malt - some caramel and biscuit. There a subtle sweet fruitiness that is offset nicely by a touch of hops. This is an even tasting beer; not too sweet, not too bitter. Good taste without being in-your-face. The finish is clean.

The mouth feel is light with good carbonation. Low alcohol content and mild taste makes this an easy drinking brew.

I have to admit that I like Cogsman Ale better this time than the last time I had it. In fact, I went home with a growler. Good stuff.

Overall: good.

Cooking with Beer - Beer Brined Green Tomatoes

A friend was cleaning out their garden before the first frost and gave me a big pile of green cherry tomatoes.

I thought pickling them would be a great way to preserve them. I thought pickling them in beer was an even better idea. So, that's what I did.

Cuz everything is better with beer. Right?

This is a recipe for hot water bath canned pickled tomatoes. Alternately, you can stick them in the fridge after adding the brine to avoid the whole canning process but they won't keep as long. Let them sit for a couple weeks before diving in.

For the best results, make sure you start with fresh, blemish free fruit.

Make sure you sanitize your jars and lids to prevent contamination which will ruin all your hard work.  The dishwasher is fine for the jars; especially if it has a "sanitize" cycle. Or submerge the jars in a large pot (the canner itself) of water and bring it to a boil. Put the lids into the small pot of boiling water for at least several minutes. 

Beer Brined Green Tomatoes

For every quart jar, you will need approximately 1 1/2 pounds of green cherry tomatoes.

1 Cup White Distilled Vinegar 

1 Cup Pale Ale

1 Tablespoon Kosher Salt

2 Teaspoons Dill Seeds

1 Teaspoon Black Peppercorns

1 Bay Leaf

4 Garlic Cloves, Peeled

1 Teaspoon Brown Mustard Seeds

1 Tbsp  Red Pepper Flakes

In a saucepan, bring the vinegar, beer, and kosher salt to a boil then turn down to a simmer. Keep an eye on it because the beer will foam up and over flow if you're not careful.

Wash the cherry tomatoes well in cold water. Slice them in half.

Put the spices into a hot, clean jar. Use the measurements above for each quart jar or divide them equally into two pint jars. 

Pack the jar tightly with the tomato halves.

Pour the hot brine over the tomatoes, covering them completely and leaving 1/2-inch headspace. Poke a chopstick into the jar and move it around to release any trapped air bubbles.

Wipe the rim clean, seal with a lid and band. Tighten the band finger tight. DO NOT over tighten.  

Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 15 minutes for quarts / 10 minutes for pints. (adjust time for altitude as needed).

Remove the jars from the hot water bath and allow to sit undisturbed for at least 24 hours. 

Once the jars are cool, you can check that they are sealed verifying that the lid has been sucked down. Just press in the center, gently, with your finger. If it pops up and down (often making a popping sound), it is not sealed. If you put the jar in the refrigerator right away, you can still use it.

Now, store them in a cool, dark place and use them as needed.

The beer brined green tomatoes will be perfectly pickled in about three weeks. 

Use as a sandwich topper or in recipes calling for relish. Or garnish your martini for a unique flavor.

Holiday Ale

'tis the season for holiday ales and Two Roads Brewery recently released their second annual batch of the what the brewry refers to as a Bière De Noël.

The first release of  Holiday Ale was a small batch that was available for a only short time. It was not bottled and was served on tap at the brewery.  I was lucky enough to try it.

Holiday Ale was the very first beer I ever tasted from Two Roads last December. My impression of last year's batch placed the bar for my expectations of future releases pretty high. I wrote:

It pours a cloudy copper with a nice white head.  It was clean tasting with a hint of spice and a mildly bitter finish.  Very tasty and exceptionally drinkable.  

That begs the question, what do I think of this years Holiday Ale?

Holiday Ale (6.8% ABV) pours a bright clear copper with a quickly diminishing floof of white foam.

The aroma is mild but hints of malt and some spice are detected.











The taste is surprisingly clean and light. Malt dominates the palate with a whisper of spices lingering in the background. There is a gentle bittering effect to balance out the brew. The finish is clean with a slight metallic aftertaste.

The mouthfeel is medium with crisp carbonation. Nice to drink and easily quaffable.

I seem to recall last year's version to have a stronger malt flavor with more distinctive spice notes. That doesn't make this years batch bad, just different.

As to the aftertaste, a fellow beer enthusiast indicated that he detected no off flavors in the bottled version. I will have to suffer through a bottle to investigate this for myself. Inquiring minds want to know.

Overall: good