A Bottle Shop in Mendocino?

Fondly called the “Meat Market” or “The Deli,” Mendocino Market has been an integral part of village life since 1998. Back in High School I was buying 50c pork buns and “The best sandwiches in town” on a regular basis, but now with a more refined pallet to bring I realize that they have far more to offer than just awesome sandwiches and Asian-style snacks. Mendocino Market not only has amazing daily specials in the gluten-free, vegan/vegetarian and organic department, but they are the first and only bottle shop in town to carry more than just the local favorites. From Firestone Walkers Parabola and Firestone's latest anniversary edition ale, to Deschutes: The Stoic, or collaborative efforts like “Life and Limb;” if you're looking for a big beer to cellar, (or just to celebrate with now), The Market just became the place to find whatever it is you fancy. If you are planning the great “California Brewery Roadtrip” and are going to NCBC as many of you (should) do, or even if you're a local and didn't notice the big refrigerators filled with organic sodas and craft beer, take an eye-opening moment to check out what's behind the glass next time you're waiting for your non-GMO, free-range turkey sammich with double bacon--you'll like what you find, trust me.

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Newcastle Founders' Ale Spring Release from Caledonian Brewing

Beer reviews are a rare thing here on Fuggly Brew, but I believe in giving kudos when a large brewery comes out with something unique and delicious. Caledonian/Heineken International has sent me a few samples in the past but it wasn't until this month that I received their Newcastle Founders' Ale ESB that I was truly impressed (although, I do recall a recent trip to Portland resulting in someone slipping me a Newcastle Werewolf that was pretty tasty as well).

Described as a “full-bodied, drinkable brew with dry, hoppy and roasted flavors” Newcastle Founders' Ale delivers on it promises. Although, many of us here on the west coast who have beaten our taste buds to death with alpha acids may not consider this all that hoppy it does have an IBU level of 20 which, considering what's out there, is a nice little weight for a 4.8% ABV ale.

With the Newcastle Founders' Ale you get that signature Newcastle caramel maple note accented with the kind and lightly fruity English hop varietal used. These flavors give this widely available seasonal some good character in competing with a number of traditional ESB's. This beer makes a killer combo with a big plate of fish and chips I might add. It really works with, not against, the malt vinegar in your chips as so many bitter beers do, in my opinion.

This is a spring release that you'll be able to pick up in many of your big box bottle shops sold in 6-pack, 12-pack and ½ keg sizes. Please check out your local TapHunter or BeerFinder to find this beer in your area!

As always let me know your thoughts on this beer!

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Bitches Brew 2010 by Dogfish Head

I did it. I drank it. I've been babying this beer since I got it. I didn't even put it in my cellar because I was scared it wouldn't age well. So, I kept in the refrigerator for nearly 2 years. Last night however, a good friend of mine looked me in the eye and announced that “it was time.” So we opened it. I'll be totally honest with you right now, I think I held on to the beer too long, even in the fridge. It was more bitter than I remember it being when it was fresh. I think the gesho root aged differently than I would expect hops to and it turned pretty bitter. The honey tones melted with and almost got lost in the oxidation process and yet it was still a winning beer in my book! The beer poured a big beautiful brown head and that wonderful aged red-fruit flavor you get from a well aged beer. If you have a 2011 release though, you might want to consider popping that baby open soon and shooting me a comment on how it tastes, I'd be very interested in hearing from anyone that has one.

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What Do Beer Bloggers Do?

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