Where in the beer world? 05.23.11

Where in the beer world?

I don’t really expect anybody to tell me where in the beer world this photo was taken, but it’s one of those things you see and you want other people to see as well.

First, “It’s not a Belgium.” Well, right. And it’s not Belgian either. Is that a good thing, a bad thing, or just a thing?

Second, “air fermented.” I thought I knew a little about brewing practices in Belgium, but this is a new one to me. Perhaps whoever scribbled the addition meant “open fermented.” Except, when I was at Sierra Nevada in early February I tasted several versions from a variety of different size conditioning tanks. Unfortunately, my notes are packed in a box that is one of a dozen marked “office.” But I sort of remember that not everything underwent primary fermentation in Sierra Nevada’s four open fermentation squares. I could be wrong. I’m used to that.

Anyway, as intriguing as it was to try one version with more banana notes, another richer with dark fruits, my favorite is the blend. The one in the bottles pictured above. A one-word tasting note, elegant.

11 thoughts on “Where in the beer world? 05.23.11”

  1. “…it’s one of those things you see and you want other people to see as well.”

    It seems that, more and more, there’s just too much misinformation in the world. And that’s just not the beer world, unfortunately.

  2. I’m used to things like this.

    This post makes me curious how many other industries there are where the retail outlet is completely ignorant about the product they are selling. Is it the same problem with wine? I don’t think so. Sometimes this works out for the consumer. I have gotten some good deals on beers that are hard to find here in south florida, because stores have no idea what they are worth.

    I have yet to go to a good beer bar in south Florida where the bartender/server has any knowledge of beer. Even our so-called brewpubs. It is pretty disappointing. Here is my favorite line. I overheard it at a place called “World of Beer” during a training session for the bartenders. “Negra Modelo is the original Vienna Lager.”

  3. Steve, as usual, you are one of the few (although it seems Andrew seems to be picking up the same idea) who gets it. I find it ironic we live in what is (laughingly, in my opinion) called “The Information Age”, yet the quality of the product (ie, information) is so poor.

    I guess when the concept of “citizen journalist” is widely accepted, you get an idea of how little value journalism (and fact) is given.

  4. “The Information Age”

    I guess the caveat behind the title is that there is no clear definition telling us good or bad information — just overload.

  5. I thought it looks like a Trader Joe’s sign, but then I noticed the Orval beneath the sign. Never seen Orval at TJ’s.

  6. On all the belgian style inspired beers I make, they will be clearly marked, “Not A Belgium.”

  7. “…they will be clearly marked…”

    Okay, that one made me laugh on a dreary morning! 😀

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