Cider, Mergers, Wolves, Politicians

Beer #330 Fox Barrel Blackberry Pear / Crispin Cider Company, Minneapolis, MN
Today will be spent making brunch, enjoying a mimosa, watching old movies, and generally not doing any of the things on my to-do list that desperately need to get done.  Sorry, responsibilities - I'll check back with you on Monday morning.

Have no fear, the reviews keep rolling, and today I'm updating you on Fox Barrel Blackberry Pear cider, which I had recently on draft at TJ's.  Fox Barrel started as an independent company in Colfax, CA, but was purchased in 2010 by Crispin Cider Company, so I'm giving the credit to the guys paying the bills..... sort of.  You see, Crispin has since been acquired by MillerCoors.  All hail our corporate overlords!!!  From what I gather, Crispin (MillerCoors?) shifted production to Fox Barrel's original site in California rather than a MillerCoors site, so we'll allow this one on the books for our craft beer adventure.  Fun times.

Anyway, after all that nonsense, let's talk about the actual cider!  In the glass, you see a clear reddish amber color, and the aroma is of fruit and berries.  The taste has sweetness, but nothing artificial and nothing overpowering.  The finish is crisp and dry, and if you're in the market for a cider, this is a good option to check out.

Cider.  Drink it.

I've already ran down the details on this brewery, so instead I can share that Colfax, CA is named for Schuyler Colfax, who served as Vice President under Ulysses S. Grant.  Colfax had visited the town (previously known as Alder Grove and Illinoistown) in 1865 while he was Speaker of the House, and apparently it was a big enough event that they renamed the town for him.  Three last odd facts: Colfax is one of only two people to ever serve as both Speaker of the House and Vice President, there are towns named after Colfax in seven U.S. states, and he was initiated as a member of Beta Theta Pi despite having never attended college.  More proof that Betas are weirdos that are desperate for friends, I guess.

Thing to Think About Today:
Wasn't all that Schuyler Colfax info wasn't enough to think about?  No, there's more!  Here we go:  if today's brew is a Fox Barrel, then we're thinking of Michael J. Fox, and because Halloween was just last week and I love basketball, we're wrapping up one of the stranger posts of the past year with Teen Wolf!

Seriously, check my math.  I just went cider + actor + holiday (involving werewolves) + basketball = TEEN WOLF!  I mean, who doesn't love a movie that features a mild-mannered student who magically morphs into the bastard love child of "Pistol" Pete Maravich and Sasquatch, becoming the most popular kid in school in the process?  I know you love it just as much as I do.....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMyuv3wkTJs

Beer 318: Fox Barrel Ciders, No, 4 Hands and Beer-cation Part Deux

I have developed a serious case of wanderlust. The idea of traveling and seeing a new part of this country is like a drug lately. Next up is Austin, Texas for four days. Flights are booked. Hotel is confirmed. An itinerary is in development. Of course the trip will be beer-centric. So if you have any Texas-based recommendations for can't miss breweries or Austin-based dining or culture experiences, share them.

My first two orders of business on this trip is a visit to Jester King and cowboy boots. I'm not sure which one is more exciting!

Now keeping with my very autumnal beer selections this week, tonight's drink of choice is the Fox Barrel blackberry pear cider. And this is where I curse. Turns out that Fox Barrel Ciders is the pear cider making operation that is directly related to Crispin Ciders. And guess what? I reviewed Crispin on September 16. I haven't done that to myself in a good long time.


If you care, here are my notes from Fox Barrel. 5% ABV. Based in California. Very still. Bright rosy red color. Smells of blackberries and very ripe fruit. Tart and semi dry. Fruity but not sweet. Great.

And now I'm out of autumnal options. Let's talk 4 Hands Brewery and their Reprise Centennial red ale. It is an American red ale with an ABV of 6% that's brewed in Missouri. If I'm interpreting the description on their website, the Reprise is brewed with just the centennial hop. If that's true, that centennial hop is one potent mother.


The Reprise was billed as a hoppy red ale and it delivered. It poured a reddish brown ale with a loose but thick off white head. The scent reminded me of citrus pith. The flavor was fruity esters. This is a big, bold flavorful beer and I'll rate it a great.

One final thought. Is it odd that every review I currently have stockpiled is of beer I found at TJ's? Perhaps I'm going to start forwarding my mail there. Cheers!

Beer 281: Crispin Hard Cider

What a weekend. Great tailgate. Great Penn State football game. Great weather. The mornings feel like football weather and that makes me so very happy.


What doesn't make me happy? I am an old woman and absolutely EXHAUSTED by the tomfoolery of the weekend. As in the kids in the yard next door didn't wake me up even with all their ridiculous screaming. Why must kids scream on the top of their lungs over everything? Shut up.

You know what would be perfect on a day like today? Crispin Cider Company's Artisanal Reserve Honey Crisp hard cider. It's described on the label as smooth and crisp with organic honey (6.5% ABV). It poured the palest of yellows with a medium carbonation. It smells of fresh green earth and, obviously, apples.

The flavor is light, tart apple with hints of honey. It finishes semidry with a nice tartness. This is one of the better ciders I've had -- decidedly not sugary sweet with a good amount of tartness. Perfect for the early fall weather.

Now I'm going to go yell at kids to get off my lawn. Cheers!