Sugar Hill Gang

Beer #337 Sugar Hill Golden Ale / Harlem Brewing Company, New York, NY
Beers to go: 29

After a busy Sunday hosting a tailgate party fundraiser (thank you to those who supported us!), it's time for a relaxing Sunday.  And of course in my world, that means Sunday brunch.  There are few things I enjoy more than brunch, particularly on a nice, sunny Sunday.  It's a peaceful, enjoyable way to spend a slow paced weekend morning; some eggs, some bacon, a Bloody Mary.... can't wait.

Before we get there, let's keep the countdown rolling and review the Sugar Hill Golden Ale from Harlem Brewing Company.  In the glass, this beer has a clear gold color with a wispy white head.  Your nose finds aromas of grain and honey, and the taste has flavors of malt sweetness and bread, with a floral, honey character.  Easy drinking at 4% ABV, this beer is a good alternative to macro light beers.  If you see it on the shelf, give it a try.

Drinker's Delight

This brewery has been in business since 1996, and is minority owned and operated.  For those who were wondering, Sugar Hill is a neighborhood in Harlem, and was given the name in the 1920's when affluent African Americans moved there to live "the sweet life."  Prominent residents included W.E.B. DuBoise, Duke Ellington, Adam Clayton Powell Jr., and future Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, to name a few.

Thing to Think About Today:
I know that with a beer named Sugar Hill, you're expecting some Rapper's Delight by The Sugarhill Gang.  And knowing how much I love the Rolling Stones, maybe you're expecting some Harlem Shuffle.  However, it's a Sunday, and if you've forgotten the first paragraph, it's almost time for brunch.  A key component of brunch is a relaxed environment, and music can play a huge a part in making that happen.  So, let's pay homage to a Sugar Hill resident and let Duke Ellington finish up with Take the A Train - a song that also makes reference to Sugar Hill in the lyrics.  Enjoy your Sunday, everyone.... see you at brunch.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cb2w2m1JmCY

Beer 329: Harlem Beer Company and a Call to Action

Whatever you want to call her...hurricane, superstorm, cyclone...Sandy wreaked havoc on the east coast. I know many people, whether through real life or Internet connections, who were deeply impacted by this storm. Friends have been without power for days. One of their parents lost everything. As I sit here at age 37, looking at the life I've created for myself, I can't begin to imagine what it's like to have it all washed away after a much fuller lifetime.

I thank god we were spared this time around. Last October we weren't so lucky. But after a week of living without power, tossing out everything in our refrigerator and several thousand dollars in home repairs, we're back to normal. In fact, the house is looking better than ever. But our neighborhood wasn't destroyed. Our schools were fine. I didn't find myself in a shelter or dealing with FEMA.

This time around I find myself feeling guilty and lost. What can I do? I'm just far enough away to make the logistics of volunteering in person too challenging. It's time to put my money where my mouth is and make a contribution to the relief efforts. And I'm asking you to do the same.

Click one of the links below to support either the Red Cross or the ASPCA. Better yet, click both of them like I did!






Another option is a donation of blood. Countless blood drives were cancelled during and after this storm and blood is a much needed resource all the time -- not just during natural disasters. Check out the Red Cross's site for a blood drive near you.

Just in case the links above don't work, click here for the Red Cross and here for the ASPCA.

In keeping with my New York theme, I'm reviewing the Sugar Hill golden ale from the Harlem Beer Company.



It poured a golden apricot color with a thin white head and has a bready fruit aroma with undertones of honey. The flavor has some metallic hop bite, biscuit and fruity hop. It's an easy drinking beer. Not one I would go out of my way to find but enjoyable. Cheers!