Cool it Now, You're Gonna Fall In Love (With this Beer!)

Beer #124 Good Golden Harbor / Leelanau Brewing Company, Leland, Michigan

I have been surprised by something and I've learned something this week.  I'll start with what I've learned - the Boilermaker Bar is now officially open.  Technically, they've been open for about two or three weeks, but just had their grand opening last night.  Really interesting domestic craft beer list, and a really relaxed yet sophisticated vibe inside.  This bar is owned by the same people who run Farmers' Cabinet, another favorite beer bar of ours.  Went to this new spot on Marci's birthday, and I'm sure we'll be there again soon.  If you're in the 11th & Walnut area of Philly, definitely stop by and drink some beers.

I mentioned a surprise as well.  I've been surprised by a brewery flying under the radar that has managed to blow me away with an amazing beer.  Previously, Anchorage Brewing Company came from seemingly nowhere to produce one of the better beers I've had in ages, and now Leelanau Brewing has managed to completely astound me with their beer. This Biere de Garde is aged in oak and pours a pale golden color, and you pick up the scent of bread and fruit, but most notably you get a pleasant sour aroma.  The taste is magnificent.  A heady and funky mix of tart, sour, and citrus flavors with a touch of bitter hops.  The oak doesn't overpower you, but instead lends a mellow earthy flavor around the edges.  This beer is a mortal lock to finish the year in the Top 25, and I can't wait to get back to the Boilermaker to open up another bottle.  If I'm not mistaken, the third Michigan beer/brewery to make my top list so far.  Marci also sampled this beer from this brewery, so check that out (plus slutty prom dresses!) here.

Thing to Think About Today:
In the spirit of things that are new, such as Boilermaker and Leelanau, and because my post on Bell Biv DeVoe managed to get some mild attention on Facebook (three people commented - I was one of them), let's take some time and think about New Edition.  Ronnie, Bobby, Ricky, Mike, Ralph, and Johnny too!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZUq6N7Gx1c

Best of luck to the Farmers' Cabinet gang on their new edition.  See what I did there?

Beer 119: Leelanau Brewing’s Good Harbor Golden

About this time every year I find myself in need of a formal dress.  The odd thing about looking for a formal dress this time of year is that it coincides with prom season.  And this time every year I thank god that I opted not to have children -- most especially for opting not to have female children.  Because -- based on mall evidence -- they are all sluts.

The following photos are all sadly similar to what I saw in my shopping adventure today:

And you know that eventually it is going to lead to this:

Now go wash your eyes with soap.  It is the only answer after seeing something like that.

***

Tonight I’m reviewing a beer I had on my birthday adventure.  Obviously first and foremost big ups to Gary for orchestrating said adventure.  Second, big ups to The Boilermaker for being awesome.

I would have bet that Leelanau was coming to me from Hawaii, but, in fact, it is straight out of Michigan.  Michigan! I need to get myself to Michigan because there is A LOT of good beer to be had there.

The Leelanau Good Harbor Golden was billed as a biere de garde aged in oak barrels.  It poured a cloudy golden color with a minimal head.  I didn’t notice any lacing as I drank it.  It was definitely oak-y and very earthy.  What surprised me - and Gary, since we were sharing this 750mL bottle - is the overwhelming and fantastic sourness.  I love sour beers and you know this is going in my Top 25.

Interestingly this brewery is working in conjunction with Jolly Pumpkin in its early stages -- Jolly Pumpkin being another one of my all time favorites. I think I taste more than a little Jolly Pumpkin influence on this one in particular.

Here’s to awesome beers!  Cheers!