Too Much of a Hoppy Thing?

This is something that has been discussed before but I thought I would add my opinion and encourage yours. Americans have been known in the craft beer world as innovators and extremists, especially when using the hop. Examples are abound in Double IPA's, Hoppier Imperial Stouts, Brown Ales, Double Whites, etc.

I will admit I am a definite hop head but I have found that my initial love with these styles has begun to fizzle a bit. Even with the "regular" American IPA, I am finding a lack of balance and drinkability. My remedy to this problem has been to turn to English beers which are more restrained and balanced making them much more drinkable when having more then one or two. Some great examples of beers with a good hop flavor but also well balanced are Wychwood's Wychcraft Blonde Ale, St. Peter's IPA and Fuller's London Pride or ESB. American versions can be found in Shipyard's IPA (they use all English ingredients) and Southampton's IPA.

I have discussed this recently with my homebrewing partner as I have been searching for a good "session" beer (a beer that can be drank all day) and have had a hard time finding a good American example available in GA. As more hops are added to a beer generally the alcohol also increases to balance it out, making more difficult to enjoy more than a few without feeling the effects. So if anyone knows of any good beers 4.5% ABV or lower with a good flavor and balance post your thoughts! And also take this weeks poll of whether you like the hoppier beers or are getting burnt out on them

~Cheers

Claim your VICTORY!

Sorry for the delay in getting back on here, we've been having a pretty busy week here at Tower. The store is looking better then ever now that we have some new shelves for the beer department. Also some other exciting news is that we have finalized the details for our VICTORY beer sampling event at Churchill's at Buckhead.

The Tasting will start at 8 PM on Wednesday, February 11th but feel free to show up earlier. There will be a Victory sales rep there to discuss the beers as well as a rep from Savannah Distributing, distributor of Victory's beers here in Atlanta. There will also be catered appetizers provided by Churchill's. The tasting will conclude at 9 PM but stick around for the Duke vs. UNC basketball game which will be shown on three plasma TVs down in the War Room, Churchill's private bar.

Where: The War Room at Churchill's Pub in Buckhead, click HERE for location
When: February 11th 7:30 until 9 or later
What: Victory beer tasting, including appetizers and UNC vs. Duke game
The Beers: Prima Pils Pilsener, Hop Wallop Imperial IPA, Golden Monkey Belgian Tripel,
Storm King Imperial Stout
Cost: $25 with tax and tip included

Click HERE for more details

So that is that, it will be an definitely be an awesome time and I hope to see you there!

Welcome!

Thanks for stopping by Tower's beer blog.

Since we are still getting this up and running this first post will be short but check back soon as we hope to manage this blog on a daily basis. Here are a few new treats that just rolled into Tower on Piedmont to get things started!

-Stone Cali Belgique IPA (California/Belgian Style IPA)
-Stone/Jolly Pumpkin/Nogne O Special Holiday Ale (One heck of a beer, unique spices and flavor!)
-Lagunitas Ruben and the Jets (Imperial Stout)
-Sierra Nevada ESB (Early Spring Beer)
-Brooklyn Monster Ale (barley Wine)
-Dogfish Head Red & White Ale (classified as Belgian Wit aged in Pinot noir and Oak barrels)
-Ommegang Biere de Mars (This is a wild ale brewed with Brettenomyces, tart and tasty!)

I will be posting more tomorrow and over the weekend, Jan 16th-18th, with some good discussion points. Check back then and as always feel free to ask any questions or comments by emailing:

BEER@TOWERWINESPIRITS.COM

Thanks and happy drinking!

-Brad @ Tower on Piedmont