Get ready for your February tasting events!

Check out the lineup for each of our three tasting events below

This Thursday’s tasting events feature great beers from some of your favorite breweries. Folks in Beaumont will enjoy six different selections from Texas Big Beer Brewery and have the exciting chance to meet Texas Big Beer Brewery founders and brewers “Johnny Max” and “The Queen” McKissack.

Here’s what’s on the roster in Beaumont:

• Big Texas Blonde – This Belgian Strong Pale Ale with a 10.54% ABV content pours an orangey-tan colored hue with a cloudy body. The aroma of this beer is full of bread, fruit and candy notes while the taste is equally complex and interesting with present flavors including dough, fruit, honey caramel and more.  

• Working Stiff Ale – Brewed in the style of an Extra Special Bitter and named for the “premium ales” of the working class in the London pubs in the 1800s, this beer pours a copper color with a  frothy white head. Aromas from this medium-bodied brew include caramel malts and floral hops and the taste is founded on a solid backbone of malt and earthy hops. The finish is smooth with moderate bitterness.

• Renaissance Cowboy – A “wee heavy” Scotch Ale, this brew pours a deep amber-brown with a light brown frothy head. The aroma is full of heavy malts with brown sugar, molasses and dark fruity notes. The body is medium and thick with a sweet, malty base and sweet, smooth finish.

• Beeriac IPA – An American IPA with a thick, hazy amber and copper-colored body that leaves a thick, frothy head with substantial lacing when poured. Beeriac’s aroma is full of orangey, citrus notes mixed with light pine notes, caramel sweetness and tons of hops. The flavor profile includes citrus tastes followed by sweet caramel flavors with a medium mouthfeel and carbonation.

• Texas Crude – This American Porter’s aroma is heavy on the vanilla with other hints of sweet chocolate and toffee. The taste is smooth with sweet malt and toffee flavors and a medium body with light carbonation. Bitter hop tastes follow through to a dry yet satisfying finish.

• White Chocolate Porter – What’s better than beer and chocolate? This rich, dark ale pours almost black with a nice tan head. You’ll notice coffee on the nose, while white chocolate flavors come out gradually as you sip, followed by a pleasing, hoppy-bitter finish.

Attendees in Texas City can also expect a stellar lineup, featuring six different brews from some of the best in the business including seasonals from Karbach and Saint Arnold, a Scottish ale from Rahr & Sons, pale ales from Rogue Ales and Goose Island and Dixie Brewing Company’s classic Dixie Lager. Check it out:

• Karbach Barn Burner Saison – This beer is sure to get you thinking about Spring with its effervescent golden color and hints of citrus and spice. The brew uses a unique yeast strain and fresh Texas-grown grapefruit to give it a refreshing and zesty character, without sacrificing depth of flavor.

• Saint Arnold Spring Bock – An authentic, German-style Bock, celebrating the coming of spring, this robust, deeply flavored lager has been aged to create a smooth, malty taste with a hint of sweetness. A light addition of German hops balances the malt flavor.

• Rahr & Sons Iron Thistle – This dark, Scottish ale has a bold taste dominated by a smooth, sweet maltiness balanced with a low, hoppy bitterness. Rahr’s first-ever National Grand Champion winner, this one is sure to make you want to break out your bagpipes and lederhosen in      celebration.

• Rogue Ales 7 Hop IPA – With a slightly hazy, golden-orange body, this ale boasts a foamy head and plentiful lacing when poured. Tangerine and grapefruit rind aromas are met with notes of spruce, caramel and bready malts while flavors are heavy on the citrus with other tastes of spruce, pine resin and herbal hops in the mix. The ale is nicely balanced and leaves behind a lingering bitterness.

• Dixie Brewing Company Dixie Lager – Brewed all-naturally today as it was first brewed in 1907, Dixie Lager uses lightly roasted two-row barley malts and rice. The result is a crisp and flavorful beer with a mild Cascade hop finish. A century of New Orleans’ brewing tradition lives today in every bottle and keg of Dixie Lager.

• Goose Island Ten Hills APA – Ten Hills American Pale Ale takes its name from the original planting of ten “hills” of hops a couple of years ago when Elk Mountain Farms first formed a business relationship with Goose Island. Today, more than 200,000 hills of hops are grown for Goose Island annually. A limited release, this ale has an apricot and tangerine aroma, tasting of sweet honey and toast and finishing with an earthy, herbal hop character.

And get excited Victoria, because your tasting is jam packed with an all Saint Arnold lineup (featuring their newest Bishop’s Barrel release, BB6!) and special appearance by founder and brewer Brock Wagner. How could you miss this? Here are the six beers we’ll have on deck for you:

• Saint Arnold Bishop’s Barrel No. 6 – The latest in the brewery’s Bishop’s Barrel line, “BB6” is Saint Arnold’s Imperial Pumpkin Stout aged in rum barrels. The taste begins with sweet malt, chocolate and spices then comes a warming rum finish. Pumpkin creates a pleasant body to this beer which holds up to the onslaught of flavors. As it warms, all of the flavors become rounder and fuller.

• Saint Arnold Fancy Lawnmower – This beer is crisp and refreshing, with a sweet, malty body balanced by a complex citrus hop character. The brew is light enough to be enjoyed by Texans after even the most strenuous of activities, like mowing the lawn.

• Saint Arnold Santo – Saint Arnold considers Santo a “black Kölsch.” Brewed using a Kölsch recipe with the addition of Munich and black malts, it is both light bodied and floral with a distinct malt flavor.

• Saint Arnold Spring Bock – An authentic, German-style Bock, celebrating the coming of spring, this robust, deeply flavored lager has been aged to create a smooth, malty taste with a hint of sweetness. A light addition of German hops balances the malt flavor.

• Saint Arnold Elissa IPA – A traditional IPA, this beer is very hoppy with a properly balanced, malty body. Its huge hop additions in the kettle give it a wonderful bitterness and it is dry hopped in the fermenter to create its pleasant, hoppy nose.

• Saint Arnold Endeavour – This double IPA is a deep amber color with a light, creamy head. The taste starts off with a creamy malt and the hop bitter starts low, building to a crescendo but always maintaining balance – even in its big finish. You’ll taste citrus and peach notes throughout.

There you have it, Pint Jockeys! We sincerely hope to see you at one of our three tasting locations this Thursday. All tastings run from 5-7PM and are free and open to adults ages 21 and older. Locations for all three tastings are posted below. We’ll see you there!

Del Papa Distribution Center – Beaumont

Hospitality Room

410 I-10 South

Beaumont, TX 77707

Del Papa Distribution Center – Texas City

Hospitality Room

1220 I-45

Texas City, TX  77591

Del Papa Distribution Center – Victoria

Hospitality Room

3907 E. Rio Grande

Victoria, TX 77807

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Craft Beers to Love on Valentine’s Day

With the national day of love quickly approaching, we interrupt our traditional Texas Tuesday programming to bring you a few brew recommendations that are sure to impress your craft beer-loving sweetie on V-day. (And for the singles who’d rather call it “D-day” – we promise, these beers taste just as good with five of your closest friends at the local pub as they do on a date at a fancy restaurant. You have our word.)

Chocolate has long been a traditional Valentine’s Day gift. Sugary-sweet and usually packaged in some sort of heart-shaped box, it is a go-to for the fella or lady who’s not looking to mess with success by saying “I love you” with a gift that’s tried and true.

To this guy or gal, may we offer another an equally equitable formula: chocolate + beer.

Rogue Ales’ Chocolate Stout is sure to please, with mellow flavors of oats, chocolate malts and real chocolate, all balanced perfectly with just the right amount of hops for a bitter-sweet finish. This ebony-hued beer has a rich, creamy head, making for a picture-perfect presentation.

Want to spice things up with even more chocolate intensity? Rogue Ales has you covered with their Double Chocolate Stout, flavored with even more imported Dutch bittersweet chocolate. No need to get nervous about making the right impression with this one – it won a Gold Medal at the World Beer Championships in 2010.

The folks at Texas Big Beer Brewery are also helping you celebrate this special day with their White Chocolate Porter.

This rich, dark ale pours almost black with a nice tan head. You’ll notice coffee on the nose, while white chocolate flavors come out gradually as you sip, followed by a pleasing, hoppy-bitter finish.  Serve some up for your sweetie and get ready for some compliments – this one is sure to be a favorite even past Valentine’s Day.

If you’re looking to keep things “light”, we suggest pairing Goose Island’s Gillian, a Belgian style farmhouse ale, with your lover’s feast.  Inspired by an amuse bouche often prepared by the wife of one of Goose Island’s brewery, Gillian brings white pepper, strawberry and honey to a harmonious blend. Partially aged in wine barrels, this brew is slightly tart and pleasantly sweet with a refreshingly effervescent body.

And finally, for those looking to mark the occasion with a most-refined ale, may we suggest Stella Artois.

Stella Artois is one of the world’s best-selling beers and is enjoyed in more than 80 countries. Its full, characteristic flavor and high quality is assured through a superior brewing process and by using the finest ingredients available. When only the best of the best will do for your boo – this is your go-to.

Good luck with your Valentine’s Day planning, Pint Jockeys! Three cheers for three things that make our world go round – love, chocolate and craft beer.

We’ll see you back on the blog next week (after all this lovey-dovey stuff has passed) with another Texas Tuesday pick.

 

 

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Pint Jockeys’ August Tasting Features Stellar Mix of Beers and Ciders

Tasting-goers to sample six popular selections

Get ready for a taste of Fall, Pint Jockeys! This Thursday, August 15th from 5-7 p.m. we’ll hold our August tasting events at the Del Papa distribution centers in Texas City, Beaumont and Victoria. All tastings are free and open to adults ages 21 and older.

This month’s line-up features five different beers and one cider from big industry names including Stella Artois, Sixpoint Brewery, Southern Star Brewing Company, Rogue Ales and Saint Arnold Brewing Company.  Need a little more incentive to attend? Complimentary Stella Cidre taster glasses will be handed out to event-goers while supplies last.

Check out the descriptions below for each item on the line-up!

Stella Artois Cidre – This crisp, distinctive European premium cider is made with hand-picked apples. An excellent alternative to white wine, it is the perfect refreshment for special occasions.

 

Sixpoint Sweet Action – Ah, love is bitter and sweet. This beer is signature Sixpoint – hard to define, but perhaps that’s why people love it so much. Part pale ale, part wheat and part cream ale – all Sweet Action.

 

Southern Star Walloon – A Belgian-style Grisette, this hazy colored brew’s aroma is filled with hints of unripe banana, citrusy notes and orange zest. It’s taste is persimmon-like with some mango characteristics and a hint of banana. Walloon has a nice grain/wheat profile that tangles with the yeast to create a soft sweetness and medium mouthfeel.

 

Rouge Hazlenut Brown – Rogue Ale’s Hazlenut Brown is a nutty twist on traditional European Brown ale. Dark brown in color with a hazelnut aroma, this brew has a rich, nutty flavor and smooth malty finish.

 

Saint Arnold Oktoberfest – A Saint Arnold classic, this full bodied, malty and slightly sweet beer is perfect for celebrating the autumn harvest. With its round malt flavor, it will have you pining away for the crisper, cooler temperatures that await in the coming months.

 

Saint Arnold Icon Gold – This “Biére de Saison” has a complex, spicy nose with notes of brown sugar and plums. The taste starts with big spicy malt and alcohol and then turns fruity and slightly sweet in the middle. It’s earthy, spicy finish makes the brew both highly complex and highly delicious.

 

Which are you most excited to try? See you soon, Pint Jockeys!

 

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Pint Jockeys’ July tasting events feature summer seasonals, perennial favorites and a few beer experts

Karbach Brewmaster Eric Warner joins Beaumont tasting, and Pedernales Brewing Co.’s brewmaster and founder make their way to Texas City.

The tastings take place this Thursday, July 18 from 5-7 p.m. at Del Papa’s three distribution centers in Beaumont, Texas City and Victoria. All tastings are free and open to adults ages 21 and older.

Check out the lineups being featured at each location below!

 

BEAUMONT:

Karbach Brewmaster Eric Warner joins us to sample the following from Karbach’s core line-up:

Karbach Weisse Versa Wheat Ale – This hybrid wheat beer is a combination of Hefeweizen yeast and spices common to Belgian style white beers. The result is a complex but refreshing wheat beer with flavors and aromas of citrus peel, coriander, banana and wheat.

Karbach Love Street Summer Seasonal – A Kölsch style beer brewed with German hops including Tettnang, Spalt, Saphir and Hallertauer. The golden colored beer has a predominately grassy flavor with other notes of grapefruit, orange, lemon and coriander.

Karbach Sympathy for the Lager – This lager is prepared with extras steps and time, similar to many brewing processes in Czechoslovakia, to create a lager that is crisp and refreshing. Karbach utilizes a process called floatation, giving a delicate bitterness, before the beer is cold-aged for several weeks. The German hops give a floral, spicy aroma and the Vienna malts produce an amber color and malt sweetness.

Karbach Hopadillo IPA – Referred to as “Texas Style IPA” by brewmaster Eric Warner, this unique ale combines American, German and English hops to give a big and bold hop aroma with citrus character and earthy spiciness.

Karbach Rodeo Clown Double IPA – Rodeo Clown doubles down with a malty richness and strong hop character, typical of a DIPA. The aromas are malty with citrus, spice and floral hop characteristics.

Karbach El Hopadillo Negro – An American black ale, with a smooth hop taste and a cool, dry finish. Flavors of citrus, pine and roasted malt lace the brew.

Karbach Hop Delusion – A West Coast Style Imperial IPA, Hop Delusion has an explosive aroma of citrus and tropical fruit thanks to loads of Chinook, Simcoe, Falconers Flight and Mosaic hops. A slight caramel malt sweetness holds this medium bodied brew together.

 

 

TEXAS CITY:

This month’s Texas City location hosts Pedernales Brewing Company’s Brewmaster Peter McFarlane and founder Lee Hereford as they serve up these five fantastic beers:

Pedernales Classic Hefe-Weizen – This classic unfiltered beer stays true to the Bavarian style with a strict yeast strain creating distinctive flavors of banana, apricot and clove. Light, cloudy and golden in color, this brew boasts a thick, frothy head and has received top marks at the Great American Beer Festival in Denver, CO.

Pedernales Lobo Lito – A full bodied, true Reinheitsgebot quality Pilsner beer made using Pilsner malt barley, Weihensteffan yeast, Saaz hops and Hill County well water. Its slightly lower alcohol content and thirst quenching, slightly hoppy finish make it the perfect summer-time beer.

Pedernales Lobo Lager – This pilsner beer starts with Texas Hill Country well water and Czech hops. Brilliantly crisp and clear with a dense foam, light golden color and subtle hop aroma. The flavor is a delicate balance of expertly malted barley and carefully selected hops.

Pedernales Lobo Negro – A true “Dunkel,” or dark brown lager, with a spicy maltiness that is neither sweet nor too roastily dry. The lager yeast is worked at low temperatures, imparting a clean roundness and balance.

Pedernales Classics India Pale Ale – The brilliantly clear, light copper color of this classic English beer denotes the specialized caramel malt used to give the ale a light toasted flavor. Classic NW American hops are used to balance the malty sweetness of the barley to provide a wonderful herbal aroma from this well balanced beer.

 

 

VICTORIA

Victoria event-goers will be treated to a little bit of everything ! Summer seasonals, a cider, and IPA and even a doughnut-inspired brew await.

Rahr & Sons Summertime Wheat – This refreshing, lightly hopped ale has unique banana and clove-like characteristics. It is unfiltered so the yeast character comes through with a light but full body that pours a hazy dark gold with a white, frothy head.

Pedernales Lobo Lito – A full bodied, true Reinheitsgebot quality Pilsner beer made using Pilsner malt barley, Weihensteffan yeast, Saaz hops and Hill County well water. Its slightly lower alcohol content and thirst quenching, slightly hoppy finish make it the perfect summer-time beer.

New Belgium Rolle Bolle – This summer seasonal ale is brewed with monk fruit and soursop and pours a brilliant blonde, with a fluffy, white head. Earthy and tropical tones construct the aroma and oats add a hint of creaminess to the dry and clean mouthfeel.

Sierra Nevada Hoptimum – An intense and complex Imperial IPA, Hoptimum features intense hop flavors and aromas of grapefruit ring, pine, herbs and tropical fruit.

Angry Orchard Ginger – Featuring a unique blend of Nigerian ginger and apple flavors, this smooth and refreshing cider offers a sweet, yet slightly tart taste and goes down easy. This cider is gluten-free and Celiac safe.

Rouge Voodoo Doughnut Chocolate, Peanut Butter and Banana Ale – Rouge Ales has partnered with Voodoo Doughnut to craft this collision of crazy flavors. This creation contains a dozen ingredients including chocolate, banana and peanut butter to match Voodoo’s famous “Memphis Mafia” doughnut.

 

Phew, that’s a lot of great craft beer! Which tasting event are you attending? See you there, Pint Jockeys!

 

 

 

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Pint Jockeys’ October Tasting to Feature Hallowed Halloween Lineup

Attendees to sample Saint Arnold Pumpkinator and spooky seasonals from Rogue, Left Coast, Woodchuck and more!

It’s time for another tasting event, Pint Jockeys!  Join us in the Hospitality Rooms of Del Papa Distributing’s Texas City, Beaumont and Victoria distribution centers this Thursday, October 18 from 5-7 p.m. to sample Saint Arnold Pumpkinator and October favorites from Rogue, Left Coast Brewing, Woodchuck and Rolling Rock. Plus, Shock Top fans will be introduced to a bold new seasonal. All tastings are free and open to adults ages 21 and older.

The October tasting event will feature:

Saint Arnold Pumpkinator – Pumpkinator is a big, black beer full of spice and flavor. Originally released in 2009 as Divine Reserve No. 9, the imperial pumpkin stout soon became a Saint Arnold seasonal regular. Brewed at 10% ABV, Pumpkinator has a combination of pale two row, caramel and black malts; Cascade and Liberty hops for a background hop flavor; pumpkin for a rich mouthfeel; and molasses and brown sugar. One sip will remind you of mom’s homemade pumpkin pies.

Rogue Dead Guy Ale – A German Maibock characterized by a deep honey color and rich, full flavor. Dead Guy Ale is available in special 22-ounce and 64-ounce glow-in-the-dark bottles and is also available in six-packs and on draft.

Left Coast Voo Doo – Voo Doo is a full bodied, dark brew that is rich and malty with plenty of roasted barley character. This hearty stout is layered with flavors of roasted barley, chocolate, and coffee coming from the highest quality imported malts. Its creamy long lasting head completes the brew, tempting your taste buds to be spellbound.

Shock Top End of the World Midnight Wheat Ale – A bold new Shock Top seasonal, this wheat ale is brewed with midnight wheat, chocolate malt and chilies and delivers an indulgent flavor appropriate to celebrate the end of the world.

Woodchuck Special Release Pumpkin Cider –Woodchuck has combined its signature hard cider taste with a refreshing pumpkin finish for their Private Reserve Pumpkin Cider. Limited to just two and half hours on the production line, this is a true connoisseur’s cider.

Rolling Rock – This American-style Premium Lager is a light-bodied lager with a rich malt character. At 4.5% ABV, Rolling Rock has a distinctive taste and subtle hop character.

Thursday, October 18, 2012
5 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Del Papa Distribution Center
Hospitality Room
1220 I-45
Texas City, TX 77591

Del Papa Distribution Center
410 I-10 SOUTH
Beaumont, TX

Del Papa Distribution Center
Hospitality Room
3907 E. Rio Grande
Victoria, TX 77807

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Beer School, Lesson #3

Amber vs. Amber (Ale vs. Lager)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With only one day left in the week (TGI Thursday), it’s time for another beer school lesson. Did you already forget what we studied the past two weeks? As a reminder, we started by going over the general differences between ales and lagers, and last week we dug a little deeper with our study of pale ales versus pale lagers. So, it’s only appropriate that today we take class one step further by comparing amber ales and amber lagers.

According to the Beer Judge Certification Program (with a name like that, who wouldn’t consider them a trusted source?), amber ale is, fittingly, “amber to coppery brown in color” and usually clear, “although dry-hopped versions may be slightly hazy.” The malts may be sweet, often with a caramel flavor, and yet maintain a nice balance with the hops. Interestingly, BJCP says, this style of beer is known as “Red Ale” in other parts of the country, especially on the west coast, where the brew was first concocted. Some of our favorite amber ales include Fat Tire Amber Ale, Saint Arnold Amber Ale, Rogue American Amber Ale and Bear Republic Red Rocket Ale.

Amber lagers, BJCP says, are “a vaguely defined style of lager much favored by US lager brewers. They are darker in color, anywhere from amber to copper hued, and generally more fully flavored than a standard pale lager.” With more caramel malt flavor than in amber ales, amber lagers “are frequently hoppier than the true Vienna lager styles on which they are loosely based.” You’re surely familiar with one of our favorite amber lagers, ZiegenBock Amber (we’ve featured it on the blog before). Some other favorites include Rahr & Sons Texas Red, Magic Hat Spring Vinyl and Negra Modelo.

Another difference between amber lagers and ales? The Alcohol by Volume. The ABV in amber lagers is less (at 4% – 5%) than that in amber ales (4.5% – 6%). While there’s only a slight difference in ABV between the two, grab an ale if you’re looking for a little more kick.

Now, it’s time for a pop quiz! If you’ve been to a beer tasting before (one of Pint Jockeys’, perhaps?) or read any of our past blog posts, you’ve undoubtedly heard the terms “hoppy” and “malty.” Can you tell us what each of those flavors mean? *Cue Jeopardy music…* Don’t know? Don’t worry, we’ll tell you. Beers with a lot of malts have bready, sweet, floury, chocolate and coffee flavors. Hoppy beers are more bitter, often containing hints of grapefruit, resin and pine. And now you know.

Your homework assignment this week, should you choose to accept (and why wouldn’t you?): Grab a buddy and taste test each type of beer. Afterward, leave a brief description of what you taste in the comments below. Describe the color, aroma and flavor differences in an amber lager and amber ale, and share with us your overall impressions of each. For extra credit, let us know which brand you tried (and where).

Cheers, Pint Jockeys!

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Beer School is in Session

This week: Ales vs. Lagers

 

 

 

 

 

With August in full swing, we’re starting to hear a lot of chatter about “back to school” season, and it’s inspired us to share a few of our very own lessons with you.  While we recognize that official school days are a thing of the past for many of you, we’ve decided to introduce a different kind of school. One that’s sure to turn you into the most well-educated guy or gal at the pub. Without further ado, welcome to Beer School, Pint Jockeys!

That’s right, for the next few weeks, Beer School is in session. On the blackboard this week? Understanding the difference between ales and lagers. This may seem elementary to most, but sometimes, it’s good to get back to basics.

According to Tastings.com, “the simple difference between a lager and an ale is that the yeast employed for fermentation of a lager works at a cooler temperature and sinks to the bottom of the fermentation vessel, while ale yeasts work at higher temperatures and rise to the top of the vessel. Hence lagers are ‘bottom fermented’ beers.” Additionally, lagers often take several months to brew, while ales can be brewed in as little as seven days. And, given its yeast content, lagers should be served at a much cooler temperature than ales.

There are many different types of lagers, many with which you’re probably familiar. Common lagers include amber lager (popular in the U.S.); bock; dark lager (or dunkel); doppelbock; esibock; “light” and reduced calorie lager; Munich helles; malt liquor; pale lager (“the standard in international beer”); pilsner; and Vienna-style lager. Among our favorite pale and Helles lagers are Rahr and Sons Blonde, Kona Longboard, and Rogue Irish Lager.

Although ales have been around for centuries, many consider it an “experimental” beer. Because of its shorter brewing cycle, brewers tend to throw in additional ingredients (called adjuncts) to their recipes. Ales also contain a higher count of hops, malt and roasted malts than lagers, giving the ale “a more prominent malty taste and bitterness,” according to BeerTutor.com. A few of our favorites? Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, Magic Hat Elder Betty, and, just in time for fall, Shock Top’s Pumpkin Wheat (be sure to check back Friday when we’ll have a great recipe for you which may or may not include cooking with Shock Top Pumpkin Wheat).

Which brings us to your homework. Go out and sample both types of beer, making note of the differences. Come back here and let us know which you prefer – lager or ale — in the comments below. Doing homework has never been so fun!

‘Til Friday, class dismissed, Pint Jockeys!

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Who’s Thirsty? April Tasting Event Set for Tomorrow Night!

It’s time for our favorite monthly happy hour – the Pint Jockeys tasting events in Beaumont, Victoria and NOW Texas City. If you didn’t catch last week’s blog, we’re moving the Galveston tasting event to Del Papa’s new Coastal Distribution Center on the mainland. The building is in the final stages of construction, so this month’s event will take place patio-side, adjacent to the Hospitality Room.

To help us celebrate the move, Islander by Choice will be on site all evening selling tickets to the upcoming Galveston Beach Revue! Make sure to stop by and grab tickets to the “Bands & Bombshells” event on May 18 featuring live music from the Gourds and John Evans band and brews from Southern Star Brewery happening!

As always, all of our free tasting events are open to those ages 21 and up and will take place from 5-7p.m.

New location, same great variety!  Here’s a taste of what you can expect this month:

• Shock Top Lemon Shandy – Shock Top Lemon Shandy is a unique blend of refreshing and smooth wheat beer perfectly complemented by spices and natural lemonade flavor.  This recently released seasonal brew by Shock Top is available through the end of July.
• Saint Arnold Summer Pils – Saint Arnold’s bohemian-style pilsner is crisp and refreshing with a delicate, sweet German malt taste complemented by an abundant hop aroma and flavor. The seasonal brew is available May through August and is perfect for a hot summer day.
• Rahr & Sons Bucking Bock – The Pint Jockeys’ April Beer of the Month (BOTM) is the golden-colored Bucking Bock, a traditional German spring bock beer. The award-winning bock has a smooth malty character and is available through April.
• Sierra Nevada Hoptimum – This whole-cone imperial IPA is aggressively hopped and carries layers of a bold aroma featuring notes of grapefruit rind, rose, lilac, cedar, and tropical fruit culminating in a dry and lasting finish.
• Rogue Voodoo Doughnut Bacon Maple Ale – Rogue Ales has collided with Voodoo Doughnut to create Bacon Maple Ale! This unique artisan creation of various smoked malts contains a baker’s dozen number of ingredients including bacon and maple syrup from one of Voodoo’s signature doughnuts.

In addition to the above selections, visitors to our Beaumont tasting will have the opportunity to enjoy Sierra Nevada Summerfest:

• Sierra Nevada Summerfest – Summerfest is a refreshing, pilsner-style and is incredibly smooth.  The crisp, light ale will quench your thirst with its big aroma and tangy hob bite and is a perfect summertime treat.

And Victoria and Texas City event-goers can sample:

• New Belgium Shift – The lightly-hopped pale lager is dedicated to the New Belgium employee-owners who work in shifts to brew world-class beers.  Enjoy this brew crafted from Target, Nelson Sauvin, Liberty and Cascade hops after a long day of work or play.

All of the spring and summer brews are sure to be delicious, but we have to give a special shout out to the April BOTM. Be sure to try the Rahr & Sons Bucking Bock and let us know what you think!

For exact locations, visit the event page on Facebook and don’t forget to RSVP while you’re there.

See you tomorrow!

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Holiday Prep with the Pint Jockeys

A Pairing for your pork roast

The lights are strung and the halls are officially decked. Now, all you have to do is wrap up that pesky holiday shopping and prepare a feast fit for celebrating. We’ve already given you a few last-minute gift ideas, and now we’ll help you out in the kitchen with our Pint Jockey picks for holiday dishes and brews.

Our first recommended dish is meant for those expecting a full house. This Holiday Pork Roast feeds 16 hungry mouths and pairs perfectly with the hoppily delicious Santa’s Private Reserve from Rogue Brewery.

To make this tasty, herbed roast, you’ll need to pick up the following:

• 1 boneless whole pork loin roast (5 pounds)
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger root
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon rubbed sage
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup apple jelly
• 1/2 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
• 2 medium carrots, sliced
• 2 medium onions, sliced
• 1-1/2 cups water, divided
• 1 teaspoon browning sauce, optional

Once you’ve round up your ingredients, you’ll only need 30 minutes of prep time and about 45 minutes to bake, giving you extra time to unwind with family and friends and enjoy the brew.

Here are the directions…

• Place pork roast on a rack in a shallow roasting pan. Combine the ginger, garlic, sage and salt; rub over meat. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 1 hour.
• Combine jelly and pepper sauce; brush over roast. Arrange carrots and onions around roast. Pour 1/2 cup  water into pan. Bake 40-50 minutes longer or until a thermometer reads 145°. Remove roast to a serving platter; let stand for 10 minutes before slicing.
• Skim fat from pan drippings. Transfer drippings and vegetables to a food processor; cover and process until smooth. Pour into a small saucepan. Add browning sauce if desired and remaining water; heat through. Slice roast; serve with gravy.

With the roast set, older guests will enjoy the meal with the Santa’s Private Reserve. The roasty flavor of this holiday offering crafted with Chinook, Centennial and a mystery hop called Rudolph, will draw out the herbs and spices of the tender roast.

With a meal in place to feed a small army, you can cross one more thing off your list. Not a fan of pork? All of you major procrastinators can check back next Friday for another holiday meal idea from the Pint Jockeys!

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Foodie Friday: Rogue Chipotle Ale and Raspberry Glazed Ham

Want to impress dinner guests during the holidays?  We’ve come across a really simple glazed ham recipe for today’s Foodie Friday and tweaked it with one of our favorite brews — Rogue Chipotle Ale.  The roasted chipotle peppers produce an eye opening chile flavor in this deep golden ale with a malty, smoky aroma and smooth, crisp flavor making this a perfect secret ingredient to a favorite holiday recipe. Guests will ask why your glazed ham is so sinfully delicious!

 

Rogue Chipotle Ale and Raspberry Glazed Ham

 

Ingredients

• 1 bone-in fully cooked spiral-sliced ham (9 to 10 pounds)
• 2-1/4 cups seedless raspberry preserves
• 3 tablespoons Rogue Chipotle Ale (or more if you’re so inclined)
• 3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, drained, seeded and minced
• 3 to 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon coarsely ground peppercorns

 

 

• 16-20 servings
• Prep: 10 min. Bake: 3 hours

 

Directions

Place ham on a rack in a shallow roasting pan. Bake uncovered at 325° for 2-1/2 hours.

Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine the preserves, Rogue Chipotle Ale, peppers and garlic. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer uncovered for 5 minutes.

Brush some of the sauce over ham. Bake 30-35 minutes longer or until thermometer reads 140°, brushing twice with sauce. Sprinkle pepper over ham. Serve with remaining sauce. Yield: 16-20 servings.

Enjoy with the rest of your Rogue Chipotle Ale!

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