Speaking of Beer

Prebeer Preamble: On the brink of America’s 230th, we’re plunging into two beers from the place where all this hoo-ha began. My beer-guide is Jeffrey Nichols, a denizen of the City of Brotherly Love. Light those firecrackers kids, and let’s start drinking!

Beer #1: Jeff and I begin with a history lesson: Yuengling Traditional Lager, from America’s oldest brewery. This brew has been around for over 175 years; how does all that history translate into the drinking experience? And what, exactly, is the deal with Pennsylvania beer laws?

Interbeer Inberlude: Beer As Folk. “We the People…Have Questions About Beer” You guys ask great questions like: “Why aren’t bitters bitter?” “What’s a weisse?” and “What’s up with beer and styrofoam cups?” I answer them. Please submit other beer questions via voicemail or a short mp3 file. I’d like to make this a regular feature!

Beer #2: Risking temporal whiplash, Jeff and I now fast-forward to present-day Philly to try some Victory Hop Devil Ale. These guys are relatively new in the “big bold American microwbrew” arena, dominated mostly by California and Oregon. Will this beery East Coast/West Coast thing end in tragedy, or does the melting pot hold room for all?

Beer Geek Moment: “Prohibition.” America’s Noble Experiment changed the face of the U.S. brewing scene, and its effects are still very much alive and well in the beer most Americans drink every day.

Postbeer Postscript: So when it comes to the scores, which Philly beer do Jeff and I favor: the ancient (by American standards) stalwart, or the flashy young upstart? And are we moved to break into a chorus of “My Country Tis Of Thee”? (Hint: No)

 

 Show #8: Philadelphia Beerdom!: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (2005)

Here are the beers for next week. If you live west of the Mississippi, or outside the US altogether, please consider the alternative selections. I think they’re pretty reasonable this time:

Yuengling Traditional Lager [alternatives: Shiner Bock, JW Dundee's Original Honey Brown, Henry Weinhard's Classic Dark Lager, Warsteiner Premium Dunkel]

Victory Hop Devil Ale [alternatives: Stone IPA, Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale, AleSmith IPA, Fuller's India Pale Ale]

Prebeer Preamble: Today it’s all about the hops, baby!

Beer #1: I’m joined by husband-and-wife podcasters Evo Terra and Sheila for the first hop-monster, Samuel Adams Imperial Pilsner (2005 Noble Hop Harvest). My goal was to push renowned hophead Evo to his breaking point. Was 110 IBUs enough?

Interbeer Interlude: Adjunct: “Medicinal Hops”. The other uses for our favorite cannabis-cousin, related by herbalist Evo Terra channeling early 20th century eclectic physician Finley Ellingwood. If you suffer from nocturnal emissions or violent sexual excitement, you’d better listen up.

Beer #2: Evo, Sheila and I now tackle mega-strong-mega-hopped Dogfish Head 120 Minute IPA. It soon becomes clear that we’re in over our heads. This. Is. Not. Pretty.

Beer Geek Moment: “Bitterness”. Not the feeling you get after a bad break-up, but rather beer’s big taste sensation. Everything you need to know, explained in a scant three minutes.

Postbeer Postscript: With the barest fingernail grasp on coherence, Evo and I score up these beers. Which beer gets an alcohol-induced “10″ in one category? Tune in and find out!

 

 Show #7: HOP-A-PALOOZA!: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (1995)

Next week’s beers are both uncommon and unique. For you drink-alongers, I most humbly apologize, and promise to include more widely available beers/styles on Show #8. Still, if you can scare one or both up, you’re in for a real experience!

Samuel Adams Imperial Pilsner (2005 Noble Hop Harvest) [alternatives: Morimoto Imperial Pilsner, Dogfish Head Golden Shower, any beer calling itself an "imperial pilsner"]

Dogfish Head 120 Minute IPA [alternatives: ...uh...sorry folks, nothing else even comes close]

Seriously, good luck on these…Oh, and FYI, they’re both about as far from gateway beers as you can get.