North Fork Craft Beer, BBQ, and Wine Festival 2012

     If you're a fan of beer, wine, or barbecue (you should be a fan of at least one of the three) the North Fork summer festival is the perfect place for you. This year, it is taking place on August 11, 2012. The festival is also located in Riverhead.
     Over fifty breweries will be in attendance from all across the country and the BBQ will be provided by Maple Tree BBQ. Some of the breweries include Blue Point, Goose Island, Great South Bay, Blue Moon, Shock Top, and Spaten just to name a few. With fifty breweries and over one hundred different beers, this will be the perfect opportunity to try out some different craft beers that you may not have the chance to drink at your local pub.
     Tickets start at $55 if you purchase the tickets online and $70 if you buy the ticket the day of the event. This general admission price includes a souvenir tasting glass, the beer tasting, and barbecue lunch. Hours for general admission are 2:00pm-6:00pm. The VIP price of admission is $80 and this includes an extra hour of drinking and the opportunity to meet with the breweries and drink exclusive blends that are not available to the public yet.
     If you find yourself bored in August, pick up some tickets to the North Fork Beer Festival and enjoy the day with some friends or family. If you see me at the festival, come up and say hi! We'll have a beer and hang out.      -John Tancredi

Killians Irish Red

Hey guys,

     So this weekend I decided to drink one of my favorite beers. Killians Irish Red has always been one of my favorites. The first time I tried it I knew that i loved it. It is so rich in flavor and when its poured it has a deep mahogany color.
     Killians is one of the smoothest beers that I have ever drank. It is easy going down and has a rich caramel flavor. This caramel flavor isn't too overbearing, in my eyes it's just right. The reason I believe it isn't too overpowering is because the mild hop taste evens the caramel flavor out, however, it is still rich in flavor. Killians is one of my favorite barbecue beers because I think it goes great with a burger or any grilled foods. This beer leaves a nice bold flavor on your pallet after every sip.
     Summer is almost here and everyone knows that at a barbecue there has to be some good beer. Killians could be found at any beer distributer and comes in six packs and twelve packs. So this summer when your looking for a new beer to go great with some food I highly suggest you grab a case of Killians Irish Red.

Cheers!
John Mancini

What to eat with my Guinness

Irish stouts like Guinness has dominated the market for well over 150 years , but recently the stout market has been in decline. People want a beer that is less filling and has a higher alcohol content. I however, drink my beer for the taste, and nothing makes me happier than a pint of Guinness.

If you're also hungry, here's a list of foods that go well with a stout and have similar origins going back to Ireland:

1. Beef stew:  This hearty meal consisting of beef,  beefy broth and soft vegetables goes well with the bitter brew of a stout.

2. Shepherd’s pie: This dish is essentially a casserole with a base of vegetables and meat (beef, mutton, lamb) topped with mash potatoes and then baked. It's good stuff.

3. Baked salmon: This fish is common in Ireland and also packed full of nutrients and oils. It is a healthier fare that won't slow you down. 
4. Oysters on the half shell: This delicacy is actually one of my favorite foods and is a perfect accompaniment for a stout on a hot summer day.
5. Fish and Chips:   This tasty treat consisting of a battered or bread crumbed piece of  fried cod accompanied by deep-fried potatoes is a pub staple in the UK.

Are you a fan of arcade games and beer? Head to Barcade!

     There are few things in this world I love more than an ice cold beer and hanging out with my friends. Video games, especially the classics, happens to be one of them. So when I found a place to go and have a beer, spend time with some friends, and play some classic arcade games, I thought it was too good to be true. It's not...it's Barcade! 

     Barcade is located in Williamsburg, Brooklyn and opened it's doors in 2004 when four friends decided to combine their love of video games and American craft beer. This bar is definitely one of the coolest and most fun places I have been to. Barcade is pretty much a warehouse that was transformed into a hip bar with classic arcade games placed around the bar. It is a brilliant idea and one of the coolest places in New York to grab a pint. 

     Barcade serves American craft beer only. Some of the brands of beer you can get are Fisherman's Brew, Victory Dark Lager, Brooklyn Blast!, and Chelsea Hop Angel IPA, just to name a few. You may not recognize any of these beers (I didn't either when I made my first trip out here) but you will grow to love these local craft beers. 

     Not only do you get to enjoy a nice beer in a beautiful neighborhood, but you get to play all the classics video games from the 80's and 90's. Some of the games include Ms. Pac-Man, Paper Boy, Rampage, and Asteroids. What's better than playing classic video games and drinking a beer? Nothing. Well, maybe being at Citi Field and watching the Mets win and drinking a beer, but this is definitely a close second. 

     If you're looking for a new place to go to over the weekend, definitely check out Barcade, located at 388 Union Avenue in Williamsburg. The city is also littered with dozens of bars with unique styles that will definitely provide an excellent time. Hope to see everyone there and don't even think about beating my high scores! 

Cheers! -JT

John Tancredi

Hey guys!!

     Last night me and my buddy went to T.J. Finley's in Bayshore. This is one of my favorite places to hang out and drink because they always have something new on tap! They usually have about twenty to thirty beers on tap.
     So last night I saw a Blue Point beer that I have never seen or heard of. It was called Blue Point light. This is by far one of the best brews that I have tasted in a long time. It was the perfect blend of hops and wheat. It had one of the best aftertastes that I personally have ever experienced. Blue Point White isn't necessarily a dark beer or a light beer, its almost directly in the middle.
     So next time your out and you see Blue Point White I suggest you give it a try. Oh yea, and stop by T.J.'s because I think that anyone who like a nice social drinking spot would definitely enjoy this place!

Cheers!
John Mancini

Beer for Dessert

If you aren't me, the idea for a beer made for dessert might sound appealing. Dessert beers are beers with stronger more enduring flavors that you linger over after the main course is done. Ideally they are filled with rich and complex flavors that we can pair with a piece of cake or have as dessert itself. I think they are gross. If I wanted to drink something that disgustingly sweet, I'd just have some juice.  Juice is good. But if this is appealing to you, you want to look for Brandywines, Belgian tripels, barrel-aged beers, and anything labeled as "double" or "imperial".

If this sort of thing is your bag, here's a list of beers that might tickle your fancy:

1. La Fin du Monde from Unibroue Brewing: This Belgian-Style Tripel  is a spicy and fruity golden beer with a smooth, creamy finish. I find it to be tolerable.
2. Imperial White from Sam Adams: This Imperial Witbier is a concentrated Belgian witbier. It has flavors of ripe stone fruit, candy, and warm spices with a syrupy slickness. It's pretty gross.
3. Bigfoot Barleywine from Sierra Nevada: This is an American Barleywine from one of my favorite breweries. It has a strong citrus taste and is highly hopped, but has layers of caramel and fruit to balance. Of the beers mentioned in this entry, it is my favorite.
4. Curieux from Allagash Brewing Company: Tripel-style ale aged in Jim Beam barrels. The result is a fruity, smooth beer with hints of vanilla and bourbon. It's ok, but as a devoted bourbon drinker, I'd rather just have a bourbon.
5. Oatmeal Stout from Bluepoint:  Brewed with actual coffee, this stout is like a cold shot of espresso .Very solid and I do drink it often, but never with dessert.

Grab a Beer at Citi Field!

     So last week, I went to the New York Mets home opener against the Atlanta Braves. The sky was blue, the weather was beautiful, and the Mets were officially tied for first place. All was right in the world. As soon as the first pitch was thrown, I was scouring the park for what would be my first brew of the 2012 baseball season. There are many different choices at Citi Field, whether you're a fan of a classy craft beer or a good ol' fashioned Bud. I decided this week to write about some of those options!
     Aside from your normal Bud/Bud Light options, there are a few beers worth mentioning. All around the park, there are stands where you can purchase a bottle of Brooklyn Lager and Stella Artois. Two choices that are pretty good for a ball park.
     One of my favorite places to grab a beer in the park is a stand located behind the outfield called "Big Apple Brews." This is where you will have your pick of the litter. Some of the beers located at this stand are Goose Island Honker's Ale and India Pale Ale, Hoegaarden, Kona Longboard Island Lager (read our previous post about this brew!), Redhook, and Tiger Beer.
     Although I have not tried all of the beers on this list yet (the season is only three games in!) I plan on trying most of these beers throughout the year and can vouch for most of them already. I decided to go with Kona Longboard Island Lager because it is awesome, and I was not disappointed.
     Also located in Citi Field is a really cool spot called "McFadden's" that is a lot of fun. If you're ever looking for a new place one night, definitely check it out. I hope to see all of you at the park this year with an ice cold beer in your hands! Let's Go Mets! 

-John Tancredi

Blue Moon Spring Blonde Wheat Ale

Hey all,

     So this weekend I went out with a couple of friends and I picked up a six pack of
Blue Moon Spring Blonde Wheat Ale. This beer is brewed and bottled in Colorado by the Coors Brewing Co. I am a big fan of regular Blue Moon so when I saw the Blonde Wheat Ale I just to try it.
     After getting to our destination I finally was able to taste the beer, and the flavor was average. It honestly tasted like the regular Blue Moon when you add an orange to it, and the reason is because it is brewed with orange and lemon peels.
     Nothing about this beer exceeded the average mark. It had an average head and you couldn't really taste the hops or barley. Just as I think Blue Moon is an average beer, the Blonde Wheat definitely falls into the same category for me. If you enjoy regular Blue Moon I would recommend this brew to you, but if you're not a fan I suggest you stay away from it because it will only bring disappointment.

Cheers!!
John Mancini

Food pairings part 1

When most people think of pairing a beverage with food they think of wine: a chardonnay or merlot goes well with chicken, and a cabernet sauvignon can compliment beef dishes. This principle can be applied to beer as well. A good rule of thumb to start with for pairing beer with food is to pair heavy food with heavy beer and light food with a lighter beer. Think of ales as red wine and lagers as white wine if that helps. If you do cook with beer, just like wine, I would serve the same beer as used in the recipe, but it isn't uncommon to choose a beer with a significant contrast so that you appreciate the taste of the one used in the dish. This will be the first installment of an ongoing series focusing on different types of beer and what is a good food pairing.

Today I will briefly discuss wheat beers. Wheats get their name because they are  brewed with a large proportion of wheat. Wheat beers often also contain a significant proportion of malted barley.  The flavor of wheat beers varies considerably, depending upon the specific style. The main varieties are weissbier, witbier, and sour. One of the most well known wheats in America is a  witbier in called Blue Moon, which sadly is distributed by the Coors brewing company. With these beers, it is best to stick with lighter more subtle fare like salad or fish. These can also go well with dessert. A  Belgian white with an orange dessert is a great idea because citrus style desserts bring out the  spice from these beers. That’s all for now; Check back later for more updates on food pairings.

e

Try This Brew! Magic Hat Brewing Co.

     Magic Hat Brewing Company is a really cool brew that has been creating a lot of buzz lately. It was recently voted in the Top 10 Biggest U.S. Craft Breweries by MSNBC.com, along with some names like Sierra Nevada, Samuel Adams, and Harpoon Brewery. Magic Hat has some really interesting beers that I think everyone should check out.
     The first brew is their most popular, called "#9". Plain and simple, it's just a really good beer. It's a nice, crisp pale ale that can be enjoyed by everyone. Definitely check this out! "Circus Boy" is another brew by Magic Hat that is brewed year round. It is considered an American Hefeweizen brewed with Apollo hops.
     There are some really good seasonal brews that are made by the Vermont brewery that are only available for a limited time. Since spring has come upon us very early this year (70 degrees today?!) let's talk about the spring brew, "Spring Vinyl". This is a really cool amber lager that is a little darker than a pale ale but still delicious nonetheless. This lager is only available from January 15th to March 31st so get out there and pick this up before the month is over!
     Beer has always been a stigma when it comes to the ladies. I always felt that with women, you either love beer or you hate it. The summer ale by Magic Hat can be enjoyed by everyone because of its great taste. It's called "Wacko" and it is delicious. It has a crisp but sweet taste that definitely quenches thirst whether you're at the beach or the bar. You can pick this brew up between April 1st and July 31st. Personally, I can't wait to pick up a bottle of "Wacko" and relax on the beach when classes are done!
     Magic Hat also makes really cool variety packs that have a little something for every type of beer lover. There's a "Spring Fever" pack, a "Summer Scene" pack, and my personal favorite, the "Night of the Living Dead" case. This case comes with four different beers- "#9", "Hex", "HI.P.A.", and "Humble Patience." All of the variety packs come in a really cool box.
     There are a few bars on Long Island where you can taste some of these brews including The Nutty Irishman in Bay Shore, The South Beach Saloon in Smithtown, The Roadhouse in Bohemia, and the Village Idiot Pub in Patchogue. If you're ever in any of these bars, definitely try out a Magic Hat beer and for more info, visit www.magichat.net. Enjoy!

-John Tancredi

What you should know about L.I.'s pride and joy...Blue Point

     So I was at the bar with some friends over the week and decided to have a Long Island classic, Blue Point blueberry ale. As I was sitting in the bar enjoying my brew, I was thinking about how many Long Islanders know about a beer that is brewed right at home. There are a lot of interesting facts about the Blue Point brewing company that many beer lovers may not know. That's what The Brew Crew is here for!
     Blue Point imports a rare type of hop only grown in Oregon that give Blue Point its unique and great taste. The hop is called "Hoptical Illusion" and is featured in both the draft beers and six packs. Blue Point has both summer and winter lagers that are great tasting and have the taste of Long Island. The Blueberry ale (the drink I had to inspire this post) is one of the best kept secrets in the beer world. BP uses 132 pounds of blueberries in each batch to get that unique and sweet taste. If you're a fan of oatmeal and a sweet, dessert tasting beer, definitely check out the Oatmeal stout. It's definitely geared towards a darker beer fan, but the addition of chocolate into the recipe should make fans of lighter beer enjoy this stout.
     Next, we have Octoberfest, a seasonal favorite of mine! Octoberfest was originally started in 1810 to honor the crown prince of Balvaria. Today, we are still drinking this brew to celebrate our love of the autumn season and of course, beer! There are many popular Ovtoberfest brews such as Sam Adams, but if you haven't checked out Blue Point's version you are surely missing out. Lastly there is The "Old Howling Bastard". This beer has an alcohol content of 10% so it is not meant to drink by the case. Try drinking this brew in a wineglass to truly enjoy the carel taste. This would definitely be classified as a sipping beer.

     Now that you have all the information you need about Long Island's Blue Point, pick up a pint next time you're at the local pub. You can also check out the Blue Point brewery in eastern Long Island! Cheers! -John T.

What's In a Name?

If you are anything like me you love a good IPA. Indian pale ales are characterized by having higher alcohol and hop content than traditional pale ales. One of my favorite ipa’s is the Hoptical Illusion from Bluepoint Brewing Company. Not only is it delicious, but it is brewed locally which is a real sticking point with me. I think it’s important to support local breweries to preserve the variety of choices you can make.

There is one thing I do dislike about Hoptical Illusion though, the name. I have an utter abhorrence for comical names in beers and IPA’s are notorious offenders. Go into any beer distributor and you’ll be inundated with goofy names and labels. Names like Hoptimus Prime and In Heat Wheat are extremely common but I fail to find them funny. I find names like that take the focus off the beer itself and aim to sell the beer based on the name. 

Would you buy a car based on a funny name? 

I didn't think so.

 -E

Longboard Island Lager

Aloha!!

     Last night my friends and I went out to a local bar called Fatty Mcgee's in East Islip. When we walked through the door the first thing I did was make my way towards the taps to see what was on draft. The beer they have on tap there is the usual Budlight, Budweiser, Heineken, and Yuengling, however, there was one that I haven't seen before and it was called Longboard, Island Lager.
      Island Lager is made by the Kona Brewing Company which is located in Kailua-Kona on Hawaii's big island. This company was formed in February of 1995 with its first keg beers named Pacific Golden Ale (now called Big Wave Golden Ale) and Fire Rock Pale Ale. I haven't tried either of these so I wouldn't be able to tell you what I think of them, however, I can tell you what I thought about the Island Lager.

     After seeing the Island Lager on tap I was very excited to try it even though I had never heard anything about the beer. Finally the moment of truth, I put the glass to my lips and I tasted the Lager and was very surprised how crisp it was. This beer wasn't too heavy or too light, it was directly in the middle. The flavor was not overbearing or too dull, it had the perfect taste. Heading into the decision of ordering this beer I wasn't sure if I was going to like it because I never heard anything about it. Then after tasting the beer I didn't order anything but the Island Lager for the rest of the night.

      If I had to make a decision to recommend this beer to someone I definitely would. My experience with this Lager was a pleasant one, and I definitely enjoyed the flavor of this brew. So next time you're at a bar or the beer distributor and you see Longboard Island Lager I suggest you give it a shot.

Thank you,

John Mancini

Introduction to the Brew Crew

Hey guys!

     For the past few years John Tancredi, John Mancini, and Ethan Rosen have aquired a palate for rich tasting brews that are both obscure and featured in the taps of bars all over Long Island. For a school blogging assignment, they teamed up and formed The Brew Crew.

     The goal of this blog is to explore different varieties of beer and talk to you about our experiences, including if we liked or disliked the brew, what we liked or disliked about it, and where you can drink it. We'll also give you some information about the beer we blog about, from where the beer is brewed to how the brewery make the unique taste of the beer. Every week, we'll be posting new polls to see what our readers are thinking and drinking! We hope that with our research, our fellow beer lovers will find a new beer they've never had and instantly become a fan based upon our recommendation. Also, follow us on Twitter @the_brew_crew.
             
Cheers!! John, Ethan, John {|_|