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Big Sky’s already vaunted powerhouse IPA will be briefly overshadowed by the emergence of an Imperial IPA, which is currently pouring at the taproom, or so I’m told. I shall venture forth to find out if that’s true. This is the next in their Limited Montana Release Series, formerly known as the 406 Series. It should be available around the state for a short while on tap and in bottles just as the Saison was in the spring. Prost, GG  Big Sky Imperial IPA, the next in the Limited Montana Series Advertisement Looks like plans are in the works for an FLBC taproom in downtown Missoula. Here’s a comment left on GG from Mr. Johnston.
Prost, GG What is Road Bowling, well, as this road bowling page explains, it’s an old Irish sport whereby players toss small cannon balls along a roadway. Much like golf, the lowest number of throws along a pre-determined course wins. There’s much more to it, but if this intrigues you, you’ll be able to play it this coming Saturday, when the Celtic Festival Missoula begins. The Celtic celebration is twofold, really, one fold is the celebration of Celtic traditions, food and music. The other fold is that it’s a celebration of the 100th anniversary of Highlander beer, Missoula’s very own beer legend. Add the Young Dubliners, a fantastic Celtic-style band, to the mix, and you’ve got yourself a full-blown Irish celebration. Here’s the pertinent info:
Prost, GG Do you love stopping off at Flathead Lake Brewing Company on your way to and from Glacier National Park? I do. In fact, I love stopping in there every chance I get. I’m a huge fan of the Imperial IPA, as most of you know. Well, the good news, so it seems, is that Flathead Lake Brewing Company seems to be in talks with a new Missoula business to open a tap room at or above Higgins Alley. I have no details on the deal yet, but the rumor seems pretty solid at this point. I’m not at liberty to reveal my sources on this, but suffice it to say they have never let me down. Also, an E-mail information request sent to FLBC was not returned. I’ll have more information as soon as it is available. Meanwhile, keep your eyes peeled for other Montana breweries opening tap rooms in and around Missoula. Seems to be the hottest spot for beer drinkers in the Treasure State right now. Prost, GG  Tap handle from Big Sky's Red Rye Ale I popped into the Myrtle St. Kettlehouse the other day for a beer, and I was pleasantly surprised to see they had a Crystal Pilsner on tap. This single-hop Pils was perfect after walking out of my air-conditioned office into Southern Baptists Sanctuary heat of a Missoula summer afternoon. Clean and crisp with some spice on the nose and palate from the Crystal hops, this beer has an unmistakable bubble gum or fruit characteristic that makes it not just a good thirst quencher but a really fun beer to sip in those nice lager glasses that Kettlehouse is now using. The Crystal Pils would make for a great river beer or with a dinner of grilled chicken and salad or even seafood. Lot’s of fun stuff to do with this beer. Across town, I found an interesting Red Rye Ale at Big Sky Brewing Company. If you’re not familiar with Rye-style beers, this one might come as a surprise. It’s not a big beer, per se, but it’s a bold beer. Rye has a certain spice or boldness to it that barley or wheat beers do not. I told my wife it’s like the difference between eating pastrami on wheat and eating pastrami the way it was meant to be eatin’, on rye. The base of that sandwich makes all the difference, and it’s the same with the beer. Again, it’s not a heaviness, it’s a certain mouthfeel, maybe an astringency that really plays nicely with the hops and yeast characteristics on this beer. It lacks the biscuity quality of barley beers, but that rye backbone holds up a nice hops structure that’s as wide as it is tall. The Red Rye Ale would make for a good porch sipper, and it’s spectacular with spicy barbecue, especially Asian rubs or Korean barbecue. Prost, GG This is a little “When Harry Met Sally-ish,” but it’s funny nonetheless. Watch this first: And then watch this: Prost, GG According to this post by the good folks at BeerNews.org, BrewDog has possibly produced the world’s strongest beer at 55% ABV. The Scottish brewery is mum on the subject, but they are expected to make a rather big announcement tomorrow. If rumor turns out to be truth, BrewDog will have concocted a recipe for a very expensive glass of beer. A collector’s item really. The reported price is £500 a bottle, but that’s because they’re are only a reported 12 bottles. Oh, yeah, and apparently they’re marketing the bottles inside of some stuffed animal. It will be interesting to see what the latest gimmick is all about. It’ll be even more interesting to see if they really hit 55% ABV. Read all about the battle for the World’s Strongest Beer here. Prost, GG Live musical acts include Blue to the Bone and Cellar Door. Here’s some information and a link where you can purchase your tickets in advance.
I’ve finally posted our entry in the 2010 New Belgium Brewing Company Clips of Faith Beer and Film Tour, which played in Missoula on Wednesday, July 7. So here it is if you happened to miss it on the big screen. Prost, GG |
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