Bear Mountain Oktoberfest

Guten Morgen!

While I was downstate this past weekend, I checked out the Bear Mountain Oktoberfest. First time going, and it wasn't bad. My sister and her boyfriend have been there before and came prepared with an extra stein so I could partake in large amounts of beer consumption. I'm not sure how much beer those steins hold... 2 or 3 pints? Started with an Oktoberfest, and then a wheat beer. Both pretty good, but more in one day than I've had since my trip to Belgium.

You have to pay for parking ($10) which I suppose you can also consider your entrance fee. 16 oz. beers are $7; steins (w/ first fill) are $28; refills $14. I was considering buying a stein for my own, but I'll probably be in Germany in the spring. I'll just wait and get a legit one, along with a ginormous pretzel.

Food is typical for an Oktoberfest - schnitzel, bratwurt/knockwurst, spatzle, reg cabbage, potato salad, pretzels, waffles, and more. The menu, with prices, can be found here. There are also a handful of vendors, so bring plenty of cash because that's all they take (except for the beer and food tents).

If you want to work off all food and beer, I believe there are a few trails you can hit up and enjoy the natural splendor.

Oktoberfest runs every weekend until October 28th.

Prost!

Happy Hearts Day

I don’t know about you, but I am FREEZING! I’m shocked I went out at all this weekend.

It's been nothing special. Had breakfast at Graham’s and they had the corned beef hash. It’s been a while since they’ve had it available. Afterwards we stopped at the Beverage Barn to pick up some beer. There didn’t seem to be as much beer as I remember seeing in the past, but maybe they’re cutting back on their supply.

The beers we bought were ones that I’ve been hearing about for the last week. The Saranac S’more Porter I had to try because my instructor works there. Plus, I’ve heard from classmates that it really does taste like a s’more. They weren’t lying – you open the bottle and get that chocolate-y marshmallow aroma, and when you drink it you can taste the graham cracker. It was okay. I liked it, but it’s weird… best way I can describe it.

The other beer we bought was Hopslam from Bell’s Brewery. Recently released in the area, figured why not. Support Michigan beer. Six pack cost 20 bucks.

Ugh.

It’s wasn’t bad. Not necessarily something I’ll be buying often. Price tag kills it for me.

Brewers Wanted Launch Event @ Shmaltz Brewing

Last night Shmaltz Brewing held a launch event for their newest beer, Brewers Wanted. Well, it’s not new new… more like newish. It used to be Statewide Pale Ale, a beer they made in collaboration with some local breweries and made with state grown barley and hops. I believe Shmaltz has taken over the beer since then and has re-named it Brewers Wanted.

Most of the people there were involved in the program in some form. There were representatives from SCCC, Workforce Development, Saratoga Eagle (beverage distributor), Price Chopper, possibly some local government people. Kevin from Rare Form was there and had a beer on tap… I think I remember hearing it was the first guest tap they’ve had. I don’t remember which beer it was. Maybe Sabbatical?

Half of the class showed up, although we’re missing one in that shot. Drinking beers, talking about beers. All around good time. And we found out there is a national competition that school based brewing programs can participate in. Pretty exciting!

Next week, Price Chopper will be selling Brewers wanted in their stores. It’s also on tap at The Ruck, but it may not be there to long. 

PS- Deanna and Otis were also there so I’d depend on them for a better write up of the event.

Intro to Commercial Craft Brewing

Tonight there was an informational at SCCC for a new program they plan on starting next year. Actually,  next month. The brewers at Saranac, Adirondack Brewing, Shmaltz Brewing, and Rare Form helped create a pilot program that they hope will give the participants the entry level skills needed to work at breweries here in the region and elsewhere. Other than programs in Pennsylvania and North Carolina, the majority of the university/college based programs are out on the West Coast. I thought the CIA was starting a program of their own, but it looks like they are just offering a class. This program could very well be the first here in New York!

There were the usual introductions and a brief overview of the program. There was a lot of information being given, so what I write here is not all of it, and it could very well be inaccurate. It is modeled after programs used in Europe, and focusing on the specific skills the participating breweries are looking for. Mentions of manufacturing, processing, sanitation, safety. 

It will be a 13-week non-credit program; classes will be held twice a week, with the possibilty of some weekends. There will be visits to different breweries, and some hands on experience to go alongside the classroom teaching. The price of this program will be a little more than what I paid for one class at SCCC. 

The process of applying for the program takes more than filling out a form. You have to make an appointment at the One Stop Center in your county. Never heard of a One Stop Center? Neither did I until tonight. It's a workforce/career center. What you discuss with this person I'm not too sure. Probably see if you would be a good fit for that kind of career. There's a part about being eligible for money to pay for this program, somethingsomethingsomething. There are online tests you have to take, see how well you do at math (ugh). A resume is submitted. Lots of waiting (or maybe not because the program starts soon), and the final decision is made by the breweries. They are only selecting 15 people for this, with a handful to be placed on a waiting list. Really doesn't make me feel good about my odds.

There were a lot of people at the informational tonight. Majority are homebrewers; majority male. There were probably seven women in the audience, including myself. Other than myself and two of my classmates, pretty homogenous. 

RS Taylor & Sons Brewery (Salem, NY)

Did you know there's a new brewery in town?

Well, not town. But in the region. Middle of nowhere... but still close by.

RS Taylor & Sons opened up in early September and has already made its way onto the Adirondack Craft Beverage Trail. I left most of the beer talk to M, but managed to listen in from time to time while drinking my flight. The person at the bar was the owner/brewer himself, Richard Taylor. The background info you can find on their website, so it's not necessary to re-write it here. But I do like hearing about people who have been home brewing for years and make the leap to opening a brewery. 

  

Flights are $8 for four samples. Naturally we tried them all. The board on the left from back to front - Willie's Nut Brown Ale; Legends of the Fall IPA; English Ale; Belcher Town Ale. The board on the right - Amber Ale; (not in the pic, but in my hand) Oatmeal Stout; Mr. Crane's Pumpkin Ale; and the lone cider/guest tap Hidden Star from Slyboro. Of the seven beers, Legends and Belcher were my favorite. M enjoyed Legends as well so we bought a growler to take home. Lasted a day. Barely.

There is also a kitchen in the tap room, which I believe is run by Mr. Taylor's wife. The menu is limited and changes often. Most, if not all of the ingredients are locally sourced. If we had not just ate, I would have tried their cheese plate or chili. 

If you need a place to check out this weekend, definitely stop on by.

R.S. Taylor & Sons Brewery 

3602 County Route 30

Salem, NY 

Open W-F 4:00 - 9:00

          S-Su 12:00 - 6:00

Finding Ways to Pass the Time

Happy Monday, folks.

Just back from another cafeteria lunch. My stomach is letting me know that it did not approve, but I didn't have time to throw something together this morning. Water logged spiral pasta with a runny meat sauce that had too chunky tomatoes and questionable meat. I also got a side of red potatoes that were tossed in what looked like cherry tomatoes, basil, onion and raisins. Weird combination but it worked. And a hot dog. Don't ask me why... I just do things like that.

I wonder if I have an antacid in my locker.

Tonight is my last official lab in cake decorating. We're covering fondant. The next class after that is either the written final or the lab final. Whichever, I will hopefully be prepared. Tomorrow is the written final for food prep, which I am not prepared for. I was planning on studying that this past weekend, but whoops. Life gets in the way.

I was going to make a separate post about this, but better do it now before I lack the motivation. Met up with my friend S yesterday for brunch. If you have been following this blog then you would know S was my dining partner in crime back in the day. Supper clubs. Getting all the free iced coffee on free iced coffee day. That stuff. Anyways, I moved upstate; he focused on his acting. I mentioned that I was going to be downstate and he inquired about meeting up for brunch. I quickly agreed, even though I was skeptical about brunch options in Rockland. There are places I'm sure, but the one he picked was in a bar. Noonans in Pearl River, to be exact.

Long story short, not going back there again. If you sat at the bar, you got decent service. We sat in the back, but near the bar. Constantly had to flag down the server. S's food was barely lukewarm. My French toast was dry. Bacon was crisp, and probably the only thing positive about my food. Because it was a set price ($27 inc. tax) I just kept ordering bloody mary's to make up for my abysmal meal. S did the same, only he got mimosas... for fun.

To be honest, I wasn't really a fan of that place to get beers anyways. But it's there so I guess that's why people go. And it has such positive reviews on their food. Shame that they may be misguided.

Afterwards we headed up the street to Louie's on the Avenue. I've never been there before, but after checking it out I definitely need to try it. We got some drinks at the bar and chatted with one of S's friends and the owner. I broke a glass... spilled a drink. Can't take me anywhere it seems. S was heading down to Maryland for a couple of shows so we said our goodbyes and went our seperate ways.

Didn't get to shop at Costco. They close at six on the weekends. Way too early, if you ask me. But I suppose closing that early allows your workers to you know... enjoy their weekend. I wanted to buy that chopped kale salad!

I hear there were some rumblings about TAP NY. I took a look at the winners and was disappointed.

Brown's won? REALLY?!? My experiences are hit and miss with them. And almost always a miss.

Chatham, Crossroads. Okay, I'll let it slide. But what about the other breweries? Peekskill made no showing? What about Rare Form? I can't really think of other breweries I would have expected to have heard more about but eh mind is blanking right now. And IPA heavy? Good thing I didn't go, since I don't really like IPAs all that much.

But what do I know? My knowledge is from what little things I picked up from M's sister and brother-in-law. Both are certified BJCP judges; they brew; and they help organize the Michigan Homebrew Festival. So it must be legit.

Bleh. Heartburn setting in.

Hoppy Labor Day

I hope you enjoyed your day off. I know I did, but I somehow managed to injure myself. Not sure how it happened, but it's making tonights project a little difficult.

And what is that project? Brewing beer. Yes, M and I are at it again... and hopefully we don't screw it up. M's trip out to Michigan for the annual Homebrew Festival and hanging out with Brian Wiggs from Dark Horse brewery may have been the catalyst for his wanting to break out the kettle, but I know the hop picking for Saranac is what did it for me. That was last week and I still need to write about it.

And I am pretty sure I will at some point. I don't have to point out the obvious, but I haven't been writing much. Oh sure, I posted some crossfit workouts (which I stopped doing but may start up again)... but I just wasn't motivated. No spark... nada. But this month let's see. Maybe I can get things started again. I would think so, since I have some interesting food related things about to start. On Wednesday. 

So you'll have to wait until then. 

Back to the beer. My sister purchased some hops and yeast for M earlier in the year and we are finally breaking into the stash. We acquired some fresh hops recently and M is just about ready to "wet hop" them. Which is what you call the addition of fresh hops. Why they don't just call it "fresh hopping," I don't know. It would be understood. But I am new to the brewing thing. Maybe I'll buy a book. Or if SCCC was cool, they would offer a beer making class... or classes. There is that one school in the area that will, and the CIA is opening a brewery. Gotta jump on while it's still hot... right?

How I Got Through a Birthday Tour

Well, another birthday has come and gone and I have lived to tell the tale. It was plenty of fun, and only ended up with just a slight headache the following morning. Here are some tips if you’re thinking about doing this for your birthday.

The Olde English

• Make reservations, especially if you’re planning on celebrating on a Friday. The place was PACKED! I’m sure there were people that I invited that took one look at the crowd and left. M and I managed to get a spot at the end of the bar.
• $40.00 deposit for the teacup, your choice of Magner’s Cider or a lager (this visit it was Heineken). If you get the cider, they will add ice to it.
• Ask for another glass (or glasses). You may get a funny look, but if you’re sharing this is nicer… and no group back wash!

Wolff’s Beirgarden

• $40.00 deposit plus you have to spend an additional $20.
• Don’t forget to ask for more glasses!

• Get a big mug of water. You may get teased, but you’ll thank yourself the next day.
• Fried anything at Wolff’s is a winner. We got twenty bucks worth of food, well worth it considering that was probably my first real meal all day (cake at work is not filling… no matter what they tell you).

Sciorino’s

• Your birthday slice is really two slices… plenty for sharing.

Nine Pin

Okay, so it’s not technically on the birthday tour, but it’s in the area. And I really like their cider.

Bombers

• If you ask for your margarita to be frozen, it’s an $8.00 charge.
• The Troy Bombers ran out of shirts, so make sure the manager makes a note on your card so you can get one from another location.
• And thank you to whichever table that bought us shots.

And that’s how I celebrated my birthday. I think next year I’ll take it easy and just stay at one place for the night.

We Got a Grain Mill!

One of the benefits I get from my health insurance plan is a gift card at the end of the year. As long as I do things, such as exercise and go to some of their sponsored events, I get monetary amount toward a long list of retailers. I decided to Amazon.com gift card and left it up to M to decide how to spend the money. Anything he wanted, all I asked in return was a taller cake turner (which I did get – not the pricey Tilt-N-Turn I really wanted, but the Ultra will do). His choices were beer minded – two small kegs; a connector so we can make seltzer; and a grain mill. From what I remember, this model had decent reviews and was priced to M’s liking.

Oooh…marvel in its prettiness!

Our lack of counter space makes using this mill difficult. M needs to make some sort of set up we can put over a bucket. After our last homebrew batch (which he made), I am hesitant to use extract again. It was probably bad yeast that messed up our brew, but I want to try my hand at all-grain.

Live Blogging Pumpkin Beer Taste Test

And.... I'm back.

Sorta. It's Friday night, I've had a few drinks and I figured... why the hell not.

Not too long ago, M and I picked up Pumpkin flavored beers at Oliver's. Because it's the season. And they are all local-ish. And a couple of wild cards.

So here we go, trying these beers - blind test style. Not that we have a third party doling out the beers. Just a "close your eyes, grab a bottle and pour" kind of thing. I wanted some cheese to go with it, but eh... pumpkin beers and cheese? .. How about we keep them separate.

Bottle #1 (8:34PM)

M: Don't like it. Nice amber color, no head. But it is sour. A good pumpkin flavor, but really sour. It could be the bottle, or just old, or bad beer... but probably the bottle. I doubt they would ship out beer that tastes as bad as this.

R: It doesn't smell like it has a strong spice flavor, but you definitely taste it. Not too overpowering, a bit mellow. Which is almost erased by the strong sour presence. I'm no beer expert, so I don't know if that is supposed to be on purpose, but it makes it a bit undrinkable. An annoying drink, because of that off taste.

(Now we've decided to eat the cheese. Clashes be damned. If you're wondering, it's a smoked blue cheese, manouri sheeps milk cheese, and water crackers. I think the cheese was on sale at Shoprite. I really need to check their cheese section out more often!)

Bottle #2 (8:54PM)

M: Pretty sure I know what this one is. And really, I don't like this either. It's darker, amber, but still clear. (laughs) Smells like a smoked blue cheese. Same thing, really. No head. A little more bitter than I would like. Not sour, though. Decent pumpkin flavor, but kind of makes me think it's an extract. Like a mass produced extract. But I could be wrong. I think it's a Sam's -- 'cause I've had plenty of them lately.

R: Spicier aroma. Dark clear color. No head. Weird, it's almost sweet. Syrup. Seems flat. I taste spice more than I taste pumpkin. I am not a fan of strong spiced things, especially beers. But a tolerable drink. Maybe would order this one again if the other options were weak.

(I'm starting to get sleepy. And I'm on the couch. This is not good. For the drinking.)

Bottle #3 (9:27)

(I was just informed we still have four more beers to go. Insert "I think I've made a huge mistage" meme here.)

M: I don't know. Maybe I just don't like pumpkin. Nice spicy clovey pumpkiny. Can't tell the difference between this and the last one. Light color, but that's about it. No head, again. (Burps) Yup, it's a spicy pumpkin beer. (Chugs the rest of his glass) So far, I would say this is my favorite... but that's not saying too much.

R: No distinct aroma, but I may be getting sick. Taste there is a strong spice flavor. More enjoyable than the last one. Makes me think it's similar to a Shipyard, because it reminds me of the pumpkin one I had before. Light color, clear. Some visible bubbles. Even though it's spicy, I can easily drink this.

Bottle #4 (9:50)

R: Bleh! I don't like it. It doesn't taste like pumpkin at all. It's bitter

M: It's bitter and stuff, but tastes like a different style. Can't tell you what... a different yeast? Carbonation. Even though there is still no head, it's different bubble-wise. A lot more of the same. A lot more bitter. I like bitter, but not with this kind of beer. The flavored beers? Nah.

(At this point M suggested a dance break, because I was nodding off. While typing. It was a long day... what can I say.)

Bottle #5 (10:30)

M: (sigh) (really deep reluctant sigh) (head shake) It's very very dark. Very dark. Super dark. (gulps) More bitter. Got plenty of clove, I don't really taste any pumpkin. And... that's about it.

R: Oh wow. Really don't like it. Yeah. Really don't. I'm done. I quit. Waving the white flag now.

M: That's it?

R: Yeah. This is disgusting.

M: Two more after this.

(Why did I even think to do this?)

Bottle #6 (Oct. 14 @11:30)

(Delay because I passed out and went downstate for the weekend. But same thing... blindly grabbed a bottle. I just knocked back what was left in my coffee, which may affect the taste. Hazelnut spice? Hazelnut pumpkin? My stomach churns at the thought)

M: I like it, but I really want a beer right now. I may not be the best judge. Okay, same flavor, same blah blah blah. I like this one right now and that's all I care about.

R: Hmm... I like this one. It's a little sour at the end, but it's still pretty good. I could definitely drink this one. Maybe even order another if I were at a bar. An acceptable level of bitterness for me, and probably the perfect amount of spice. Not overwhelming, it's a background kind of thing. You know it's there, but it's not trying to steal the limelight. Team player.

Bottle #7 (11:56)

M: I think there is not too much of aroma, not too much spice. But seems mellower than the others, and I like that. I think this is my favorite. Got a little bit of bitter, some hop bitterness. Not overpowering with the spices. This is probably the most Not pumpkin beer that we've had, which is probably why it's my favorite.

R: Not bad. Slight bitterness. Very smooth. Drinkable. Seems like something I could drink all day, which apparently makes it session-like. I'd actually like another one, please. Best out of the bunch.

Now... the reveal

(drum roll)

Bottle #1 - Post Road Pumpkin Ale (Brooklyn Brewery) LOSER
Bottle #2 - Harvest Pumpkin Ale (Sam Adams) TIE
Bottle #3 - Country Pumpkin (Ithaca Beer Company) TIE
Bottle #4 - Pumple Drumkin (Cisco Brewers) TIE
Bottle #5 - Ubu Pumpkin Ale (Lake Placid Craft Brewing) LOSER
Bottle #6 - Pumpkin Ale (Captain Lawrence Brewing Company) RUNNER UP
Bottle #7 - Our Pumpkin Ale (Saranac) WINNER

Overall Thoughts -

Even though we stretched this out a bit, Saranac's Pumpkin Ale was the clear favorite, with Captain Lawrence's not too far behind. Both Lake Placid and Brooklyn Brewery lost, but for two very different reasons. Brooklyn Brewery beers are known to be good, hell... we've had plenty of their stuff so we know what the norm is for them. This was just a bad bottle... most likely. See? Giving them the benefit of the doubt.

Lake Placid however, was HORRIBLE. One sip and I refused to drink anymore of it. Could if have been beer overload? No, there is no such thing. This was just some bad beer. And I think in general, I'm not a fan of the UBU beers. I want to say I ordered an UBU at Philly's earlier this year and ended up giving it to M because it wasn't good.

Everything else was in the murky middle. It's the spices. I don't like spices in my beer. I take that back - I don't want certain spices in my beer. I think some Christmas beers I can tolerate. These pumpkin beers? If you bring some to my house, I'm kicking you out.

The Charles F. Lucas Confectionery & Wine Bar (Troy, NY)

Dear Wine Bar,

I know you're a wine bar. And I appreciate that fact. You have some beautiful qualities. Delicious wine. Delicious cheese.  But there are some things we need to talk about. There are just a few things you need to know before we go any further.

When we first met, you were young and beautiful and full of enthusiasm.. and beer. And your beer list was one of the best, if not the best, in Troy. All reasonably priced, and wonderfully delicious. Now, well.. I don't know what happened. But things have changed.

I guess we've just lost that spark. We just don't seem to have anything in common anymore. I mean, yes, I still care about you, and I appreciate your wonderful qualities. You're beautiful. You have so much going for you... But we've just grown apart.

And I don't want to lose you in my life, but I think it's time we start searching for others to share our time with. I need affordable, quality beer in my life, and you're not providing me with the selection you used to have. 

And -- I may have found someone else. It's not too serious yet, but I think things are starting to spark up. Her name is The Ruck. And she may not be as pretty as you, but she definitely delivers on the "reasonably priced" and quality selection of draft beers. Sure, she might not be as refined as you, but she has what I need. And I think you deserve what you need -- I just don't think I can deliver on the yuppie/hipster/sunhippie level anymore, though. I'm sorry.

I'll be seeing you around, and I hope things aren't weird between us now. I just think it's better this way... 

Give my regards to the Troylet,

M

Shmaltz Brewing Company Grand Opening Bash (Clifton Park, NY)

On Sunday, M and I made the quick trip up to Clifton Park to check out the opening of the newest brewery in the Capital Region, Shmaltz Brewing. You can read all about them on their website about their beginnings, but here's the super Cliffs Notes version -  they started off making and distributing their beer through a contract brewery, got tired of that gig and wanted to make beer all on their own. And their location? A business park in the 'burbs. Hey, if it works for Captain Lawrence Brewing, why not them... right?

They have two lines, HE'BREW Beer and Coney Island Craft Lagers. I've only had the latter, and that was years ago. I honestly can't even tell you how it was, as that beer was purchased during a blizzard and I was pretty... slizzard. M's had Coney Island beers in the past and did not like them at all. So M was weary about checking this out, but decided to go after seeing the list of other breweries that would be in attendance.



For twenty-five bucks (plus service fees) we got a 6oz. tasting glass and five wooden beer tokens. Just five. I think the only ones really enforcing that rule was Shmaltz... most of the brewery tables filled all glasses put in front of them. Maybe it's a legality thing.

Their tasting room is nice and roomy, with their "shop" on the left side as you enter. There are plenty of tables, chairs, and leather couches. Be careful with some of their bigger tables - they're on wheels. Their "bar" is tucked away in a corner next to the door that leads you into the actual brewing area.



The food trucks were in the back, but if you were lucky you got a piece of brownie made with their beer. I was able to score a piece. Not super sweet, but dense and chocolate-y. Imagine if it was used in an ice cream...

There were tours of their brewing area, which I didn't really pay attention to because IT WAS SO HOT. Super hot. I was melting. And darn me for not being Filipino enough to carry a fan with me. I overheard a guy talking about the only thing hotter than this was the Made in the Shade festival in Flagstaff, Arizona. 

My biggest gripe about the event was the lack of any mechanical devices to circulate the air... and perhaps even cool it a bit. How did fans not even factor into the planning of this? It's the middle of summer, and maybe it's just me... but a warehouse full of sweaty stinky people doesn't sound like good times. M insisted that it wasn't possible because the brewing has to be at a certain temperature. To that I call bull. I'm sorry, but even with that big of a space and all your garage doors open, fans would have made things much more enjoyable.

As hot as it was, the beer did help. Of all the beers that I had, the one I liked the most was the raspberry saison, Rock the Boat, from Adirondack Brewery. The raspberry flavor was not overpowering, and it was a very smooth and drinkable. A close second was the Lower Standard IPA from Peekskill Brewery. Of course I had to have some of the house beers - Shmaltz's black IPA, death of a Contract Brewer, was pretty good, and I'm not a fan of the dark beers. The other beer was either the Rejewvenator or Jewbelation. Not my favorite.

There were about nine breweries that joined in on the fun, along with the  homebrew clubs of Saratoga and Albany. The Albany Brew Crafters submitted a beer at the National Homebrewers Conference and made it to the second round. A pretty good feat considering there were probably people submitting beers from all over the country to compete. And speaking of the NHC, a member of the Cass River Homebrew Club (the club that M's sister is a part of) won gold for his beer! I'm pretty sure it was a stout, but it could have been a porter. Anyways, for him to win gold when he was up against hundreds... pretty impressive.

As you can see, it's a huge space. And at the height of the celebration, the place was pretty full. It would be interesting to see what it looks like during normal operating hours.

There were water stations set up all over the brewery, for people to have a cool sip of water, and clean out their glasses in between beers.

Along with the music, there were some side show acts. I was in the back so I didn't get to see much of the Human Blockhead's act, and caught a glimpse of Legs Malone's burlesque act. Going by the sounds from the audience, it was all pretty good.

You may or may not have seen it, but I was interviewed for a story about the opening. I was pretty flustered and babbled maybe a bit more than I normally do, but they pared it down into the smallest snippet. Check it out if it's still online. 

Will have to go back there again when it's a little cooler and not too crowded. And  hopefully they'll take credit cards.