Excellent news for beer lovers in NC

This came across MALTmail, The homebrew clubs' email service, this morning:

"I am proud to tell you that Tryon is the official state wide distributorfor Bell's Brewery as of today. Please pass this information to everyone you know. Bell's should be in NC on a soft roll out before Christmas."
Jeff LeVine
Tryon Distributing
State Beer Brand Manager

This is certainly good news for any of you out there who are fan's of Bell's products! I myself can't wait to stock up on these excellent beers!!!

Oi Vey! Bittersweet Lenny's R.I.P.A.

One of the best double IPA's I've had is Bittersweet Lenny's RIPA from the Schmaltz Brewing Company. Marketing their products under the He'Brew label, this Jewish-owned brewery produces some of the finest beers this side of Jerusalem. All are eminently drinkable but for a hophead like me Lenny's wins hands down.

The label states that Lenny's is brewed with "an obscene amount of malts and hops" as a tribute to the late Lenny Bruce (Leonard Alfred Schneider) 1925-1966. Brewed on the 40th anniversary of Bruce's death, the beer celebrates the legendary comedian who died at age 40.

The beer begins with a smooth mouthfeel, the result of the 10% alcohol content. A malty initial hit from the rye malt quickly changes to a hoppy finish. It is very well balanced, though the hoppiness stays with you due to the lasting aftertaste. As I write this review it is in the 30's outside and there's a warm fire going in the fireplace. This is a great winter beer to share with friends over good conversation. A nice product from a unique brewery, available at specialty beer stores in the Asheville area.

L'Chaim!

New meaning of "Beer Blast"

Kegs can be dangerous. I remember someone was killed at a frat party years ago when he tried to pressurize one by using an electric compressor. The keg top blew off, striking him and killing him instantly.

NEW MILFORD, Conn., Oct. 23 (UPI) -- A 22-year-old New Milford, Conn., man was killed and seven others injured after a beer keg thrown into a fire barrel
exploded at an outdoor party.

The blast at 3:13 a.m. Sunday was powerful enough to shake windows a mile away from the field where between 50 and 100 people in their 20s were attending an annual pig roast, the Danbury (Conn.) News-Times reported Monday.

Sean Caselli, 22, was killed by a jagged piece of shrapnel to the neck, while seven others were hit by shrapnel or burned, New Milford police said.

Investigators would not reveal who had thrown the barrel into the fire barrel, the newspaper said.

[snip]

Ruby's Tap House

This past Thursday saw the renewal of MALT's regular social gathering know amongst Club Members as "Pint Night". We had the pleasure of meeting this time at Ruby's in the Haw Creek Area of Asheville. This was my first opportunity to visit and the atmosphere was wide open and friendly and we were fortunate enough to have chosen a night when free chicken wings were being served. There was plenty of seating including a covered "porch" area in front and the traditional bar seating. There were somewhere in the neighborhood of 15-20 beers on tap including 5 or 6 local beers and the bottle selection was expansive to say the least. The wings we were treated to were sauced with Ruby's Ragin Cajun and were quite delicious. So if you're on the East side of Asheville and are looking for an easy going place to relax with a few pints of excellent beer and some great BBQ to go along with it Ruby's presents a fantastic choice!

Acme Pale Ale

So I stopped by the Ingles on Merrimon yesterday on the way home from work. Deciding to check out the beer section, I scanned the shelves as usual for something I haven't had before. What caught my attention was a leggy blonde cartoon model in the 1940's pinup style, on a six-pack of Acme pale ale. The name Acme signalled "crap" since I remember those old Wile E. Coyote cartoons from my childhood. That name appeared on all the gadgets and explosives Wile E. used to maim himself. Looking closer I saw it came from California's North Coast Brewing so decided to take a chance (plus I never could resist a great pair of legs). The price was a bit high at $8.59 but not unreasonable.

The beer poured nicely with a good head. It had a light golden hue, lighter that some pales but nice. Taking a sip I noticed a clean taste with a hint of malty sweetness and maybe a bit of lemon. The finish was dry with noticeable hoppiness but nothing excessive or lasting. Overall, very much like a British pale.

Hopheads will find it too bland, while Budsuckers might find it a good beer to try as they expand their horizons beyond American pilsners. This would make a fine session beer and also go well with food at a backyard cookout. Recommended.