Thursday, December 3, 2009

New Years Keg Sale


If you're throwing a New Year's party or know someone who is, make sure you get your kegs from The Beer Authority.  We're celebrating our new license, which now allows us to sell full size kegs, by having a huge sale this December.  Make sure you read the following rules to get your killer deal:

  • Orders must be made by noon on Monday, December 28, and kegs must be picked up by 2 pm on Thursday, December 31.
  • 1/2 Keg price is required at a deposit at the time of order.  Balance and applicable tax is paid at the time you pick it up.
  • There is a $45 refundable deposit on all kegs.
  • Pump Taps are limited so order early if you need one.  Pump Taps are a $12 rental with a $50 refundable deposit.
Keg Sizes:
  1. Full keg = 1/2bbl = 140 glasses
  2. Pony or half keg = 1/4bbl = 70 glasses
  3. Sixer = 1/6bbl = 50 glasses
The kegs listed below are on sale, if you don't see what you want call The Beer Authority at 206.417.9629 to see if your beer is available.  If you don't care about taste, yellow beer is at the bottom of the list:

Craft Beer (tax not included)

Diamond Knot Industrial IPA
 1/2bbl  $184
1/4bbl  $112
Diamond Knot Industrial Ho Ho
1/2bbl  $184
1/4bbl  $112
Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA
1/2bbl  $286
1/6bbl  $132
Elysian Bi-Frost Winter
1/2bbl  $180
Elysian Immortal IPA
1/2bbl  $166
Bear Republic Racer 5 IPA
1/2bbl  $198
New Belgian 2 Below
1/2bbl  $160
1/6bbl    $67
North Coast Old Rasputin
1/2bbl  $212
Ninkasi Tricerahops
1/2bbl  $220
Ninkasi Double Red Believer
1/2bbl  $180
Oskar Blues Dale Pale Ale
1/2bbl  $170
1/6bbl    $72
Yellow Beer (tax not included)

Rolling Rock
1/2bbl    $78
Pabst Blue Ribbon
1/2bbl    $86
Bud Light
1/2bbl  $110

    Saturday, November 28, 2009

    Diamond Knot Brown Now On Sale!


    Diamond Knot's Brown Ale won last weeks contest and is now on sale at The Beer Authority. Supplies were demolished at the pre-Thanksgiving rush but there are still several bottles left! Make sure you pick up a bottle before the sale ends at closing on Tuesday 12/1/09...

    Diamond Knot Brown: Is a beautiful deep amber/brown in color, reminiscent of the most noblest of not only American, but also Bristish Browns. The complex malty flavor comes from the 6 distinct grains that make up the grain bill. Add a Willamette hop finish, and you get a brew that compliments any occasion.

    Thursday, November 19, 2009

    Show No Mercy! SleighR is at The Beer Authority


    Ninkasi's new Dark Double Alt is a refreshing change from the standard Strong Ales and Imperial Stouts we see during the holiday season. SleighR, with the type font reminiscent of the heavy metal band Slayer's albums, is malty and roasty with a crisp finish.

    Ok, tasting notes...the nose is toasty and it pours a medium brown color with a thin, beige head. Excellent lacing as I could track each gulp after finishing the pint. Somewhere just shy of a hint of coffee and definitely roasty the flavor was pleasing. Checking in at 7.2% abv there was no chance alcohol would interfere with the taste yet quickly gave me that "winter warming" feeling. The finish is what you would expect from fermenting at low temperatures- crisp and clean.

    The SleighR, although named a "Dark, Double Alt", is actually a Sticke Alt (Secret Alt)-a style brewed by many German breweries for the holiday seasons. Most Sticke's are darker and higher in alcohol and this one is no exception. We will definitely be stocking this one all winter...

    Monday, November 2, 2009

    Tuesday Taste 11/03/09

    I typically stay away from the big sticky's during the summer - it's just too hot for a huge hop and malt bomb. But now that the weather has turned, and especially now that it's Tuesday and the weekend is so far away, I've gone back to the staple of my winter months - Double IPA's. The tasting, as mentioned in the email, came about as a result of a visit to the Pike Brewpub. I have always dug the ambiance of the Pike and yesterday was no exception. They always hit the trifecta - great beers, great service and lot's of shit to read on the walls...

    Here's today's taste:

    Pike Double IPA: Pike Double IPA is a golden hued beauty in the glass. Weighing in at 8% alcohol and 80+ IBU’s it is strong yet balanced. It features Columbus; Chinook; Centennial; Cascade; and Amarillo hops - and is dry hopped with Amarillo and Columbus giving the beer a wonderful aromatic nose. Balanced and drinkable are the key words - like all Pike Beers.

    Lagunitas Hop Stoopid:
    (I copied this verbatim from their website) So Hoppy that it threatens to remove the enamel from one's teeth.

    Stone Ruination:
    So called because of the immediate ruinous effect on your palate. 100+ IBUs. Bracingly bitter. Thick, pungent hop aroma. We would say that no hops were injured in the brewing of this beer, but that would be a massive lie. In fact, the words "Stone Ruination IPA" are what older hop vines use to cause little hop vines to quiver with fright and lose sleep at night . We at Stone honor the brutal massacre of countless hops with this "Liquid poem to the glory of the hop!" Paganism at its best!

    Friday, October 30, 2009

    Saturday Taste 10/31/09

    It's Halloween tonight and most of our Pumpkin beers have run their course. We've also tasted a fair amount of this years winter beers in weeks past so we thought we'd change course and go back to basics: three Strong Ales!

    Chimay Bleue (BEL): Chimay Bleu is principally distinguished by its character of a strong beer. This is a beer whose fragrance of fresh yeast with a light, flowery rosy touch is especially pleasant. Its flavour, noticed when tasting it, only accentuates the pleasant sensations perceived in the aroma , while revealing a light but pleasant touch of roasted malt. This top fermented Trappist beer, refermented in the bottle, is not pasteurised.

    Fullers 1845 (ENG): First brewed in 1995 for the 150th anniversary of the brewery. Winner of CAMRA Champion Bottle Conditioned Beer of Britain (1998-1999). Described by Roger Protz as 'a rich beer with a fruit cake aroma, spices and nutmeg from malt and hops resulting in a dry, fruity finish'. Ingredients: Pale Malt (mix of Pipkin, Maris Otter and Halcyon), crystal and amber malt. Goldings hops.

    Stone 13th Anniversary (CAL): Stone 13th Anniversary Ale pours brilliant deep red with a light tan foam. Up front, the aroma is all piney, resinous and citrus hops. Upon tasting, the hops are still on the front, and they are balanced with the malty, toffee like flavors contributed from the blend of crystal and amber malts used in the brewhouse. The finish is deliciously bitter, with a touch of warmth provided by the 9.5% alcohol. Bitterness comes in at 90+ IBU.

    Tuesday, October 20, 2009

    Tuesday Taste 10/20/09

    This Tuesday we are tasting three Doppelbock's, all from Germany. Bock bier was originally created in the 14th century in Einbeck with the modern version coming from Munich in the 17th century. Doppelbocks, or double bocks, are products of Bavaria and are rich in roasted malts. First produced by the monks of St. Paula, many still refer to the beer as "liquid bread" because of it's high caloric content. Classic characteristics are a creamy head that lasts, malty and toasty aroma, an abv between 6-10% and names typically ending with a "-tion". Here are the three we are tasting:

    Paulaner Salvator: The Paulaner Salvator with its strong,typically malty taste is the original Paulaner. The bottom-fermented Doppelbock-Bier unites the finest hops and dark barley malt. The Paulaner monks served Salvator as a replacement for food at Lent. Their most famous brewer was Brother Barnabas, who was the head of the Paulaner monastery brewery starting from 1773. Its original recipe is today almost the same as it was in Barnabas' time. In order to protect the original recipe, Paulaner had the trade mark "Salvator" patented in 1896.

    Schneider Aventinus: Dark ruby, glistening mysteriously, streaked with fine, top-fermented yeast, this beer has a compact, stable and long-lasting head. It has an intensive, typically top-fermented clove-like aroma. The palate experiences a gentle touch, on the tongue it is very full-bodied, compact and yet fresh with a hint of caramel. It finishes with a light and delicate taste of bitters leaving behind a strong, smoothly rounded, sour impression.

    Ayinger Celebrator:
    Celebrator has a creamy head of tight bubbles contrasting beautifully with its profound dark robe. It is full-bodied and velvety from half a year's aging. Although it is strong, it is not overpowering. There is a wonderful and complex balance between the various malts, the alcohol and the subtle hops. A complex fruitiness of roasted malt and whole hop flowers make Celebrator great as a party drink with friends and family at celebrations. Despite its richness, it has a faintly smoky dryness in the finish.

    Saturday, October 17, 2009

    Saturday Taste 10/17/09

    It's cold and rainy outside, so I thought we'd taste 3 newly released Winter Beers today. Big and malty, these beers are sure to keep you warm throughout the long winter months. Today it's Widmer Brothers Brrr (ORE), Bateman's Rosey Nosey (ENG), and Diamond Knot's Ho Ho (WAS). What a great time to find your favorite winter warmer! Tasting is from noon to 6 and remember to bring your ID because you have to be 21 to taste!

    Widmer's BRRR: Give the gift of beer! More specifically, Brrr! The Widmer Brothers have handcrafted a special ale for the holiday season: a generous red ale. Not quite excessively hopped, with candy sweetness and a velvety finish. Perfect for celebrations. Prost!

    Bateman's Rosey Nosey: Bottled by Marston’s.
    A complex, rich tasting beer with plenty of roast malt character and generous hop flavour.
    Colour: EBC 55. Bitterness: EBU 35. Hops: Goldings, Challenger, Liberty. Malt: Maris Otter

    Diamond Knot Ho Ho: A robust 'Winter Warmer' ale, ruby brown in color with a slightly sweet, fruity nose. Very hoppy yet balanced with a residual sweetness. 60 IBU's, 8.5% ABV.

    Tuesday, October 13, 2009

    Tuesday Taste 10/13/09

    Happy Anniversary, Shellane! We are celebrating our 7th wedding Anniversary so we thought we'd taste some Anniversary beers. Join us today from 4:30-7:30 and try out 3 different celebration ales. Today's taste doe have a $1 fee and bring your ID because you have to be 21 to participate.

    Stone 13th Anniversary Ale: Stone 13th Anniversary Ale pours brilliant deep red with a light tan foam. Up front, the aroma is all piney, resinous and citrus hops. Upon tasting, the hops are still on the front, and they are balanced with the malty, toffee like flavors contributed from the blend of crystal and amber malts used in the brewhouse. The finish is deliciously bitter, with a touch of warmth provided by the 9.5% alcohol. Bitterness comes in at 90+ IBU.

    Anderson Valle 20th Anniversary Imperail IPA:
    Anderson Valley Brewing Co. first opened in downtown Boonville on December 26, 1987. This was a dream come true for those wishing to savor high quality, flavorful and perfectly balanced beers. To celebrate our 20 years of continued success, we have created a unique beer. Our Imperial India Pale Ale is loaded with excessive amounts of malts and 20 separate additions of the finest Pacific Northwest hops. We hope you find it most enjoyable!

    Guinness 250th Anniversary Stout:
    Made with a double brew stream that combines two types of malts, ale and stout. Carbonated. Uses Guinness yeast, triple hops and roasted barley.

    Saturday, October 10, 2009

    Dark O' the Moon Release 10.10.09

    Today's release of the long awaited Dark O'the Moon Pumpkin Stout from Elysian coincides with their Great Pumpkin Beer Festival at the Capitol Hill brew pub, Saturday and Sunday. A modest fee gets you several tastes and a chance to sample 9 Elysian pumpkin ales and a slew of guest taps! Word is that a keg of Dark O' the Moon will be tapped each day so those going on Sunday have a chance at tasting the beer. Check out the event poster.

    Dark O' the Moon: Spookily smooth and chocolatey, with a touch of cinnamon. Pale, Munich Cara-vienne, Cara-munich, Special B, Chocolate and Roasted malts, with roasted pumpkin seeds in the mash and pumpkin in the mash, kettle and fermenter. Bittered with Magnum and finished with Czech Saaz, with cinnamon added to the boil and in conditioning.

    Wednesday, October 7, 2009

    No Kegs of Pliny the Elder?

    Most of you have been listening to me yap about our impending liquor license change for quite some time now - no doubt it's been a struggle! We recently filed for our new license that will allow us to pour draft beer, sell growlers and full size kegs to go, and crack a beer in the store for you which means we are only 5-8 weeks away. What you may not know is that we may be getting black balled from kegs of Pliny the Elder just because we are relatively new to the scene!

    Yup, that's right. Now I don't normally like to put my distributors on the spot, but I've been informed that all kegs of Pliny the Elder are spoken for as soon as they reach Seattle. After putting my indignation in check I decided the best course of action was a petition directly to the source - Russian River Brewing Co. and Click Wholesale. Starting Thursday, October 8, we will have a petition form down at the store for you to sign if you want to have your future growlers filled with one of the best double IPA's in the country. Not only that, but this will put other breweries and distributors on notice that your local bottle shop is not to be treated lightly.

    How can I help? Glad you asked. You can do two things: sign the petition next time you're in the store and send a polite email to the Russian River Brewing Company (info@russianriverbrewing.com) expressing your desire to buy pints and growlers of their beer at The Beer Authority! Together we can make sure that Lake City has access to the beers it deserves!

    Tuesday, October 6, 2009

    Tuesday Taste 10/6/09

    Today we are tasting three IPA's that have seemed to fall through the cracks -each of these beers is a fine example of the style yet are slow sellers so we've decided to find out why. Harmon's Point Defiance IPA rates an 89% at Ratebeer.com, Terminal Gravity a 92% and BirdgePort IPA checks in with a 90%. Stop on by from 4:30 - 7:30 today and help us solve the mystery.

    Harmon Point Defiance IPA: Five types of malted barley, including a specially roasted Belgium barley. Centennial and Amarillo hops provide the big hoppy flavor. 12 pounds of Amarillo added after the fermentation for huge hop aroma.

    Terminal Gravity IPA:
    Pale copper in color, but big in body and flavor with a heady hop character. The IPA uses spring water and snow melt from high in the Eagle Cap Wilderness. Terminal Gravity used over 50% Marris Otter pale ale malt imported from the British Isles for a traditional British flavor. It adds several other malts from the Northwest and Europe. TG IPA has over 2 pounds of hops per barrel, finishing with British Fuggles for that classic aroma.

    BridgePort IPA:
    Deep golden in color, BridgePort IPA has an assertive and fragrant hop character from the two full pounds of Cascade, Chinook, Goldings, Crystal and Ahtanum hops in every barrel.

    Saturday, October 3, 2009

    Saturday Taste 10.03.09

    With the weather turning colder it's time to start looking at the roastier side of beer. Today we are tasting three Abbey style Dubbels, two from Belgian and one from California. The Abbey Dubbel, literally meaning double, was originally brewed in the Trappist Abbey of Westmalle in 1856. The abbey had brewed a light, sweet wheat beer since 1836 but the new beer was considerably stronger because they had "doubled" the grain bill. The formula became stronger again by 1926. Stop on in and get a taste of Belgiums world famous beer.

    Maredsous 8: Creamy foaming dark-coloured beer with a well-balance flavour of malt and hops.

    Grimbergen Dubbel:
    Double has undergone two fermentations, which gives this ale a chocolatey, toffee taste with a warming brandy-like finish.

    North Coast Brother Thelonious:
    With the developing interest in Belgian abbey ales and the monasteries that brew them, it’s time to remind the world that here in the U.S., we have a Monk of our own. Jazz icon Thelonious Monk is the inspiration for North Coast Brewing’s new Belgian-style abbey ale called, appropriately enough, Brother Thelonious. The beer is being released in conjunction with the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz (www.monkinstitute.org), and the brewery will make a contribution to the Institute for every case sold to support jazz education. Like a Belgian “Dark Strong Ale”, the beer is rich and robust with an ABV of 9%. The package is a 750 ml bottle with a traditional cork and wire finish and features a label picturing the jazz master himself.

    Thursday, October 1, 2009

    Totally Dominating: Ninkasi's IPA Goes On Sale


    Ok, so the vote was pretty close between Ninkasi's Total Domination and Port's Hop-15 but in the end Jamie Floyds flagship beer earned the top spot. Named for the Sumerian Goddess of Beer and Fermentation, Ninkasi has been producing Northwest style beers since 2006. The brewery is in Eugene, Oregon and has rapidly earned a strong following of craft brew aficionados. Check out the tasting notes below and then come on and get Dominated!

    Ninkasi Total Domination: Was $4.22, Now $3.65 for 22 oz. Bomber. A true Northwest style IPA, citrus notes, floral and balanced, from ingredients regionally sourced, it is the definition of a true craft beer.

    6.7% alc./vol. 65 ibus.

    Tuesday, September 29, 2009

    Tuesday Taste 9/29/09

    We'll be tasting three Porters today at the Tuesday Taste. The was named for the street and ferry porters from London who fell in love with the dark, rich ale. One of the earliest references to the style is from the 1700's about a longer aged and darker version of a brown ale. The agreed upon style range for Porters has a SG of 1.040 to 1.052 and IBU's between 18 and 35. Come join us between 4:30 and 7:30 on Tuesday, September 29 to sample the fine Porters below:

    Alaskan Baltic Porter: Alaskan Brewery's high end, high alcohol seasonal. Pours a thin tan head with chocolate malt, cherry and licorice flavors.

    Avery New World Porter: A traditional black porter, with a surprise twist - it's dry-hopped!! We've expanded the porter category a bit, adding a delightful, dry hop aroma to blend with the sweet caramel and chocolate characteristics of a Robust Porter.

    Fullers London Porter: Fuller’s London Porter captures the flavours of those original brews perfectly, although you won’t find a cloudy pint these days! Rich, dark and complex, at 5.4% ABV the beer has an outstanding depth of flavour. It is brewed from a blend of Brown, Crystal and Chocolate malts for a creamy delivery balanced by traditional Fuggles hops. The range of flavours works well with a wide variety of foods, ranging from rich meat dishes, to oysters, and even chocolate puddings.

    Friday, September 25, 2009

    Saturday Taste 9.26.09

    We've got three of the most highly rated Pale Ales in the U.S. for tomorrows tasting. Come visit us on Saturday and give us your opinion, and don't forget, Oskar Blues Dales Pale Ale is on sale!

    Hair of the Dog Ruth: Ruth is a light and refreshing American Ale, made with pale malt and crystal hops. She was inspired by my Mother's Mother, Granny Ruth because of her love and support. Don't be Ruthless. Have one on Granny.

    Stone Pale Ale: Our flagship ale, Stone Pale Ale is our Southern California interpretation of the classic British pale ale style. Deep amber in color Stone Pale Ale is robust and full flavored. A delicate hop aroma is complemented by a rich maltiness. This is an ale for those who have learned to appreciate distinctive flavor.

    Oskar Blues Dales Pale Ale: Brewed with hefty amounts of European malts and four kinds of American hops, it delivers a blast of hop aromas, a rich middle of malt and hops, and a thrilling finish. It weighs in at 6.5 % alcohol by volume. Why squeeze such a big brew into a little can? Because we think fun in the great outdoors calls for great beer. Our cans go where bottled beers can't, where flavorless canned beers don't belong. And no matter where you drink Dale's Pale Ale, our can protect it from light and oxidation far better than bottles do.

    Tuesday, September 22, 2009

    Tuesday Taste 9.22.09

    Tuesday's Taste will be 3 Northwest ESB's. A classic english style known as the premium version of a Bitter, the American Extra Special Bitter is a nice balance of sweet maltiness and bitter hoppiness. We will be tasting Harmon's Browns Point ESB (WAS), Elysian The Wise ESB (WAS), and Bridgeport's ESB.

    Harmon's Brown's Point ESB: Two time GABF Bronze Medal winner. Hopped exclusively with fuggles.

    Elysian's The Wise ESB: A malty, reddish-copper-colored ale with strong hop character, allusive to the goddess Athena, patroness of warriors, weaving and wisdom. Bittered with Chinook and finished with Cascade and Columbus hops. Gold Medal Winner 2003 & 2004 GABF ESB Category.

    Bridgeport's ESB: Abounds with Imported English Goldings hops at a weight of one pound per barrel. It has the assertiveness, aroma and unbanished flavor beer used to have before the cost-cutters started.

    Saturday, September 19, 2009

    Saturday Taste 9.19.09

    We have over 70 IPA's in stock at The Beer Authority so we're grouping our tasting from different regions for the time being. Today we will be focusing on 3 IPA's from Rocky Mountain states: Grand Tetons Sweetgrass IPA (IDA), Averys IPA (COL) and Great Divides Titan IPA (COL). It's rainy today so why not stop by and try some great beer to chase the clouds away?

    Grand Teton Sweetgrass IPA: Sweetgrass is crisp and fragrant with a generous yet smooth hop character. The sweet bouquet and spicy flavor come from the combination of five hops and Idaho grown barleys. The color? We call is “Suntan”!

    Avery IPA:
    In the 1700's one crafty brewer discovered that a healthy dose of hops and an increased alcohol content perserved his ales during the long voyage to India (as depicted in our label) to quench the thirst of British troops. Today, we tip our hat to that historic innovation by brewing Colorado's hoppiest pale ale. Avery IPA demands to be poured into your favorite glass to truly appreciate the citrusy, floral bouquet and the rich, malty finish. Brewed by hopheads for hopheads!

    Great Di
    vide Titan IPA: Great Divide brews Titan IPA for hop disciples -- independent beer drinkers seeking out robust, flavorful beers characterized by their abundance of hops, flavor, aroma and bitterness. As a big aggressively-hopped India Pale Ale, Titan IPA fills this bill -- beginning with piney hop aromas and citrus hop flavors, and finishing with a rich, malty sweetness that is carefully balanced with crisp hop bitterness. 65 International Bittering Units (IBUs).

    Friday, September 18, 2009

    The Bruery Now in Seattle


    The Beer Authority is now stocking two beers from Orange County based The Bruery. Like so many other micros, The Bruery was founded by Patrick Rue, his brother Chris, and his wife Rachel when their passions for home brewing became a career. Their beers are unique, however, in that every batch is completely bottle conditioned and pushing the limits shows in their offerings. From Saisons to Black Wit beers, there is nothing ordinary about The Bruery.

    The Beer Authority is proud to carry our two favorites, the Orchard White and Saison Rue.

    Orchard White:
    Orchard White is an unfiltered, bottle conditioned Belgian-style witbier. This hazy, straw yellow beer is spiced with coriander, citrus peel and lavender added to the boil and whirlpool. A spicy, fruity yeast strain is used to add complexity, and rolled oats are added for a silky texture.

    ABV: 5.7%, IBU: 15, SRM: 3

    Saison Rue: Saison Rue is an unfiltered, bottle conditioned, Belgian/French-style farmhouse ale. This is a beer of subtlety and complexity, with malted rye, spicy, fruity yeast notes, biscuit-like malt backbone, and a slight citrus hop character. With age, this beer will dry out and will become more complex with rustic notes of leather and earth from the contribution of a wild yeast strain. Being a Saison, Saison Rue is ambiguous unto itself as it is a different beer when fresh and when aged. We hope you enjoy it in all of its incarnations.

    ABV: 8.5%, IBU: 30, SRM: 9

    Wednesday, September 9, 2009

    Sale a Trois! Three Beers Go On Sale Today.

    The weekly poll ended in a three way tie so it looks like everyone will have a good selection of beers on sale this week! Southern Tiers Cherry Saison, Midnight Suns Kodiak Brown and Bayerns Oktoberfest (available on Thursday 9/10) have been marked down and will remain on sale through Tuesday, 9/15. What are you waiting for - you've been good, have a beer!

    Southern Tier Cherry Saison 22 oz. bottle: Was $7.05, Now $5.77. The days are long and warm, and the spring blossoms have gracefully turned to plump drupes. Much in the same way, our Imperial Cherry Saison undergoes subtle but noticable changes while cruising from kettle to bright tank. Like the sun ripening fruit, a pit stop makes this beer better. Cherry Saison is aged with French Oak staves, imparting overtones of spice and balancing the natural sweetness of the cherries. Cherry Saison is the first in this series to incorporate oak aging. Enjoy it as a dessert beer, or tilt it back while sitting under a shady tree on a warm summer afternoon.

    Midnight Sun Kodiak Brown 22 oz. bottle: Was $5.59, Now $5.29.
    Rugged yet smooth, Kodiak Brown Ale sports abundant yet graceful portions of pale and specialty malts, balancing caramel sweetness with a roasted malt character. Perle and Willamette hops accent without overpowering this brown ale's intrepid maltiness. The result is a bit bold but beautifully balanced. That Kodiak Brown Ale is our most popular beer says something about the adventuous spirit found in Alaska. But we are not surprised; we know Alaskans are not afraid of the dark.

    Bayern Oktoberfest 12 oz. bottle: Was $1.44, Now $1.24.
    Classic German Dark Marzen. Not too sweet and yet very malty and nice hop flavor. Available Late September until it's gone.

    Monday, September 7, 2009

    Tuesday Taste 9/8/09

    Labor Day Weekend has come and gone and some of us are feeling a little bit fuzzy from the consumption of fermented beverages. Why not come down for our Tuesday Taste to get you fixed right up? We'll be doing an easy one for you all...three NW Pale Ales: Caldera Pale Ale (ORE), Deschutes Mirror Pond (ORE) and Fish Tale Ales Wild Salmon Organic Pale (WAS). As usual, the Tuesday Taste is from 4:30 to 7:30 and you have to have your ID to taste. No Fee!

    Caldera Pale Ale (ORE): A West Coast style pale ale balancing plenty of hops with a malty backbone. Two Row, Light Munich and Crystal malts. All Cascade Hops and an O.G. of 1.050 for an abv of 5.4%.

    Deschutes Mirror Pond (ORE): Tawny colored, full bodied Pale Ale. This ale has a distinctive, lingering hop flavor attained by adding copious quantities of Cascade hops throughout the brewing process. Abv is 5.3%.

    Fish Tale Wild Salmon Organic Pale (WAS):
    Wild Salmon Pale Ale is a light bodied and beautifully balanced Northwest-style pale ale. Its gentle sweetness, drawn from Pale, Carastan, Vienna, Cara-pils, and Honey malts is nicely matched by Chinook hops and late additions of Cascade and Willamette hops. On draught or by the bottle, this treat from Fish Tale Ales is remarkably bright with a brilliant golden color and thick creamy head. Wild Salmon Pale Ale is sparkling and crisp with a fresh hop aroma and refreshing finish. Abv is 5.5%.


    Friday, September 4, 2009

    The Beer Authority Now Carries Sake!


    That's right, the Authority is now carrying 8 labels of Sake. Admittedly, we have a lot to learn about this wonderful potent potable so we did a little research on the few that we are carrying. Go ahead and let me know if I missed something or if I need to make a correction. So next time you're taking out Sumo Sushi, you'll know where to get your Sake!

    Takara has been a leading producer of Sake in Japan for more than 150 years. Takara Sake USA, established in Berkeley in 1982, takes advantage of the pure snow melt from the Sierra Nevada Mountains and superior rice from the fertile Sacramento Valley. To that, they applied traditional sake-making craft and modern technology to produce a high quality Sake. We stock three of their Sho Chiku Bai sakes:
    Nama: Nama Sake is a draft-style sake that is purified not by heat pasteurization but rather through micro-filterization. Since high temperatures can often change the subtle flavors of sake, this micro-filterization process better retains all of the original flavors of sake. "Nama " means fresh, indicating that it is bottled immediately after production rather than being aged for a few months like our other sakes. 15% abv.
    Organic Nama: It's totally natural, using OCIA certified rice harvested from the Sacramento Valley with absolutely no preservatives, no brewers alcohol added, no sulfites. It is brewed under the direction of Takara's master brewer combining the most traditional methods with modern technology to arrive at the Ginjo grade.
    Nigori Silky Mild: Nigori is the way sake first appeared when it was brewed for the Imperial Court in Kyoto as well as for most of its 2,000 year history. It is coarsely-filtered and the sweetest of all our types of sake. It is especially delicious with very spicy foods. The bottle should be shaken each time before pouring due to the high rice content that settles in the bottom of the bottle.

    Gekkeikan Sake is an interesting, niche item which combines images of culture and sophistication, tradition and novelty. Naturally brewed their Sake contains no added sulfites. One of the oldest family operated businesses in the world, Gekkeikan has been producing Sake for 360 years. The Cap-Ace comes with it's own cup built into the cap so you can enjoy it anywhere! The Horin Daiginjyo is ultra-slow filtered and uses the most polished rice. This is considered the top of the line Sake.

    Kizakura Stars Sake is an efferevescent sake brewed in Kyoto, Japan. It is sweet, crisp and dry, and pairs exceptionally well with spicy foods.

    Yaegaki Sake, founded as a liquor store in Himeji in 1666 and in the U.S. since 1987. Named after a famous poem that means Record of Ancient Matters their Sakes are hand crafted. The Yaegaki Dry is the top of their line with rice polished up to 40% away and slowly brewed at low temperatures. Full bodied and slightly acidic.

    Prefecture of Niigata Yukikage Sake is brewed in a region that is widely accepted as one of the best places to brew Sake due to deep snow and an abundance of soft, clear and pure water. Yukikage is the 'Snow Shadow' and the Sake shows apple marzipan and has a fruity aroma, soft, light body and long finish.

    Whew, that's a lot to digest. The best way to discover these Sakes, of course, is to try them all!

    Wednesday, September 2, 2009

    Closed on Labor Day!

    Yep, I'll be taking the day off this coming Monday. We will be open normal hours Saturday and Sunday so if you need to buy some beer at the last minute we'll be there for you! Have a great Labor Day Weekend!

    Barry

    Port Brewing and Brewdog Go On Sale Today!

    Another draw on the weekly sale poll means that both Port Brewing's Wipeout IPA and Brewdog's Punk IPA go on sale this week. Always a favorite at The Beer Authority, Port's Wipeout - which gets a 98% rating at Ratebeer.com - is sure to go fast, so get your bottle as soon as you can!

    Port Brewing Wipeout IPA (CAL): Was $5.37 Now $4.99 With 78 IBUs. Our version of a West Coast IPA- brewed in the San Diego style. This massively hoppy beer gets its flavor and attitude from no less than five hop varieties including Amarillo, Centennial, Cascade, Simcoe and Summit.

    BrewDog Punk IPA (SCT):
    Was $8.60 Now $6.99 A beer of inherent contradiction. This heavy weight of the beer world is strikingly delicate with a white gold appearance. The light fruity aroma dominates the initial confrontation; lychee, kiwi and passionfruit all prevail with subtle nuances of cherry and strawberry. Don’t be fooled however by this smooth medium bodied ale. As it trickles down your throat as this wolf in sheep’s clothing begins to grow teeth. The bite comes as the bitterness builds and endures no matter how hard the malty sweetness of the alcohol tries to tame this ferocious beast.

    Sunday, August 30, 2009

    How To Choose a Beer For Your Party

    In a city full of top notch breweries, well stocked beer shops and a beer knowledgeable populace, why do we still end up at parties that offer yellow and uninteresting beer? If you're lucky you'll find a keg of Manny's Pale ale - don't get me wrong, I'm a fan of all the Georgetown brews - but often there is no variety. Most often one of two things will happen to those planning parties - they wait to long and the only beers left are the piss water offspring of major corporations or they are afraid to offer an unknown beer that may be rejected by the party goers. Here's a couple of tips for buying great beer for your next party.

    Tip #1: Buy beer that has a broad appeal. This is not to say, however, that you need to buy watered down beer. A good place to start is one of the better beer rating websites like beeradvocate.com or ratebeer.com. Tuesday's Taste at The Beer Authority took this into consideration: Oskar Blues Dales Pale Ale (RB 96%) and Allagash White (RB 88%), Iron Horse's Quilters Irish Death (BA B-).

    Tip #2: Think about the season. This is pretty straight forward: Oktoberfest beers are great in the fall, Porter/Stouts/Christmas beers in the winter, Maibocks and Browns in the spring, etc.

    Tip #3: Think about your audience. A party in Ballard would be a perfect place for Belgian and other beers from Northern Europe.

    Lastly, think about quantity. Most etiquette websites agree that you should provide 3-4 beers per person attending an evening party, or 1 1/2 beers for a dinner party. For a smaller party, a great way to go is a 5.16 (1/6 bbl) keg. The small keg route allows you to minimize your waste and offer a selection if you want to provide two or more. Each 1/6 bbl keg holds about 41 16 oz. cups of beer and will fit almost anywhere.

    There are many factors involved in throwing a great party and selecting the right beer can make a huge difference. As always, everyone at The Beer Authority is ready to help you with all of your beer needs!

    Saturday, August 29, 2009

    A Sour Beer For the Masses


    The Beer Authority is now stocking the Duchesse De Bourgogne from Brouwerij Verhaeghe, a brewery in the West Flanders region of Belgian. Pronounced DOO-SHAY, this Flemmish Red is a traditional sour brewed with all roasted malts and water from a deep aquifer not available to most belgian breweries. Blended from eight and eighteen month batches that are aged in oak barrels to impart a rich texture and long, dry finnish, this beer is best when imbibed from the Duchesse glass, but in a pinch use a red wine glass.

    Named for Mary of Burgundy, the daughter of the Duke of Burgundy, who became the Duchess after the passing of her father. Mary only lived to 25 years, succumbing to injuries after falling off her horse while falcon hunting - no joke.

    The current batch in stock at The Beer Authority expires in December of 2010, so you can wait until the perfect moment to enjoy the Duchesse.

    Available in 750ml only, $10.69 per bottle.

    Saturday Taste 8.29.09

    We don't know why it always seems to be cloudy on Saturdays in the summer, but we've got the beer that will make the day brighter. This Saturday we are tasting 3 Dunkelweizens - dark hefeweizens - and hope that you will attend. The tasting goes all day, from noon until 6 pm, so put the college game on 'pause' and get down to the store! Here's more information from each brewery about their beers:

    Leavenworth Boulder Bend Dunkel: Boulder Bend Dunkelweizen is an exceptional creation. This is an unfiltered dark Hefeweizen, with a gently sweet character infusing its medium-bodied smoothness. Notes of chocolate and caramel mingle with a cereal malt flavor contributed by additions of malted wheat. Other Northwest examples of this classic German style are rare and few. Certainly none are as tasty.

    Weihenstephaner Dunkel: Supple, malty and mellow. Its harmonious flavour is the great strength of our dark wheat beer. Not only as a good combination with hearty dishes but consumed alone.

    Erdinger Dunkel: Erdinger Weissbier 'dark' is a rich and smooth wheat beer specialty from Erdinger Weissbräu. It owes its full-bodied flavor to the fine hops and dark malt used in its production. The dark beer specialty is brewed according to an age-old recipe. Its spicy flavor also results from the increased proportion (about 13%) of original wort.

    Tuesday, August 25, 2009

    Tuesday Taste 8/25/09

    Today we are tasting 3 styles of Belgian Ales: Golden, Dubbel and Tripel.

    Golden ales are, as the name suggests, golden to straw colored. They are clear, crisp, and dry, with low-to-medium bitterness. Fruitiness from esters are also present in the beer.

    Dubbels, created and commercially available in 1861 by the Westmalle Trappists, are a strong version of a Belgian brown ale.

    Tripels, again created by the Westmalle Trappists, are a Belgian strong pale ale- typically the strongest beer in a brewery's line.

    North Coast Pranqster Golden: Belgian Ales represent the height of the brewers' art. Sophisticated brewing techniques, yeast blends and unique flavoring elements have elevated the beers of Belgium to the status enjoyed by wine in other countries. PranQster follows in this tradition using a mixed culture of antique yeast strains that results in a floral nose, a full fruity flavor and a clean finish.

    Grimbergen Dubbel:
    The Grimbergen Dubbel has undergone two fermentations, which gives this ale a chocolatey, toffee taste with a warming brandy-like finish.

    Pikes Monks Uncle Tripel: Big, full bodied and complex with a yeasty nose, fruity esters and malty dryness. Brewed with Belgian yeast and candied sugars.

    Friday, August 21, 2009

    Saturday Taste 8.22.09

    I figured on this typically Seattle weekend (that is to say cold and cloudy) amber beers would really hit the spot. I picked 3 examples from three different regions of the US - Washington, Colorado and Louisiana (which is actually a lagered beer). Join me at The Beer Authority on Saturday, August 22 to sample them - there is no fee but remember to bring your ID because you have to be 21 to participate!

    Fish Tale Organic Amber: A Cascadian treasure, certified Organic Amber Ale is a medium-bodied beer with an appealing deep amber hue. Our malts--a pleasant blend or organic Pale, Munich, Honey, Crystal and lend a gentle sweet character which is difficult to resist. From organic Hallertauer hops come a zesty flavor and aroma that beautifully balances Organic Amber's malt character.

    New Belgian Fat Tire Amber:
    Named in honor of our founder Jeff’s bike trip through Belgium, Fat Tire Amber Ale marks a turning point in the young electrical engineer’s home brewing. Belgian beers use a far broader palette of ingredients (fruits, spices, esoteric yeast strains) than German or English styles. Jeff found the Belgian approach freeing. Upon his return, Jeff created Fat Tire and Abbey Belgian Ale, (assuming Abbey would be his big gun). He and his wife, Kim traveled around sampling their homebrews to the public. Fat Tire’s appeal quickly became evident. People liked everything about it. Except the name. Fat Tire won fans is in its sense of balance: toasty, biscuit-like malt flavors coasting in equilibrium with hoppy freshness.

    Abita Amber Lager:
    Abita Amber is a Munich style lager brewed with crystal malt and Perle hops. It has a smooth, malty, slightly caramel flavor and a rich amber color.

    Thursday, August 20, 2009

    Samuel Smith Yorkshire Stingo - Limited Release


    The brewers at Samuel Smith have just released a new and limited (only 2,000 cases produced) strong ale called the Yorkshire Stingo. Brewed with British malts and the classic Sam Smith yeast, the beer is aged for a year in oak casks that have previously held other aged beers lending it a complex flavor profile. This ale is finished by bottle conditioning to add smoothness and a fruity finish. The Stingo weighs in at a respectable 8% and is available at The Beer Authority in 18.7 oz. bottles.

    The name Yorkshire is for the open, stone sided fermentation tanks and Stingo is actually a slang term for strong ales in the 18th century. The beer pours a dark brown with a flavor profile containing rich malts, raisin, dried fruit and caramel. Works best with strong flavored meats and cheeses or as a fantastic stand alone!

    Get yours today!

    Wednesday, August 19, 2009

    Dogfish Brings Up Old S**t!


    Theombroma, straight from the off-centered brain trust at Dogfish Head Brewing, has landed at The Beer Authority. Like many of their other occasional rarities, this one has a story to tell. To quote from their website:

    This beer is based on chemical analysis of pottery fragments found in Honduras which revealed the earliest known alcoholic chocolate drink used by early civilizations to toast special occasions. The discovery of this beverage pushed back the earliest use of cocoa for human consumption more than 500 years to 1200 BC. As per the analysis, Dogfish Head’s Theobroma (translated into 'food of the gods') is brewed with Aztec cocoa powder and cocoa nibs (from our friends at Askinosie Chocolate), honey, chilies, and annatto (fragrant tree seeds).

    Try one for yourself today - you've been good, have a beer!

    Tuesday, August 18, 2009

    Bear Republic Out Races the Pack!


    The votes are in and Bear Republic's Racer 5 IPA edged out Rogues Dead Guy Ale to go on sale this week at a jaw dropping $4.49 for a 22 0z. bottle! Bear's flagship IPA was previously listed at $5.37, so you'll be saving close to 20 percent this week. Please note that twelve ounce bottles are not part of the sale.

    The Racer 5 is a big IPA, loaded with Cascade and it's high alpha acid cousin Columbus hops. Traditionally a bittering hop, Bear decided to use a large amount of the Columbus as an aromatic to give the beer it's unique hop profile.

    Bear Republic picked up a Gold medal at the 1999 Great American Beer Festival (GABF) with the Racer 5. To see other awards, check out the brewery's website.

    Don't miss this fantastic brew (98 percentile at Ratebeer.com), it's only on sale through next Tuesday. As always, check out our next sale poll to the right!

    Friday, August 14, 2009

    Saturday Taste 8.15.09

    Fresh off a successful tasting with Skagit River on Thursday - thanks again to Mike Armstrong - we will be comparing three different styles of Stout: Beamish Irish Dry, North Coast's Imperial Old Rasputin and Left Hand's Milk Stout. We'll be tasting from noon to 6 pm, so come on down!

    Style Notes:

    Irish Stout. Irish stout or dry stout (in Irish, leann dubh, "black ale") is very dark or rich in colour and it often has a "toast" or coffee-like taste.

    Imperial Stout. Imperial stout, also known as "Russian Imperial Stout" or "Imperial Russian Stout," is a strong dark beer or stout in the style that was brewed in 1796 by Thrale's brewery in London, England for export to the court of Catherine II of Russia, as "Thrale's Entire Porter" - when the brewery was taken over by Courage the beer was renamed Courage Imperial Russian Stout. It has a high alcohol content - nine or ten percent abv is common. Imperial stout exhibits very strong malt flavours, hints of dark fruits, and is often quite rich, resembling a chocolate dessert.

    Milk Stout. Milk stout (also called sweet stout or cream stout) is a stout containing lactose, a sugar derived from milk. Because lactose is unfermentable by beer yeast, it adds sweetness, body, and calories to the finished beer. Milk stout was claimed to be nutritious, and was given to nursing mothers, along with other stouts, such as Guinness. The classic surviving example of milk stout is Mackeson Stout, for which the original brewers claimed that "each pint contains the energising carbohydrates of 10 ounces of pure dairy milk". In the period just after the Second World War when rationing was in place, the British government required brewers to remove the word "milk" from labels and adverts, and any imagery associated with milk.

    Wednesday, August 12, 2009

    Skagit River Brewery Tasting 8.13.09


    Mike Armstrong from Skagit River Brewing will be in the store from 5-7 pm on Thursday, August 13 - this is a tasting you don't want to miss!

    Anyone serious beer lover who has ventured north of Everett has payed homage to Skagit River, located in downtown Mr. Vernon. We'll be tasting four excellent beers that we stock plus a "mystery" beer that Mike will be bringing with him. Bring your ID and you taste buds for a unique beer experience.

    Beers to be tasted:
    Scullers IPA
    Jenny's Scotch Ale
    Trumpeter Stout
    Steelie Brown Ale

    "Mystery" beer

    See you here!

    Tuesday, August 11, 2009

    It's A Draw-Dales and the Immortal Both On Sale!

    It came down to the wire and both Oskar Blue's Dales Pale Ale and Elysian's Immortal IPA had the exact same number of votes. Considering the support they both received we'll be putting both beers on sale starting Wednesday morning. Make sure you vote for next weeks sale beer so you can reap big savings!

    Elysian Immortal IPA: Ratebeer.com 86%, A Northwest interpretation of a classic English style, golden copper in color and loaded with New World hop flavor and aroma.

    Was $4.29/22 oz. Now $2.99

    Oskar Blues Dales Pale Ale: Ratebeer.com 96%,
    Brewed with hefty amounts of European malts and four kinds of American hops, it delivers a blast of hop aromas, a rich middle of malt and hops, and a thrilling finish. It weighs in at 6.5 % alcohol by volume. Why squeeze such a big brew into a little can? Because we think fun in the great outdoors calls for great beer. Our cans go where bottled beers can't, where flavorless canned beers don't belong. And no matter where you drink Dale's Pale Ale, our can protect it from light and oxidation far better than bottles do.

    Was $1.72/ 12 oz. Now $1.33

    Dogfish Head's Raison D'etra will remain on sale until the end of Tuesday, so come pick up a few before they go back to their normal price!

    Friday, August 7, 2009

    Saturday Taste 8/9/09

    Another glorious Seattle summer weekend is upon us, grey and in the 60's! That makes it a perfect time to taste a few imperial reds - enough malt sweetness to chase away the clouds with a kick of alcohol to warm the spirits! We'll be trying the Loco Red from Iron Horse, Ninkasi's Beliver Double Red and the Lucky #13 from Lagunitas!

    Iron Horse Loco Imperial Red: Its like an imperial IPA with a big malt body. Dark red in color with lots of hop bitterness, flavor, and aroma, this ale is a malty, high gravity gem (7.5% ABV) crafted from two types of malt and four types of hops. Once called Loco-Motive Imperial Red Ale, we shortened... 'cause it was too long.

    Ninkasi Believer Double Red: A rich deep red with roasted malt and caramel notes, balanced by plentiful hops. Brewed for the believers of Ninkasi, delicious and satisfying, a wonderful representation of what the Northwest beer scene is all about. 6.9 % alc./vol. 60 ibus.

    Lagunitas Lucky #13: Their 13th birthday beer, big on hops and the dark malts.8.3% alc./vol. 76.92 ibus.

    See you here, we'll be tasting all day!

    Tuesday, August 4, 2009

    Tuesday Taste 8/4/09


    It's been so hot so long we're getting a little tired of tasting light bodied beers. Today we're bucking the trend and going with three black beers: Lev Black Lion (CZR), Pinkus Jubilate (GER) and Baron Schwarzbier (WAS).

    Lev Black Lion: Is a classic Czech "tmave" (dark) beer with a sweet malty, coffee-like accent. Sweet malts are to the fore on the palate with a hint of drying sensation and a degree of fruitiness on the very lightly hopped finish.

    Pinkus Jubilate: Certified organic, medium body with caramel flavor notes, rich depth, an smooth elegant finish.

    Baron Schwarzbier:
    A classic German black beer. The color is black with tinges of ruby and brown. The flavor is full and crisp. The Schwarzbier starts with a slight roast flavor upfront followed by a faint chocolate body with a very crisp clean lagered finish. A very full yet drinkable lager.

    Tasting is from 4:30-7:30, no fee tonight!

    Dogfish Head Goes on Sale!


    The people have spoken - Dogfish Head Raison D'etra will go on sale starting tomorrow afternoon. Our first 'Next Sale Beer' poll finished at noon today with the malty, green raisin flavored ale edging out Oskar Blue's Dale's Pale Ale and Elysian's Immortal IPA. Check out the scorecard for the Raison D'Etra (or 'reason for being') below:

    Raison D'etra: 92% Percentile Overall. Raison D'Etre Voted 'American Beer Of The Year' in January 2000 by Malt Advocate Magazine. A deep mahogany ale brewed with beet sugar, green raisins, and Belgian yeast. As complex as a fine red wine. 36 IBU - available year round, 12 ounce bottles & draft - Descriptors: Notes of pit fruit, decadent, winey, raisiney, malty.

    Was $2.51/btl Now $1.99/bottle

    6pack was $15.06 Now $11.94


    Sale runs until the next poll or until supplies last!

    Saturday, August 1, 2009

    Temptation Next Week


    I've already been fielding several phone calls regarding Russian River's Temptation so I thought I'd better let everyone know what's going on. Yes, Temptation is in town but came in after my delivery this week so my allotment is being held until next week. Wednesday afternoon is the best guess for when I'll have it in my hands, but as always I will send out an email alert as soon as I get them. In addition to Temptation I'll be getting an allotment of Pliny the Elder - see you on Wednesday!

    Friday, July 31, 2009

    Saturday Taste 8/1/09

    Saturday's taste is going to be a long one - we're open from noon until 8 pm. It's also gonna be warm (not like Wednesday when it felt like we were standing on the sun) so we've picked three Golden/Blonde ales. Remember to bring your ID because you have to be 21 to taste!

    Port Townsend Golden Ale: Pale malts combined with Northwest whole leaf hops and a touch of crystal malts create this highly drinkable light ale. 5.6% abv.

    Snipes Mt. Extra Blonde Ale: Straw colored, light with a beautiful floral hop finish. 4.3% abv.

    Terminal Gravity Extra Special Golden: Terminal Gravity's Rye beer, "Extra Special Golden," might be described as an American golden ale. This pale, dry and very drinkable beer is perfect for someone who wants something cold and refreshing but with a bit more flavor then the typical American lager. 5.4% abv.

    Saturday Hours for Pioneer Days

    It's Pioneer Days on Saturday in Lake City, and the parade goes right outside our door, starting at 7pm, so we've decided to stay open until 8 o'clock. We'll be having our Saturday tasting (see the next blog) all day long, so if you're down to see the parade come and join us!

    Southern Tiers Goes Sour

    Last night, as I sat on the back patio with my beer loving better half, I began singing the praises of Southern Tier's new farmhouse ale, the Imperial Cherry Saison. Sour, but not Lemonhead mouth puckering, with a subtle cherry flavor which I attributed to the aging in French Oak staves. This beer checks in at 8% abv which makes it the lightest SoTier offering in our stable - but an imperial none the less. The crisp finish was thirst quenching, mitigating the stifling heat. Body was a golden straw color and held a fizzy white head. I'm going to add this beer to a long list of fantastic brews produced by Southern Tier: Choklat Imperial Stout, Unearthly IPA, Gemini, etc...