Oaktoberfest (Firestone Walker)

Cooking with Men

I don't claim to be the most sophisticated man. The truth is there is nothing in this world I love more than Tostitos with melted cheese on top. We call it shreddy cheese in my neck of Hanover and its a staple. Like Firestone Walker, the hear of many men has belonged to union jack or double jack for decades. This year the northern California brewer has brought many new offerings to the table, and a wider spread release of their fall favorite, Oaktoberfest. 

I had high expectations after all the hype last year, but have heard many mixed reviews this year. I split this one with my wife and we enjoyed it. The Marzen flavor was there but was made more complex with the Oak. It had a slight buttery sweet flavor but was far from cloying. The mouth feel was phenomenal and it really helped that it was still fairly warm outside when we drank this, it was refreshing.

In conclusion, I will buy Oaktoberfest next year, maybe even in draft for my Firestone-Walker kegerator. Luponic Distortion has been a huge hit for us, and loved by hop heads all around. I have seen the plan for 2017 and don't worry about wooky, opal, and double jack, they will have a fresh bed of money to roll around in next year. We will see new things, current trends that Firestone will be able to do as well if not better than the existing supply. The Liquid Will Remain Top Notch! 

Hi-10 (Terrapin Brewing)

For nearly two years, I have been selling Terrapin beer, and it has not come easy. It has been distributed in Va. for a long time and buyers are of the opinion that it doesn't sell. Hi-5 is about the only regular item with any traction in my market. Maybe it is the artwork or the connection to the state where a large chunk of my family is from, but I am a huge advocate for Terrapin. Kelci the state representative is a kick ass chick who busts her ass. So on the backs of Hi-5, we get Hi-10, a double IPA with mango and habanero. 

I have had ghost face killah fresh and thoroughly hated that experience. It was a Scoville bomb with so much heat that no other flavors could speak. This beer was an odd balance of juice and heat on the nose. At first taste it was sweet like mango but after taste was spicy and vegetal. I don't think I could do another 6 pack of this by myself, perhaps it would be a good beer to take to a get together. I think it would create an interesting point of difference on a draft line up that is fat with IPA's and hoppy offerings. Don't let the caramel color fool you, this is a very different direction for Terrapin and I look forward to more innovative things from them in 2017.