Boise Co-op - Boise's Green Grocery Store Since 1973 » matt

Rethinking Canned Beer

matt — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 21:01:03 +0000

Canned Beer. Chances are, many of us experienced our very first beer from a can; for me it was a PBR with my Grandpa, or perhaps a Coors Light during Family Spaghetti Night. Whatever the circumstances, the phrase still conjures images of mass-produced and mass-marketed American Lager, served ice cold for optimal refreshment. But lo and behold, how times have changed!

Recently, Beernews.org, a leading craft beer blog, counted 80 craft beer companies that canned at least one of their beers, with another 16 companies developing canning operations. Why the sudden surge?

For one, craft beer sales have been steadily increasing over the past decade as consumers demand more flavorful and more interesting options. Market forces simply filled a void. The same folks that enjoy bottled and draught craft refuse to settle for the alternative in cans. The technology is there: the idea of canning beer has been around for about a century, but successful commercial ventures took root post-Prohibition. (please follow the link for a brief history)

Oskar Blues Brewing (OBB), sadly no longer locally distributed, is generally recognized as a canned craft beer pioneer. With Dale’s Pale Ale and Old Chub Scotch Ale, OBB created a new paradigm in fall ‘02 – full-flavored, high-quality, handcrafted ales in cans. Others have chosen to follow.

Where glass is unwelcome, cans usually have access. Here in Idaho, many outdoor recreationists frown on glass not only for its weight but also for its potential to break and cause damage. Cans pack in and pack out well and cool quickly in snowbanks and mountain streams. Many parks prohibit glass for the public safety, but these same parks have no problems with cans.

Currently at the Co-op, we carry craft beer cans from Caldera Brewing, New Belgium Brewing, Big Sky Brewing, and Anderson Valley Brewing Company. As summer is in full swing, our stock fluctuates and periodically we’re out of something. Have no fear though, the next delivery is usually mere days away. If you do plan a special adventure that requires a tasty, canned adult beverage, please contact Matt: beer@boisecoop.com Cheers, ~m

All-Idaho HausBrau Wrap-Up

matt — Wed, 26 May 2010 22:17:18 +0000

“Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds.”

So it went on Saturday, May 22nd, @ the Ram’s Stonehouse for the conclusion of the 3rd Annual Organic Homebrew Contest. 300+ brave souls endured lines and unseasonably cold weather to gather in support of our local brewing culture. And a robust brewing culture it is. Despite some setbacks and frustrations, winners emerged, strangers mingled, and locally-produced pints of flavorful ales found their purpose in the enjoyment and conviviality of the masses. I applaud all who attended and proffer my congratulations to the winners and my gratitude to the sponsors, volunteers, and all those who made the event possible. Cheers, ~m

Organic Amber:

1st: Tom Figura – S’preme

2nd: Marvin Kinney – Jane Good”ale”

3rd: Derek Panzarello – Augustus Amber

Public Judging Organic Amber:

1st: Scott Carter

2nd: Rob Blenkinsop

3rd: (tie) Jeff Carter, Sam Davidson

Best-of-Show:

1st: Ander Sundell – Rye Saison

2nd: Scott Fuhrman – Idaho Pale Ale

3rd: Steve Dockter – Trippin’ Hippy Oatmeal Stout

Saison:

1st: Ander Sundell – Rye Saison

2nd: Scott Carter – Spicy Man Saison

3rd: Ryan Archabal – Sock Monkey Saison

Helles/Maibock:

1st: John Herbenson – Maybock

2nd: Rob Blenkinsop – Stella’s Helles

3rd: Jeff Hammel – My Oh Maibock

IPA:

1st: Scott Fuhrman – Idaho Pale Ale

2nd: Wes Getusky – IPA

3rd: Marvin Kinney – Gone Native

Blonde:

1st: Tom Figura – How many blondes?

2nd: Scott Fuhrman – Natural Blonde

3rd: Garrett Hirsch – Blonde

ESB:

1st: Nick Phillips – Let it Be ESB

2nd: Marvin Kinney – Evolutionary Simian Brew

3rd: Jeremy Wheeler – ESB

Oatmeal Stout:

1st: Steve Dockter – Trippin’ Hippy Oatmeal Stout

2nd: Eric Regner – Breakfast Stout

3rd: Corey Vaughn – Quakers Oat Stout

Sponsors:

Of Lambics and Chocolate Stouts

matt — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 20:36:27 +0000

What seem to be the apples and oranges of the beer world find perfect harmony this time of year. The bubbly and bright character of Lindeman’s fruited Lambics complements the rich and robust chocolate stout, be it Young’s Double Chocolate or the Bison Organic. Each begs for dessert: Chocolate Torte, NY Cheesecake, Creme Brulee – bring it on! The refreshing acidity of the Lindeman’s Lambics cuts through the heaviness of these dishes (and more – let your imagination and creativity dictate) while the sweetness of the fruit pairs wonderfully with the richness. Chocolate Stout is just one more good thing – hopefully it becomes the flavorful nudge that pushes your palate past its limit. Do not fear to tread in delight. Chocolate and coffee notes lurk in the dark depths of these stouts, inviting the brave and the curious. Who needs to eat dessert when you can drink it? Or, for the truly adventurous, blend your own – equal parts (or to your taste) Framboise (raspberry) Lambic with Young’s Double Chocolate Stout. These are the days to indulge in the simple pleasures.

Cheers, ~m

Deschutes Barrel Aged Black Butte XXI

matt — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 18:28:47 +0000

To celebrate their 21st anniversary, Deschutes has released a tribute to their flagship Black Butte Porter, the Black Butte XXI. Brewed big and barrel-aged with “dry hop” additions of locally roasted coffee and organically sourced cacao nibs, the Black Butte XXI is a flavor explosion. Enjoy now or age for several years. We sampled last year’s vintage, the XX, and found that the coffee flavors marry with the chocolate notes and that the barrel influence comes up, adding depth and complexity to this already superb beer. Pair with grilled beef and lamb, rich desserts (chocolate or otherwise), or strong bleu cheese (Rogue Creamery from Oregon makes a number of excellent examples) for added enjoyment. Cheers, ~m

New Arrivals from Seattle Breweries

matt — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 17:40:46 +0000

In recent weeks, Boise has welcomed Mike Hale from Hale’s Ales, and I have traveled to Seattle to visit the Pike Brewing Company. The Boise Co-op is proud to offer an increased variety from both of these quality breweries. In addition to Hale’s Mongoose IPA, we now carry Red Menace Big Amber, the seasonal Kolsch German style Ale, Pale American Ale, and El Jefe. We look forward to the O’Brien’s Harvest Ale and the Rudyard’s Rare Barleywine in the coming months. From Pike’s, we’ve added their bomber (22oz bottle) rotation to the regular stable of six-pack offerings. These bombers include: 5X Stout; Monk’s Uncle Tripel; and, Tandem Double Ale. Bring a bit of the Emerald City home with you today. Cheers, ~m

Global Beer Network Products Now Available @ the Co-op!

matt — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 17:45:29 +0000

Belgian Beer Aficionados have reason to celebrate as the Global Beer Network portfolio is now available at the Boise Co-op. With such selections as Monk’s Cafe Flemish Sour, poperings hommel ale, and World Beer Cup Award Winner, Brugse Zot, Global Beer Network imports some of Belgium’s finest beers. Having had a number of these beers during my travels throughout the Northwest and beyond, I am pleased to offer them to the Boise market. Cheers, ~m

2009 NABA Award Winners Announced

matt — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 15:43:00 +0000

Last week, the North American Brewers’ Association Awards for Excellence in Brewing were determined in Idaho Falls. The Boise Co-op would like to congratulate all winners, especially our Treasure Valley neighbors. Boise’s Sockeye Grill and Brewery took Gold for their Precocious Imperial Pale Ale; The Ram Restaurant and Brewerytook home two medals: Bronze for their Dubbel Barrel Belgian Ale and Gold for their Bottlerocket Lager; Ontario’s Beer Valley Brewing Co. also received two medals: Bronze for their Fresh-Hopped Leafer Madness Imperial Pale Ale and Gold for their Black Flag Imperial Stout. For a complete list of winners by brewery, please follow this link.

Sierra Sinks Competitors’ Battleships

matt — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 23:47:54 +0000

With the release of To rpe do Extra IPA, Sierra Nevada has fired the opening shot across the bows of its competition. Due to increasing consumer demand for a greater hop profile, Sierra has developed not only a new dry-hopping technique but also a new hop varietal. Both the method (Torpedo) and the hop (Citra) find expression in this new year-round release. Click here for more information. Cheers, ~m

SBS Imports now in the Boise market

matt — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 16:17:40 +0000

I’ve had the pleasure of meeting with Alan Shapiro, founder of SBS Imports and specialty beer industry veteran, the past two summers at the Seattle International Beer Festival. We’ve discussed the possibility of Boise distribution for his portfolio of specialty ales and ciders. BRJ Wine Cellars has successfully realized this possibility, and we’ve launched with selections from Belgium’s De Proef Brouwerij. Expect Bateman’s Ales and Aspall Ciders to follow later in the year. We’re excited to offer these fabulous beverages to the Treasure Valley. Cheers, ~m

Abbaye de Saint Bon-Chien

matt — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 17:30:42 +0000

Craft brewing remains at the forefront of innovation, even if that requires borrowing from the past. Barrel aging beers has once again become vogue, and any number of styles take well to barrel influences. Check out this post from the New York Times and these notes from the importer, B. United International. In addition to the ‘06 and ‘07 vintages, we carry an ever-changing selection of barrel-aged beers from the NW and beyond. Cheers, ~m