Tag: alaska

BHB 5/20

Published on by TraciLeave a comment

Bleeding Heart Brewing

Back with the boys at Bleeding Heart. Well, one of the boys- Stefan. The “place with the cows” welcomed us in the usual fashion providing kids playing in the front, people smiling, and a food truck setting up shop. Once inside the brewery, we were met with sarcasm, laughter, and an eclectic menu- also quite normal. BHBCollRound One

Ojo Rojo: ABV 9.8

There was no head, only a terra cotta color. It had a good, pepper smell and the first sip was flavorful and delivered heat. It’s an extremely drinkable pepper beer.

Derek’s Take: A yummy pepper beer, in the vein of Maui Hot Bikini Blonde and Rogue Chipotle Ale*

*I disagree. I think Maui has heat without the pepper flavor.

(Derek’s) Kold Shoulder: ABV 5.5

A nice mild Kolsch, very drinkable. He thinks it would be best on a hot day with hard work just finished or in the near future. In other words, whenever you want a beer. Also, it had a low ABV for the DD.

Round Two

Mixed Nuts: ABV 5.5

Stefan said they used kidney and ew. He really did list ingredients, but he lost me at “kidney”. Next time he says they will use testicles! I was concerned, but I took the risk. The things I do for you dear readers… It was unassuming in appearance with a normal light-brown color. The smell was good, but not necessarily a beer smell. The taste? Well, beer. Ha. Nothing stood out, but I haven’t eaten kidney before, and I had just drank a pepper beer.

I asked, “Who would brew with meat” and the answer I got from Stefan was, “This guy.” That was a good enough reason for me.

IMG_0961
Inspiration Board

During our stay we met Squish, an employee’s dog. He was more than happy to greet everyone, get pet, and be fed pretzels by children. I was amazed he wasn’t 300 pounds. Maybe it’s because another employee was entertaining some of the kids with a game of hangman on the brewery’s inspiration board.

IMG_0969
Squish
IMG_0973
Smelling Mixed Nuts

 

 

Days like the one had at BHB make me never want to leave Alaska. Where else could I have a beer with a cow, mountains in the background, and families enjoying time together? Everyone was kind and simply enjoying a beautiful Alaskan day.

Not to get political, but BHB is also a shining example of why legislation to control breweries should be scrutinized. They adhere to the current laws and provide an experience which is very non-bar. It’s what the community needs, and what so many of us are looking for.

Bleeding Heart Brewing

Woodland Empire: Peach Party

Published on by TraciLeave a comment

I received this beer as part of Derek and my beer of the month subscription at La Bodega. Derek immediately assigned it to me. It was fair really as I make him take all of the barleywine type beers when we get them. Touted as a sour-gose, it started off as a “nope”, poor beer, but it needed to get a fair shake. 

The smell was crisp and nice. There wasn’t a sweetness or off-putting aroma. The gose was a beautiful golden color with plenty of bubbles, but it wasn’t what I’d call clear. It was cloudy with a chance of pucker-face. The first sip was actually refreshing, but the second sip brought the sour in full force. The side of my tongue felt a tingle, my cheeks got all the peach, and my throat got the sour. If it was a little sweeter, it would be like drinking Sour Patch Kids.

 

PeachParty
Sour Beer for Summer

I know people like sour beers. Some people also like watching “how to decoupage” videos and doing math. For what it’s worth, I did finish it. As established earlier, Derek doesn’t like sour beers but I made him try this one. Know how you drop garlic on the floor and your dog gobbles it up and then spits it out, and then continues smacking his tongue around like he can’t quite get it all out? Ya. Derek did that and then said, “No” with various inflection until the entire house knew his quote for this particular beer was “No” and would always be “No”.

Brewer: Woodland Empire

Style: Sour-Gose

ABV: 5%

Purchased From: La Bodega

 

GBC: Girdwood Reserve

Published on by TraciLeave a comment

This is a familiar story- girl hears about new, amazing beer. Girl misses the first release. Girl’s best friend tries to bring her a growler of said beer. New, amazing beer isn’t put into growlers. Girl begins mourning process because she didn’t ever get to try beer. Brewery brings beer back on tap. Girl rushes over. Girl and new, amazing beer are united…finally. The world is a better place.

Touching isn’t it?

Menu
GBC Menu

The Girdwood Reserve is a bourbon barrel aged stout. It’s pitch-brown in color, has very little head, and a smooth mouthfeel. Upon first approach it smells of barrel chips, and delivers a lot of flavor. There are layers for your palate’s enjoyment, including a bit of sweetness. I am happy to report it’s not even a little “barleywine-y” and is instead a very drinkable (well, sippable) barrel aged beer. Derek mentioned notes of cherry, but I enjoy cherry Lambic, so my meter is set pretty high. I was happy to let the bourbon notes shine.

Barrels
Hello my lovelies.

This is where the story gets embarrassing- girl drinks stout. Girl hadn’t eaten much. Girl tries to have conversation with kind brewery owner. Girl realizes she’s a bit tipsy…

GBC Reserve

Even so, Josh Hegna discussed expansion with me. The team at GBC is ready to grow and moving forward with very exciting plans. It would seem they can’t make poor decisions. It does help that their backgrounds are varied- everything from law to education. It’s also a true family establishment.

Josh and I were discussing education too. Well, we were trying. Derek was enjoying his own story- the one where boy has brewery owner’s attention. Boy loses the attention and conversation strays from beer.

Boy interrupts current conversation to return to topic of beer…three times. I don’t know why I bring him. Oh ya, I love him and he loves beer as much as I do…maybe more.

gnome
A little friend.

Brewer: Girdwood Brewing Company

Beer Style: Stout

Alcohol Content: 10.1%

Purchased:Girdwood Brewing Company

Cynosure Brewery 5/19

Published on by Traci2 Comments

CynoMenu

A Rough Beginning

The day started out pretty rough. I had to take my Audi TT into the shop to have her poor brakes looked at. The up-side was Cynosure happens to be right next to Mike, our wonderful car genius at Professional Automotive. So, once my baby’s keys were in his safe hands, Derek and I scooted over to the brewery.

There were many familiar drafts, but we both went for something a bit different for round one. (Round two was filled by delicious repeats.) Cyndi, one of the owners, was there to greet us and offer us some friendly information regarding our choices.

But Then There Was Beer

Saison ABV 7.1 IBU 21

The brew was golden-honey yellow, and contained numerous tiny bubbles. (The song was quickly stuck in my head.) It had very little head and was light and refreshing. The flavor was a bit peppery and it was quite Delerium-ish. It was very, very good.

Potter’s ABV 4.5 IBU 33

Derek’s Assessment: Very light and crisp. It tasted somewhat nutty and had a subtle dark-roasted taste/feel at the end without being heavy at all. It was very drinkable. This patersbier was “Father’s beer” or based on the beers made at monasteries.

Black ABV 5.1 IBU 26

There was no head to speak of on this dark and inviting beer. There was a clean, warm smell and a good mouthfeel. It was chocolate-y, coffee-y, black goodness. Do I enjoy dark beers too much? Is there such a thing?

Clouds ABV 5.1 IBU 35

Derek’s Assessment: This one was hard to describe, therefore he’d use the word “complex”. No specific flavors jump out. It was just good beer that makes your middle taste buds snap to attention. Just a nice easy drinking beer to be enjoyed at an easygoing brewery.

img_5001
Brew Porn

And Brew Porn

Cynosure has been busy since our last visit. They have painted their picnic tables and have stunning growlers created by an AK artist for sale. We spied their shiny kegs the last time we were in and discovered they were ordered from China. They are actually embossed with Cynosure. Rad.

PicMonkey Collage

I was in a bit of a mood despite the beer. (My car was broken!) Derek used his amazing powers of deduction to realize this and proceed to call me “kind of an itch.” Then, perhaps out of guilt or wanting to live a bit longer, explained I wasn’t an “itch” I was just being “itchy”. Oh, and just so we’re clear, he really did say “itch”, not the other thing.

Due to my mood, I was a little bit judgmental. When the third group of men came in, I thought it pointed to a unique demographic. Five men in a gaggle (is it a gaggle?) all at Cynosure on a Saturday together. No women with them at all. Seriously, zero boobs. Hmmmmm. I wondered aloud if maybe they had just left work. Derek pointed out their shoes didn’t scream “work”. Sure enough they were wearing nice loafers and clean tennis shoes. Gosh I love being married to a LEO sometimes.

Next I noticed one of them wearing fancy embroidered jeans. What is with this trend? Seriously, when did grown men start wearing these? Thank goodness my eyes then fell on the “beard guy”. I love beards. Beards I can get behind.

Despite my mood, we had another lovely visit to a brewery that doesn’t disappoint. If you’re familiar, keep going. If you haven’t been, get yourself some sequined jeans, ditch your lady, and head on over.*

*Derek says I should clarify here. I’m kidding! Cynosure welcomes everyone. All of our past visits have included men, women, and families. It truly is a wonderful addition to the community. (I love you honey.)

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Cynosure Brewing (Facebook Page)

Girdwood Brewing Company

Published on by Traci1 Comment

 

 

 

img_5017

No Time Like the First Time

We decided to go visit the new family in town: Girdwood Brewing Company. It’s got a great location, and a large parking lot. Views, of course, consist of Alaskan mountains, ski equipment, and dogs. Girdwood can always be counted on for a relaxed, welcoming vibe. The town has been a favorite destination for my family since the 90s. I really hadn’t thought about how it could improve until GBC opened its doors. In truth, the husband and I have been there three times now, but I’ll focus on our first visit within this blog.

Decor

I’m a sucker for extras. I’m someone who can spend hours on the internet reading about Easter eggs in movies. So, when a business takes the time to add unique elements to their space, I appreciate it. GBC has a mileage post in front with locations from Queenstown to Moab. It also took care to showcase the beautiful beer equipment with gigantic windows. Derek and I both took a moment to stare at the shiny metal, heaven-liquid producing, mashers and fermenters.

The entry is small, but the walls are lined with skis. Once through the main door the brewery space itself is quite open and comfortable. On this day, sun streamed through the windows and made us want to stay forever. Seats vary. Options run from high-tops with stools, to chairs at tables. It is also perfectly acceptable to meander about with your beer in hand.

Because of its open plan, it’s a bit loud and echoing. That said, the care taken with pops of color and ski-town detail makes it quite beautiful and the noise doesn’t bother. The other fabulous addition were all the locals- duh. Girdwoodians knows how to support new endeavors.

img_5018
Skis & Color

 

A Family’s Dream

We were greeted warmly and quickly offered a tour by Bret Marinco (an owner). He gave a brief, although pleasantly familiar backstory. He and his brother had worked for Conoco-Phillips and dreamt of opening a brewery together. They finally decided to take a very well planned jump. 29 meetings later (Girdwood had very interesting red tape) they were able to move forward to a dream realized. I love this. I could hear stories like this for the rest of my life and smile every time. Passion leads to wealth and happiness.

They have wisely considered the future, and there is room for expansion and a beer garden. The rest of the family was there, a little boy ran around the back, and a baby had arrived into the world not too long before. GBC will be around for generations, I’m sure.

img_5020

Beer

Derek and I picked up a flight of everything. The beer list was limited, but it was another precise decision made by the brewers. They wanted to launch small and build up to making enough beer for the actual amount of visitors. The choices were very well done.

First we sipped the IP-AK, the house IPA. It was very foggy, had little to no head, and a smooth mouthfeel with a hoppy punch- sweet up front, bitter (not too) toward back of palate. Derek and I argued a bit about hops. In the end he said it was “Essence of Seattle IPA with Girdwood flair.”

“What’s Girdwood flair?” I asked.

Shrug “They just put some Girdwood in it.”

Fair enough. A lot of things in Girdwood can’t be explained.

Second up was the Down the Chute Kolsch. This brew was very clear and golden. It had a good milky head, sweet oat smell, and clean flavor. The smooth mouthfeel lead to very easy drinking.

Derek said “Clean, crisp and heavenly. One of my new favorites.” (Dare I say “high praise”? Can there be too much Nick Cage?)

Finally, the Hippy Speed Ball Stout had a lovely smell of coffee, and was the color of a sexy brunette. (I’d date her or at least have hair envy.) There was no head and there was a surprisingly light mouthfeel. It was a bit bitter on the tail end. For this one, Derek offered up a “random Legend quote”:

“Black as midnight, black as pitch, blacker than the foulest witch.” -Blix

Left to Right: Kolsch; Stout; IPA

img_5021Family Friendly?

We had our girls with us on this visit. They partook in the Kombucha and helped prove the brewery was family friendly. It was so nice of them to take that hit for us. Research is hard sometimes. Getting a teenage smile is a big “win” though, and I was glad we dragged them along.

More Views


Final Thoughts

We love it. We will be regulars. We will be adding more posts! This place shows what a perfect dream looks like. Congratulations to the family!