The Beerfather » ale

Cinder Cone Red Ale

admin — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 06:29:15 +0000

So here I am with another Deschutes beer. I know. I drink them all the time because I’m lazy and I don’t always feel like driving further for a bigger selection of beer. As far as what’s guaranteed to be on hand at the grocery store, Deschutes is a consistent solid choice. I have to tell you of all the Deschutes beers, this one is my second fave, right after BBP. Why am I all in a tizzy about Cinder Cone this fine evening? Because it’s almost like drinking an Oaked Arrogant bastard, but without the punch and without the “oaked”…in a good way. When I say almost, by no means am I saying this beer is comparable to oaked…they’re obviously two different types of beer. This beer tastes like a distant cousin of Oaked; one without the tattoos and jail stories. Basically, I’m saying I didn’t feel like driving and getting a better beer and this one is pretty damn good for the grocery store.

Anyway, it’s a nice little red that has an appetizing hoppy aroma with a nice hit of bitter on the nose. It finishes pretty smooth, but a tad weak with not a whole lot of flavor. That’s if I’m being critical and not taking it for what it is and what’s on the shelf next to it. But hey, if your one of those rare people out there that hasn’t tried it yet, pick up a six pack, and stop looking at all those other Deschutes beers. Especially stay away from the BBP, I get pissed when that’s all gone.

Pranqster

admin — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 04:23:42 +0000

Pranqster has grown to be one of my favorite beers, which makes North Coast Brewing Co. one of my favorite breweries. Pranqster is a beautiful golden, slightly hazy beer with a lot of head. It’s an excellent Belgian beer that has the perfect amount of carbonation on the nose and finishes with that great fruity Belgian Golden flavor. Often with Belgians I find my biggest complaint is too much carbonation, or the carbonation amount doesn’t balance with body and flavor. This is not the case with Pranqster; this beer is very well balanced and extremely smooth without losing its awesomeness and quality.

BEER RECIPE: Amber Onion Soup

admin — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 21:12:42 +0000

Soup Ingredients:
22 ounce bottle of Amber (We used Alaskan Amber)
2 quarts beef broth (use good broth, not cheap canned stuff)
2 XL sweet onions, chopped to your size preference
1 red onion, chopped to your size preference
1 tbsp olive oil
½ shallot, coarsely chopped
1 large clove of garlic, chopped
1 tsp rosemary
½ tsp thyme
2 tbsp onion powder
Sea salt and cracked black pepper to taste

Topping Ingredients:
1 baguette (any kind—you choose)
Olive Oil
Garlic powder
Cheese

In large stock pot, heat olive oil on medium heat. Add onions, shallots, and garlic. Lightly sauté for 2 minutes. Add beer. Simmer for 10 minutes. Add broth, rosemary, thyme, and onion powder. Bring to a boil on high. Cover and boil for 10 minutes. Reduce heat to medium/medium low (maintain simmer). Cook for about 1 hour, until onions droop over sides of ladle when stirred. Taste, and then add as much salt and pepper as you feel it needs. Also consider adding more onion powder, depending on your preference.

To make the bread/crouton topping:
Slice your baguette into 1 inch thick slices. Arrange lying flat on cookie sheet. Lightly drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with garlic powder (and pepper if you wish). Heat under broiler until toasted. Don’t walk away or they will burn. You’ve been warned. Drop crouton into soup, top with cheese of your choice. We happened to have shredded cheddar on hand so we used that. You could use a slice of any type of yummy cheese…Swiss is the traditional but feel free to experiment!
EAT!