What’s Up in Beer: A Series of Newly Brewed Strong Beers to Warm You Up
How time flies. There are less than 30 days till the end of 2016 and the sun has shown itself to help reduce winter depression. It's also the time that hopheads start to get into stouts and the beers with higher ABVs. Sometimes I wonder if brewpubs attract people via their lovely bubbled drinks or via their warmhearted service. The best scenario in these cold, dark times is by delivering both, right? Below we'll take a look at some of the places that may just be able to soothe our souls and help swallow the first week of December.
First up, Arrow Factory has named their new IPA – Liangma IPA (RMB 45, 5.8 percent ABV) – a woody and earthy brew, with a malty and biscuit-like character. It’s a very drinkable option to start the month with. If you're looking for something stronger, head for the Pilgrims Progress Imperial Amber version (RMB 45 for 350ml), which with 8.3 percent ABV, and grassy and citrusy notes, is sure to knock you down.
North Capital has received some new, strong imported bottles, such as Dogfish Head's 90 Minute Imperial IPA, Lupulingus Imperial IPA from Epic in New Zealand, and South Pacific IPA from Moa (also in New Zealand). We love Epic IPA, and if you'd prefer it draft, you can find it (and four other varieties) at El Nido (check our previous report).
North Capital has also released their California Burger (RMB 60), which features a patty made of Australian beef, topped off with American cheese, guacamole, amd served with picked mayo on a white sesame bun. If you're not desperate then wait till Wednesday rolls around for their buy-one-get-one-free deal.
Negrito Generalissimo Black IPA comes back on tap at Great Leap Brewing on Friday (Dec 2), this strong IPA was brewed with Motueka and Polaris hops, which have notes of mint, freshly brewed coffee, and lemongrass. It will be on tap at all three locations by Saturday (December 3), and on special throughout the day for GLB members.
We also dropped by GLB's #6 location last weekend to try their barrel-aged Beat the Landlord Barley Wine, which was brewed this spring, and has now been resting in scotch barrels for several months. This sweet, smooth, and full-bodied beer (but lies more on the English barley wine side of the spectrum) comes with a solid 12 percent ABV, low carbonation, warming flavors, and dried fruit aromas that are guaranteed to heat you up. It's available at all three locations, but hurry as there are only two to three kegs for this limited edition at each. For me, drinking this is a good enough reason to go broke before pay day.
And last but not least, Slow Boat have also launched a new beer for the coming Christmas season, their Safe Harbor Christmas Ale with 6.7 percent ABV (RMB 45). The beer is slightly spicy and definitely Christmassy, with aromas of cinnamon, nutmeg, and orange peel. The kitchen has also added several dishes, such as potato salad (RMB 45), chicken strips (RMB 45), chicken wings (nine pieces for RMB 68, or 18 pieces for RMB 135), and also an Oreo tiramisu (RMB 45).
Happy drinking everybody!
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Email: tracywang@thebeijinger.com
Twitter: @flyingfigure
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Photos courtesy of the venues
