Episode 6 Show Notes Beer of the Week Jan 11-17, 2012: Spinnaker’s ‘Lions Head’ Cascadia Dark Ale
Close your eyes for a moment and put yourself in the following position.
It’s 1888 and you have been stationed in Bombay (Mumbai) India for the last 6 months.
It’s 40C with the humidity of about 96% so it really feels like 48C.
You have been standing in the direct Indian sun for over 2 hours and you are in your regimental dress uniform. The sweat is trickling down the back of your neck and your only thought turns to that cold brew in the mess that has just arrived from Jolly Old England. Your mind quickly retreats to the last beer shipment and you cringe as it had gone foul.
4 hours later you are pleasantly surprised that the beer is cold, it is tasty and fresh but there is something different about it. There is a definite bitterness to it for some serious hopping. What is this? This is your first taste of a new brew called October Beer from the Bow Brewery.
That beer is what we today call IPA or India Pale Ale.
The brew of the week does not have nearly as dramatic a start, but it is a harbinger of what will surely be a new breed or category of brews.
This weeks Brew of the Week is a Cascadia Dark Ale that has evolved from Northwest India Pale Ale. The catalyst for this style is the unique flavour that hops grown in the Pacific Northwest have and how well the citrus grapefruit tone pair with dark malts.
The body is heavier than traditional IPA but lighter than Porters and Stouts. The second thing you will notice is the carbonation. Designed to be served colder, there is greater carbonation.
This weeks Brew of the Week is the Spinnaker’s ‘Lions Head’ Cascadia Dark Ale which gets its name from a pub located in Robson BC which just so happens to be run by Spinnaker’s proprietor Paul Hadfield’s, daughter Carly.
The brew is richly textured with bright citrus tones that float on a body of roasted, smokey, chocolately malt flavours. The finish is clean which makes this an easy brew to pair with a number of dishes... I like that. I’m really tired of brews or wines that are only good for sipping on their own... that is not my world...my world is about a quality of life that is always better when shared with others over a meal and great glass of beer or wine.
This beer is only available in the 650ml bottle format, which you just looks better on the table vs a 6 pack of cans or bottles.
PRICE $5.99 +deposit
PAIR WITH big beef burgers, pork tenderloin with a cumin rub, meat lovers pizza, rich, strong cheeses.
OCCASIONS this is a great brew for Pizza Night, Family Movie Night, Casual Get Togethers, Simple Dinner parties and evenings.
AVAILABILITY Only available in the 650ml bottle in Private Liquor Stores and by the pint at Spinnaker’s Gasto Pub in Vic West.
TASTE this brew at all 5 Liquor Plus locations on Saturday Jan. 14, 2012 from 3-5pm
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As always please let us know what you think as we know we can improve but need feedback to do that right.
That’s all for now so take it easy and drink responsibly so we can all improve our quality of life… one sip at a time.