Past Newsletters
Vol. 12 No. 3
Bringing You The Best Domestic Microbrews for 12Years Now!!
Brewery
|
Beers Featured
|
| The Duck-Rabbit Craft Brewery | Milk Stout |
| Buzzards Bay Brewing | Stock Ale |
| The Duck-Rabbit Craft Brewery | Brown Ale |
| Buzzards Bay Brewing | Pale Ale '55 |
| Brouwerij Bavik (Belgium) | Bavik Pilsner |
| Brauerei Tucher Bräu (Germany) | Tucher Hefe Weizen |
Member Of The Month—Oh, the Anticipation!
Hello Beer of the Month Club Crew,
For 3 years or so, I have been the lucky recipient of a gift subscription to
your Monthly beers. It gives me a great opportunity to invite friends over
for a tasting. I have tasting glasses that I've collected from various beer
fests and we carefully divide each selection among the group. Al (the giver
of the gift) does a great job of reading the newsletter to us as we try to
discern the characteristics described by the writers. I am amazed at how many
of the bottle labels are so beautiful—so artfully done. Attached is a
photo from our last tasting. Attendees clockwise from left are Jackie, Tim,
Al, Kaye, Rush, Harvey, Ron, me (Barb) and my dog, Cherry.
Thanks!
Barb Taylor
Iowa City, IA
Hey Barb and Company! Thanks for your wonderful picture and letter. We love to hear about the uniting power of craft microbrewed beer! Enjoy your free month of beer club membership! And please pass along our thanks to Al for keeping the membership going for so long.
Submit your own Member of the Month photo and letter to us with your name and address to MOM@monthlyclubs.com. Or you can mail them to us at the address below. If we select your photo, you’ll earn a FREE one-month extension to your club membership! Now that is a deal!!
Member of the Month
P.O. Box 1627
Lake Forest, CA 92609
The Duck-Rabbit Craft Brewery
Out in Farmville, North Carolina you’ll find one of the newest microbreweries in the nation. Founded in 2004, the Duck-Rabbit Craft Brewery is the brainchild of founder Paul Philippon. Years before becoming a professional brewer, he taught philosophy at the university level. One of the philosophy texts that he admires, Philosophical Investigations by Ludwig Wittgenstein, contains a Gestalt-style image referred to as the Duck-Rabbit diagram. Depending on the viewer’s perspective, the diagram looks like, you guessed it, a duck or a rabbit. Now, we’re not really sure what it means if you see a duck or if you see a rabbit, but we do know that if you’re looking at one of Paul’s Duck-Rabbit beers, you’re in luck—before you is a beer that is guaranteed small-batched brewed and extremely tasty!
We’ve surmised that the meaning behind the Duck-Rabbit duality is essentially that ‘what one sees depends on your state of mind.’ This idea can be applied to one of the brewery’s unique features: they’re one of very few microbreweries to exclusively brew “dark” beers. Sure, some might see this as a limiting factor for a new brewery, reducing their market potential, while others might be quick to highlight this valuable quality as a conduit for connecting with a niche market within the already niche market of microbrewed beer. Wow, we’re getting all philosophical over here… but that’s Paul for ya—always trying to make you think! A curse or an advantage? Another dichotomous duality similar to the whole Duck-Rabbit diagram philosophy. Oh man, get these freggin’ ducks, no wait, rabbits, no wait, definitely ducks—whatever—out of our heads! (and into our pint glasses where they belong!)
For more information about the brewery and scheduled tours, call (252) 753-7745 or check out their web site at www.duckrabbitbrewery.com.
The Duck-Rabbit Craft Brewery specializes in full-flavored
dark beers. An obvious case-in-point is their Milk Stout. Brewed in small batches,
their version just
may be a new classic example of the style—it’s right on the money!
Milk Stouts are brewed with milk sugar (lactose). Because this sugar is unfermentable
by brewers’ yeast, it remains in the beer, providing a subtle sweetness
and fullness of flavor which nicely balances the sharpness and highly roasted
grains. Expect distinct notes of warm cocoa and coffee in the aroma and flavor.
A nice dessert beer to accompany fruit cake.
Serving Temperature: 50-55° F
Int’l Bittering Units: Unknown
Alcohol by Volume: 5.7%
Suggested Glassware: Pint Glass, Mug (clear) or SteinMalts: American 2-row varieties
(lots of roast barley and flaked barley)
Hops: Nugget, Fuggle
This American Brown Ale is a real treat! We loved its hoppy and beautifully
bitter nature. Amarillo hops in the boil provide a spicy citrusy bitterness,
while Saaz hops in the fermentor provide a refined flowery aroma during this
dry-hopping step. While we weren’t provided with a detailed list of the
malts, we understand that no less than 7 varieties went into the making of
this superbly balanced Brown Ale. Nice work Paul! We’re going to suggest
partnering this with a bowl of spicy chili—so nice!
Serving Temperature: 45-50° F
Int’l Bittering Units: Unknown
Alcohol by Volume: 5.6%
Suggested Glassware: Pint Glass or Mug (clear)Malts: American 2-row varities
Hops: Amarillo, Saaz, Nugget, Fuggle
Buzzards Bay Brewing
Who would have guessed? Turns out that in the 1800s Massachusetts held the reputation of growing some of the finest hops in the world. Buzzards Bay Brewing is based in the heart of a southeastern Massachusetts farming community where they use a portion of their 140 acres to grow hops, barley, and pumpkins for their ales and lagers. They make it no secret that they’re seeking to reclaim that long forgotten reputation as a hop-growing heaven for their state.
Sometime
after discovering underground water springs on their property, the family owned
and operated brewery started creating their beery nectars. By
winter of 1998, just five months after they began brewing, they were producing
3,000 gallons of ale a day. The Russells brew, bottle, and package all of their
microbrews at their farm brewery. Not only are they experts in the realm of
brewing, but they’re also acclaimed vintners and grape-growers. Their
sister Vineyard and Winery, Westport Rivers, is well-known throughout Massachusetts.
We truly enjoyed all the beers we sampled from Buzzards Bay—from their
Golden Ale to their Dortmunder Lager to the Pale and Stock Ales we’re
featuring. If you can get your hands on anything from this farm-brewery—buy
it! They’ve got a great repertoire of quality beers.
For more information about the brewery and scheduled tours, call (508) 636-2288
or check out their web site at www.buzzardsbrew.com.
Yes, the rumors are
indeed true… This batch of Stock Ale has been specially
prepared for inclusion in your monthly shipment. Now, how’s that for
farm-fresh beer! The last time it was made was some time last year, and when
we asked if we could feature the 2005 vintage of this seasonal brew, the folks
at Buzzards Bay Brewing were happy to oblige. We found this very fresh beer
to be pleasantly imbued with floral hop aromas atop a solidly sweet molasses
nose. Very rich and smooth caramel notes dominate, but are nicely balanced
by lightly bitter hop influences. Recommended with roasted pork loin or Mexican
chicken molé.
Serving Temperature: 45-50° F
Int’l Bittering Units: 28.0
Alcohol by Volume: 5.0%
Suggested Glassware: Pint Glass, Tumbler or Mug (clear)Malts: Pale, Caramel,
Black Patent
Hops: Magnum, Mount Hood (dry hopped with Liberty hops)
This Pale Ale has been crafted to emulate the finest English pub ale. Truth
be told, it’s somewhere between an English Pale Ale and an Extra Special
Bitter. Look for floral hops and very juicy malt scents, quite like apple and
caramel. Expect a gentle spice from the EKG hops, as they deftly balance the
sweet caramel and fruity malts. Bitterness quickly comes in afterwards to wipe
away the fruitier tones and leaves the palate dry and clean, ready for another
sip as notes of cereal and biscuit surface toward the back, fading as the bitter
Magnum hops again take over. Everything an English Pub Ale should be. A great
partner with fried calamari and clams.
Serving Temperature: 40-45° F
Int’l Bittering Units: 43.0
Alcohol by Volume: 5.6%
Suggested Glassware: Pint Glass or Mug (clear)Malts: Pale, Caramel
Hops: Magnum, East Kent Goldings
Bavik Brewery (Brouwerij Bavik)—Flanders, Belgium (Northwestern Belgium)
In 1894, Flemish farmer Adolphe De Brabandere requested authorization to build a brewery in a small village in the south of Western Flanders—Bavikhove. Like most farmers of his day, Adolphe knew how to brew beer, and did so at his farmhouse, using his brew for the family’s consumption. Four generations later, the Bavik Brewery is today as it was then: a family business. Despite the many corporate buy-outs of numerous Belgian breweries—some as old as 500 years old—the Bavik Brewery is determined to retain their independence. In so doing, they’ve guaranteed the quality, character and regional specificity of their various beers.
Their first principal brewer was Adolphe’s son, Joseph De Brabandere. In 1894 the number of smaller breweries in Belgium was already in decline as a result of the hugely popular Pilsner style of beer. This brew, a light colored, bottom-fermented lager, quickly superseded in popularity the local ales. A true entrepreneur and wise businessman, Joseph De Brabandere capitalized on this new trend in beer drinking and became the most important Pilsner brewer in his region.
The family business enjoyed its successful standing in the region until 1914, when the German army invaded the region and confiscated the brewery, forcing its closure during World War I. Incredibly, after the turmoil and devastation of the war, Joseph was able to restart the brewery. But with the outbreak of the Second World War, the brewery’s fate was again threatened. Miraculously, Joseph’s wife Gabrielle was able to convince the Germans to keep the brewery open during World War II. Eventually, the brewery passed to Joseph and Gabrielle’s children, who developed the brewery further through modernization and market expansion.
Today the Bavik Brewery is the largest brewery of West Flanders, brewing over 80,000 barrels of beer per year. Their beer was first made available in the states in 2000, and we’ve been loving it ever since!
For more information about the Bavik Brewery, check out their web site at http://www.bavik.be
In the late 1800s the newly invented Pilsner style spread across the lands
like wildfire. People liked this new beer for many reasons—one of them
being its affordable cost. This, coupled with the novelty of a new beer style,
and the newly industrialized process of producing cheap glasses were all major
factors in the success of the Pilsner beer style. For the first time, the average
beer drinker could actually see the color of what he was drinking through a
glass, rather than having it obscured by a pewter or wooden drinking vessel.
Bavik Pilsner is a German-style Pilsner. Expect aromas of grains, accentuated
by a light mustiness, and some spicy, citrusy hops. One of the most versatile
beers for meal pairing—try this with just about anything you want—experiment!
Serving Temperature: 42-48° F
Alcohol by Volume: 5.2%
Suggested Glassware: Pilsner Glass, Flute Glass or Mug (clear)
Brauerei Tucher Bräu—Franconia, Bavaria, Germany (Southeastern Germany)
The area of Nuremberg has dry soil which is not conducive to the growing of grapes, thus, the German wine-making industry never really gained solid footing there. However, wheat growing fields have traditionally been abundant, and, as the need for liquid refreshment on the part of area residents was strong, a great tradition of wheat beer was born. In fact, the region is home to one of Germany’s oldest and most prolific brewing heritages.
The Brauerei Tucher Bräu was founded in Nuremberg over 330 years ago. It began as an integral member of the wheat-beer brewing force in 1672 and for part of its history was even owned by Bavaria’s royal family. An ancient patrician family who settled in Nuremberg in the 11th century, the Tucher family (or “Freiherrlich von Tucher’schen Familie” for you German purists out there) took over in 1855. Though the brewery has had several owners in the 150 years since (never shedding the Tuchers’ good name), it thankfully became a family business again in 1994, when a member of the Bavarian brewing dynasty Inselkammer took over (these are the folks behind the legendary Ayinger beers).
Now, as a lover of finely crafted international beer, you’re probably already familiar with the fundamental Bavarian beer purity law known as the Reinheitsgebot of 1516, which mandates that all beer be made with only water, malt, hops and yeast. It’s an edict that has guided not only German brewers, but many of the craft brewers in the American microbrew revolution. Astonishingly, Nuremberg had its own pure-beer law established in 1303, more than 200 years before Bavaria’s more well-known Reinheitsgebot! With tradition like that, it would be quite an understatement to comment that Nuremberg’s brewers are well-versed in the virtues of beery bliss. Speaking of beery bliss—what are you waiting for? The last of summer’s weather is calling—so crack open that Tucher Hefe Weizen and enjoy the refreshment. Prost!
Tucher Hefe Weizen is an old Bavarian Beer specialty. The perfect summer beer
due to its crisp, clean and refreshing thirst quenching nature. To fully enjoy
the flavors of this beer, we encourage you to pour about 2/3rds of the bottle
into the appropriate weizen glass, then vigorously swirl the remainder in the
bottle to rouse and collect the sedimentary layer at the bottom of the bottle,
then finish your pour. Had your vitamins today? Well, have a glass of this
and you’ll be getting a good dose of B-vitamins from the yeast. Look
for notes of mild black pepper, melon and banana on the nose, with just a touch
of clove spiciness. Expect a firm wheat and malt background with sweet apple
flavors, moving to a spicy, dry, crisp finish. Feel free to add a lemon wedge
as you like. Good with Weiner schnitzel, mild Indian dishes or Halibut.
Serving Temperature: 48-54° F
Alcohol by Volume: 5.3%
Suggested Glassware: Weizen glass
ASK MURL
Señor Murl,
I’ve heard about the importance of glassware for wines—how the correct shape and size of a glass will bring out the best characteristics of the wine. Doesn’t the same apply to beer? I see different craft breweries, mainly internationals, make their own glassware for serving their beers, and some of the smarter beer bars here in Manhattan serve different style beers in different shaped glasses. Is this all marketing or what? For example, you don’t really see text on the glassware for particular wines, but often custom made beer glassware is emblazoned with the brewery’s logo. Can you provide some guidance on this topic?
Artie Gonzalez
New York, NY
Yo Sm-artie,
Very observant of you my wise disciple—you have realized that beer shares many of the virtues of wine—and because of the various aromas and flavors inherent in the huge assortment of styles out there, proper glassware is really quite important. Don’t let them wine snobs have all the fun with their snooty, highfalutin glassware—beer connoisseurs also drink their favorite brews from the correctly formed glass. We just do it with less attitude.
No, it’s not simply a marketing scheme—though, yeah, that can be a part of it… There’s a scientific component to this as well as an aesthetic element. Ever wonder why Corona and Miller come in clear glass bottles? Because marketing studies have shown that people are drawn to the color of these beers, and like being able to see it, unhindered by green or brown glass. Even though brown bottles are best because they block much of the light that can spoil (aka skunk) these beers—the aesthetic is more important (hey, it’s got to be the aesthetic, right—it’s sure as hell ain’t the flavor!) And some beers just look better in the right glass.
Now, most often, the classic pub drinker is just going to get their beer served
to them in a pint glass. This is the classic beer drinking vessel of the last
115 years or so—as it’s cheap to make, lets you fully see your
beer, and has a large open face where you can get your nose in and enjoy the
scent of your beer. But many other styles are out there as well, such as flute
glasses, which are sleek and slender, dramatically showcasing the carbonation
and clarity of your beer; Pilsner glasses, which are similar to flute glasses
but tend to promote better head retention and release of volatiles (the aromatic
elements in beer responsible for the aromas); Weizen glasses, which are designed
to accommodate the larger head volumes of traditional weizenbier (wheat beer);
Snifters, often used for cognac or brandy, are great for capturing the volatiles/aroma
of a beer, and are great for swirling your beers (usually used for stronger
ales with big, bold aromas).
“So, how do I know which glass to use,” you may ask? Well, our
newsletters will now include suggested glassware listings with each beer in
our domestic
and international beer newsletters. You’ll get the hang of it quickly
as you learn about the characteristics of different beer styles and which
drinking vessel works best. But you know, sometimes, there’s nothing
better than the ol’ bowl on the floor technique. Wide surface area
for easy lapping, aroma released all over the place, and easy to add more
beer, even while still working on the first bowl… Gotta have a real
attentive bartender for that maneuver—me and mine have an understanding
worked out—we call it, “the bottomless pit”.
Woof!
Murl
Norm’s Corner
Woody: What’s going on, Mr. Peterson?
Norm: The question is what’s going in Mr. Peterson. A beer please, Wood.
For Members Only
Give Your Friends FREE Beer, Wine, Cheese, Chocolate, Cigars & Flowers!
Through our Customer Appreciation Program
Your name has real value to your friends, co-workers, and family members! Every time a friend, family member, or anyone else you know joins any one of our clubs, [or gives a gift] for 3 months or longer, we'll give them 50% off of their first month, but only when they mention your name. And we'll also give you 50% off your next month too which can either be applied towards your current membership or you can try one of our other Clubs out! (We can add one more month to your order at 50% off for prepaid memberships!)
The Fine Print: Members giving gift memberships do not qualify for referral credits and you can't give yourself a gift to qualify! This Program is mutually exclusive of any other promotions.
Members can re-order their favorite
beers |
|||
FEATURED BEER |
Club |
12 Bottles |
24 Bottles |
| Duck-Rabbit Milk Stout | Dom/Dom & Intl |
$24.95 |
$49.95 |
| Buzzards Bay Stock Ale | Dom/Dom & Intl |
$24.95 |
$49.95 |
| Duck-Rabbit Brown Ale | Dom |
$24.95 |
$49.95 |
| Buzzards Bay Pale Ale | Dom |
$24.95 |
$49.95 |
| Bavik Pilsner | Intl/Dom & Intl |
$32.95 |
$59.95 |
| Tucher Hefe Weizen | Intl/Dom & Intl |
$36.95 |
$63.95 |
All prices include shipping and handling. Mixed assortments
are available upon
request. CA customers please add 7.75% sales tax. |
|||
Membership Q & A
Q: What can I do if I'm having difficulty receiving my shipment at
home?
A: You should consider having our discrete box delivered to your work
location or to a neighbor 21 yrs. of age that can receive it for you. As
your shipment requires and adult signature to receive, it's always best to
ship it to a location where someone will be there to receive it for you.
The box is brown corrugated cardboard and doesn't say "Beer" on
it anywhere.
Q: What should I do if I'm moving or want to extend my membership?
A: Please call us prior to the 5th of the month to make all account
related information changes such as address changes, membership extensions & terminations,
or gift accounts desiring to continue their memberships. Address changes
made after that time may require a repackaging and re-shipping charge of
$12.00. Additionally, if your box is re-routed by UPS from an address different
than what was originally specified, you may incur a $5.00 re-routing charge.
Q: What happens if my shipment is damaged?
A: If your shipment arrives damaged, please call us immediately toll
free at 1-800-625-8238 and report the incident for a prompt resolution.
Q: What happens if my credit card is declined?
A: We will send you a courtesy notice asking for an alternative payment
method, and will also attempt two more times to process the charges. If we
cannot secure
payment and have not been contacted by you, the order will be temporarily suspended.
Q: What happens if I join under a special incentive program and don't
stay a member for the entire term committed?
A: Not a problem. Although we want to do everything we can to keep
you as a member, we will allow you to cancel your subscription early; however,
you will be responsible to pay for the item that was given to you as part
of the promotion. If you received a discount based on a specific term, the
amount discounted will be charged to your card.
