We had a guest brewer from Black Star Co-op (they are not quite in full operation yet). It was super interesting to listen to him and even better to drink his beer. You should definitely check out the Co-op, my understanding it is the first member owned brewery. They are nearing the final stages of picking a location and then they are off to the races. If I remember correctly (and I should since I didn’t drink much), they hope to have doors open on the brew pub by December – January.

Expect to see some food, and a good selection of brews. The focus of which will clearly be that of Black Star’s own. Never the less these guys aren’t stupid they know that Austinites have their favorites and will be serving a smattering of others in conjunction with their one of a kind brews.

One of the things I found the most interesting was the fact that Jeff (Young) the brewmaster whom you see pictured says he plans to make these beers fit Austin and the culture that surrounds it. Cody and I both kind of questioned that, “How in the world do you make a beer tastes like the region?” Well apparently that is achieved in a few ways, picking styles that fit the seasons, Aka a peach infused (I forgot the style) 2% light bodied beer. That way on our 158 degree days next summer you can sit outside at Black Star and drink a delicious beer that won’t fill you up and after 10 you can still drive home and have room for the dinner on the table. Second and I think is an obvious but great choice: listen to the people who are drinking the stuff. Jeff alluded to the fact that the beers that make it to production are at least partially owner/member voted and chosen.

I hope to have the cash to pony up and become a paying co-op member myself. If you would like to check them out go here for LOTS more details and correct information. Black Star Co-op Be sure and join them for bar nights and other great social events centered around one of my favorite liquids ever: BEER!!!

Check in again on Wednesday for reviews of a Cherry Saison from our Yankee states, a one of a kind VERY interesting Black Star Beer Aleph Nole, and a few others. Might even get a guest writer in here to do some more talkin’ at ya.

We’ve lost one, boys; Ted Jump (a.k.a. Bear) has jumped to Pennsylvania and by all accounts, landed safely. If only he drank beer!! Downingtown Pennsylvania is home to Victory Brewing, makers of fine ales such as Storm King Imperial Stout, Hop Devil IPA, Golden Monkey Trippel, and Hop Wallop is an American Double / Imperial IPA weighing in at 8.5% ABV, a few more IBUs than half of the Chum-Bucket Gang can appreciate, and the subject of tonight’s quaffing. The label contains the following narrative:

Queueing Eric Idle: “So what’s it like?”

Hop Wallop pours a light copper to dull gold color, with a creamy head that sticks around for a while, leaving faint lacing down the side of the glass. At first waft, you’ll notice a sweet floral aroma, with a hint of piney resin; there’s a bit of depth, not just the floaty-high-notes. The carbonation level is fairly low, and few gas bubbles float from the bottom. The mouthfeel is smooth, first with a light maltiness, then a deep hop flavor that drifts off into a dry, tingly dryness. It goes down easily and (perhaps too) quickly, unlike Arrogant Bastard, but more like Guinness Draught. The alcohol level is neither overtly apparent in the aroma, nor the taste, but trust me when I say this is not a beer to play games with. If you’ve had a hard ride today (depending on your hydration regime, perhaps even yesterday), you might need two, or it you’re lucky, a single 12 oz. bottle will suffice to get the post-ride buzz setup quite nicely for the first hour and a half or so, without weighing you down.

Vitals:

• Style: American Double / Imperial IPA
• Available in: 12 oz. bottles at Grapevine Market, Central Market, some Whole Foods, and Spec’s
• ABV: 8.5%
• Price: ~ $4.99 / 12 oz.