Brooklyn Brewery Fiat Lux

the last sip

This past Monday, the Brooklyn Brewery invited a lucky few to the Wythe Hotel in Williamsburg Brooklyn to try the newest in their Brewmaster's Reserve Series. Fiat Lux or "Let There Be Light" is a 6.1% Belgian Wit made with lime peel and Indian coriander. As we had our first few sips on the hotel's rooftop overlooking the Manhattan skyline, we all agreed that it was the welcomed antithesis to what we've seen in the craft beer world lately; where pumpkin beers are hitting store shelves in mid-July.

Brewmaster Garrett Oliver spoke of wanting to create a beer that would be perfect for the right now of early July but would still be enjoyable come the cooler nights of September and October. At one point, Garrett compared this beer to a Binaca blast. While not the best sell for a beer, what he meant was that unlike some other beers, the finish of Fiat Lux left a refreshing sensation on the palate. Garrett then paused and added that it really isn't about the first taste. Once a customer orders a beer, they've made their decision. The brewery has made its sale. What it's really about is the last sip, as that is when the consumer decides whether or not to have another one. In the case of Fiat Lux, I was sold. More please!

Fiat Lux is a draught-only release. For more info, check out Brooklyn Brewery's website. Then watch this awesome video by Transient Pictures:

NYC Brewer's Choice 2011

Last night I had the pleasure of attending one of the most prestigious events of NY Craft Beer Week, NYC Brewer's Choice at City Winery. Curated by Jimmy Carbone of Jimmy's No. 43 as well as Beer Sessions Radio, the event featured brewers, owners and brewery reps pouring their beer directly for the attendees. Rob Tod from Allagash and Garrett Oliver of Brooklyn Brewery were just two of the many in attendance. Each brewery brought something new, interesting, rare or just plain delicious and then the beers were paired with various local food vendors' dishes.



It certainly was quite a crowd for a good majority of the event, but that just means a lot of friendly familiar faces.



White Birch Brewing Company out of New Hampshire brought one of the most interesting beers of the event, their Wild Oak Aged Imperial Stout.



Greenport Harbor out of Long Island had one of my favorites of theirs, the Leaf Pile Ale. Other favorites included the Barrier Brewing Frau Blucher, Cross Roads Outrage IPA and the Schmaltz Geektoberfest.



Toward the end of the night, Garrett Oliver made a great speech about the importance of what's happening here in New York City (and across the country). He said that its not a trend, its a return to normalcy. Truer words can't be spoken about the craft beer movement.





Happy Brewmaster, post-speech.



One of the most popular pairings at Brewer's Choice was cheese. In case you've never tried it, beer and cheese go great together. Way better than wine and cheese. But my personal favorite dish of the night was Nita Nita's Smashed Sweet Potatoes with Chorizo. It sounds like an odd combination but it was amazing. Definitely making a point to visit them in Williamsburg very soon.



One last sip for the road.

Brooklyn Brewery The Companion Release Party

This past Monday evening I was graciously invited to attend the release party for the latest in the Brooklyn Brewery's Brewmaster Reserve series, The Companion. It may sound a bit like a strange name until you learn that its literally the companion to Brooklyn Brewmaster Garrett Oliver's newest achievement, The Oxford Companion to Beer. The beer itself is a 9.1% wheat wine brewed with 55% wheat malt to give it a light fruitiness you wouldn't normally expect. You'll notice that it doesn't taste like its 9% so take it slow!



Garrett addresses the crowd about the importance of beer.



I'm patiently waiting for my copy of the near-1000 page hardcover book to arrive. Once it does I'll post a more comprehensive look inside.



Four giant fermenters greet you as you step through the main entrance at the Brooklyn Brewery.





New to me! Since the last time I visited the brewery, their expansion has continued at a rapid pace. ABout where you see that mass of piping used to stand a full wall. Now it is gone and even larger fermenters have been set up toward the back of the brewery. Expansion = More Beer = Good.



Another cool addition to the brewery is this wall installation which features some of the brewery's history in photos.



Cheers!

Brooklyn Sorachi Ace and Buzz Bomb Ale

The other night I was able to go to the Brooklyn Brewery release party for the brand new Brooklyn Sorachi Ace and Buzz Bomb Ale Check out my reviews over at SimplyBeer.com! Blog networking FTW!

Beer America TV - A Conversation with Garrett Oliver, Brewmaster of Brooklyn Brewery