ON the shelf
BEER written by Michael Sweeney
When not using his spare time to make fun of people who write blogs, Michael Sweeney writes the beer blog STLHops. com. The irony is lost on him.
Bell’s Brewery Inc.’s Hopslam STYLE: American Double IPA (10% abv) AVAILABLE AT: Lukas Liquor, 15921 Manchester Road, Ellisville, lukasliquorstl. com, $17.49 (six-pack, 12-oz bottles) Pairings: Spicy BBQ ribs • Pepper jack cheese
Bell’s Hopslam becomes one of the most sought after beers in January. Why the excitement? This double IPA is bursting with juicy floral hops and backed up with a touch of honey to balance the bitterness. Blink and you'll miss it; when it hits the market, it’s sure to sell out fast.
Crispin Cider Co.’s Crispin Original STYLE: Hard Apple Cider (5% abv) AVAILABLE AT: Randall’s Wines and Spirits, multiple locations, shoprandalls.com, $6.99 (four-pack, 12-oz bottles) Pairing: Tandoori chicken • Roasted vegetables
OK, OK – cider isn’t technically a beer. But like beer, it’s one of the oldest beverages in the world. The wonderful thing about Crispin Cider is that unlike many ciders, it has a subtle sweetness that reminds you of really fresh apple juice. If you’re feeling continental, drink it over ice like the Europeans do.
The Saint Louis Brewery’s Schlafly Scotch Ale STYLE: Scotch Ale (6.6% abv) AVAILABLE AT: Schnucks, multiple locations, schnucks.com, $7.99 (six-pack, 12-oz bottles)
SPIRITS
GET CHAD’S RECIPES ON THE WEB feastSTL.com
written by Chad Michael George
Award-winning sommelier and mixologist Chad Michael George is founder of Proof Academy, which covers everything from wine and cocktail list consulting to spirits and mixology education.
Fernet-Branca Provenance: Milan, Italy (40% abv) Available at: Randall’s Wines and Spirits, multiple locations, shoprandalls.com, $26.99
Although relatively new to our market, FernetBranca has been in production since 1845. A longtime favorite of San Francisco bartenders, it is finally gaining appeal in the Midwest. This form of bitters is highlighted by chamomile, saffron and myrrh. Aloe and eucalyptus dominate at first; then the bitter components take over. Don’t be afraid to simply try it chilled.
New Holland Knickerbocker Gin Provenance: Holland, Mich. (42.5% abv) Available at: The Wine & Cheese Place, multiple locations, wineandcheeseplace.com, $21.99
Beer fans in town have long enjoyed New Holland’s brews, and now the company is distilling as well. The gin may be the best of its collection. It features more citrus notes than most, with lemon being dominant enough that the juniper is not overwhelming. This balance makes this a great gin for cocktails, and the price is surprisingly affordable.
New Holland Hatter Royale Hopquila Provenace: Holland, Mich. (40% abv) Available at: Lukas Liquor, 15921 Manchester Road, Ellisville, lukasliquorstl.com, $24.99
Pairings: Glazed pork loin • Brie
Seasonal beers can be a blessing and a curse. It’s always exciting when they’re around, but the wait for them to return seems unbearable. Big and malty, the Schlafly Scotch Ale is always a welcome addition to a cold January. It’s the perfect thing to warm you up when the winter chill blows up your kilt.
As the name suggests, some may indeed find tequila similarities in this tasty nectar. A base of neutral grain barley spirit is infused with Centennial hops to create a hop-flavored spirit with an interesting sweetness and gorgeous citrus notes. Any margarita lover should try this as a tequila replacement. In the days of artificially flavored spirits, one featuring allnatural ingredients is a pleasant newcomer.
OUR TOP PICKS FOR JANUARY Pouring wine photography by ©iStockphoto.com/Lauri Patterson