Brew Hops & Wine Stops

When you think of your favorite beer, what first comes to mind? Is it the Company? Is it the name? Is it the taste, smell, feel of the beer?  Or is it something else? The answer is all of the above. It takes all of it.

My favorite is one that I like to call a game changer, one that stands out from the rest, and one that has recently gained a lot of popularity in the beer community. It is the one, the only Innis and Gunn Rum Cask Oak Aged Beer. Now you may be saying to yourself, “I’ve tried it and it’s good, delicious, different, unique,” and if you said bad, try it again. Because sir or ma’am, you are wrong. Anyways the reason why this beer is my favorite is because it has everything I am looking for:  a good body mouthfeel with tons of great flavors and a smooth finish—something I can drink on any occasion. Whether I’m at a party, small family get-together, special event, business dinner, date, out with friends at a bar or at home on a calm night. It is very versatile.  

I first got to experience this ambrosia one night when I was out with friends at the local World of Beer downtown. When I first saw it I thought to myself there is going to be something different about this beer. From its clear amber/ bronze color, to the inch of creamy foam head with a nice lacing, to the vanilla,  caramel and rum note aromas coming from it that just seem to invigorate the senses. I knew from the first smell I was going to really enjoy this beer. Finally I take the first sip that just takes me to a place I’ve only experienced as a kid. Think of the first time you went to Disney World or your first piece of candy—this was one of those moments. At first I couldn’t even comprehend what my mouth just experienced. So I go in for the second sip. It hits the tongue everywhere. It has a vanilla and caramel sweetness to it, then you are hit with a wave of rum (that’s not too strong but has enough presence to let you know it’s there) that pairs quite nicely with the smooth oaky finish. It has a nice medium body mouthfeel that lingers just enough to tease you and leave you wanting more.  

I finish the beer wanting to get another, craving another, but too much of a good thing is always bad, and I didn’t want to ruin the moment I just had. Every time I have this beer I am taken to back to this experience whether in bottle or on tap.  If you’ve never tried this beer go get it right now and have your mouth, tongue, palate taken on a magic carpet ride. Let me know what you think of it.

John Wood, ABC Fine Wine & Spirits Beer Consultant – 4th Street, St. Petersburg

Follow me on Twitter @abcbeerjohnw

I love rum. Kind of in the same way I love Scotch--taste aside (and to me, rum tastes much better than Scotch), there's a whole romance associated with it that appeals to me...pirates and palm trees and rum runners--oh, my. Plus, there's summer and beaches.

History we'll save for another day--right now, let's talk beach drinks!

Palms is one of the best values around (under $15 for the 750ml bottle--but on sale until June 4 for $9.99 here or in our stores). And there's a flavor for every drink: try the Pineapple, Coconut or Banana in orange juice or make a quick pina colada with the Coconut and pineapple juice...or a PC shot with Coconut and Pineapple flavors layered.

One of my favorite drinks is the Painkiller (originally made with Pusser's). Almost any good dark rum will do, but adding an ounce of flavored rum to the mix is a tasty addition. I generally make it with 2 parts dark rum, 1 part pineapple or coconut rum (if desired), 4 parts pineapple juice (from the original recipe), 2 parts orange juice. Pour into shaker and shake until blended--or whip up in the blender--and pour over ice. The kicker is the nutmeg. This drink is garnished with grated nutmeg over the top, and it is worth the trouble to freshly grate your own.

You can also jazz up an ordinary pina colada with Charlie Noble spiced rum and some Michael's Irish Cream. Whatever recipe you generally use, swap out the rum for the Charlie Noble Spiced, and add another 1/2 part Irish cream (so if you use 2 oz. rum, add another ounce of the Irish cream).

Don't bother with a calendar--summer's here! (Just remember to celebrate responsibly.)