Brooklyn Local 1, Stone Brewing 12th Anniversary, Pale Ale

My father smuggled some Brooklyn Local 1 from New Jersey last week.  I wanted to share it with Killa Mike, so I could share the experience.  For those not familiar with Brooklyn Local 1, it is a Belgian Strong Golden Ale. According to Garrett Oliver, it is “Brewed with German malts and hops, first-pressing Demerara cane sugar from Mauritius, and a Belgian yeast strain. 100% bottle re-fermentation.”

First of all, the bottle is magnificant.  Its a custom made 750 ml glass bottle, corked and caged.  I was all set to not only enjoy it, but write a review on it.  While it reminded me of a few other strong Belgian pale ales, I could not pinpoint the taste or aroma in the form of words.  All I can say is I enjoyed it, and I am looking forward to taking Mr. Oliver’s advice on pairing it with cheese, as he mentioned at SAVOR.

I am excited that Stone Brewing Co has announced Stone 12th Anniversary Celebration & Invitational Beer Festival.  Going forward, despite Greg Koch’s wishes, I will be calling it Stone 12th Anniversary Fest or something a bit shorter.  Please pardon me on that.  I had such a ball last year, met so many nice people, and got to try so many nice beers.  It went by far too quick.  It would be cool if there was an option to do both sessions, but I understand why they discourage it.  I am hoping it won’t be too hot in San Diego mid August, but it shouldn’t deter my fun.  I would hope that not only will their be awesome variances of the upcoming 12th Anniversary Ale offering, I am hoping that Vertical Epic Ale 08.08.08 will be on hand to try.  I can’t see why it wouldn’t.

I have been on a bit of a Pale Ale kick lately.  I am still true to my double and single IPA’s, but I have really getting down with some classic west coast Pale Ales.  I tried Stone Pale Ale for the first time ever a week or two ago, and loved it.  Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, which is pound for pound one of the best beers out there, has never tasted fresher and more thirst quenching.  Killa Mike shared some very fresh Firestone Walker Pale 31 with me, and that too really hit the spot.  God bless California Pale Ales. While Samuel Smith Pale Ale and Old Speckled Hen is good, the previously mentioned Pale Ales are where it is at my friends.