The short answer is the term “imperial” is used interchangeably with “double” and “strong” to refer to any style of beer brewed with an extra dose of grains and hops to produce a higher ABV (alcohol by volume). So it’s essentially a stronger stout.

But the long answer is more fun! (more…)

Cream ale is a style that almost defies definition. For starters, it does not contain cream, and compared to many other styles, it isn’t exceptionally creamy.

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With summer picnic season in full swing, you may be assigned the most important job: bringing the beer! And with great power, comes great responsibility. Because there will be shelves and shelves of options at the local grocery store. You’ll have to decide on brand, style and even whether it’s in a bottle or a can.

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Whether you’re visiting a new-to-you brewery or sampling an ever-changing tap list from your favorite brewery – ordering a beer flight is the perfect way to get a lay of the land.

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Your glass may seem clean. There may not be any visible residue or staining, but is it “beer clean?”

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First, a French Lesson

“Saison” is French for “season.”

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Making beer goes all the way back to Mesopotamia with an ancient recipe featured in a poem about the Sumerian brewing goddess, Ninkasi. But craft beer has only been around for a few decades; it all started with an ambitious Stanford graduate.  (more…)

Beer and coffee may not seem like a natural pairing, but both are brewed! And brewers are going to brew!

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