What a way to Go!!!

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia


The London Beer Flood occurred on October 17, 1814 in the parish of St. Giles, London, England. At the Meux and Company Brewery on Tottenham Court Road, a huge vat containing over 135,000 imperial gallons (610,000 L) of beer ruptured, causing other vats in the same building to succumb in a domino effect. As a result, more than 323,000 imperial gallons (1,470,000 L) of beer burst out and gushed into the streets. The wave of beer destroyed two homes and crumbled the wall of the Tavistock Arms Pub, trapping teenaged employee Eleanor Cooper under the rubble.

The brewery was located among the poor houses and tenements of the St Giles Rookery, where whole families lived in basement rooms that quickly filled with beer. Eight people drowned in the flood.

The brewery was eventually taken to court over the accident, but the disaster was ruled to be an Act of God by the judge and jury, leaving no one responsible. The company found it difficult to cope with the financial implications of the disaster, with a significant loss of sales made worse because they had already paid duty on the beer. They made a successful application to Parliament reclaiming the duty which allowed them to continue trading. The brewery was demolished in 1922, and today, the Dominion Theatre occupies a part of the site of the former brewery.

A likely joke that may have made the rounds back then;
Policeman: "I'm sorry to report this Mrs.Murphy, but your husband Mick fell into the brew vat in the brewery and sadly has drowned"
Mrs. Murphy: "Oh my, I hope he didn't suffer too much"
Policeman: We're not sure, but he did crawl out twice to use the bathroom."

Samuel Adams and Weihenstephan - Infinium

Samuel Adams and Weihenstephan Breweries - Infinium - Biere de Champagne (Biere Brut)
Brewed in Boston, MA 10.3% abv
50 ml dark brown bottle. Best before July 2011.
Served in an Orval goblet.
Pours a very clean tea-colored amber with slow fading fine effervescent white bubbles and some patchy and trailing lacing.
The initial aroma reminds me of an oaky Chardonnay with light smells of light-roasted malt and some citrusy hop notes.
This unique brew has a very tart fruity white grape at first taste. A slightly sweet malty taste slides through and gains ground as it warms. The hop profile is fairly simple with a little lemony citrus and a slightly resinous back-of-the-throat flavor. A taste of salt is present throughout. An ice wine-like taste provides an unusual, though agreeable alcoholic kick.
The extra bubbly effect fades within minutes of pouring
Champagne is not high on my list of favorite alcoholic beverages, though, it's the perfect drink to enjoy with friends and family on certain occasions.
This is just the beer for special times.
Enjoy with fine aged cheeses or, perhaps fruity, tart sherbet.

Southern Tier - Robust Porter

Southern Tier - Robust Porter - 5.8% abv - Lakewood, New York
12 oz dark brown bottle. No freshness date.
Poured into a Sam Adams fluted glass.
It pours a very deep root beer color with a moderately fading tannish beige head.
Smells of dark roast coffee, chocolate, rye bread and citrus peel.
This is a malt-forward brew. Cocoa, coffee, sweet vanilla, and malt dextrose dominate. A light grapefruit bitterness pokes through. A faint metallic tang is way in the background.
The body is velvety smooth, almost buttery in texture.
It's very gulpable.
The label lists this as a "Robust" Porter. I don't think so. It lacks any alcohol punch.
Pairs well with grilled burgers with cheddar, or vanilla ice cream with chocolate sauce.

Innis and Gunn - Oaked Aged ale

330ml Clear bottle. Best before 12/10
It pours a coppery/amber color with a fair-sized off-white head, along with some thin trails of lacing.
Smells of peaty Scotch are upfront. A sweet grassy malty aroma lingers in the background as does a whiff a mild citrusy hops.
A totally enjoyable separation of tastes are evident early. Separate smoky, sweet malt grain, citrusy and tea-like hop flavors and a slight metallic tang, slowly begin to mingle with an undercurrent of Scotch. A light alcoholic fuminess is noticed throughout.
Once the flavors meld together, this becomes a very tasty session ale.
Try with roast or smoked duck, or dark turkey meat...perhaps a drum stick.

Long Trail - Centennial Red

Long Trail - Centennial Red (Imperial Red) 7.9%abv - Bridgewater Corners, VT
22oz dark brown bottle. Brewed on date stamped on bottle
It pours a dusky teak amber color with an off-white, fast-fizzling head, along with loads of sticky lace.
A brisk breath of resinous hop aroma is released upon opening and after a sturdy pour. Woody malt and horse stable smells follow. Light citrusy and rummy perfume smells linger, then fade.
This brew is all about the potent Imperial Red flavors. The resiny hops and sweet malts are on equal footing. White grapefruit-like citrusy tang and a bit of a metallic bite are quite upfront. A thin honey sweetness rides a Triple Sec-like alcoholic fuminess.
This is a very good representation of the Imperial Red (although there doesn't appear to be an official style) style.
I would enjoy creamy cheeses, a hearty game stew, milk chocolate, ice cream or creme brulee and wild berries with this one.

Cisco Brewers Inc - Santa's Beered

Cisco Brewers Inc Nantuket, Ma - Santa's Beered - Spiced Imperial Red - 9% abv
16.6oz Dark brown bottle. No freshness date.
Sampled in a Sam Adams fluted glass.
Pours a deep ruby-hued amber color with a full 2" beige head and some trailing and patchy lacing.
The initial smell is like an Imperial Red, with a big whiff of caramel malt and some spicy hop, along with citrus and mixed fruit cup. A faint smell of cinnamon and clove is noticed with some effort.
As in the aroma, the flavor profile resembles an Imperial Red. The big solid rustic malt body carries floral, citrus and resinous hops. A taste of molasses, spices, a touch of honey sweetness and a bit of a woody taste are all quite inviting. A warming alcohol presence blends and ties things together nicely.
For some reason, I feel this brew would pair very well with warm apple cobbler and vanilla ice cream.

Napa Smith Brewery - Lost Dog Red Ale

Napa Smith Brewery - Lost Dog Red Ale 7.2% abv - Napa, CA
22 oz dark brown bottle. No freshness date. Poured into a Sam Adams fluted glass.
It pours a coppery amber color with a fast-fading off-white head. Some patchy and web lacing.
It smells of wet citrusy hops and fresh bread dough. A little whiff of alcohol is noticed.
A big dose of hops is upfront and in the finish. Citrus, metallic and resinous flavors are all quite potent. A sweet caramel maltiness inches forward. Tart berries and a gin-like alcoholic bite poke through.
It's a well-rounded brew with a fairly rich body.
Think spicy Jambalaya, hot wings or crispy pepperoni pizza.