She brews HE’BREW
This week I was able to attend a unique tasting event at The Busy Bee Cafe organized by co-owner Chris Powers and a running & blogging buddy of mine, Win Bassett of ncbrewing.org. Thanks for the invite Win! The discussion with Jeremy Cowan and tasting of Shmaltz Brewing Company’s newly released beers was a preparation measure for Raleigh Beer Week in August of next year. Talk about planning ahead! I guess when you are voted as one of America’s 100 Best Beer Bars, you think in advance!
Jeremy Cowan started Shmaltz Brewing Company in San Francisco in 1996. He found a niche with the lack of Jewish beers and found success in an unusual business model, distributing a small amount of beers en mass. Unusual but apparently effective! He was at Busy Bee this week to sign his newly self-published book, Craft Beer Bar Mitzvah, participate in a moderated discussion with Win, and share a few beers with us!
I tasted…
HE’BREW Genesis 15:15 Barleywine, My favorite, 100% Barrel aged for 8 months.
HE’BREW Jewbelation Eleven
HE’BREW Bittersweet Lenny’s R.I.P.A. (double IPA)
(and I think another Jewbelation, not sure which one though)
This year marks Shmaltz‘ 15th year and I couldn’t be more than elated to taste their new beers. I have a soft spot for Barleywine and beer in general with a higher % abv and lower IBU; my motto is often “Go Big or Go Home” and that stays true for beers among other things. My first order of business was to try the Genesis 15 Barleywine, I had a feeling it would not disappoint.
While I didn’t taste any specific fruit fermentation combo (figs, dates, pomegranate are used for this brew), it was smooth, sweet and crisp but slightly creamy too. Divine is the only word I can type to describe it. It gives you so much in one sip; I’d pair it with a powerful rich dessert or I could see it going well with a cheesy appetizer. Pairings are interesting and so unique to an individual so I think you always have to go with what tastes good to you. That thought was echoed by Jeremy when I asked him his favorite pairings or if he enjoys going into the realm of food pairings. He suggested a combo with Shmaltz’ Albino Python (a beer crafted with ginger and orange peel) pairing to fish, sushi, or with a dessert as an appetite cleanser. Ginger serves that function of a palate cleanser, a digestive aid, and of course, citrus and ginger pair well with fish, so Jeremy was spot on with his suggestions in my opinion. Southern Regional Manager of Shmaltz, Darren Quinlan, brought some other unique beers for us to taste. He introduced himself and chatted with us while he poured our samples.
I have to be honest, I had tastings in front of me nonstop it was almost hard to keep up. I think this was largely due to the outstanding bartenders and because Darren & Jeremy of Schmaltz were eager for everyone to try their concoctions. There was only one brew that my friend Janelle RD ordered that didn’t strike my fancy because of the bitter factor, which a great deal of people love so to each his own! During the moderated discussion, I was able to learn more about Jeremy’s history and his passion for this craft. He mentioned that they were on a volleyball team prior to starting Shmaltz and joked “Don’t pass out, Pass over”. Mid discussion, I (didn’t want to pass out) knew I needed to order something to soak up the delicious beer tastings. I mean, 13% Barleywine deserves some fried green tomatoes, right? The Menu at Busy Bee changes daily because they utilize local, fresh, and sustainable ingredients.
I chose the Fish Tacos with fresh local Mahi, pico slaw, guacamole and a lime sour cream with a side of Fried green tomatoes
Fantastic, cooked to perfection, crisp and hit the spot! We chatted a little more about food, beer, life and blogging too before we did a photo op with Darren and Jeremy themselves (behind and to my right).
Thanks to Shmaltz, Busy Bee and ncbrewing for pulling this event together! More events are expected to popup in the future with several other Raleigh beerspots (think hotspots filled with beer!) like Big Boss Brewing Co., The Flying Saucer, and The Borough. just to name a few. I’d love to stay in this loop because I can’t wait for more!
What kind of fruit would you put into your own Barleywine?
What are your weekend plans?
