Brewing and Beer

Some breweries keep a pretty strict lineup when it comes to their beers, a handful of standard selections and the same seasonal brews year after year, while others seem to be trying something new every few weeks.  It can be difficult to keep track of what comes out when, but luckily for you that’s our job.  And to make everyone’s life a little bit easier, Dogfish Head has updated their release calendar for 2012.  Click the link below to see when each of their 20 seasonal/specialty beers will be available this year.  Some particularly exciting releases include the 120-minute IPA, Bitches Brew (best paired with Miles Davis’ album of the same name), and Noble Rot, a beer/wine hybrid.

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New Belgium Brewing is continuing its Lips of Faith Series into 2012 with the release of Biere de Mars and Cocoa Mole Ale to kick off the new year.  “This first round of Lips of Faith offers spice, heat and a touch of sweet,” said New Belgium brewer Grady Hull. “It’s a bold one-two punch to start the 2012 Lips of Faith series off right.”

Biere de Mars showcases earthy tones of ripe mango and lemon verbena, this bottle-conditioned ale reflects the hearty character of the southern Belgian and northern French countrysides. Brewed with barley, oats and wheat malt, Biere de Mars’ celestial orange hue inspired the planetary play on words.  Brettanomyces, a wild yeast strain, added for bottle-conditioning creates a refreshingly sour flash across the palate. Lemon peel coupled with the lemon verbena imparts fruitlike character and a citrusy finish.

Cocoa Mole is a spiced ale brewed with cocoa and ancho, guajillo, chipotle peppers and caramel and chocolate malt to counter the heat.  Finally topped off with a touch of cinnamon.

Both brews will be available on draft and in 22-oz bombers through April or while supplies last.  To find any New Belgium beer, try out there nifty Libation Locator tool.

Google Offers is providing VIP tickets to Bock Fest in LA at a hugely discounted $32.50 per ticket (normally $65).  Special VIP guests receive 30 minutes of early access to the drinking event, giving you a head start on unlimited drinking. VIP’s also receive a complimentary pint glass, but they engrave your name on it, so you will remember who you are even after you forget how to stand.  The event takes place January 14 in sunny Los Angeles and is probably the warmest winter beer festival in the country.  They will not be selling tickets at the door so be sure to pick one up early.