Pumpkin Beer Time

I'm a little late with this post since its the end of September and stores already have their Christmas decorations and merchandise up.  Depressing!! So with that logic it must means that Fall and Pumpkin ales come out in 100 degree August to be sold out prior to Halloween in time for Spring ales right?  

Ok on to this pumpkin beer review while its still relevant.  Rosemary's Baby is a new pumpkin entry from a local Connecticut brewery out of Stratford called Two Roads, http://www.tworoadsbrewing.com/door.php?return=/&e=3600

The beer is aged in rum barrels which I'm assuming drives up the desire to acquire it that and a limited supply.  In any event, if you've had the Innis & Gunn Ale Aged in Rum Barrels than this will be very similar in taste.  Imagine taking a Newcastle Brown Ale, Innis&Gunn Rum and add a dash of Spice Island pumpkin spice and whammo you've got something close to the Rosemary's Baby.  I love this beer's easy drink ability, it's smooth transition and balance from mild hops to pumpkin spice.  The rum notes are faintly detectable.  Considering the timing of this beer's release so early in the season, it was not as heavy bodied as so many others in this category making for a nice session beer to drink as summer fades away.

Buy it if you can find it. Do yourself a favor and visit the brewery!  Gotta support the local guys!

Wine Class 2013 Fall Semester

With the little ones returning, how about taking a class or two for yourself??  What if that class was about wine?  Starting October 1st, WINE 101 is moving out of the church hall and moving onto 1012 State St New Haven to Chestnut Fine Foods for our monthly wine education series.  This year's twist???  We will be blind tasting!!! Muahahahaha!!! Everything you learned in the 101 series about wine and utilizing all of the 5 S's will be put to the test.  This class will be limited to 20 people, $30/person or $50/couple, so email me with reservations soon!  Light nosh of artisan cheeses, fresh fruit, fresh baguette will be provided by ChestnutFood.  Email me at wineschool101@gmail.com

Starting October 3rd, we're going back to the ABC's of wine tasting.  We'll learn the 5 S's of wine tasting while walking through varietals, regions, explaining terroir.  What?? For those that think Biurgundy wine is a big glass jug or Chianti is a grape then this is the class to start your wine adventures!!!  We will be stationed at Grand Vin Fine Wines at 28 E. Grand Ave in New Haven, CT every Thursday starting at 6:30! Price is $30/person or $50/couple.  Space is limited to 15 people so call very soon!  Email me at wineschool101@gmail.com or the store at benny@grandvinonline.com soon!

See you all in class!!