beers locals like
Ben Casella
Beers that may affect the outcome of college football contests I
’ve never really been a fan of those chain emails that say something like “forward this to 10 of your friends and Jesus will give you a hug” or “forward this to 10 of your friends and you’ll make more money.” Don’t get me wrong. I’m all for hugs and money, but it’s just quicker to hit the delete button than it is to sit in front of my computer and ponder the possibility that I may actually have 10 friends to begin with. With that being said, if you want the Georgia Bulldogs to have a good football season, try every brew I recommend this autumn. There is one caveat, however: By the time we go to press with this issue, the Dawgs will already have played a game against Clemson. So, we’ll know ahead of time whether or not you’ve been doing your homework. Blue Moon Harvest Moon Pumpkin Ale – I know, I know, but how many opportunities do you have to use the words “pumpkin” and “session” in the same sentence in the context of beer? Blue Moon has been a guilty mainstream pleasure of mine for some time now, and Harvest Moon Pumpkin is just as good (if not better) as it has been in previous years. I’ll tell you right off the bat that this isn’t my favorite pumpkin ale (you’ll see that one next month). I will tell you, however, that this seasonal brew has a balance of pumpkin and spice that’s subtle enough to replace your Miller Light at the tailgate and significant enough to let you know it’s there. Cooter Brown American Brown Ale – This Georgia brew from Jekyll
Brewing has really come on the scene as of late here in Augusta (much like Hop Dang Diggity IPA from the same brewery). It pours a clear amber brown with a head that’s surprisingly big for this craft of beer. The expected malts are abundant on the nose and translate onto the tongue with just enough yeast to make you think it may have a propensity toward sour before the hops decay the mouthful and leave you with the slightest of sweet (and a moderate hoppy bite) hints before another sip. I’m really not much for American Brown Ales, but Cooter Brown is definitely worth your consideration. Try it with the steak sandwich from Metro Market. These and more can be found Downtown (and around town) this season. So, make it a point to pop on down to Broad Street and pop one open. The rooftop patio of Metro Market isn’t a bad place to start.
Ben Casella recently attended Beerfest in Augusta and enjoyed tasting the many available beers. Read his review of the event on page 14.
Verge * September 2014 17