Buffalo Dandy

Easter was fun and all, but pretty low key compared to last year. One of the reasons is because on Saturday I got to try this Glenlivet Vintage 1969 which completely made my entire weekend. Exceptionally rare with only 800 bottles sold in the US, it was originally retailing for $750 a bottle. However, recent online searches show it’s currently being purchased for $1000+ on some sites. Even more incredible than finding a bottle is that the bar was only charging $24 for a glass! So I calmly placed my money on the bar and waited…

As I put it to my nose, there were definite hints of cinnamon and firewood. The initial flavor had a lot of spice to it, which is something I’ve never encountered in a scotch before. Once the ice cube did it’s work, the wood bouquet really became prominent. There were flavor notes of caramel and cinnamon yet it had an extremely smooth finish. Once that first sip finally hits your stomach though: kapooyah! Like a depth charge going off. It was an exceptional experience that, like I said, pretty much made my entire weekend. Plus, trying a $24 dram of an awesome find compared to having to spend $1000 on a bottle (collecting aside of course) is always a good thing. Sláinte!

95/100

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My good friend, fellow Dandy and BD contributor Mr. Pentheros has recently taken his love of whiskey to the interwebs with a new blog called The Buffalo Whiskey Guild. If you’ve scrolled through Buffalo Dandy recently, you may have noticed a BWG badge on the side of the site in support of this new, but extremely well written and knowledgable blog. With scotch currently experiencing a resurgence in popularity with a slew of new distilleries and craftsmen, a site like this is invaluable to anyone looking to learn more about the world of whiskey.

“Whiskey is the most diverse, complex and unique spirit in the world. It has a rich and layered history that spans centuries and cultures alike. Its types and forms are vast and starkly varying. Whiskey is an artform and the Buffalo Whiskey Guild’s mission is to bring the artform of whiskey to life.

The Buffalo Whiskey Guild provides whiskey education so that appreciation and enjoyment can be realized. We are based in the greater Buffalo area and are passionate about bringing the world of whiskey to this fantastic area. As Buffalo loves its beer, it will soon love its whiskey.”

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German glassmaker Spiegelau recently collaborated with Sam Calagione of Dogfish Head and Ken Grossman of Sierra Nevada to create the first glass specifically designed for drinking Indian Pale Ales.

The glass has three main components. 1.The thinness of the glass helps keep the beer cold. 2.The ridges on the bottom aerate the liquid and reinforces the robust head (which traps the carbonation). 3.Lastly, the aromas are captured by the concave top and act as a “olfactory cannon” aimed at your nose.

My sisiter-in-law called in a few favors and was kind enough to get us a set from the Dogfish Head Brewery this weekend. We poured the same IPA into both a regular pint glass and the Spiegelau in order to do a proper taste test. Taking a sip from one and then the other, there was a clear difference in both the flavor intensity and aroma from the Spiegelau. The beer in the pint glass lacked the crisp flavor and just felt flat by comparison. Bottom line, if you’re a beer lover, specifically one of the IPA persuasion, this glass is a game-changer and a must-have. Available here in May.

$25

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Sam Adams pays homage to craft brewing before it was “a thing” by partnering with retired Navy vet Jack McAuliffe and re-releasing his New Albion Ale more than 30 years after it’s creation.

Attempting to replicate ales he had sampled during tours of Scotland and Europe, McAuliffe crafted his own beer called “New Albion Ale” in reference to Sir Francis Drake. Drake named what is now Northern California (where the beer was created) “Nova Albion” after exploring/claiming it for England in the late 1500′s. Production had to halt back in 80′s due to lack of funds, but Sam Adams recreated McAuliffe’s New Albion Ale from his original recipe, right down to the label which features Drake’s ship The Golden Hinde departing San Francisco Bay.

Brewed exclusively with American Cascade hops, Albion Ale is recognized by beer experts as the original American Craft Beer. The initial pallet is very crisp and clean with a few subtle notes of citrus, pine and dough. The flavor, however, quickly falls short when compared to other Pale Ales like Southern Tier or Ellicottville Brewing Co.

Chalk this one up to being a sucker for packaging, at least the beer has an interesting history and it’s nice to see larger breweries trying something different and paying homage to their roots. Check out the video below by Sam Adams for more.

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Call me a slave to package design, but I couldn’t help but be intrigued when I saw Batch 19 “Pre-Prohibition Style Lager” in the store. Bottled by Coors, I thought the marketing behind the product was extremely well done and was pleasantly surprised by the taste. There is definitely that initial Coors flavor, but the unique combination of Herbsucker (herbal notes) and Strisslespalt (black currant) hops create a pleasantly bold and smooth aftertaste. Whether or not this is actually what beer tasted like back in the early 1900′s is debatable, but it’s still an interesting idea.

[via Batch19.com]
In 1919, beer was banned. Barrels were broken. Breweries went belly up. Drinking a beer became an act of protest against those in power. Each toast was a citizen’s demand to enjoy life’s simple pleasures. When beer became legal again 14 years later, it was never the same. That is, until a few years ago when we discovered an old beer recipe in the basement archives of the brewery dating back before Prohibition. Batch 19™ is inspired by the last batches of beer brewed before 1919.

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