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Some things are worth coming back for...
I haven't kept up with this blog. My cousin hasn't kept up with this blog. Life happens. But there comes a time when the stars align. Something that's so well pair, so well balanced, so worth SHARING - you remembered why you started to blog in the first place. Life, as we know it, with all of the social media outlets is about sharing. Helping eager web surfers find the latest, greatest deal or tastiest beer or the best dish at a particular restaurant. You want to climb to the top of the mountain and shout it out for all the world to hear.
Well, in this case, I had to shout it out from a 3rd floor patio in Brooklyn. But you see where I'm going with this.
Now you probably thought you clicked on the wrong link when you landed on a page that had an ad for Smith Street Stage's JULIUS CAESAR. WHERE'S THE BEER REVIEW, TONE?!
Patience. It's time to pair your beer with a little culture.
Everyone seems to be big on pairings these days. I love it. Try this stout with those oatmeal cookies... or this hefeweizen with that grill chicken salad... or event a double ipa with some spicy thai food (no really, try it). Well this is a pairing of a different sort. Since we are smack dab in the middle of summer, it's time to take advantage of those beers that don't weigh you down. Light, refreshing, sweet, tart, fruity...
Hop on board... we're heading to Brooklyn.
A few years ago, CT was FINALLY introduced to a fantastic brewery known as Sixpoint. I'm pretty sure I've had them in NY long before, but it's great having them at the local packy now. I'm a big fan of their Resin (Double IPA). But we're here to talk about their summer offering APOLLO. Years ago, people would have the tendency to grab a Sam Adams Summer Ale on a hot day. And there's nothing wrong with that... but with so many options out there, it's worth it to try new things. And Apollo is worth it.
Beer Advocate calls the style a Krystalweizen. (Not sure if I've ever heard of that before.) Now for review purposes I did pour some of mine in a glass to see the color, but there's something really enjoyable about this right out of the can. The can gives just the right amount of chill to your beverage. But let's do this review thing:
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| Photo credits: Tony @ Beer411 |
On the pour, it's hazy and orange with about an inch of white head. One of the noticeable qualities of this beer is the amount of carbonation. Lots of bubbles. Looks almost like it's going to have some champagne characteristics.
The nose is fruity. As the video points out below, the star of this beer is the yeast that they use to make it. There are some banana notes to this with a bit of candy tartness.
Moving onto the Taste. Ahhh... yes. Very light, bubbly. Toasted grains, bready. You get that sweetness at first, but almost a slight sourness on the finish. Now, I'm slowly getting into sours, and this is a good stepping stone for me. The hint of sourness is really refreshing on a day like today. I wouldn't necessarily call this a SOUR beer. But you have to think a little outside the box. It's got a pleasant crisp finish too.
Overall: B+
So what should I pair this beer with? I'm so glad you asked.
While we are in Brooklyn, let's swing over to Carroll Park.
Most enjoyable things in this world cost money... so it's rare when something of this quality, with Broadway-caliber-actors comes your way (I hope you are sitting down), and is COMPLETELY FREE. A theater group known as Smith Street Stage is taking Brooklyn by storm this summer with their modern era rendition of William Shakespeare's JULIUS CAESAR.
I had the pleasure of catching this production last weekend and was completely blown away. Directors Jonathan Hopkins and Jessica Weiss seem to know exactly how steer their actors but also allowed them to explore the characters on their own. Located directly in front of the Robert Acito Park House, this group took you on a journey which followed the rising plot of the assassination of Julius Caesar (Sarah Dacey Charles) and the ultimate battle that claimed the lives of the conspirators. This Shakespearean tale of what goes around, comes around is not to be missed. You got a good one here, Brooklyn.
Their remaining shows are July 1 and 2, July 5-7 and July 11-14. All performances start at 7:00pm. Audience members can bring their own seating.
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/539786902729271/?fref=ts
For more information check out: SmithStreetStage.org
If you've already seen the show... BRAVO. You know what I'm talking about. But, if you haven't... you don't have much time to experience this fantastic production. Stop by a local watering hole near Carroll Park... Grab a Sixpoint Apollo to beat the heat and treat yourself to some amazing theater. And don't look now, but your calendar reads July already. Time to get out there and enjoy your summer!!
...And it feels so good to be back at Beer411.
If you have a few minutes check out this video outlining the journey that lead the Six Point Mad Scientists to this delicious offering:
