Recently we have been inundated with beers from around globe tantalizing our every whim from centuries old recipes to more modern brews that have captivated craft drinkers taste buds and spoiled our palates forever. As this wave of liquid prosperity rolls into our gullets, one must stop and take a moment to realize, that most of these beers have names and behind these names are stories, which can take a regular beer meet-up, trading and just a nice session evening at home and take it to whole new level. So here are a few brews that are common or part of the “norm” in the beer culture but have a mysterious story to some.

Stories are our way of passing down traditions, culture and knowledge from one generation to the next. What the craft industry is doing is literally making you think why you drink. Giving you a complex story, myth or idea behind the concoction they have created. It may sound a little whimsical or may be “fluff” to some but it’s a great way for brewers to share there a little bit about what they are about and who they are through the simplest and unassuming way possible, the name of there beer. So here are a few brews that are common or part of the “norm” in the beer culture but have a mysterious story to some.

Bell’s Two Hearted Ale, Bell’s Brewery Kalamazoo, Michigan

This IPA is the most commonly drank and well known IPA around. This well crafted, formidable IPA has an amazing sweet, floral aroma followed by an explosion of grapefruit and citrusy notes. The finish is a nice well balanced sweet malt and drinks like it’s 4% instead of 7%. You can find this beer pretty much in any beer store with it’s weight. But why the name? Everyone seems fine not really knowing the origin of the name and still happily chugs along.

Well the name “Two Hearted Ale” refers to the story “Big Two-Hearted River” written by Ernest Hemingway. Hemingway, not known to turn down a good beer or seven, wrote the story about a man named Nick who returns from WWI to his his boyhood home. It’s a tale about change and acceptance, about dealing with ones own experiences and making the best of them. The fish on the bottle references a part of the story where our hero is struggling with a big fish only to have it get away. Later on he catches two medium size fish and learns to be content with just that.

The beer itself plays more on the regional aspect with the story tied in as well.

Oskar Blues G’Knight (Gordon), Oskar Blues Brewery Longmont, Colorado

This imperial Red is a force to be reckoned with. At 8.7% this brew pours ruby red with a nice aroma of pine and citrus. The flavor is a little boozy, sweet and full of great citrus, pineapple and spiced flavors. I had this brew when I first started drinking craft beer and it always has a place in the cooler. Not only is this beer delicious but it also comes in a can. Literally can take it anywhere.

Originally named Gordon this imperial red is named after craft beer lover, Vietnam Veteran and brewery innovator Gordon Knight. Knight was a pioneer of brewing in the early 90’s with his unique and bold recipes he went onto brew and win GABF medals for High Country, Twisted pine and Wolf Tongue breweries.He died in a helicopter accident, while battling a forest fire near Lyons, Colorado. His knowledge, talent and personality inspired this brew and every time someone cheers, drink and lets out that thirst quenching “Ahhh” they will always remember Gordon Knight.

The name change from Gordon to G’Knight ocurred after a cease and desist order was issued by Gordon Biersch Brewing Co. Stating that after seven years of using the name “Gordon” that it was trademark infrigement. With that said and the trademark never fully filed by Oskar Blues Brewing, the name was changed to G’ Knight.

These two beers have been consumed millions of times over, they are regulars in the craft scene and in our homes, I hope these stories help peak some curiosity, end debates and well encourage more craft beer consumption!

Stay tuned for more pairings, education series and beer reviews and remember to,

Drink. Taste. Pair. Live.

Cheers,

The Wild Cicerone

This week I am traveling all the way to St. Louis Missourri to do battle with there growing craft Beer scene. As we all know this is the birth place of the giant RED monster BUDWEISER. Not to be a snob and appreciate the past, I plan on traveling to the hisortic brewery during my stay. A few places I plan on going to include : Square 1 Brewery and Distellery, Budweiser Brewery, Schlafly Brewing, Morgan Street Brewery and, thanks to a few locals, I will be going to some amazing tap rooms, bottle shops and food places!

So follow me as I traverse the inner workings of the St. Louis beer scene, drinking the fine brews from such a historic brewing mecca!

Follow me on Twitter - @ Thewildcicerone

Every weekend I love to travel to new and exciting craft beer, food and coffee spots so this weekend I’m heading to a local favorite and my guilty pleasure, The Burg in St. Pete, FL. This place is a foodie and craft beer geeks dream. They have an array of great brews but mostly have an awesome selection of local offerings. The main reason I like to go to this place, besides that the owners are Greek (I’m half Greek so I may be biased), is for their one of kind burgers. Where else in the Tampa Bay area can one get an 8 oz sirloin burger nestled so delicately between to buns that happen to be grilled cheese sandwiches? Or for that matter get a burger cooked to perfection topped with Gyro meat, sliced grilled feta and lathered in home-made Tzatziki sauce?

This place is located right off the main drag of Central so it’s a little hidden, which makes it a great local secret.You can even create your own style of “out of the ordinary” burger with whatever toppings, spreads and cheeses. Last time I went my friend Donnie ordered the Gyro burger with bacon grilled cheese sandwiches as buns…Definitely not for the faint of heart. (No literally probably shouldn’t go if you have a cholesterol problem or high blood pressure, these burgers aren’t “healthy”  and lean :) )

So this weekend in your beer-ventures why not stop by The Berg for a pint and burger and remember to use napkins liberally.

The Burg Bar and Grill

(727) 894-2874

Grand Central
1752 Central Ave
St Petersburg, FL 33712
www.theburgbar.com

Cheers,

The Wild Cicerone

Drink.Taste.Pair.Live.

Hooray! The best beerfest in the Tampa Bay area is upon us! Today is Wazoo beerfest day!

Wazoo features over 250 different type of brews from around the nation and from the great local breweries right here in Florida. The ticket price is a little steep ($65 at the door) but really worth it. Your Wazoo ticket INCLUDES free samples of food from amazing local restaurants and eateries such as Datz, The Rack, Square One Burgers and of course Lush Confections! Lush Confections is a small independently owned confections company that uses the finest ingredients to create the most original truffles and dessert that are either infused with spirits or amazing craft brews! You also get unlimited (as long as supplies last) samples of amazing craft brews, oh and it’s also at the Zoo! What more could you ask for?!

So come out today and experience a one of a kind beerfest that is truly a beer lovers and foodies delight!

For more Wazoo info - CLICK ME

WAZOO SURVIVAL PACK :

Sunscreen

WATER (keep hydrated it’s going to be 96 degrees today! woo!)

LANYARD for your sampling cup (NEVER lose your cup…that’s bush league)

CAMERA

REPORTERS NOTEPAD *Moleskin (keep track of what brews you have had and the ones that you really enjoyed. So that you can purchase a six pack later)

CASH (If you find yourself indulging a little too much, call a cab and always have cash on hand)

Well see you at out there and remember to, Drink, Taste, Pair, LIVE!

Cheers,

The Wild Cicerone