popplers

Beer, beer, beer, beer

• The New York Times had a nice article on Belgian Pale Ales. I've tried beers from Corsendonk Abbey and Orval Trappist, but I'm not sure if I've ever had any of the pale ales.
• The British Beer Company in Pembroke, MA is hosting a Samuel Smith Brewer's Dinner on Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. Unfortunately, the Acme Theater rehearsal schedule will preclude me from partaking, but man, what a menu… Aged Stilton Cheese And Multi Grain Crostinis [sic] With White Grapes (paired with Oatmeal Stout); Poached Salmon and Crab Louis Martini (paired with Organic Lager); Cold Green Chili and Tomato Gazpacho (paired with India Ale)… There are more courses to the menu, but I think I'd be full by then. The dessert course is apparently fried chocolate brownie and strawberry skewers: "mini fudge brownies deep fried and skewered with fresh strawberries served with a chocolate porter ice cream (Taddy Porter). Gah.
• Recommended beer for summer: Dogfish Head's Aprihop. It's an I.P.A. brewed with apricots (reminiscent of a hoppier version of Magic Hat's #9). It goes well with Indian food (homemade or take-out).
• Not for me: St. Crispin's Chipotle Beer. "This 7.7% ABV IPA is light bodied with a coppery hue. […] Believe me, you will not be craving more than 12oz of this unless you are crazier than me. It is HOT. First sip, for a second I was like, oh, OK, and then within a second, BAM it hits you and you're gasping for air." I prefer my chili hot and my beer COLD.