Several weeks ago, Beer Sessions Radio™ host Jimmy Carbone led a blind tasting of commercially available IPAs, and on this week’s episode of Beer Sessions Radio™ on the Heritage Radio Network we hear the results! Joining Jimmy are BJCP judges Dru Nichols and Michael Cafaro, who admit that the top three IPAs at the blind tasting were all winners. The list of IPAs included Bell’s Greenflash, Gun Hill Brewery (newest Bronx brewery), Sixpoint, Stone, Two Roads, Sam Smith (Rebel IPA), Great Divide and Long Trail. Jimmy announces the top three, with a (spoiler alert) great call in from Stone brewmaster Mitch Steele of Stone Brewing.
Mitch gives us a bit of a history lesson on the real IPA story (get his IPA book here).
Other guests on this show include Ally Centonze of Green Flash Brewing, Whitney Wright of Southern Living Magazine, and Rich Blair of New Holland Brewing & Distillery. Ally talks about the difference between east and west coast IPAs, while previewing the new higher ABV Hop Head Rye. While Whitney Talks about the thriving craft beer scene in the south (Alabama has the most growth of any state in craft beer). And how can we talk about the Southern beer revolution without a(n almost subliminal) shout-out to Ale Sharpton?
During the last segment, we switch beers to talk about whiskey, vodka and other liquors. How can a brewery go from making good beer to making a distilled spirit based on beer? Learn about how the innovation of American craft beer translates well into the artisanal spirits industry, as Rich discusses New Holland’s foray into distilling. They talk about a “hopquilla,” beer barrel bourbon and their beer schnapps.
And find out why Dru thinks, “Yeast are fickle little bitches.” Only on this week’s episode of Beer Sessions Radio™!