NYC Tastes

It's always nice to see an old friend return...especially when that old friend is a big delicious Imperial Stout.  The good folks over at Founders decided to bring back their popular Canadian Breakfast Stout this year, a beer that's been gone since 2011.  This version is only available on draft and finding it around the city can be incredibly tough but it's so worth the energy. CBS is brewed with a blend of coffees and imported chocolates then aged in bourbon barrels previously used for aging maple syrup.  The result is a big creamy stout with the incredible nose of maple, vanilla and chocolate and flavors of even more maple syrup, toasted marshmallow, bourbon and coffee.  It's a bit sweet, a bit boozy but incredibly drinkable and smooth even with the 10.6 ABV. I was nervous this new batch wouldn't hold up to my fond memories of CBS years ago but it completely hit the mark in every way.  Now if I could just find some more...Cheers! Founders Brewing ...

Ever since Nancy Olson left as Gramercy Tavern's pastry chef, I feel the need to stop in once in a while and ensure that things are still running smoothly.  This springy Chocolate Cake with Concord Compote, Buckwheat and Toasted Almond Ice Cream is a clear indication that things are on track... ....paired with a creamy Founders Porter for extra dessert bliss :) Gramercy Tavern 42 East 20th Street New York, NY 10003

The 4th of July is over now it's time to have a beer and break this incredible heat we're going through.  Today's pick the newest from Founders- Rubaeus. This beer has fresh raspberries added in five different stages of the brewing process.  This results in a layering of raspberry flavor that's tart, sweet and full in your face fruity.  This would pair nicely would a giant slice of rich chocolate cake.  Cheers! Founders Brewing

This was one of those weeks from hell where I truly thought about finding a nice, dark hole to climb into for a while.  I was so tried, so stressed, so freaking wet from getting caught in every single downpour.  My frustration peaked Thursday morning when I dropped my cup of coffee three feet outside the coffee shop.  It was as if that stupid coffee just had to stick it to me one more time and I almost cried (I know it's ridiculous to cry over spilled coffee, obviously I'm a mess).  But it's Friday and and I can finally celebrate with a delicious beer- Founders Double Trouble. This Double IPA has big aromas of grapefruit and honey with a smooth bitter taste of citrus and pine.  I love how great IPA's have a nice crisp bite on the end that's incredibly satisfying.  This guy clocks in at 9.4% abv so it's perfect for having after a long hard week.  Founders just r...

This place has quickly become one of my favorite bars in the city.  Located right next door to Bowery Ballroom, One Mile House is an absolute gem on this stretch of Delancey.  The first thing you'll notice walking inside is that this is a serious beer bar.  With a constantly rotating draft list of 30 beers I find something new and delicious each visit.  Last weekend we enjoyed the brand new Founders Doom and the Widmer Brothers Alchemy Ale. The Alchemy was a tasty, easy drinking pale ale while the the Doom was a crazy bourbon barrel aged Imperial IPA .  Don't worry if you're not sure what beer to order.  One Mile House offers flights, so you can try out a few different varieties and discover what pleases your palate.  Carry your flight to the patio out back and enjoy some brews while basking in the sun.     I highly suggest ordering some bar food as well.  I love a saucy bar pizza and t...

It's time to toast the weekend again and it's with one incredibly delicious beer released to NYC just this week- Founders KBS. This Imperial Stout pours a deep, dark brown with a light but creamy head that sticks to the side of the glass and creates incredible lacing.  I've had older batches of KBS before and it's always been smooth but with strong bourbon notes both in taste and smell.  This 2013 batch was the first opportunity I had to try it fresh and the layering of flavors was absolutely incredible.  Coffee was the most prominent up front with creamy notes of vanilla and a smooth lingering taste of dark chocolate on the end.   While the bourbon was clearly present all the flavors seemed to share center stage in this incredible beer.  Although most places sold out within hours this week there are rumors of another small batch coming this weekend so it doesn't hurt to call around.  This is one beer worth seeking out. Founders KBS ...

Which means lots of basketball viewing and beer drinking for the next few weekends.  This time of year is always intense and it's hard to drink good beers all day without getting totally snockered   Usually I revert back to BMC (Bud, Miller, Coors) for a light choice but they taste like water and I hate supporting the giant corporation InBev.  Luckily one of my favorite breweries has come out with a delicious alternative. It's the All Day IPA from Founders.  It has big aromas of citrus and lots of pine and grassy notes that I love in an IPA but with only 4.7% abv.  Which means you can drink this beer "All Day".  Enjoy the tournament! Founders Brewery