Manhattan Meadery at the Master Brewers Association Meeting

Manhattan Meadery was at the Master Brewers Association meeting at Brooklyn Brewery this past Monday night, and the beer flowed like wine. Through we're technically winemakers, Garrett Oliver, BB's brewmaster, invited us along as "brothers in fermentation". Brewmasters from all over the United States and all over the world were in attendance. It was great to meet so many brewers and hear about interesting fermentations from around the globe. We sampled some amazing beers from the United States, Italy, Scotland, etc. Though the notes get fuzzy as the night went on, below is a rundown of the beers served.

• Firestone Walker, Paso Robles, CA- Pale ale and IPA. Generally regarded as one of the best pale ales in the US, and it certainly did not disappoint. Amazing fresh, crisp and earthy flavor.


• Ala Chiarla Brewing Company, Italy- We tried the Kukumurla and Chococarubica beers. Very much European beers. Delicious and dynamic flavors- almost Belgian flavors.


• Hovells, Germany- I don't remember this beer, but it was delicious.


• Schofferhofer, Germany- The most amazing Hefeweizen ever. Rich fruity flavor.


• Birra del Borgo, Italy- voted the Best craft brewery in Italy. They graced us with their amazing gentian root and green tea beers. They were subtle and very refreshing. They also had an Estra Re Ale which was fantastic.


• Chiostro, by Piccolo Birrificio Brewers- This beer had absinthe in it. Truly one of the most interesting, and medicinal, beers I've had in a while. Fear no beer.


• Hitochino, by Kiuchi Brewery Japan- We tried several of their beers, the most notable was the Hitochino, or their ginger beer. The brewmaster explained that Japanese ginger is more subtle and nuanced than American ginger. You could taste it in this beer. Delicious but subtle ginger flavor.


• Brooklyn Special Beer- Garrett broke out some of the Woodford Reserve barrel aged secret brew. It's the Local 1 aged in Woodford whiskey barrels. And it's amazing! Not sold to the public, I thought this beer tasted like pinot noir, though I might have been the only one of that opinion.


• 30th Anniversary, Sierra Nevada, CA- Enough said, their beers are always delicious, and hoppy.


• Exit 4, Flying Fish Brewing Company, New Jersey- The Exit 4 is a Belgian Trippel with fruity banana flavors. Nice New Jersey. Nice.


• Bitter and Twisted, Old Dubh, Harviestoun Brewery, Scotland- The B&T was a great flavorful blond with nice hops. The Old Dubh, the brewmaster explained, is thick like their other Engine Oil line of beer, but is aged in whiskey barrels. It was dark and mysterious. And delicious.


• Off Kilter Stout and Oyster Stout, Porterhouse Brewing Company, Dublin, Ireland- The Off Kilter was a decidedly mild stout and a pleasant surprise. The Oyster Stout is, yes, actually brewed with fresh oysters. It was good, though I'm not sure how much shellfish survived the boil. I think I should make a steak beer...

Stay tuned for Manhattan Meadery's next big thing. A honey beer, called Braggot, which will be released by a Brooklyn Brewery and Manhattan Meadery joint venture. Stay tuned and get excited.