New at Norms

[chazwicke]

From Norm's newest email:

Greetings from Norm’s Beer & Wine!

Stop by Tuesday between 6-7:30 and help choose the next Sam Adams beer!
Taste the two candidates and cast your vote!

Wine News

Obvio Malbec Mendoza 2004…$6.99
This carefully crafted Malbec from San Carlos Valle de Uco encapsulates
the vibrancy and soul of Argentinean life. Obvio´s Malbec excites the
eye with its deep violet tones and tangos on the palate with an array of
red and black fruits. This is an easy drinking style of wine to be
enjoyed on all occasions, and excellent when paired with meats, pasta
and hard cheeses.


Beer News

These are in stock or due on Friday:

Samuel Adams Brewer Patriot Collection…$9.99/4pk
These four beers honor the fine American brewing tradition begun by our
founding fathers. Each 4pk includes Traditional Ginger Honey Ale,
George Washington Porter, James Madison Dark Wheat Ale, and 1790 Root
Beer Brew.

Spaten Oktoberfest...$11.99/12pk special!
Spaten Oktoberfest Beer is amber in color. This medium bodied beer has
achieved its impeccable taste by balancing the roasted malt flavor with
the perfect amount of hops. It has a rich textured palate with an
underlying sweetness true to tradition.

Also, Hofbrau Oktoberfest…$8.99/6pk

Penn Oktoberfest…$7.99/6pk
A rich, deep golden-colored lager fest bier that is exceptionally smooth
and mellow. Uses two-row malted barley and a combination of roasted
malts. Highly rated by the National Tasting Institute.

Smuttynose Pumpkin Ale…$7.99/6pk
Smuttynose Pumpkin Ale pays homage to the craft and heritage of
America's brewers. Recipes calling for the use of pumpkins in beer date
back to early colonial times, when brewers sought to extend their supply
of costly imported malt with locally grown ingredients, such as squash
and "pompions."In that spirit, the ale is brewed with the addition of
pumpkin to the mash, along with traditional spices to create a delicious
American original.

Also, Post Road Pumpkin Ale…$7.99/6pk

Sierra Nevada Brown Ale…$8.49/6pkA traditional brown ale brewed with a
blend of roasted and caramelized malts, as well as the renowned British
aromatic Goldings hops. This dark and flavorful ale is medium-bodied,
with a delightful malt character.


Thanks for subscribing to Norm’s Beer & Wine News and enjoy the weekend!

Norm’s Beer & Wine
136 Branch Rd SE
Vienna, VA 22180
703.242.0100
Mon-Sat 10am-9pm
Sun 11am-6pm

[kinjar]

Originally posted by chazwicke
From Norm's newest email:
Stop by Tuesday between 6-7:30 and help choose the next Sam Adams beer!
Taste the two candidates and cast your vote!


Is that Tuesday the 22nd? I'm planning on being right near Norm's tomorrow and could stop in.

[chazwicke]

Yep I think so. I just got the email last Friday.
Give us a report if you go.

[newportstorm]

Honey Porter (Sample A) vs. Rauchbier (or Smoked Lager - Sample B)

Both beers exist(ed), so this will either revive the tasty Honey Porter of old or expand the reach of their Rauchbier, which I've only seen at fests and select bars until now.

The Sam Adams site also is running an O(c)ktoberfst Promotion where you can enter to win a trip to head to Munich next year.

Prost!

[chazwicke]

Rauch, YUM! I've not seen this from SA before. How is it?

[newportstorm]

Originally posted by chazwicke
Rauch, YUM! I've not seen this from SA before. How is it?

Quite good. Not a smoke bomb, as many can be. From my foggy memory of the Extreme Beer Fest a couple years ago, it was caramelly sweet, but dry enough in the finish to avoid it being cloying - medium smokiness. Very drinkable with some meats, cheeses, BBQ, etc.

You and bruno were at that fest - dunno how you missed it.

Cheers!

[chazwicke]

I was trying to drink beers from breweries that I could not get down here. I passed SA up but someone did bring over a sample of Triplebock.

[newportstorm]

Originally posted by chazwicke
I was trying to drink beers from breweries that I could not get down here. I passed SA up but someone did bring over a sample of Triplebock.

Understandable - I'd do the same. Though SA did have a DIPA and the very popular "Three Weiss Man" that day. Ah well...

http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/35/12702

Cheers!

[chazwicke]

I'd like to get back up for another fest at that venue. I like to travel to other locales for festivals because at our local fests it is often the same ole stuff fest after fest. I liked the Cyclorama too.

[kinjar]

Originally posted by chazwicke
Give us a report if you go.

Pretty casual thing. Walk in and ask for a sample.

My wife and I voted for the Honey Porter over the Smoked Lager.

The HP started out almost too sweet, but quickly settled down into a very tasty porter. The SL was just too smokey for my liking. I think it would be a beer I would enjoy trying one of, but as far as drinking several, I would pass.

According to the SA rep, this year's winner will replace last year's winner (Brown Ale) in the Brewer's Select packs. When I expressed my dismay since I really enjoy the Brown Ale, she mentioned that they will be test marketing the Brown Ale as its own line - releasing it in six and twelve packs in select markets.

We also got to sample the Oktoberfest. The rep said that due to its popularity, they actually released it earlier this year - seems to confirm the trend that's been discussed in another thread.

Unfortunately, Norm's was already sold out of the Patriot 4-pack, but they expect another shipment in this Thursday. Instead, I picked-up the latest Oktoberfest from Old Dominion to try tonight.

[chazwicke]

How was the Old Dominion?

[Derekt2]

Originally posted by chazwicke
How was the Old Dominion?

It's pretty good. It was the favorite of all I tried. My second was the Hofbrau Haus which is so light and hoppy this year it reminded me more of a Dortmunder but anyway...

[chazwicke]

I've not tried any so far this year. I guess I better get crackin!:D

Last year the Paulaner was my fav.

[kinjar]

Originally posted by Derekt2
It's pretty good. It was the favorite of all I tried.

Is it different than last year? I found last year's to be inconsistent from having it at the brewery to having it in the bottle - more so than just the typical differences.

Derek - I also noticed your sig with the LHBS addy. Are you associated with the one in Seven Corners?

[Derekt2]

Originally posted by kinjar
Is it different than last year? I found last year's to be inconsistent from having it at the brewery to having it in the bottle - more so than just the typical differences.

Derek - I also noticed your sig with the LHBS addy. Are you associated with the one in Seven Corners?

I bought a keg of last year's but a 6-er of this go round, at least so far. I think last years was a tad maltier but this one a tad more poundable for that very reason -- but the differences are small. I haven't had either at the brewery so I cannot comment there.

And yes, thanks for noticing, I am the HBS at 7 Corners. Have we met?

- D

[kinjar]

Originally posted by Derekt2
And yes, thanks for noticing, I am the HBS at 7 Corners. Have we met?

No, not yet anyway. I've been off from serious home brewing for a couple years after we had our first kid (time, money, room). But now that my son is a little older and we just moved into a little bigger house, I'm going to start up again - as soon as we sell our townhouse.

Since my hiatus started, the brewshop I was using closed. Someone at work said there was a shop in seven corners (I work in Baily's Crossroads) and was going to track it down and stop in to figure out all I needed to get started again.

[Derekt2]

Originally posted by kinjar
No, not yet anyway. I've been off from serious home brewing for a couple years after we had our first kid (time, money, room). But now that my son is a little older and we just moved into a little bigger house, I'm going to start up again - as soon as we sell our townhouse.

Since my hiatus started, the brewshop I was using closed. Someone at work said there was a shop in seven corners (I work in Baily's Crossroads) and was going to track it down and stop in to figure out all I needed to get started again.

You must have been going to ManorFest which was close to here or maybe Brewtopia in Centreville? Yes, I am close. To get here go up Rte. 7 W. Turn left onto Patrick Henry (before the Sears on the left, and 7 Corners on the right) and make an immediate right into the parking lot for a 4-story building. I am around back but on the 4th floor. Anway, hope to meet you in person one day to welcome you back to the fold. Cheers!

[kinjar]

Originally posted by Derekt2
You must have been going to ManorFest which was close to here or maybe Brewtopia in Centreville? Yes, I am close. To get here go up Rte. 7 W. Turn left onto Patrick Henry (before the Sears on the left, and 7 Corners on the right) and make an immediate right into the parking lot for a 4-story building. I am around back but on the 4th floor. Anway, hope to meet you in person one day to welcome you back to the fold. Cheers!

Yep, ManorFest turned me from a Mr. Beer guy to someone that actually made beer. Look forward to meeting you.