Last day of May, and I have to head back to Anchorage tomorrow. I am hoping my beer fridge is still running smoothly. I can’t believe the last two weeks have gone by so fast.
The daily beer painting is of a collaborative project by Cigar City Brewing Company from Florida, and Colorado’s New Belgium Brewing Company, called the Lips of Faith Series. This brew is made with Anaheim and Marash chilies. Okay, so I admit I didn’t know this was a chili beer when I purchased the bottle. I have to remember to always read the fine print, because, although I claim to love all beer, chili beer has never been my preferred option. However, I do love Cigar City’s beer, but it’s another brewery that doesn’t distribute to Alaska. I also really enjoy New Belgium beer, and because it does distribute here I was able to pick up this beer at La Bodega in Anchorage a few weeks back.
When reading the label, I learned that this beer was aged on cedar, similar to the Humidor IPA by Cigar City – a truly amazing beer. Either the chilies overwhelmed the cedar, or the flavor mix wasn’t quite right, because I tasted chilies mixed with an earthy flavor in this one. I guess I should read Beer Advocate’s reviews before I purchase beers, as this one only received a BA score of 79. Basically, anything under an 80 isn’t going to be a great example of that particular style (thanks, Rich, for that tip). Cigar City, please start distributing to Alaska. We love your beer here! I sampled a couple great examples at the first Culmination Beer Festival.
Big risks on a project like chilies in a pale ale may not be as well received as chocolate nibs in stout. I guess chilies in beer are not for everyone. Have to go for beer in chili I think.
You can purchase this painting, or a limited-edition print at my Etsy shop.
View the complete Year of Beer Paintings gallery.
Year of Beer 05.31. Lips of Faith Series Ale by Cigar City Brewing Co. and New Belgium Brewing Co. Oil on panel, 8″x10″.
Real Art Is Better! 