Tag Archives: United Kingdom

December Beer Club: Iowa

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BeerClubLogovery-bad-elf-bow-bottle-imageRidgeway Brewing
Very Bad Elf
Amber Ale
South Stoke, Oxfordshire, England

This Very Bad Elf is one fine ale – rich, hardy, and flavorful. It is made based on an original 1795 Thames Valley recipe, with the very special pale amber malt – that is rarely used nowadays – creating nutty and sweet-roasted flavors. It is also balanced by a modest addition of English Fuggle aroma hops. Now sold out for 2023, we are lucky to share this with our Beer Club Members!

ABV: 7.5% alcohol / volume
IBU: 40
Style: Strong Amber Ale
Beer Style: Malty & Sweet
Size: 500ml

ABOUT RIDGEWAY BREWING:
Located in South Oxfordshire, Ridgeway Brewing was founded in 2002 by Peter Scholey, former head brewer at Brakspear and his wife, Vanda. The brewery takes its name from the ancient, long-distance footpath and trade route that passes just a few hundred yards from their front door in South Stoke. With their beers, they hope to create lasting experiences with “cutting edge tradition” – a match between heritage and modern tastes and technologies. Check them out on Untappd, or learn more about their company here.

Photos and information © Ridgeway Brewing – All Rights Reserved.

Snow-on-the-Maple-Tree-19OZ-bow-Can-Clown Shoes Beer
Snow on the Maple Tree
Imperial Stout
Boston, Massachusetts, USA

The Clown Shoes team takes their Undead Party Crasher American Imperial Stout and ages it in bourbon barrels (that are aged in premium maple syrup) to create Snow on the Maple Tree. This beer has a strong and sweet taste of maple that flows throughout, with dark malts providing a rich and full-bodied flavor.

ABV: 11% alcohol / volume
IBU: 45
Style: Stout – Imperial / Double
Beer Style: Dark & Roasty
Size: 19 oz.

ABOUT CLOWN SHOES BEER:
Founded in 2009, Clown Shoes was a result of a joke, some spite and a deep passion for craft beer. While they find clowns a bit questionable, everyone can agree their shoes are quite hilarious – a reminder of humility and to find humor in life. The team’s mission is to produce beer without pretension, while being free and a little crazy. Check them out on Untappd, or learn more about their company here.

Photos and information © Clown Shoes Beer – All Rights Reserved.

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November Beer Club: Iowa

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BeerClubLogoSamuel Smith’s
Gift Box
Yorkshire, UK

This month, our Beer Club members will enjoy a Samuel Smith Gift Box featuring a Victorian pint (18.7 oz.) of each of three classics from Samuel Smith, plus an authentic Samuel Smith pint glass, a brewery brochure, and two coasters.

Samuel-Smith-Gift-BoxIncluded in Variety Pack:

  • India Ale
  • Winter Welcome Ale
  • Organic Chocolate Stout

sam_smith_india_ale_12z_2014Samuel Smith’s
India Ale
Yorkshire, UK

A restrained maltiness and an emphasis on the aroma and flavor of hops from England’s finest farms: floral, herbal hops show in the aroma and finish, but bitterness is balanced, refined and elegant.

ABV: 5% alcohol / volume
OG: 1.052
IBU: 46
Style: IPA – English
Beer Style: Hoppy & Bitter

History:
In the late 18th and early 19th centuries there was a considerable trade in beer to India. Leaving the India docks in London, ships would sail around the Cape of Good Hope through the Indian Ocean to Bombay and beyond, a three-to four-month trip. Highly hopped pale beers brewed to withstand the trip became known as “IPA,” India Pale Ale.

Serving Suggestion:
Green chili and lime pickle, mulligatawny soup, pork with vinegar and garlic, chicken with a roasted coconut sauce, fish on a bed of potatoes, onions and tomato masala, prawns curry and duck risotto. Serve in nonik pint glasses.

Samuel_Smiths_Winter_Welcome_18.7oz_no_bg_2023Samuel Smith’s
Winter Welcome Ale
Yorkshire, UK

Honey-amber colored, creamy head of small bubbles, floral aroma and delicious caramel malt flavor with great finesse. Fine hop aroma finish and a fruity note from fermentation in open-topped stone “Yorkshire Squares”.

ABV: 6% alcohol / volume
OG: 1.056
IBU: 32
Style: Winter Ale
Beer Style: Malty and Sweet

History:
Throughout history, beer of somewhat higher alcohol and richness has been enjoyed for the winter holidays, when old friends get together to enjoy the season. Wassail is a festival to celebrate winter and the beer that goes with it. Winter Welcome is vintage-dated with a special label each year, and was first shipped to the US in 1990 – it was the first imported winter seasonal beer.

Serving Suggestion:
Roast goose, smoked turkey with oyster dressing, rack of lamb, candied yams, Smithfield hams, fresh pears and apples, or Christmas cake. Serve in crystal tumblers, or traditional Yorkshire tulip or nonik pint glasses.

organic-chocolate-stout-2Samuel Smith’s
Organic Chocolate Stout
Yorkshire, UK

Full bodied; roasted barley flavor and fruity notes from the Samuel Smith yeast strain support lush chocolate aroma, taste & finish.

ABV: 5% alcohol / volume
OG: 1.059
IBU: 28
Style: Stout – English
Beer Style: Dark and Roasty

History:
Innovators in Certified Organic beers, Samuel Smith began to ship the first organic beers to the US in the mid-1990s. Organic cider and organic fruit beers followed starting in 2007, and after many months of test brews & intensive tasting Organic Chocolate Stout was released in September, 2012. UK Soil Association and USDA Certified Organic.

A note about the label: the term “Theobroma cacao” that appears on the label is the scientific name for the cacao tree, and the illustration is of the pod from this tree, source of chocolate.

Serving Suggestion:
Great with a bowl of mixed nuts, with sharp cheeses, or with a classic molé sauce entrée. For dessert, try with complementary white, milk or dark chocolate, hazelnut biscotti, or chocolate mousse. Contrast with citrus crème, caramel or vanilla ice cream. A glass of Organic Chocolate Stout is a treat with an addition of 10% Lindeman’s Framboise lambic. Serve at 50°F.

ABOUT SAMUEL SMITH’S BREWERY:
Yorkshire’s oldest brewery, established in 1758, Samuel Smith’s brews a wide range of high quality beer, solely from authentic natural ingredients. The brewery still uses ‘stone Yorkshire squares’ made of solid blocks of slate, to ferment all its ales and stouts and the same yeast strain since the 1800s. They also use oak casks for all their naturally conditioned ales. Innovators in Certified Organic beers, Samuel Smith’s began to ship the first organic beers to the United States in the mid-1990s. Check them out on Untappd, or learn more about their company here.

Photos, Video and information © Samuel Smith’s – All Rights Reserved.

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September Beer Club: Iowa

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BeerClubLogoSamuel Smith‘s
Variety Six Pack with Glass
Yorkshire, UK

This month, our Beer Club members will enjoy six of Samuel Smith’s flagship, style-defining 12 oz. beers, plus a Samuel Smith’s branded glass.

Smith_VarietyPack_with-glassIncluded in Variety Pack:

  • Organic Pale Ale
  • Nut Brown Ale
  • The Famous Taddy Porter
  • Oatmeal Stout
  • Imperial Stout
  • Organic Chocolate Stout
  • Samuel Smith’s Glass

pale_ale-2020Samuel Smith’s
Organic Pale Ale
Yorkshire, UK

Brewed with well water (the original well at the Old Brewery, sunk in 1758, is still in use, with the hard well water being drawn from 85 feet underground), the best barley malt, yeast and aromatic hops; fermented in ‘stone Yorkshire squares’ to create a full, rounded flavor and after-taste.

ABV: 5% alcohol / volume
Serving Temperature: Around 51ºF
Style: Pale Ale

smiths_bottle_nut brown aleSamuel Smith’s
Nut Brown Ale
Yorkshire, UK

Brewed with well water (from the original well at the Old Brewery) and the best barley malt, yeast and aromatic hops. Fermented in ‘stone Yorkshire squares’ to create a relatively dry ale with rich nutty color and palate of beech nuts, almonds and walnuts.

ABV: 5% alcohol / volume
Serving Temperature: Around 55ºF
Style: Ale

smiths_bottle_taddy porterSamuel Smith’s
The Famous Taddy Porter
Yorkshire, UK

Brewed with well water (the original well at the Old Brewery, sunk in 1758), the best barley malt, yeast and aromatic hops. It too is fermented in ‘stone Yorkshire squares’.

ABV: 5% alcohol / volume
Serving Temperature: Around 55ºF
Style: Stout

 

oatmeal stoutSamuel Smith’s
Oatmeal Stout
Yorkshire, UK

Brewed with well water (the original well at the Old Brewery); fermented in ‘stone Yorkshire squares’ to create an almost opaque, wonderfully silky and smooth textured ale with a complex medium dry palate and bittersweet finish.

ABV: 5% alcohol / volume
Serving Temperature: Around 55ºF
Style: Stout

 

Imperial StoutSamuel Smith’s
Imperial Stout
Yorkshire, UK

Originally brewed to withstand the abuses of shipping in bad weather to Imperial Russia, this beer was a favorite of Russian nobility whose taste for the finest food and drink was world famous. This Imperial Stout is a rich, flavorful brew. Deep chocolate in color with a roasted barley nose and flavor that has a complexity of malt hops, alcohol and yeast. It is fermented in ‘stone Yorkshire squares’.

ABV: 7% alcohol / volume
Serving Temperature: Around 55ºF
Style: Stout

Organic Chocolate StoutSamuel Smith’s
Organic Chocolate Stout
Yorkshire, UK

Brewed with well water (from the original well sunk in 1758), then gently roasted organic chocolate malt and organic cocoa are added to impart a delicious, smooth and creamy character. This beer has inviting deep flavors and a delightful finish – making the perfect marriage of a satisfying stout and luxurious chocolate.

ABV: 5% alcohol / volume
Serving Temperature: Around 51ºF
Style: Stout

Samuel Smith - Variety Pack

ABOUT SAMUEL SMITH’S BREWERY:
Yorkshire’s oldest brewery, established in 1758, Samuel Smith’s brews a wide range of high quality beer, solely from authentic natural ingredients. The brewery still uses ‘stone Yorkshire squares’ made of solid blocks of slate, to ferment all its ales and stouts and the same yeast strain since the 1800s. They also use oak casks for all their naturally conditioned ales. Innovators in Certified Organic beers, Samuel Smith’s began to ship the first organic beers to the United States in the mid-1990s. Learn more here.

Photos and information © Samuel Smith’s – All Rights Reserved.

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August Beer Club: Iowa

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BeerClubLogoBlack-stack-Trust-the-processBlackstack Brewing
Trust the Process
Double Dry Hopped Double IPA
St. Paul, Minnesota

Made in collaboration with Yakima Chief’s Hops, the Blackstack team says, “the team that runs Yakima Chief’s Hops were instrumental in the creation of CRYO concentrated hops product, which we used with reckless abandon to help us get as much of that oil saturation we know and love into the beer. We based the hop bill off what they were most excited about from the last harvest: Idaho7, Idaho7 CRYO, Simcoe, Simcoe American Noble & just a dash of Sabro. Sometimes you don’t ask why… just trust the process.”

Beer Style: Hoppy
Style: Double Dry Hopped Double IPA (DDH DIPA)
ABV: 8.4% alcohol / volume

Blackstack-DDH-755_beer-canBlackstack Brewing
DDH 775: HBC586
Double Dry Hopped IPA
St. Paul, Minnesota

Local 755 is one of Blackstack’s flagship beers… this is a souped up version of that NEIPA. Blackstack’s favorite Fog Dog gets some extra love with an extra dry hop of new experimental varietal that they’ve become rather obsessed with as of late, HBC 586. In addition to the first two of their hand selected Azacca, Amarillo & Citra, they send a “saturated salutation” from their house to yours.

Beer Style: Hoppy
Style: Double Dry Hopped IPA
ABV: 6.8% alcohol / volume

ABOUT BLACKSTACK BREWERY:
A family owned and operated brewery, the Johnston family have had a long love affair with great beer. In the 1990’s, Scott Johnson, the patriarch of the family, owned of All Saints Brands, Inc., a distribution company bringing European classic beers into Minnesota. Finally, in 2017, the entire family was able to launch BlackStack Brewing. Learn more about the their brewery here, and follow them on Untappd.

Tynt_MeadowTynt Meadow
English Trappist Ale
England, United Kingdom

This English Trappist Ale is mahogany in color with a subtle warm red hue and a lasting beige head. The nose carries hints of dark chocolate, licorice and rich fruit flavors. The beer is full-bodied, while gently balancing the taste of dark chocolate, pepper, and fig. The palate is left with a warm and dry finish.

Beer Style: Fruity & Spicy
Style: Dark Trappist Ale
ABV: 7.4% alcohol / volume
OG: 1.078
IBU: 34.8
Serving Recommendation: Steak, chocolate cake 

ABOUT TYNT MEADOW:
Around 2013, the monks of the Saint Bernard Abbey realized farming was no longer a viable or sustainable option for their monastery due to modern mechanized farming and low dairy prices. After researching other monastic communities, they decided to build their own brewery in 2018. One of 10 brewing Trappist monasteries in the world, Tynt Meadow is the only Trappist brewery in England.

Trappist beers tend to be named after the place in which the monastery is situated, so Tynt Meadow honors the link with their plot of land. The monastery has records that beer was brewed before 1900, and while the historic recipe has been lost, the current Tynt Meadow is just as delicious and nurturing as the original. Learn more here.

 

Photos and information © Blackstack Brewing, Tynt Meadow Trappist Brewery and Merchant du Vin – All Rights Reserved.

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April Cheese Club: Iowa

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Cheese ClubGrafton Cheese ClubGrafton Village Cheese Clothbound Cheddar Vermont, USA

Grafton’s signature Cheddar is wrapped in cheesecloth and cave-aged for 6-8 months, a traditional method used for centuries allowing the cheese to take on a deeper variety of flavors. Grassy, nutty notes dominate with some lemony accents and a smooth, lactic body. The texture is firm and creamy with a tendency to crumble. AWARDS:
  • 2019 American Cheese Society – Second Place
  • 2019 International Cheese & Dairy Awards – Gold
  • 2019 Big E Gold Medal Cheese Competition – Silver
  • Many others – click here
FOOD PAIRING: Serve as table cheese, alongside dried fruits, nutty bread, dark berries, or grainy mustards WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRING: For wine, pair with our April Wine Club Wine – Pierre Jean Sauvignon Blanc; or other ‘Old-World’ classics such as a Chablis, Pinot Noir or Riesling. For beer, reach for a Wheat Beer, Red Ale or off-dry Cider. WINESTYLES: Silky BEERSTYLES: Crisp & Clean or Fruity & Spicy
Grafton Cheese

© Photo by Grafton Village Cheese

ABOUT GRAFTON VILLAGE CHEESE: The Grafton Cooperative Cheese Company was founded in 1892 by dairy farmers in rural agricultural communities who gathered together to make their surplus raw milk into cheese. This helped the community as they were able to take an abundance of creamy milk and turn it into a food that could be stored for a longer period of time. In 1912, a fire destroyed the original factory; it wasn’t until several decades later, in the mid 1960s, the nonprofit Windham Foundation restored the company, and a new era for the town was born. Today, quality and taste are the hallmarks of their company’s award-winning cheeses. Learn more about their story here.

Quicke’s Devonshire Red Clothbound Cheese Devon, UK

Quicke’s is handcrafted using milk from grass-fed cows, clothbound and naturally matured, typically for 6 months. This vibrant, full-flavored cheese has a distinctive taste on a classic Red Leicester, with crumbly texture, fresh, nutty flavors and a lemony creaminess. Best to be eaten within 7 days of opening. Once opened, wrap in greaseproof paper and store in air-tight container in the fridge.  AWARDS:
  • 2020 Great Taste Award
FOOD PAIRING: Use in a Shepard’s Pie or with savory scones WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRING: Pair with April’s Red Wine Club Wines or a fruity Pinot Noir. Also pairs well with sparkling wines, ciders and ales. WINESTYLES: Mellow or Fruity BEERSTYLES: Crisp & Clean; Sour, Tart & Funky; or Fruity & Spicy
Quickes03-06-20MattAustin-120_820x

© Photo by Quicke’s

ABOUT QUICKE’S: Established in 1540 by Andrew Quicke, when he fell in love with Devon village and built a better farm. Using traditional recipes, time-honored techniques and heritage starters passed down through the generations, Quicke’s continues to create outstanding clothbound cheddar. Made by hand in the old-fashioned way, slowly matured for a deeply satisfying flavor, their cheese celebrates the deep connection that has grown between the Quicke family and the land they have nurtured for almost 500 years. Learn more about their story here.
WineStyles of West Des Moines is excited to announce they have got their hands on a small amount of Hook’s Cheese Company’s special 15 Year Cheddar! While this is not featured in this month’s Cheese Club, we promise you don’t want to miss this. Ask how you can pick up this very special, limited cheese at your local wine store!

Monthly Cheese Club

Don’t let your Wine Club go home alone! Join our Cheese Club and bring home a match made in heaven!

If you enjoy pairing cheese with wine, this is your club!  Each month you’ll discover specialty and artisan cheeses to pair with your Wine Club. Monthly cheese selections are chosen by your local WineStyles participating location. It’s the perfect opportunity to Taste, Learn and Enjoy® amazing artisan cheese every month! Only $19.99/month and your wine won’t be lonely!  Click to learn more >

November Bubbly Club

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Bubbly Wine ClubBouteille Fiche BrutRidgeview
Bloomsbury Brut
Ditchling, Sussex, England

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

“Our sole focus in the winery at Ridgeview is minimal intervention, to let our exceptional grapes speak for themselves and nurture the juice into making the best wine possible. Balance is at the heart of all of our wines, making the most of the full fruit flavors in harmony with our wonderful cool climate acidity.”

Bloomsbury is light golden in color with a fine, persistent mousse. Citrus fruit aromas with hints of melon, peach and honey. Chardonnay dominance brings finesse, along with crisp freshness. The Pinots add depth and character leading to a beautifully balanced finish. Will age gracefully over time as the Chardonnay matures.

Analysis: 12.5% alcohol / volume
Varietals: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier
Altitude: 5m-65m ASL
Vineyard Age: Between 8 and 22 years old
Exposure: South & Southeast
Soil: Clay & Limestone, Flint & Loam
Bottle fermentation on the Lees: 12-18 months
Memorable Moment: Official wine served for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee
Critical Acclaim:

  • SILVER Decanter World Wine Awards 2018
  • SILVER OUTSTANDING International Wine and Spirit Competition 2018
  • 90 pts. – Decanter 2013
  • 90 pts. – The Wine Advocate (NV)
  • 91 pts. – AG Vinous (NV)
  • 90 pts. – Wine Enthusiast (NV)
  • 92 pts. – Wine Enthusiast 2015
  • 91 pts. – Wine Enthusiast 2014
  • 92 pts. – Wine Enthusiast 2013
  • 90 pts. – Wine & Spirits (NV)

PRODUCTION:
Whole-bunch pressed to limited pressure, and to give a low yield of 62% volume to weight. A natural cold settling takes places without the use of enzymes. Fermentation at a moderate temperature of 60.8-64.4°F in stainless steel using natural yeast. Malolactic fermentation is carried out.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
The Ridgeview story began in 1995, when Mike and Chris Roberts decided to release a vision, nurtured for many years. With a love of England and a passion for wine, they investigated the English wine industry with a view to understanding the type of wine production they felt would thrive best in the cool climate of Southern England. Their research pointed towards traditional method sparkling wine made from the three classic varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. At the time, sparkling wine production in England was largely unexplored and unproven, so the dream to create world class sparkling wine in Sussex was a certainly a risk.

Nestled at the base of the beautiful South Downs with their chalky soils, the perfect site was found – the ridge with an unforgettable view. It was here the journey began. Whilst the vines were gently nurtured towards their first harvest, we were busy creating one of England’s only underground cellars and building a state-of-the-art winery. Ridgeview’s first grapes were harvested and pressed; the wines were bottled, then hidden away in the cellar to age.

Over 20 years later, production has increased to more than a quarter of a million bottles and Ridgeview is sold across the world. Their winery continue to invest in the most modern, specialist machinery and proudly crafts every element of their production methods on site- from hand picking all of their grapes, gently pressing them to extract maximum flavor, bottling, riddling, disgorging and labelling. Learn more about Ridgeview Winery here.

Simon Roberts

Head Winemaker: Simon Roberts

WINEMAKER:
Founder, Mike Roberts MBE, was originally at the winemaking helm ably assisted by his son Simon, to whom he passed his considerable knowledge and experience. Simon Roberts is now Ridgeview’s Head Winemaker, supported by a highly experienced and talented winery team.

A natural winemaker with a skilled palate, Simon likes minimal intervention as a Winemaker and would rather let the grapes speak for themselves. Simon trained at Plumpton Wine College and gained experience in Australia. Now responsible for the day-to-day Winemaking at Ridgeview, Simon has the support of a fantastic team. In his spare time Simon can be found coming up with culinary creations in the kitchen. Learn more about the Ridgeview team here.

© Photo by Ridgeview Wine
© Photo by Ridgeview Wine – Winemaker, Simon
© Photo by Ridgeview Wine
© Photo by Ridgeview Wine
© Photo by Ridgeview Wine

Bubbly Wine Club Learn more about our Bubbly Club >