I Think I'm in Love All Over Again

Last fall when we visited Munich during Oktoberfest, most everyone was ordering massive steins (mass) of lagers, but I was in hefeweizen heaven. For the past few years, my beer of choice has been Blue Moon Belgian Wheat Ale. Many a Saturday nights after hockey, the ladies and I have stopped by the Pub for a Blue Moon garnished with a slice of orange. Lately it seems like Blue Moon is become more widely available on tap, which, as Martha would say, is a good thing. But I think I may be ready to move on to something new and not necessarily so different.

Today, the Alaskan Brewery released its newest year-round brew... Alaskan White. Same basic idea as Blue Moon... wheat ale seasoned with coriander (aka cilantro) and citrus (the reason it tastes so good with the orange slice). I had heard it was coming and meant to pick some up the other day when we were out near the brewery, but realized half way home that we'd forgotten to stop. It was a tragic moment and I almost made John turn around and drive all the way back. Today he surprised me by bringing home a 12 pack - what a great guy!!!

Apparently the Brewery was planning to start selling the Summer Ale year round, but their distributors liked the novelty of the seasonal style. So instead they decided to go a different route with the White. I also just heard that they've decided to return the ESB (formerly Frontier) to a seasonal brew. Honestly, as long as they keep making the White year round for the rest of my lifetime, I don't really think I care what they do with the others.

I've been a fan of Alaskan since I spent a summer in Girdwood working for the USFS after my first summer in college. I drank so much Amber that summer that I still can't really enjoy it all that much any more. I'm a huge fan of oatmeal stouts and the Alaskan Brewery does a mighty fine job in that arena as well. But with summer coming (or is it already here?), I'm ready for an easy drinking, spice and sweet hef.

Thank you beer gods!

Check out more at http://www.juneauempire.com/stories/040609/loc_426356016.shtml and http://www.alaskanbeer.com/abw.html.