Summer 2016, Issue 25

Summer always seems to be the perfect time to enjoy the glorious beverage that is beer. Temperatures are up, inhibitions are down and the finest suds are just an arm’s length away… what more could you ask for? Well, how about the 25^th issue of The Beer Connoisseur!

Hazy, New England-style IPAs are trending, and we get the scoop with one of their originators Nate Lanier of Tree House Brewing. Then we travel to the Lone Star state for a chat with wild ale expert Jeffrey Stuffings, founder and head brewer at Jester King Brewery.

For our cover story, we delve into the history and artistry of coopering, which is the craft of making and maintaining spirit barrels. Also in this issue, Jonathan Ingram interviews "the mayor of Hinchtown," craft beer and indy car racing legend James Hinchcliffe, Dave Clark takes a trip to the desert to visit Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co., Lucy Corne’s South Africa story charts the rise of craft beer in a macro-dominated landscape, and Sherry Dryja is back with a beer picnic that’s sure to make even the dullest family gathering a raucous occasion.

All of the usual coverage is here as well: Our expert, single-blind beer reviews featuring a whopping 49 beers with scores of 91 and above along with corresponding Q & As, the lowdown on terrific beer fests nationwide and many tasty summertime new releases to wet your whistle.

So pop open a cold one and pop a squat by the pool with phone or tablet in hand and enjoy this, the Summer Issue of The Beer Connoisseur!

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THIS ISSUE IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY: 
The Original Craft Beer Club

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

From the Editors

Contributors

Industry News

FIRST RUNNINGS

Innovators Series: Nate Lanier of Tree House
A pioneer of the burgeoning New England IPA style, Tree House's co-founder and head brewer talks shop.

Brewing With: Jeffrey Stuffings
Jester King's resident sour master discusses the joys of wild fermentation.

Connoisseur's Corner
Jonathan Ingram examines the implications of the mass exodus within Colorado Brewers Guild.

FEATURES

The Art of Coopering
Learn about the unsung heroes of barrel-aged beers and their ancient craft.

Style Studies
Summery styles are in as we focus on the popular Gose style and Kellerbier, an unfiltered lager.

'Hinch' Gives Lift to Flat 12 Bierwerks
The Mayor of Hinchtown cruises to the winner's circle with Indanapolis-based Flat 12 Bierwerks.

ADVERTISEMENTS & BC NETWORK OFFERS

FOOD & TRAVEL

Summertime Beer Picnic
Grab your checkered tablecloth and wicker baskets, it's picnic time!

Craft Beer in the Land of Lagers
South Africa's craft beer scene rises out of a macro lager-filled morass.

Fulfilling the Call of the Arizona Wilderness
A craft beer oasis in a sweltering desert. 

Festivals & Events
Summertime is the right time for some of the finest beer festivals of the year.
 

REVIEWS

Beer Review
Over 100 single-blind reviews from our panel of experts. Featuring Prairie, Founders, The Bruery and many more!

Brewer Q & A
Brewers share secrets of their highest-scoring beers.

Seasonals & Hot New Releases
Tasty treats from breweries nationwide, separated by region.

Product Review: Fizzics Draft Beer System
We get Fizzic-al with this interesting home draft device.

Book Review: The Beer Geek Handbook
Spoiler alert: We are beer geeks.
 

The European Report

European News
Brouwerij de Brabandere releases fully blendable six-pack of Petrus sours, Lindemans launches beer tapas for pairings and more.

Veltins Vaults Into America
Kellerbier (aka Zwickel Lager) is having a bit of a resurgence, led by originators such as Veltins.