Beer

An insider guide to your next cider for October!

Beer, Beer Reviews, Entertain, Pairings
By Zach DehghanpoorAfter years of enjoying the hops-mania that’s been surging in the beer community, cider is coming in as a real game changer and palette cleanser. Gluten free, dry and sweet, and so, so easy to drink – the cider side of craft and local beer is what Apples to Apples is here to explore!Saint Arnold Honey Agave CiderIn a crisis of taste recently, I sent a prayer to my favorite saint. Then out of nowhere appeared a divine gift of local Texas cider! Saint Arnold Honey Agave Cide... Read More

If You Mustard…

Spec’sology Blog, Beer, Beer Reviews, Pairings, Reviews
It’s still prime grilling season (outside of the occasional tropical depression) and that coupled with Oktoberfest means lots of flame-kissed meats! Whether you’re serving dogs in buns, sausage links or bigger cuts, a good mustard is something you should absolutely have at hand. So, is there a “better” mustard for certain things? What makes them different? It’s time to take a quick bite into this centuries old condiment.Mustard is a mix of mustard seeds and liquid that’s ground into ... Read More

An insider guide to your next cider for September!

Beer, Beer Reviews, Entertain, Pairings
By Zach DehghanpoorAfter years of enjoying the hops-mania that’s been surging in the beer community, cider is coming in as a real game changer and palette cleanser. Gluten free, dry and sweet, and so, so easy to drink – the cider side of craft and local beer is what Apples to Apples is here to explore!Rekorderlig Strawberry Lime Cider.Rekorderlig Strawberry Lime is a delicate cider; the fruit flavors are so bright and upfront it’s like you are drinking a freshly squeezed cup of juice! The ... Read More

Still Grillin’

Beer, Entertain, Finer Foods, Pairings
“We’re heading into Oktoberfest season and that means great things for your next barbecue. Where we talked about the Helles style being straight forward beer flavored beer, Oktoberfest and other amber styles like it bring toasted malt flavors that make them perfect alongside the things you’re cooking on your grill or in your smoker.”Few beer styles have as storied a past as Oktoberfest does. A perfect retelling of its history can be found here, by Michael Jackson (the beer/scotch writer,... Read More

Sour Power

Spec’sology Blog, Beer, Beer Reviews, Pairings, Reviews
“When most people are introduced to the idea of “sour beer” they often assume something has gone wrong with the liquid. But, most of those same people are surprised and delighted with their first sip or a sour beer. The acidity comes across in a very citric, lemon way that, coupled with the carbonation and chill of the liquid, makes for a perfect hot weather thirst quencher.”The idea of beer as a flavor doesn’t usually shout a noticeable acidity, but historically most beer had a pronou... Read More

An insider guide to your next cider for August!

Beer, Beer Reviews, Entertain, Pairings
By Zach DehghanpoorAfter years of enjoying the hops-mania that’s been surging in the beer community, cider is coming in as a real game changer and palette cleanser. Gluten free, dry and sweet, and so, so easy to drink – the cider side of craft and local beer is what Apples to Apples is here to explore!Woodchuck Sangria CiderBeing a man, you’re not really expected to enjoy certain things; Facials, Appletinis, Sangria… Well it’s 2019 and things are different! I introduce you to ... Read More

July 4th Campfire Cocktails

Spec’sology Blog, Beer, Spirits
This Fourth of July why not try something different to celebrate the independence of America? Instead of the typical red, white, and blue themed party or fighting traffic to get downtown and stand in a crowd staring up at the sky, what about getting out of your familiar surroundings and experiencing America the way our Founding Fathers did – in the wild and untamed nature?!Camping is a great way to get out and see America the beautiful in all its glory. Gathering around a campfire with your fa... Read More

An insider guide to your next cider for July!

Beer, Beer Reviews, Entertain, Pairings
By Zach DehghanpoorAfter years of enjoying the hops-mania that’s been surging in the beer community, cider is coming in as a real game changer and palette cleanser. Gluten free, dry and sweet, and so, so easy to drink – the cider side of craft and local beer is what Apples to Apples is here to explore!With summer just getting started, what better way to quench your thirst in this hot sticky Texas heat than a nice, ice-cold glass of pink lemonade Cider! Houston Cider Co. is making some big st... Read More

Summer Cocktail Pairings

Spec’sology Blog, Beer, Finer Foods, Spirits
Ahh summertime, the season of getting out and getting down! Whether you’re heading to a pool party, a day by the lake, or throwing a bash at your place, odds are there’s going to be food – and not just any food, but fancy summer favorites. And while we typically think beer or wine when the grill is fired up, a refreshing cocktail may be just what you need to set your summer fun apart from the masses. From delightful pairings to grilled ingredients and frozen poptails, we’ve got you cover... Read More

Ooh, Grill!…

Entertain, Beer, Spec’sology Blog
“One of my favorite times and places to drink a beer during the Summer is with friends and family at a barbecue. There is something comforting and classic about the smells and flavors of the grill alongside a crisp, cold and refreshing beer. Big name cold bubbles are sufficient enough grilling fuel, but a good helles is the better option!”What Is Helles?Helles is a pale golden lager centered on the subtle grainy sweetness of pilsner malt, accented by spicy, floral hop aromatics with a soft b... Read More

Caught Red-Handed

Spec’sology Blog, Beer
Exploring American Red/Amber AlesWhen it comes to beer, everyone knows that familiar golden hue of the classic American lager. There’re also the coppery browns, and deep dark stouts that you see scattered around your local bar or in the house of your beer enthusiast friend’s house. But what you don’t see very often are red beers. What are they and why are they red? What Is A Red Ale?A red ale (or lager) is an American style beer brewed with a proportion of caramel and specialty malts to cr... Read More

Michelada

Beer, Entertain, Finer Foods, Pairings
“Now that we’ve got a solid base recipe to play with, why stop? There are a number of things you can add on your favorite michelada to put it over the top!”If you’re still reading after the first Michelada post (https://specsonline.com/blog/beer/beer-snacks-belgian-strong-golden-2/), it’s safe to say you’re open to adding a little more than extra to your beer. Well, in the spirit of not “leaving well enough alone”, we’re not stopping at a good “basic” michelada. Why should ... Read More