Brother Thelonius

Thelonious Monk played piano like no one before him, virtually redefining the instrument. As a person and a musician he was as enigmatic as he was prodigious. In fact of his last tour his bassist Al McKibbon had this to say, “On that tour Monk said about two words. I mean literally maybe two words. He didn't say 'Good morning', 'Goodnight', 'What time?' Nothing. Why, I don't know. He sent word back after the tour was over that the reason he couldn't communicate or play was that Art Blakey and I were so ugly.” Luckily for us Brother Thelonious the Abbey style ale isn’t hard to figure out. This beer pours a rich mahogany, with a nose that is sweet and malty. The taste is malt up front with a dry and spicy finish. Suggested pairing? Uncork a bottle and play “Brilliant Corners”, Monk’s landmark 1956 album.

Pipeline Porter

Aloha brah! Take a trip to the Hawaiian Islands with this inimitable porter from Kona Brewing Company. Blending unique malted barley with Kona coffee, Pipeline Porter is all that and then some. On the nose you get a nice blast of coffee along with chocolate malts, and even a bit of toffee. There’s a slight bitterness to the taste which blends nicely with the toffee and chocolate overtones. You’d expect this to be a heavy beer but in reality it’s much lighter on the palate than a lot of porters out there. As the days get shorter Pipeline Porter is a reminder that winter won’t last forever. 

Jubelale

Deschutes Brewery’s seasonal favorite Jubeale is finally here. Say what you will about winter, whether you hate it or love it, there is one thing to always look forward to, namely, seasonal brews. And Jubeale is absolutely one of the better ones out there. This was the first beer brewed by Deschutes and 2007 marks its 20th anniversary. It has a very rich flavor, with good spice, but it’s not overpowering like a lot of winter ales. Made with dark crystal malt and whole flower hops, they provide Jubeale has a rich flavor which is perfect for a hearty meal, or just as spectacular enjoyed on its own.

La Fin du Monde

In French La Fin du Monde means, “The end of the world”. Brewed in Quebec, the name refers to the idea explorers had that when they reached a new land it was, in essence, the end of the world. This is a triple fermented Belgium style golden ale that packs a wallop at 9% ABV (alcohol by volume). The taste also packs a punch, smooth and slightly tart, with a pleasant balance of flavors of wild spices, malt and hops. It is also very pleasing on the palate with an almost champagne like effervescence. The brewer is Unibroue and their motto is “Drink less, drink better!” In the case of La Fin du Monde I couldn’t agree more.

Thomas Hardy's Ale
This old ale/barely wine is quite likely to be unlike anything you’ve ever tasted. Thomas Hardy’s Ale is bottle-conditioned to mature in the bottle much like a fine wine. The first taste can be a bit off putting, as most of us associate beer with having at least some carbonation. Well, throw that preconception out the window. Hardy’s Ale doesn’t so much hit your palate as much as it engulfs it, syrupy smooth without a bite. This ale is subtle and complex at the same time, with a finish wholly unique to any other “beer”.

Old Jubilation Ale

Mile High Wine and Spirts has a scored a coup! We are the first store in Colorado to recieve our shipment of Avery Brewing Co.'s seasonal winter strong ale Old Jubilation. With summer about to become a fading memory it's time to settle in for the cold months ahead. This Boulder brewery describes Old Jubilation as follows: "Our winter strong ale has a gorgeous mahogany hue, a hint of hazelnuts and a finish reminiscent of mocha and toffee. No spices, just a perfect blend of blend of five specialty malts." When you're right you're right, and I couldn't have described it better myself.

Bitburger Premium Beer

According to the label Bitburger is Germany’s number 1 draft beer. And after one sip of this fine lager it’s not hard to see why. It’s crisp, light, and the slight hop flavor leaves a pleasant and in no way overpowering after taste. Plus it is one of the more reasonably priced imports on the market. Absolutely perfect with brats, Bitburger will go over fabulously on any autumn Sunday afternoon.

Pinstripe Red Ale

Straight outta Durango comes another solid entry from Colorado’s own Ska Brewing Company. Pinstripe Red Ale is brewed with Liberty hops and caramel malts. Liberty hops are some of the lighter hops available, meaning they don’t overwhelm the beer. But if you think this might be some sickly sweet Red Ale, you’d be wrong. The balance between the hops and malt is in excellent proportion. Pairs well with perhaps the greatest comfort food of all, pizza. You can’t really go wrong with any beer that bears the stamp Ska Brewing, and Pinstripe Red Ale is no exception. Plus check out their webwines www.skabrewing.com where you can pick up some of the coolest t-shirts you’re likely to come across.

Mothership Wit Organic Wheat Beer

Mothership Wit is New Belgium's first foray into the ever expanding market of organic beers. The only question is, what took them so long? The company has long been a leader in creating a sustainable, viable approach to brewing. In fact in 1998 they became the nation's first fully wind powered brewery. That's all very admirable, and saving the planet is great, but if the beer's no good the cure is worse than the disease. Luckily for us, and the planet, this wheat beer stands on its own. Made with organically grown wheat malt, coriander and orange peel spicing it is what you would expect from a traditional Belgium Wit. Namely a healthy straw color and an aroma that's a mixture of yeasty dough and ripened fruit. And the taste is a pleasing mixture of the two. You clearly taste the citrus but it never over powers the wheat, and the carbonation washes over the taste and clears the palate nicely. Mothership Wit is not only a good addition to the New Belgium family it's also a good addition to the Wheat Beer Market.

6pk Bottles - $6.99 (are u kidding me? Lowest New Belgium prices in town)

Young’s Luxury Double Chocolate Stout

Do you like stout? If you’re anything like me the answer is yes. Do you like chocolate? If you have a pulse I’m quite certain the answer is an emphatic yes. Do you like stout and chocolate together? Huh? Believe it or not the fine folks at Young and Co.’s Brewery in England have pulled this magic trick off. With an aroma as pleasing as its taste this chocolate stout is exactly what it sounds like and then some. Beware though, this is not a stout that you’ll be drinking one after another in a pub. This is a dessert stout to share after a good meal. Try it, you’ll love it.