Art of the Table

It’s beer mail time again and new in the store this week:

Old Curmudgeon Old Ale from Founders Brewery in good ‘ol Grand Rapids, Michigan is here at a rate going for $3.15 per and $12.60 for four.

This Old Ale conjures up thoughts of classic seafaring ports, their local pubs, and the weathered fisherman that frequent them. In traditional style, Curmudgeon is brewed with an intense focus on the malt bill, creating a very strong and rich malty characteristic and a sweetness indicative of its cousin, the Barley Wine. Displaying exceptional balance, this is deceptively smooth and drinkable at 9.3% ABV. Try this alongside beef flautas with black bean puree, roasted pepper salsa and cilantro-tequila cream.

Not to be outdone, New Holland Brewery out of Holland, Michigan presents their Blue Goat Dopplebock in a 22oz. format available for sale at seven dollars and yes, a nickel.

Blue Goat is a tribute to the perseverance and billy goat toughness of those charged with the mission of bringing beer to the people. Many charismatic, resourceful people and countless pieces of quirky equipment have endured endless challenges to exceed humble expectations.

Art of the Table is all about these people and thusly we say, “For all you do, this Blue Goat’s for you.” And so you know . . . .Blue Goat Dopplebock is chestnut in color with a nutty malt profile from its signature Munich malt. A muted hop presence and smooth caramelized body culminate in a clean, dry finish. 9.0%ABV

Enjoy with grilled lavash pizza with spicy humus, grilled eggplant, feta, red chili oil and fresh mint.

Besides our star beers of the week, we’ve got some oldies but goodies back:

• New Holland’s Zoomer Wit
• Hoegaarden
• Smithwicks
• Founders’ Rubaeus
• UFO Hefeweizen

Enjoy the sunshine and warmer weather!

Amy & Mike

…you’ll want it for your beer…

Dark Horse Raspberry Ale, Marshall, MI, $1.75 each or $10.50 for six

This Michigan brewery makes really interesting brews, always with a twist on tradition. Their raspberry ale is first and foremost, not sweet. At 5.5% abv, this is a medium-bodied unfiltered pale ale made with real raspberries, so while fruity, it’s also a serious beer. Perfectly refreshing, try this on a warm day after mowing the lawn, or pair it with grilled snapper tacos with chipotle crema and salsa fresca.

Ace Pear Cider, California Cider Co., Sebastopol, CA, $3.50 each (large format bottle)

One of our favorites here at the store, Ace Pear is actually a hard apple cider with 100% natural pear juice added to it. This is sweet and jumps out of the glass with aromas of freshly cut pears. Light and eminently quaffable, this is one of those that you either love or don’t especially care for. At Art of the Table we’re all about the love. Try this with spicy shrimp tamales with roasted tomatillo sauce and goat cheese, you’ll be surprised.

If you’re into your love for the fizzy fruit, you should know that it doesn’t end there.

Amazingly there are ciders from France, England, Canada, Michigan…waiting to quench your thirst. Apricot beer, purple haze (raspberry “beer”), lambics…

Ask any of our staff to show you the whole shelf of ciders in our vintage cooler!

Happy beering!

Mike, the beer boy & Amy, “Love those wheat beers” owner