Airport Beer: SEA Concourse A

Posted at 10:12 pm by Patrick under Beer Travel

I’m not in San Francisco yet, so I’m doing the next best thing — having a beer.

I am at the Seattle Taproom (run by Pyramid Brewery), and this is Pyramid’s Thunderhead IPA. According to the description from the menu, it is nicknamed “Hophead Nectar” and has Tomahawk hops as the signature flavor element.

My impression is that the hop finish, while certainly as bitter as an IPA should be, has a certain desirable spiciness that quickly turns vegetal and very earthy. I like everything about this beer except for the 20 second-later taste in my mouth.

Next time I’ll get the Snow Cap or the Hefeweizen, but it’s great to know that at least there are good options.

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Real beer on a plane!

Posted at 7:14 pm by Patrick under Beer Travel

Yes, Marge, it’s true. I am on a US commercial flight with good beer on board.

If you follow my musings, you probably saw my report on Sam Adams showing up on the Delta Shuttle. While that’s great for beer enthusiasts, it’s not great for non-business travelers (the Shuttle is aimed at high-powered folks commuting between NYC, Boston and DC with a price to match).

When I saw the press release from Alaska Brewing company that they would be offering their beer on Alaskan Airlines flights systemwide, you can imagine my delight. Their Amber happens to be one of my favorite beers.

So today, I happen to be flying Alaskan for a work trip. As you can see, I *had* to have an amber during my flight today.

For those of you who have never had this beer, it is based on the German Alt style — dry finishing with hints of fruitiness and very little bitterness. It’s malty and smooth. It’s just yummy alone or with pork roast.

So if you’re on an Alaskan Airlines flight anytime soon, try the Alaskan Amber.

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Great Divide DPA

Posted at 4:11 pm by Patrick under Beer Travel

After a cancelled flight and a 4-hour delay, sometimes you need step up and try the local goods. After passing on Concourse A’s selection, which is the best of the three concourses, I settled in to the Cantina Grill for refreshment.

With a name like Denver Pale Ale (DPA), this offering from Great Divide sounded like a natural choice. This is a tasty pale ale, offering a decent malt undertone for the pronounced spicy hop presence.

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Airport beer: DEN Concourse A

Posted at 2:04 pm by Patrick under Beer Travel

If you can get past the terrible name of the place — www.cowboy bar — you’ll find a few interesting beer options.

In this tap row, you’ll see New Belgium’s 1554 (black beer), some macro swill, Redhook’s Copperhook, and Fat Tire.

If I were off duty, I’d be settling in for a 1554 or Fat Tire. Alas, it’s diet Coke until 5pm. Maybe Seattle will offer some better choices.

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