Welcome to a special 2012 World Beer Cup edition of Skagit Brew Corner. Every two years,beer aficionados gather to sample and judge the world’s best beers. Known to some as the Olympics of Beer,the World Beer Cup is held every two years in various locations around the world.
Here are the numbers for 2012:the World Beer Cup was held in San Diego,California and featured 3,921 beers in 95 beer style categories that were submitted by 799 breweries from 54 countries and 45 U.S. states. While California breweries took home the most medals of any state (55 total),beers crafted in the Pacific Northwest (Oregon and Washington) took home 23 medals combined.
In addition to the winners of the beer tastings,the World Beer Cup delivers awards to brewpubs (defined as breweries that sell 25% of their beer on-site) in recognition of excellence in brewing. This year the Pelican Brewery of Pacific City,Oregon was awarded a Gold Medal for being the World Beer Cup 2012′s Best Large Brewpub in America. Look for their tasty,dark Tsunami Stout and bright,hoppy India Pelican Ale.
Stop by today and quench your thirst with world-class beers at the Co-op’s Beer Section! Below are two award-winners.
- Silver Medal American-Style Stout Category –XXXXX Extra Stout from Pike Brewing in Seattle,WA / 7.0%
Alcohol by volume / 65 IBU
Based in Seattle,Pike Brewing has been crafting excellent micro brews for over 30 years. Their XXXXX Extra Stout is a standout classic American stout. Roasted crystal malts balance three varieties of hops (Chinook,Willamette and Goldings) and result in a smooth flavor with full carbonation and the color of black velvet. Flavors of toasted marshmallows,espresso and licorice are present. An excellent comfort brew for a chilly night or a sunny afternoon,Pike’s XXXXX Extra Stout has a medium body and pleasant acidity that make it quite food friendly. Pair this brew with grilled meats and fish,mashed vegetables and desserts.
- Silver Medal American-Style Dark Lager –Shiner Bock from the Spoetzl Brewery in San Antonio,TX / 4.4% Alcohol by volume / 13 IBU
Shiner Bock is a refreshing amber lager made to go with spicy foods. It has a light,refreshing flavor with a clean aftertaste. Shiner Bock is heavily influenced by traditional Bavarian lager brewing styles and the Czech immigrants who founded the Shiner Brewing Association in 1909,with master brewer Kosmos Spoetzl. Shiner Bock was first introduced as a seasonal recipe in 1913,but it is now Spoetzl’s most popular flagship beer. During the prohibition of alcohol in 1920-1933,the Brewery made ice and birch beer,also known as “near beer.”According to the Spoetzl Brewery’s website,the brewery survived,(along with only 4 other breweries in the entire state of Texas),through the sale of near beers,as well as the rumors that special batches of real Shiner beer were brewed for local farmers. Today the Spoetzl Brewery is still turning out Bavarian favorites,such as the award-winning Shiner Bock. Enjoy Shiner Bock with the sweet and spicy flavors of Central and South American foods like enchiladas,taco and burritos. Also try Shiner with BBQ,hummus and dishes made with curry,cumin and chile peppers.
Posted by Claire on May 15,2012.
