Bell's, Brux, and Laughing Dog: Craft beer is looking up this summer

Well, it looks like craft beer received a little push here recently in WV. It appears that Atomic Distributing is negotiating with Bell's. Yes, the same Bell's that puts out Hopslam and Expedition Stout. This is surprising considering I contacted Bell's last January and they told me that they had absolutely no plans of increasing distribution any time soon. However, it is possible that things can change in six month. Having said that, you might want to hold your breath and take this with a grain of salt. Atomic is predominantly an InBev distributor. The rumor is that Bell's is hesitant because they feel that they would be an after thought with the focus on Budweiser products. There have also been rumors of Bell's being bought out by InBev too. I suppose we'll just have to keep our finger's crossed.

In other news, Idaho's Laughing Dog should be here anytime. I'm kind of kicking myself for splurging on The Dogfather (Russian imperial stout) a few months ago, but I suppose that's how the cookie crumbles. It'll be refreshing to see Alpha Dog (IIPA) and Sneaky Pete (IIPA) on the shelves. I really hope some of the bars here in Huntington pick them up, but that's probably just wishful thinking. Sadly, there still isn't any word on Caldera, North Coast, Troegs, and Ommegang. If I were to guess, we'll be seeing Caldera and North Coast before the others due to the fact that Caldera has been in the works for awhile and North Coast has just recently gone through label approval. I have absolutely no idea what is happening with Troegs and I haven't heard anything new from Ommegang since I talked to them a few months ago when they let me know that they were aiming to get here by the end of the year.

Sierra Nevada/Russian River Brux and Sierra Nevada Ovila Belgian-Style Golden

 And here is Brux, everybody! Somehow, both Brux and Ovila Golden have made their way to WV. I just spoke with somebody on Beer Advocate and they haven't seen either one of these yet in CA so how they've made it here already is beyond me. Nonetheless, I rushed down to Bottle and Wedge here in Huntington earlier today to pick them up. I initially went in to just purchase Brux, but I couldn't help but pick up Ovila too.

Anybody who is up to date on new beer releases and collaborations knows that Russian River and Sierra Nevada have been collaborating for the past two years on a wild ale. Just earlier this month they had a tasting party in Philly for the final product; Brux. They made the announcement that Sierra Nevada would be working with the distributors on carrying this beer, which means this would be widely available. However, it was unknown how available it would be. Well, WV only received 6 entire cases, if that tells you anything. Although the state did get a little slighted, I can't help but be pleased that it is somehow here before anywhere else.

According to label, Brux is "a dry and complex Belgian-style ale refermented in the bottle with Brettanomyces bruxellensis." I'm somewhat worried about the kind of reception this beer is going to get here due to the Brett. Other than Orval, there aren't many beers here with a focus on Brett. Fellow West Virginians, prepare yourself for that characteristic band-aid aroma and flavor that Brett yeast imparts. The back of the label states, "Refermented in the bottle with Brettanomyces bruxellensis, Brux will change and develop over time. Copper-colored, dry, and complex, with slightly tart notes of green grass, pear, spice, and lemon-this ale will progress in the bottle for many years." It also comes in at 1 pint 9.4oz and 8.3% ABV. Just like with most wild ales, I usually try to purchase more than one in order to try it both fresh and aged. I currently have one bottle chilling in the fridge to be opened tonight so expect a review in the near future.

Concerning Ovila Golden, it is the newest addition to the Ovila collaboration series between Sierra Nevada and the Abbey of New Clairvaux. It is a Belgian pale strong ale that weighs in at 8.5% ABV. The back label describes this beer as a "brilliant golden...with notes of summery apple and pear and peppery spice from the use of a traditional Belgian yeast strain." If you noticed in the picture, there is also a sticker wrapped around the cork and cage that warns that the contents are under high pressure and to open with care. I certainly haven't seen this on any of Sierra Nevada's beers. Anyway, other than Ovila Saison, I've been pretty pleased with the series and definitely looking forward to opening this one pretty soon.

- Jeff