Author: John Holl
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Blogs - John Holl - Web Only -
Behind the BarA Single Word: The Case for Beer
January 23, 2015 - John Holl There is a word that is used often in the beer world, but means different things to different people and organizations. The use of this particular word has seemingly muddied the water of the industry, causing confusion, blind passion and confrontation. The word, of course, is craft. The word craft has played an important role... View Article -
Travel FeaturesSweden Rising: Beer Culture Booms in Scandinavian Country
January 9, 2015 - John Holl Jan-Erik Janko Svensson shook his head in near disbelief as the words came out of his mouth. The Swedish journalist and beer judge was standing outside a brick building in a commercial part of Stockholm, on break from judging a homebrew competition that grows in size each year. He once knew all the brewers in... View Article -
Staff ReviewsFade to Black Vol. 1-5
January 1, 2015 - John Holl Fade To Black Vol. 1-5 Left Hand Brewing Co. Longmont, CO One name, five styles of similar origin. Counting down: 5. Sweet chocolate syrup, a touch of spice and molasses and espresso. 4. Vanilla with strong coffee, even a bit of umami. 3. It starts to get interesting with spicy roasted chipotle, balsamic, and booze.... View Article -
Staff ReviewsBigfoot Barleywine Style Ale Vertical Tasting
January 1, 2015 - John Holl Bigfoot Barleywine Style Ale: 2011-2014 Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. Chico, CA Working from the most recent, the barley wine starts off with present boozy notes, some caramel sugar, cherry pits and a hop bitterness at the finish. It’s complex but not defined. As it ages vanilla notes come into play and the mouthfeel develops into... View Article -
Staff ReviewsTasting Lagers
January 1, 2015 - John Holl Herkulean Woods (Batch No. 16 in Unchained Series) Summit Brewing Co.—St. Paul, MN Faint fresh pine rises from the glass that contains the color of golden leaves at the peak of foliage season. Warm notes of the maple combine with prickly resin flavors on the palate. With a slightly sticky mouthfeel and somewhat bitter finish,... View Article -
One Dish Four BeersPastrami Sandwich
January 1, 2015 - John Holl There are certain parts of the country where a proper sandwich is worshipped with the reverence it deserves. It is more than just meat and cheese between two slices of bread. Ingredients matter. Construction matters. In order to get a proper sandwich you must go to a deli, not an impersonal shop with pre-sliced meats... View Article -
Web OnlyRing in 2015 with These Beers
December 23, 2014 - John Holl Champagne, or some version of sparkling white wine, is the traditional drink of choice as the old year becomes a new one. Served in a flute that is clinked against other delicate glasses, while kisses are conferred, confetti falls, and there is—for at least a few fleeting seconds—the promise of a clean slate. Since we... View Article -
Blogs - John Holl - Web OnlySix Christmas Beers to Unwrap in 2014
December 22, 2014 - John Holl Just after the last gift has been unwrapped on Christmas day, it’s a good time to start thinking about the first beer to open. There is no shortage of beers named for the holiday. While it’s a good bet many of you have already enjoyed a multitude leading up to the big day, often these... View Article