Author: Rick Lyke

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  Full Pints - Your Next Beer

  A Different Shade of Pale

  March 1, 2012 - Rick Lyke Judges at the 30th annual Great American Beer Festival in Denver handed out medals in 83 categories in September, but no beer type received more attention than pale ale. That’s because pale ale is divided into seven distinct categories for the annual judging to accommodate stylistic variations and the sheer volume of entries.
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  Culture - Sidebars

  McMedalists

  March 1, 2012 - Rick Lyke How good is the beer coming out of chain brewpubs? Pretty good if the 2011 Great American Beer Festival results are any indication. TAPS Fish House & Brewery, a California chain with seven locations in Orange County, was named Brewpub Group of the Year, winning a gold medal for the German-Style schwarzbier made in Corona,... View Article
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  Culture - Sidebars

  Five Largest Brewpub Chains

  March 1, 2012 - Rick Lyke BJ’s Restaurant & Brewery (53,203) (Includes contract barrels.) Rock Bottom Restaurants (42,576) (Includes Walnut Brewery and Chophouse locations) Gordon Biersch Brewery (32,631) (Includes Big River Grille, A1A Alehouse and other locations) McMenamins Breweries (23,848) Ram/Big Horn Brewery (20,579) (Includes C.B. Potts and C.I. Shenanigans) (Brewers Association data based on 2010 sales)
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  Culture - Full Pints

  Chain Brewpubs Shine on the American Craft Beer Landscape

  March 1, 2012 - Rick Lyke The craft beer movement has always been one part quality, one part creativity and one part rebellion against corporate business practices that place an emphasis on efficiency, operating systems and conformity. In the early days of craft beer this, David vs. Goliath philosophy came to life most vibrantly in the form of brewpubs.
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  Sidebars - Your Next Beer

  Anniversary Tasting Notes

  January 1, 2012 - Rick Lyke Avery 18 Dry Hopped Rye Saison This 8.12 percent alcohol by volume ABV Colorado beer pours a cloudy amber color with a respectable head. There is a hint of citrus to the floral nose. The flavor gives off touches of apple skin and a bit of the rye spice, without being too peppery. Plenty going... View Article
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  Full Pints - Your Next Beer

  Reeling in the Years

  January 1, 2012 - Rick Lyke It is a sure sign that the pioneers of the American craft- brewing movement now have more than a few grey gray hairs. Last year Sierra Nevada celebrated its 30thth anniversary with a special four- beer series. Brewers like Avery (18), Great Divide (17) and Stone (15) are closer to their milestone 20thth anniversary than... View Article
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  Full Pints - History

  From Skull Cup to Pint Glass

  November 1, 2011 - Rick Lyke A mug is more than just something to hold a cold brew. The iconic beer stein, for instance, was developed using one part industrial progress and one part public health emergency.
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  Sidebars - Your Next Beer

  Chocolate is Hot Tasting Notes

  November 1, 2011 - Rick Lyke Brutopia Au Chocolat Stout This Montreal brewpub turns out a rich creamy chocolate stout that has a dark brown color with a nice tan head. The beer has a slight cocoa nose and the flavor delivers a nice roasted base with a non-sugary chocolate flavor. Flying Fish Exit 13 Chocolate Stout This brew from New... View Article
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  Full Pints - Your Next Beer

  Chocolate is Hot

  November 1, 2011 - Rick Lyke Trend spotting when it comes to beer is not as easy as it sounds. With nearly 1,800 breweries in the U.S. (up from 42 when I reached legal drinking age in 1978) and countless imported brands, beer companies are constantly engaged in “look at me” marketing.