Last week I made a periodic visit to my preferred beer store to re-stock the basement beer fridge and I was met with a surprise. The up-and-coming Maryland craft brewer Hook & Ladder Brewing has expanded its market coverage into my area.
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Right in the middle of the area in front of the checkout counters they had a large display with stacks of Hook & Ladder products along with an introductory price reduction. I’ve been anxious to give them a try, especially since their Backdraft Brown won the Washington Post’s annual tasting contest earlier this year. There were three brews in the display to choose from, their Lighter lager, the Golden Ale and the infamous Backdraft Brown. What joy!
Since I never eat or drink anything that has the word “light” in it, one of them was ruled out immediately. But I picked up a 6-pack each of the Golden Ale and the Backdraft Brown and brought them home to give them a try. Now, I’m not one of those connoisseurs who can discerne the subtle taste of a Fuggles hops or smell the waft of a hint of blueberry. I’m just a beer drinker and I either like it or I don’t. I have my favorites, but I don’t rate them.
Anyway, I tried the Golden Ale first. It’s not bad. It’s one of those beers that demands an acquired taste, though. The first one was so-so. The second one, a couple of days later, was better. And the third better yet. One thing I liked about it is the “sparkling” flavor in it that goes well in the summertime. Rather refreshing. I’d recommend that you give it a try (more than one) and see if you like it. Many people will.
Now the Backdraft Brown…… oh, boy. I can see why they took first-place in the tasting tournament. It is very good. A nice, rich and full flavor but not “heavy.” If you’re the type that likes the yellow beers like Miller’s or Coors, then this is not for you. But if you appreciate a genuine beer with plenty of flavor, then make sure you give this one a try.
Hook & Ladder had a booth at the Firehouse Expo and I got to chat with them for a few minutes and asked them about their firehouse brew pub. They have bought the old Silver Spring, Maryland, #1 firehouse and are remodeling it to accomodate a brew pub and restaurant. It’s still on schedule to open early next year in Feb. or March, I think. You can check them out on their website HERE. Looking at their distribution map I see that they are now selling in every east coast state from Maine down to South Carolina plus Illinois. Not bad for a new brew.
While we’re thinking about drawing one, we’d better get the equipment checked out. I’ll get more coffee going since it’s too early for you-know-what.
