Weekend Tap Update, Roanoke. New Beers, New Blog Page.

As the craft beer choices continue to grow in Roanoke, especially in terms of what’s available on draft, it became pretty clear the blog would have to undergo some sort of change. I used to keep a running list down the sidebar to the right of craft beer on draft around town, but with more restaurants and bars adding beers, it would’ve gotten to the point that the sidebar would’ve been as long as your arm, and overrun with that and nothing else.

Welcome a new page then, to the blog. Down the right sidebar, I will continue to list some of the newest “craft on draft” additions to the tap handles around town. Underneath, what can be found is a link to a new and separate page where I’ll attempt to keep a more complete listing. I certainly appreciate all the help these restaurants give to the blog. The whole idea of course, is that if you have a curiosity about a particular beer or beer style, you might be able to quench (pun intended) that thirst for knowledge by finding that beer or a representative beer nearby. In the end, what kinds of beer a person cares for, and what styles, is subjective, and requires that wonderful thing I like to call “research”, or tasting and drinking them. Of course, the idea is also to help support these establishments by sending you their way. Your support and interest keeps things growing here in Roanoke.

Now, on to the beer…

New this weekend are some changes for Blue 5’s list, and there is something apparently for everyone. New draft choices include two highly regarded IPAs, Sculpin IPA from Ballast Point Brewing, which from the brewery’s website is described as showcasing “bright flavors and aromas of apricot, peach, mango & lemon.” Slick of body, expect a crisp slap from the hops. The other is Sierra Nevada’s Ruthless Rye IPA. Apparently, with most beers in which rye is used, the grain actually adds more to aroma than taste, but of course, much of what we perceive as flavor is from the smell. Rye is associated with a slightly peppery or “spicy” flavor. Among the other additions are Anderson Valley Brewing Company’s “Boont” Amber Ale, a personal favorite of mine. This amber does not lack for taste, featuring a caramel like sweetness that is just enough, certainly not over the top, and a touch of grain like flavor. It’s delicious and exceptionally easy to drink despite having a decent body to it. Others include the very new to the scene Pale Ale “Dig” from New Belgium, Green Flash Brewing’s Double Stout, and the also immensely easy to drink “Mama’s Little Yella Pils” Pilsner from Oskar Blues Brewing.