May 16-22 was American Craft Beer Week for 2016. This changes from year to year, but will typically always be mid-late May. From beer specials and events to trying new brews and hanging with friends, this past week has been a glorious exploration of beer and fun. All week long The Flying Saucer Draught Emporium was featuring different specials on American craft beers and, being a member of the U.F.O.
Monday
The start of the week was mild and calm with it being the start of a new work week, but I took the opportunity to buy a 6pk of New Belgium Snapshot as New Belgium was the featured brand being featured at The Flying Saucer. I wanted to participate…even if it was from afar.
Tuesday
I’m able to make it into downtown Houston after work to try some new brews at The Flying Saucer. Tuesday night is also Trivia Night at The Flying Saucer, so the place was full and the energy was fun and lively. My three new brews for the evening were:
Each one presented a new and beautiful flavor. I was especially taken with the Transatlantique Kriek, with its deep, ruby color and burst of fruity flavor. The rich, creamy flavor of the Ommegang stout was the perfect end to the evening.
Wednesday was utilized as a day of rest as I turned in early to prepare for my return to the emporium the following day.
Thursday
This was the night that The Flying Saucer was hosting Sierra Nevada Beer Camp Across America. With specials on a couple brews and the opportunity to win tickets to Big Texas Beer Fest with each purchase of a Sierra Nevada brew, I kept to this one brewery for my three new tastings.
I did not win, but with a variety of styles and collaborations, the beers I ordered represented very distinct differences that enjoyed that evening. My three new brews for the evening were:
- Sierra Nevada Hop Hunter IPA
- Sierra Nevada Sweet Sunny South Saison
- Sierra Nevada Barrel-Aged Narwhal Imperial Stout
My love for stouts was only increased when the sweet bite of bourbon accompanied the decadent flavor of the Narwhal brew.
Friday was a quiet night in with a couple of beers and Netflix.
Saturday
To top the week off, I was up bright and early to prepare to go to the Saint Arnold Brewery. I had a friend who had so many cases saved up that we would be able to get in without needing to pay. We were even able to get pint glasses and I added a pint koozie to mine. This particular Saturday appeared to be slower than the average weekend (many people at Big Texas Beer Fest, I think), so it made for a nice, casual afternoon of sipping beer. The brews consisted primarily of ales and lagers on tap, so I was not able to enjoy a stout unless I bought a specialty bottle. To my surprise, I had actually not tried many Saint Arnold brews that were available even though they are widely found in stores. I took this opportunity to rectify that, but would still need to return again someday to round out the tasting selections. The ones I had the opportunity to try were:
The tour of the brewery, which was conducted at noon, 1 pm, and 2 pm that day, recapped the history of the brewery, the brewing process, and their commitment to brewing quality craft beer. As I looked at the tanks were the beer was being fermented, I noticed each tank had the name of a saint to identify it, something unique to the brewery.
The Legend of Saint Arnold
The tour concluded with our guide telling us the legendary tale of the Patron Saint of Beer, Saint Arnold. The way our tour guide told it was that Saint Arnold told the people not to drink the water, but to drink the beer instead. The water had many contaminants since they did not possess the filtration system we had in place today, so many became sick and died. When they began to drink beer instead, with it being purified through the fermentation process, less people became ill, thus saving many lives.
When Saint Arnold died, parishioners went to recover his body to bring it back to Metz where he had served. Along their arduous journey, they stopped at a tavern and said, “We would each like a pint of your best ale.” to which the barkeep replied, “I have but one, single
With the brewery closing at 3 pm and all of the sample tokens being spent, my friend and I texted a few of our closest, local friends for a get together at my place to drink and hang out. The night went long, but it was a great time and a wonderful way to complete American Craft Beer Week.
Cheers!
Add me on Untappd to follow my beer experiences.
Be sure to like the Facebook page for photos and updates!
