I asked & I received... Beer-nog Whiskey Recipe

Thanks to our friends who make the Big O (their website), I now have a holiday drink concoction that's sure to blow the doors off your taste bud hot rod.

It's called Egg Flip, it's served hot, and it should be consumed immediately (so, the longer you're separated from it, the more time it has to separate - so don't expect there to be any leftovers)!

I stole the fancy drink image from drinksecrets.com. And they present a completely different Egg Flip recipe. So if you follow the following, it may not look just like the picture... unless you have a set of this glassware.

To the recipe! ... And to getting your holiday drinking off to a great start!

Egg Flip Recipe

Makes  enough for about 4 small glasses to the 1863 recipe and suggested ratios, a small glass or goblet per person is perfect. H. Porter in 1863 also recommends Gin (as well as Rum) for his Egg Flip, but most recipes use a Dark Rum. Rum and ale go well together, gin and ale goes less successfully. Use a good quality ‘real-ale’ for this recipe, also known as a cask conditioned ale or beer.

Note: Unlike the chilled Egg Nog, Egg Flip does not keep well – because it is heated it should be drunk soon after making, the egg will start to separate in the drink if left to go cold.

Ingredients For Egg Flip:

900ml of real-ale

100ml of Dark Rum

85g brown sugar (Demerara)

Grated Nutmeg (10 shavings)

1/4 tsp Ground Ginger

3 eggs (beaten)

Recipe Method:

In a larger, heavy based saucepan put onto a medium heat 300ml of the real ale. In a mixing bowl beat the eggs and sugar into a creamy paste – when the ale is simmering just under the boil, turn down the heat and whisk in the beaten eggs and sugar.

Making The Egg Flip - Heating The Ale And Whisking In The Beaten Eggs And Sugar

Whisk thoroughly and continuously as the eggs might scramble in the ale. When the ale has thickened and the beaten eggs and sugar have mixed and dissolved thoroughly add in the Rum and whisk. Grate in the nutmeg and add the ground ginger. Whisk thoroughly then add in the remaining 600ml of ale.

Mulling The Completed Egg Flip Over A Gentle Heat

Leave on a very gentle heat for 10 minutes until the Egg Flip is heated right through.

Frothing Up The Egg Flip By Pouring It Between Two Serving Jugs

Turn off the heat and either pour the Egg Flip between two saucepans or jugs to excite the drink, and make it frothy, or whisk it continuously for two minutes. Pour the Egg Flip into heat proof mugs or tankards and drink while still warm.

Recommended Ales For Egg Flip

If outside of the UK and getting the following ales proves difficult, then get a good local ‘real ale’ brewed in the traditional way from your country, (referred to as ‘cask conditioned ale/beer’). Do not use a lager, even those brewed in the UK, lager and ale are two different beverages – in Britain beer and ale are interchangeable names for roughly the same thing (although it is slightly more complicated than that).

1) ‘Bishops Finger’ from Shepherd Neame Brewery. 2) ‘London Pride’ from Fuller’s Brewery. 3) ‘Old Peculiar’ from Theakston’s Brewery. There are many other good makes, but these three are some of the best. If bottled beer is not widely available then cans of ‘Old Speckled Hen’ from Greene King brewery are also recommended.

Time to hit the liquor store...

Yum... Ice Cream Makes Me Hoppy

Well, I don't think they've figured out how to create a 6.6% bowl of ice cream, but they seem to have wrangled some of our favorite mini keg flavors to be served with a spoon. Frozen Pints is taking the best of beer and serving it in a bowl. Yum.

I, for one, can't wait to explore the flavor infusion of a beers-cream float. One part Guinness, two scoops of Malted Milk Chocolate Stout... three cheers for deliciousness.

But this isn't the first exploration of beer on the freezer frontier. The Beer Bistro in Toronto has been experimenting with beer-flavored ice cream for a while. Maybe Frozen Pints will put this micro-category on the map... actually, forget the map, put that stuff in my deep freeze.

Check out some of their flavors. And don't forget to pick up a pint for that next 21st Birthday celebration.

Cheers!

Finally! An iPhone Accessory That Makes Sense ... for beer drinkers.

They've done it with paint can openers and sandals, necklaces and belt buckles. But now, a couple of Aussies have taken bottle opening to new, technological heights. Introducing, the Opena (pre-order now for only $39.99) for your iPhone 4! 

I'm pretty sure this has happened to all of us at some point: You've grabbed a beer out of the cooler, and you go to twist off the cap only to discover it needs a bottle opener. You frantically search your jean pockets, only to find a crinkled dollar bill, $.26 in change, a paperclip, some lint and your iPhone. How embarrassing?!! 

Don't ever let this happen to you again. Own one of the world's most expensive church keys, and put your iPhone to some really good use. Practicality has never tasted so good...

In Honor of My Future Baby

In Honor of My Wife

Ladies, I feel for you. Being pregnant, abstaining from beer and wine, growing a baby inside of you... it doesn't look easy.

And even though this image is promoting a non-acoholic brewski, it does look strange to me. Last week at a pool party, I had my prego-wife hold my beer while I ran to the bathroom. She said it was a strange feeling for her, holding the beer being pregnant, catching glances from others there, silently being judged. She felt like she had to explain, "I'm just holding it" to those around her. 

Of course, I just laughed and said, "if you want a beer, have one." Lucky for me (and my future baby-to-be), she's doing this pregnancy thing "by the book." Everything in moderation; that's my stance. One taste, one beer, one glass of wine... or whatever, it can't be that bad. Women have been drinking, smoking, doing crack (well, I've read about it anyway) and their babies have been adding to our population since the invention of alcohol, tobacco and crack. 

So I'm not advocating or denouncing a woman's choice one way or the other. Who am I to say you can't have a taste of the golden nectar we call beer? This is America. Worse decisions have been made in the past, and I think we're just fine. 

So, cheers to the ladies out there growing the next generation inside their bellies. Whether or not you imbibe, you deserve our appreciation and thanks. Salud!

It's a lifestyle, right?

Beer is Culture

Two things to say before I crack open a cold one...

First, kudos to Sixpoint Brewing (a Brooklyn, NY craft brewer who is embracing the art and culture their neighbors are creating) for establishing the annual "Beer is Culture" art & design exhibition. It's a fun way to have fun on facebook and in real life too, I would imagine. Check out their exhibition tab, here. No. Wait. First, see where you can buy a case of Sixpoint's finest, then check out their exhibition. It's always more fun to enjoy something a brewery is creating by enjoying something a brewery has created. Anyone following?

Second, I love the infographic design that Melissa Schmechel put together. And if I'm reading this correctly, which I think I am. It must be time for me to enjoy a beer now..

Beer Tastes Tasty

Damn right, it does! Cheers to Alex Perez for brewing this sweet art print. Buy it for $35.

If you can put beer in a can, why not put a sandwich in a can?

When I saw this new product, I immediately thought, "7-Pack Lunch."

What complements your six-pack, Natty Light lunch better than a PB&J? Well... a PB&J that comes in a can. The Candwich is absolutely brilliant. These prefabricated sandwich-kits-in-a-can are made to be dispensed from soda machines (or beer machines if you're lucky enough to come across one).

Perfect for the guy who's got better things to do than go to the store, buy peanut butter, jelly and bread, then find a knife to deploy that PB&J on said bread, and enjoy a homemade sandwich - the Candwich does all the heavy lifting for you. So, now all you have to do is drop by your local c-store and pick up your favorite sixer for a lunch special that would make any beer-collar brute jealous.

Add a mini can of... check that... a full-sized can of Jalapeno Pringles into the mix, and I might not be going back to work in the afternoon.

The only drawback is that a pack of four is $12 (but shipping is included!). So... maybe the price isn't a draw back. Spending $12 on peanut butter, jelly and bread at the store would get you like 17 PB&Js. And if you eat that many, you're not going to be able to finish off your brewskies.

So, check out the Candwich now... before this company goes out of business!

The Health Benefits (of moderate consumption) of BEER

Thanks to the Southern Californian creative agency Belancio, we can all now rest assured that our late night (or early afternoon) beer consumption is actually benefitting our health. I, for one, will be raising a toast to this wonderfully designed health chart later today... around lunch time. Cheers!

And did you know?!!!... drinking beer can reduce the risk of senile dementia. I'm not sure where they sourced that fact from. But I know that when I'm drinking beer, I can lose a grip on reality and find myself wondering where I am. So, maybe the practice in my younger age will help me deal with it better in my older age, thereby reducing the risk? Who knows?

(for a larger view, click here)

Russell Brew Co. Gets Bitter... Really Bitter.

There's been a lot of chatter about the design of the new Blood Alley Bitter by Russell Brewing. And I couldn't agree more. The bottle has a butcher's diagram of my favorite animal on it. That alone makes it worth seeking out. 


But if you enjoy a good bitterness in your beer, this could definitely be worth the trip to Vancouver... or wherever they're distributing this pork-adorned gem.  


The Vancouver Beer Blog describes an ESB's comparison to your traditional IPA as such: 


Time after time, when beer companies release an ESB after they’ve had success with an IPA, the ESB always seems to get looked at as the little brother.  I mean with such resemblance in the styles, it’s hard not to compare the two, and end up treating the ESB like the little brother sometimes.  With more hops and bitterness and higher IBUs, the IPA always ends up above, while the ESB doesn’t get the respect that it deserves, or recognized for its own individual style.  With the bolder, more pronounced flavor of an IPA in your mind while soaking your palette with an ESB, it will make the drink seem a little weak.


So, what did Russell Brewing do? They kicked the IBUs through the roof (IBU = International Bittering Units, which is a scale providing a measure of the bitterness of beer, which is provided by the hops used during brewing.) Apparently the Blood Alley Bitter scores a 50, making it more bitter than your average ESB. But as with all things beer, the true test is on the tongue (gross). 


In checking out Russell Brewing, I also discovered the rest of their Brewmaster Series. It looks like they're putting together a commendable fridge assault. I know if I can find any of these in a liquor store near me, I'll be making room for at least a sixer or two in my basement, beer treasure chest. 


Check 'em out: I think I like the IP'eh! the best. Those Canadians play into their own stereotypes beautifully. For that, I salute you.

If there was a college course in beer bottle domino theory, these guys would all get A's.

I want to go to Beer Camp!

I'm not sure what it takes to win. But when Sierra Nevada opens up the contest for their 2011 Beer Camp, you can bet your suds sucker that I'm going to enter. 

Here's some entry info... (and my opinion - cool poster & imagery, fun flash site, terrible wordsmithing)

Ray Takes Recreational Drunk Driving to New Heights ... Evil Knievel gots nothin' on you, Ray, nothing.

Ray is gettin' gibbled, boys! And he's taking on the new ramp.

This is absolutely amazing. It takes Ray a couple tries before he can really keep it out of the cabbage, but when he hits the jump right - WOW! Only in Canada! Aye!

The Blue Ribbon of Throw Pillows

I stumbled across this gem this morning. My hat is off to Nate for kicking out some pretty badass, custom upholstery designs. It looks like he does everything from handbags to car seats to wall art. But the pillow... the Blue Ribbon pillow... well, that just makes me thirsty.

You can check out more from this Minneapolis, hot rod interior specialist, here.

St. Patrick's Day, Here I Come!

With the greatest of all drinking holidays right around the corner, I've been looking for a few wonderful accessories that will complement my Shamrock Official Beer Gloves (buy them here).

And I'm so, so very excited to be getting one of these...

This knit sensation is a drinker's essential. Made by Tara Duff (check it out here), who must be some kind of a crafts genius, this hat-beard will be my ticket to many a pot of gold. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, for making my celebration more authentic than it's ever been before.

Cheers!

A Long Time Ago... R2-D2 would have made a great designated driver

If you're just joyriding in your X-Wing fighter, I can see bringing a six pack along for the ride. Outer space would probably be pretty cool with a buzz. And I'd have to imagine that your R2 unit would be doing most of the driving anyway. Those little droids are so amazing.

Cheers, Luke! You've saved the galaxy from Imperial darkness. You deserve a frosty cold one.

Walgreens Takes Cheap Beer to a Whole New Level.

$.50/can. That's about as good as it gets. These are better than Sunday afternoon turkey shoot prices. $6.00 for a 12-pack... that likely packs a hangover you won't want to wake up from. I can't wait to give this swill a whirl. Look for it at your next frat party. It's called Big Flats, and they call it a "premium brew." But I guess you can put the word "premium" on anything.

It kindof reminds me of Icehouse.

 

Here's what the Chicago Tribune says about it:

Walgreen Co. isn't just selling alcohol again. They're also making it.

The Deerfield-based drugstore chain has quietly rolled out a private-label brew called Big Flats 1901, which is in more than 4,600 of the chain's 7,655 U.S. locations. Walgreens has been stocking Chicago-area stores as alcohol licenses are approved.

If the name isn't enough to tempt you, the price might be: about 50 cents per can. Prices will vary by market, and the beer will be available in states where private-label alcohol is legal.

"In this tough economy, consumers are looking for value and ways to make their money go (further)," a Walgreens spokesman said in an e-mail. "Big Flats 1901 offers our customers a premium lager at a great price."

Big Flats is made by Novato, Calif.-based Winery Exchange, which also provides private-label alcohol for chains like Costco Wholesale and Trader Joe's.

I say: This is the perfect beer for the refrigerator switch out. Bring a 12-Pack of Big Flats to the party. Then enjoy whatever your host has in his cooler. But please, don't pull this stunt on me. I hate finding a fridge full of leftover Schlitz after a card game.

You're going to put WHAT in that beer?

So... there are people out there who consider beer to be a mixer for more compelling cocktails. Personally, the only beer-mixing I like doing is dropping a shot in for an Irish Car Bomb or Flaming Dr. Pepper. And those are on occasions few and far between. But, when I look at this well-designed recipe card, I get the feeling that maybe... just maybe... a beer cocktail can be a beautiful thing (as long as I'm not the one drinking it).

My hat is off to artist Fabio Rex who designed this series of infographics. Bringing an interesting style and perspective to the typical recipe card is more refreshing than most of the drinks depicted... for my taste. So, who wants to go have a Bananaweizen!?

How Beer Saved the World!

The guy in the promo says that "if it wasn't for beer, we wouldn't have the pyramids." Yeah right. I think  the ancient aliens would tend to disagree.

I'm guessing the Discovery Channel has officially run out of content. 

What Beer Do I Feel Like Drinking Today?

This easy-to-follow infographic (from topcultured.com) takes you through just a few simple questions for that moment you go deer-in-the-headlights at the bar. They also have a gallery of 22 Hot Girls with Candy. But that's not why I was there.

Seattle Shocks the Football World... with same size beer scam

Large beer = $8.50
Medium beer = $7.25

They both hold 20 oz.

Hahahahahhahahahhahahhahahahhahahahahahahahhahahahhaha!

As if beer at football games and other sporting events wasn't expensive enough ... here's a very scientific demonstration (done on site in Seattle's Qwest Field) further proving that beer drinkers are a group in-tune with their consumption, always looking for the best buzz.



Congratulations to all of you medium-beer drinkers. You really know how to get more brew for the buck.

Beer Samurai vs. Storm Trooper Samurai

It's hard to tell which of these samurai costumes is more impressive. For me, they both rate off the charts for badassness. And I wouldn't mind wearing either suit of armor to my next fight-to-the-death just because my opponent would likely flee in fear or become incapacitated by laughter.

I'd say it's pretty easy to figure out which would make for a better drinking buddy, but which one makes for a better character? The Beer Samurai took a whole team of beer drinkers to complete (or at least to make the materials ready), most likely slowing the costume making time in the process and increasing the fun factor. And when all was said and done, I have to imagine that team had a wicked hangover from all that Mil Best. I would think this would make them very angry and ready for battle. However, I don't think a drunk Samurai would be very good with a sword, which is why he could easily be the centerpiece for at least one movie. This movie would ultimately be a tragedy, because most likely, our hero would die in the end... possibly by a self-inflicted wound or a car crash. 

The Storm Trooper Samurai is complete from head-to-toe. If you could cross the passion and understanding of The Last Samurai with the obedience and born-for-battle nature of the Storm Trooper, you'd have yourself the basis for one hell of a mass-up movie. I'm hoping George Lucas will begin writing this shortly. So, until I see a comic where a team of Storm Trooper Samurai set forth across the galaxy to avenge the death of their father, Jango Fett, I'm going to have to side with Beer Samurai as being a more entertaining central character.

But when that comic does come out, I will have to edit this entry... and request intellectual property royalties.

If Beer Samurai was facing off against Storm Trooper Samurai in a battle to the death, I hate to say it, but I don't think Beer Samurai would last very long. Aside from being drunk or hungover, Beer Samurai's armor is made of cardboard. And we all know, cardboard is no match for the protective properties of Imperial Blaster Armor. In this scenario, Storm Trooper Samurai is hands down the winner.

I will begin writing this short comic strip immediately. When I'm finished, I'll need an illustrator. Then I'll need a publisher and a toy manufacturer. It's time for the Official Beer Glove crew to branch. Anyone interested?