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Thoughts On My First Time Attending CBC...Finally

This is a long overdue piece, but time and life always bring surprises, delays, and all kinds of unexpected curveballs. This being said, I am finally getting time to get caught up and share some of the great happenings over the last few months and the first half of the year. This piece is just that, and a big thanks to the Brewers Association for the recent Craft Brewers Conference that took place in Indianapolis from April 28-May 1st this year. Attending the event as a media presence was a great opportunity to get behind the scenes with the many companies that are bringing success to the craft brewing industry. From the breweries to the suppliers and marketers, and all that make it happen…it was a worthwhile experience. I had the honor to meet and talk with some legendary folks from the beer world, and here, just like many of the events that I have been a part of, the beer industry is one of the most welcoming and community-building ones that I have ever seen. It is something to see. ...

Tasting Southern Tier 2X Oak'd IPA

The 2X Oak’d IPA from Southern Tier Brewing was a surprise find during a beer run. It is not even listed on their website. This beer comes in at 8.2% ABV and was created by taking their Double IPA and introducing maple syrup and toasted oak chips into the mix. The beer provided a nice appearance with notes of sweetness coming out of the class. The texture was not only syrupy but it had creaminess as well that made this beer just lay on my tongue and create some good sensations. The bitterness had actually been dialed down more than expected, but that oak flavor came through very well. This limited availability beer was a very nice one indeed and my Untappd rating here was a solid 4.25 out of 5. This one is truly worth a try if you like sweetness and roastiness in your beers.

Brewer notes: (As Received From Untappd)

Double IPA brewed with NY maple syrup and aged with French oak chips. LIMITED.

We took an 8.2% ABV, 55 IBU Double IPA & introduced maple syrup locally sourced near our brewery in Western New York & moderately toasted French oak chips. Roasted malts bring a deep amber hue that’s matched by drums of maple syrup, which are added to help boost fermentation & provide a clean, earthy component with a slight residual sweetness. Cascade, Centennial & Chinook hops coalesce to create a spicy, floral, citrus & piney aroma. Finally, the beer is aged on oak chips to round out its mouthfeel & provide amazing balance to each sip.