Bottoms Up

As readers of my columns and blogs know, a double India Pale Ale that was an approximate clone of Russian River’s sainted Pliny the Elder was one of three winners in the nationwide Sam Adams Longshot contest for homebrewers.
The beer, made by Mike McDole, of Clayton, CA., a member of the Diablo Order of Zymiracle Enthusiasts (DOZE), was scheduled to be released as a Longshot beer next month.

But Boston Brewing, which makes Sam Adams, couldn’t source the hops Ameican hops, five varieties were needed Cascades, Centennials, Amarillos and more. So they’ve put off the release for a year. However, one batch was made under Mike’s supervision at the Sam Adams test brewery in Boston during the week of Dec. 17.

So… a Failure to Launch party on Feb. 17 at Mike’s local, E.J. Phair Alehouse on Todos Santos Square in downtown Concord.

Here’s Mike’s explanation:

“I know from experience that the beer will need at least three weeks to ferment and four weeks of conditioning. So I’m thinking February 21st would be the “failure to launch” launch party. Coincidentally that happens to be the same month the sans double IPA Longshot six-pack is coming out nationally and strong beer month locally.

“I’m pretty sure I’ll be able to get the regional Sam Adams rep to attend and some of the marketing folks in Boston are going to try and attend as well.

“I’m really not trying to promote myself or the BBC. I just feel that I wouldn’t be doing my duty to the craft beer world if I didn’t highlight this unique set of circumstances by celebrating the beer itself. I know Jim Koch would agree.”

See you there.