Bunnchiro Brewing

ScienceDaily (May 16, 2010) — The ability of yeast cells to convert sugar to alcohol, the key process in the production of beer and wine, can be attributed to a remarkable evolutionary process. The genes that allow yeast to digest sugars in fruits and grains have been duplicated several times over the course of time — allowing for optimal conversion of different types of sugars (such as sucrose and maltose) into alcohol. The duplications arose because the genes for sugar processing are situated close to the unstable margin of the chromosome. The phenomenon appears not to be limited to alcohol production in yeast, but forms an important principle in the evolution of living organisms.

See the full article here.

Beer drinkers, take note: results of a new study suggest that beer can help build strong bones because it is a significant source of dietary silicon. The trace mineral silicon may play an important role in the growth and development of bone, according to the National Institutes of Health.

A previous study, published in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, noted that higher intake of dietary silicon in men and younger women appeared to have a positive impact on bone health, especially cortical bone health. In another study, researchers identified beer, bananas, and string beans as the main sources of dietary silicon among men and women.

In this new study, researchers from the Department of Food Science & Technology at the University of California, Davis, evaluated commercial beer production to identify the relationship between how beer is produced and its silicon content. Silicon appears in beer as orthosilicic acid, which is highly available to the body (bioavailability). The National Institutes of Health notes that dietary silicon may play an important role in the growth and development of bone and connective tissue. It has even been proposed that moderate consumption of beer may help fight osteoporosis.

http://www.emaxhealth.com/1275/74/35461/drink-beer-build-strong-bones.html

Unfortunately I have not been lucky enough to see either of these in New England, but I know both beers make it out here in the bottle.  I may have to check around to try and special order them both.

Five-liter mini kegs coming soon from Widmer

Oregon Brew Crew member and friend of the brewery, Robert Luehrs alerted me to this last month, and Widmer brand manager Steve Krajczynski just sent along the image of finished package and sent this:
It will start shipping from our brewery by 4/10, so it will start popping up on retail shelves by 4/20. Suggested retail price is $19.99 -$21.99. Safeway, Albertsons, and Fred Meyer have all authorized it to go into their shelf sets. Then a lot of the local independents (New Seasons, Zupans, Whole Foods, etc) are interested and have authorized it, but these will be more store by store as some store layouts can accommodate and others cannot. Best thing to do if people can not find it is ask their store to stock it.

Rogue Yellow Snow IPA 5L Mini Keg

Style and Glass: IPA; tulip
ABV, Volume & Calories: 6.2% in 5 liters estimated at 1,000,000 C
Purchased at: Bensalem Beer and Soda for $34.59

Aroma: mellow, sour, grassy. Hops come through nicely.

Visuals: The 5L can is impressive, unique, and a great way to draw beer. Fun, inventive packaging for craft brew. A bit hazy, golden to amber in color, with a long lasting white head that thins but does not disappear. Lace is phenomenal.

Taste: Very well balanced, with a malty, sweet start and a bitter hoppy finish. All the classic flavors you’d expect: pine, grapefruit, and resin. Dark malty finish is delicious. Flavor is deep, strong, and lasting.

Palate: Fresh, clean, and crisp, but lingers nicely on the front and back of the tongue. Tingles throughout the mouth.

Overall: A special treat from a great brewer. As close to the tap as I’ll have at home. I’d love to have it again, but I doubt I’ll ever see it again, after I slowly enjoy these 14 glasses. Delicious.

A potential apple beer recipe we have been thinking about brewing.  The details are still up in the air, but it sounds like it could be a tasty beverage.  One thing we want to preserve is not only the sweetness but also the aroma of the apples. One way to do it might be to use an apple extract but that is still to be researched.

Brewer:	Michael Cross		Email:	-
Beer:	Apple Weizen		Style:	Weizen/Weissbier
Type:	Extract w/grain		Size:	5 gallons
Color:	6 HCU (~5 SRM)		Bitterness:	15 IBU
OG:	1.053		FG:	1.012
Alcohol:	5.3% v/v (4.2% w/w)
Grain:	8 oz. American crystal 10L 8 oz. Dextrine malt (Cara-Pils) 8 oz. Raw wheat
Steep:	Steep all grains at 155° for 15 minutes.
Boil:	60 minutes	SG 1.088	3 gallons
	3 lb. Light malt extract 3 lb. Wheat extract 8 oz. Belgian candi sugar
	Make sure not to add any cider if used to the boil as that will set the pectin and make for a hazy beer. Otherwise save most of the extract and add to the last 15 minutes of the boil.
Hops:	1 oz. Liberty (4% AA, 60 min.) 1 oz. Liberty (4% AA, 15 min.)
Yeast:	I am still deciding if a weizen yeast in is order here or an English ale yeast would be more appropriate.

This web page generated by The Beer Recipator.

For a state that seems smaller than some cities I have lived in, Rhode Island seems to have a surprising amount of brew pubs and brewing history and culture. Trinity for example has a great atmosphere and ample selection of tasty brews, and their food is as good as the beer. Union Station seems to cater more to the 5:00 business suit crowd, but they do have a nice selection of beers as well. The Providence Journal sums it up nicely in a recent article.

We live in the golden age of microbrews, craft beers made in small batches in interesting styles. Likewise these are days in which we revel in keeping it local and seasonal with our food purchases.

So why shouldn’t we celebrate local brew pubs, which offer the freshest and most seasonal of microbrews right in our own backyard.

Rhode Island has four brew pubs: Union Station Brewery and Trinity Brewhouse, both in Providence; Coddington Brewing Co. in Middletown; and Mohegan Café and Brewery on Block Island. All offer beer in a variety of classic styles. The taps at their bars flow with brews made on the premises and served at the height of their taste.

See the full article here.