DRAFT Magazine

We’re taking a break from my usual rambling this week to indulge the visual. Now, as the more savvy readers of this blog already know, beer judging doesn’t just focus on taste and smell—although grandly important—but also how a beer looks. Yeah, even beer’s subject to aesthetic pleasure. Is your hefeweizen cloudy? I will drink you. Is your imperial stout transparent? You’ve got problems. But before a brew’s even popped open; before it’s sold; there’s one ultimate judgment it needs to pass. Bring out the fonts!

I sit at my desk each day surrounded by beer labels. Here, take a look.

Here’s a tip: I don’t have the cleanest desk at DRAFT. I spend a lot of time gazing at beer bottles as they roll through my area, en route to our beer fridge for tastings. I don’t quite understand all of the artwork I see, but a small percentage of labels stand apart from the pack.

Labels at which to stare: Vol. 1!

New Belgium nailed its new year-round Ranger IPA with a look lifted right from the National Parks Service circa 1940. It’s rustically retro and the beer’s damn good too.

Odell Brewing’s Red Ale hails from Colorado, but its label could have fallen off a Metro sign on the left bank of the River Seine.

Rogue’s Mom Hefeweizen, everyone. Comb your hair and tuck in your shirt before drinking.

Mad River’s John Barleycorn Barleywine Ale first caught my eye because it looks a lot like this:

Speaking of Traffic: Hey, it’s an oddly generic psychedelic video set to Traffic’s 1967 single “Paper Sun.” Let’s get dosed!

Left Hand Brewing’s Good Juju. Don’t look it in the eyes, friends.

Terrapin’s India Style Brown Ale.

Part-woodcarving, part-acid trip this label adorns Scotland’s Brew Dog Atlantic IPA.

You know what else I’ve got for you? MAIL

Do you have a burning question that can wait up to a week to get answered? Send it over HERE. Let’s read your mail:

From Jason
“So you guys are based in Phoenix. I’m gonna be in Vegas in a few weeks and wondered if you have any suggestions. That’s kind of close right?”

Jason, don’t buy drugs from the dirty homeless on the strip. If they were selling real drugs, they could afford to take the occasional shower. Use your head, man. Seriously, though, Las Vegas is a mystical venue of infinite possibilities—especially when it comes to beer and burgers. While you’re in town, swing by LBS: A Burger Joint at the Red Rock Casino Resort and Spa. Here you’ll not only find amazing burgers but spot-on beer pairings as well. Delve into their Perfect Burger paired with Tripel Karmeliet or the Frenchie Turkey Burger with a pint of Manneken Pis Belgian White. Seriously. Burger time.

From Heather
“Any recommendations for St. Patty’s Day?”

What, you mean other than Guinness? Sure. Thomas Hooker Irish Red Ale (DRAFT-rated 95 points), Dragonmead Erik the Red (94), Moylan’s Irish Red Ale (93 points), Harpoon Celtic Ale (92), Smithwick’s (91), Rogue Kells Irish Style Lager (90) and Boulevard Irish Red Ale (89). Mixed in with those cheap Guinness specials. Sift through the reviews section and find some new favorite stouts too.

That’s it for the mailbag this week. I suddenly have an urge to eat burgers whilst listening to Traffic. Hey, did you know Stone’s Greg Koch stopped by the office last week? Of course you did, but here’s the video in case you missed it. Music mostly courtesy of The Meters. Wanna click a few more links? Check me out here, here and, as always, here.