I am at a loss as to how I could have possibly not heard
about this. It's not only the very wheel in my wheelhouse, but is a somewhat
local item as well. I speak about the 12 Beers of the Apocalypse from Elysian
Brewing. In a celebration of the end of the world, as predicted by the Mayan
calendar, Elysian Brewing is releasing a beer a month. Each one is to get its own
release party at the brewery in Seatle complete with apocalyptic entertainment
and stamps in a Survival Guide. 12 stamps (means you have attended each one
of the release parties) grants a super special prize at the
brewery's specular world-ending party to be thrown December 20th where the
final beer will unleashed. As I am just now hearing about it I will be unable
to get rewarded at and participate fully in the shindiggory.
With all the talk of the end of the world, Elysian Brewing
& Fantagraphics are celebrating the demise of existence with a series
of 12 beers. Each beer will arrive on
the 21st of each month. The label artwork
is done by Charles Burns, based on his book – “Black Hole.”
January : NIBIRU
NIBIRU, named for the mysterious planet X supposedly on a
collision course toward earth. Nibiru is a Belgian style tripel flavored with
an infusion of yerba mate. Combining the yeasty esters of Belgian yeast and the
compelling tea-like flavors of the South American herb mixture, with German
Northern Brewer, Czech Saaz and American Amarillo hops round out the uniqueness
of this first beer of the Apocalypse. 7.6% ABV
February: RAPTURE
This 7.65% ABV ale has 1 lb. of heather tips per
barrel. The brew’s malts used are pale,
Munich, and Patagonia Especial and the hops are Magnum and Northwest Glacier.
Heather Ale. A sensual brew to take your mind off the coming apocalypse.
March: FALLOUT
A pale ale with cardamom. Add a little spice to what's left
of your life.
April: Peste
Chocolate Chili Ale
Peste Chocolate Chili Ale will plague you with the rich
flavors of cocoa, chilies, and cinnamon in a beer of 7.5% ABV. A blend of
Peruvian cocoa, Ceylon cinnamon, and chipotle, guajillo, pasilla, and cayenne
peppers make this beer a unique distraction from the approaching end of the
world as we know it. Brewed with Pale, Munich, C-77 Crystal, and Chocolate
malts with roasted flaked barley, and nominally bittered with Magnum, this is
the fourth of our 12 Beers of the Apocalypse heralding the winding down of the
Mayan calendar. Infectiously good -- pass it on.
May: Ruin Rosemary Agave IPA
Brewed with agave nectar and lemon peel. There may be
nothing left but you and this beer.
June: Wasteland Elderflower Saison
Our Apocalyptic Adventures are hitting the half-way point
this month. Join us on 6.21.12 as we turn Elysian Capitol Hill into a
Wasteland. On Thursday, June 21st from 5-8pm come toast the release of the
sixth of our 12 Beers of the Apocalypse: Wasteland Elderflower Saison. It’s the perfect nuclear winter summer
seasonal.
As I write this I am enjoying a growler of Ruin IPA. It is
strongly hopped with a good malty backbone. It avoids being overly sweet and
has no hint of caramel to the finish even taking into account its alcohol
content. I only wish that I had heard about this sooner. I am however in time
to make it to at least one release party at the brewery. I recommend you get
them while you can still find them.
Ruin is indeed a fantastic IPA. When Wastelander sang "Armageddon at last is here, break out the guns and beer" this was almost certainly what they would have consumed.
Ruin is indeed a fantastic IPA. When Wastelander sang "Armageddon at last is here, break out the guns and beer" this was almost certainly what they would have consumed.
