Cape Cod Beer (click to enlarge)

Mrs. Alphageek suggested we go hit a brewery tour while we were on the Cape. It seemed like a good idea, other than it was a holiday weekend. While I was a little afraid of the crowds, Mrs. Alphageek pointed out we would get a free sample, which instantly won me over.

At first, I thought this would be just another traditional brewery tour. Usually, they just say something about malt, water, hops, and yeast. Sometimes they change the order up a little bit, but usually the tour takes a few minutes, everyone gets their free sample, and then everyone buys something and leaves. I noticed that this is a different kind of tour when the guide, Beth, started passing around some grains for us to sample.

Wheat Malt (click to enlarge)


Roasted Barley (click to enlarge)

Taking a little of the grain between my teeth was not something I have been encouraged to do before. Being the Alphageek, I decided to give it a try. When I used to homebrew, I always used liquid malt extract, so I never had very many grains, except for finishing or tweaking a recipe. It was enlightening to taste the individual components that make up the beer. I was surprised how I could almost taste a little bit of the the beer in the grain. This part took an otherwise routine tour and turned it into something enlightening and fun, even on vacation.

We then got to sample several beers. I promise not to hit you with a bunch of flowery words, so just a few lines follow about each beer.

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Beach blonde - I liked this beer that is brewed to appeal to someone who likes traditional American beer. I found it light and refreshing.

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Red -This is a nicely balanced beer. It has just a little bite of hops to finish very nicely.

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Summer ale hefe-weizen - This is a traditional wheat beer, with lots of clove like flavor. The Alphageek happens to really like this style, and recommends this one for someone that likes a tradtional wheat beer.

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IPA - This is a somewhat fruity IPA. These fruity IPAs are not among the Alphageek's favorite style, but this one was not over the top with the fruity tones. It is something the Alphageek enjoyed, but probably a more traditional IPA would be better for the Alphageek.

At the end of the tour, we had sampled several great beers, and even learned a thing or two on a subject that is well traveled for the Alphageek. I highly recommend the great tour, any time you would like to try some great beers.

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