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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We stopped by for a quick something to eat and were pleasantly surprised by our food at Burrito Bistro. Also known as B2, this place serves up a large number of burritos that seems to be gaining popularity these days.

We stopped by and took a quick look at the menu. Mrs. Alphageek quickly decided on the Thai burrito and I settled on the Buffalo burrito. They offer two sizes, and we each selected the smaller of the two sizes.

We sat down and took a look around. B2 offers a salsa bar that includes some chopped jalapenos. We sampled a little of the salsa, and found it good, but somewhat middle of the road.

Thai Burrito (click to enlarge)

Mrs. Alphageek's Thai burrito is pictured above. She likes how she staged the picture of her burrito better than I staged my picture, so we will start off with hers first. The bite she gave me was very tasty with ingredients that tasted freshly prepared. The burrito had a very Thai inspired taste, and even included a touch of cilantro. The only way to improve this excellent burrito would be if the sauce were made fresh, like the rest of the ingredients.

Buffalo chicken burrito (click to enlarge)

Pictured above is my Buffalo burrito. I think the picture is good, but Mrs. Alphageek says hers is better. I found this burrito to be a great break from the usual fare that we get when we order a burrtio somewhere. The simple combination of ingredients with a great middle of the road buffalo sauce made for a great meal. It gave a reminder of great buffalo wings that have just the right amount of heat. I did not even need to add hot sauce, so don't order this if you are sensitive to spicy food.

This is a short review, but that is a good thing. Stop by if you want a simple, quick meal that is well prepared.

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