Fishy Business at Guinness: The world’s most famous Irish stout will be changing its recipe for the first time in 250 years, removing a product called isinglass to make the beer 100% vegan. Isinglass is a naturally occurring material derived from fish bladders, which is used as a fining agent to aid in clarifying beer. Some traditionalists have objected to the change, but there will be no real change in the drinking experience of Guinness. Plus, now you can recline on that sweet nitro head without fearing the wrath of Cthulhu.
Beer with the King: Burger King restaurants in the UK will begin selling beer, starting with four lucky pilot locations. They have attempted upscale “Whopper Bars” in the past, but this is the first time standard locations will be able to sell beer. This introduction could totally change the average college student’s drinking routine; at the very least, we hope it brings some joy to the cold, cold eyes of the King.
The Ultimate American Beer Pilgrimage: Data wizard Nathan Yau has done what many have attempted and created the definitive path for a road trip covering all of the highest rated breweries in the contiguous United States (Anchorage Brewing was deemed too far too drive.) The route covers 12,299 miles, stopping in 70 breweries in 28 states and traveling through a total of 40 states. Yau estimates the trip could be conquered in 20 days. We estimate that you’d owe your designated driver your mortal soul, but it might just be worth it.
Supping on The Fruit of The Canal: Threes Brewing and Mikkeller unveiled a new collaboration beer this week featuring some local talent: oyster shells, shucked by visitors to Threes’ backyard space on brewing day. The dark saison is nearly black in color but not roasty, opting instead to show off a bit of salt and a touch of funk from the blend of Belgian and Brettanomyces yeasts Threes uses as a house saison strain. Hats off to Mikkeller’s Mikkel Borg Bjergsø and Threes’ Greg Doroski for concocting the seaworthy ale– we’ll be taking a field trip to try it soon.
Photo courtesy Greenport Harbor Brewing Co.
Meanwhile, on Long Island: The Greenport Harbor Brewing Co. has unleashed a brand new food truck, marking what founder John Liegey calls a “natural progression” to incorporating a culinary focus in their brewery. The North Fork Test Kitchen truck is helmed by Chef Brian Russell and features items including bao buns, poutine and more, all created to pair with Greenport Harbor’s beers. If you haven’t yet found the joy of drinking beer and eating poutine, we highly recommend that you head to Greenport and offer yourself up for deliverance at their new altar to food and beer.
What’s In A Name?: Paste Magazine scratched your trivia itch by compiling this slideshow of beers named after famous people. What better way to enshrine figures from Jean-Claude Van Damme to the stunningly irrepressible Tom Green than by naming a beer after them? Heck, why not mix them together and come up with a horrifying portmanteau? If any of these work, please let us know; we’re particularly interested in Genghis Pecan Haircut.