At the Ventiblog, JR has a detailed series of posts going on what they've been pouring. As a snapshot of the Salem beer geek market, it's illuminating. JR divides the taps into four classes:1. a crisp / clean lagers [Kölsch, Pilsner, Bock] or a thirst-quenching Golden or Pale Alesand then lists for July and August the number of beers in each category.
2. an amber / red or brown ale, porter, or stout; typically, malty
3. an India Pale Ale
4. a Double IPA, an Imperial Stout, or a Strong Ale
By this count, over these two summer months, the hottest of the year, only 20% of the beer poured at Venti's has been in the first class of "crisp, clean, or thirst-quenching" beers. 25% have been in the second class of malty beers, 8% were IPAs, and an astonishing 48% were "double, imperial, or strong" ales.
During the peak of summer, about three-quarters of the beer at Venti's was winter beer from the second and fourth types!
Capital Taps thinks that's nuts. But I guess that's what the market demands. Still, it's a little disappointing that it wasn't until just this week that a witbier came on. At least it's sunny and warm just now!
But this is nitpicking. Thank you Venti's for the thought & care you put into beer.
The aforementioned 'JR', here.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite beer is Pilsner / Pilsener. In July/August, Venti's offered 3; Caldera, Seven Brides, and Trumer Pils. They sold nicely; particularly, the Caldera - Pilsener Bier. Expect more pilsners; particularly, next Spring and Summer.
RE: Oktoberfest
In recognition of the marriage of Crown Prince [later King] Ludwig I of Bavaria and Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen, Ayinger Märzen lager will be offered at Venti's soon.
The Ayinger Oktober Fest-Märzen lager is a well respected beer. One of the beeradvocate.com founders gave it a good review
http://beeradvocate.com/news/2182434
The consensus rating is B+ [very good] based on 490 reviews.
I'm a lager man. J. E. Box
ReplyDeleteOh dear...I think I've got some initials and identities confused? Thanks for the clarification - and for the info about the Ayinger!
ReplyDeleteFurther, two Ninkasi summer beers await an appropriate Venti's tap: 'Maltease' Golden Ale; ~25 IBU / 4.8% ABV; and 'Nugg E Fresh' Red Ale; 35 IBUs / 5.8% ABV.
ReplyDeleteAnd, seeking a keg of pilsner.
'Maltease' Golden Ale; ~25 IBU / 4.8% ABV is available from yesterday, 01 Oct 2009 - while supply last.
ReplyDelete'Nugg E Fresh' Red Ale; 35 IBUs / 5.8% ABV is available this afternoon; 02 Oct 2009 - while supply last.
Ayinger Oktober Fest-Marzen [ Märzen ]; 21 IBUs /5.8% ABV is available from this afternoon- while supply last.