Mississippi Mud

Merry Pre-Christmas Eve from both of us here at EpicBeerBlog!

We are, like everyone, incredibly busy this time of year. So when on an emergency cheese run to Bigg's at Skytop (a silly name for something at the BOTTOM of the hill), buying some beer seemed like a pretty good idea. (Although, I just remembered we opened a bottle of Sangria during the present wrapping part of the evening... oh well.)

This is what we found:

 (Don't judge us, we were out of clean glasses)

Mississippi Mud Famous Slow Brewed Black and Tan

At just $2.99 for a full quart of beer we declare this a EpicBB Best Buy!

Now, we can't claim that it tastes anything like a classic Guiness and Beck's black and tan, but it sure tastes 2.99 worth of awesome.

We would like to claim that we just liked it for the taste, but you know us. We bought it because we were at the grocery store at 11PM in our slippers and the other people there were looking at us like we might be stoned. 

So, SUPRISE! It did taste mighty fine. And we're fairly sure that it is not the stress induced alcoholism talking.

Stress?

Why yes... let us show you.

2 pounds of cheddar later, I'm not exactly sure what we managed to make... other than a huge mess.

But nothing makes us feel better than drinking straight from the jug.

 

 We were unable to find any sort of website for the Mississippi Brewing Company, but according to the back of the bottle they are located in.... Utica, New York... which is not Mississippi.

The description on the back of the bottle is:

Dating back to 18th century England, the custom of blending pale and dark beers has kept the  "Black and Tan" a favorite of experienced beer drinkers for centuries. Our famous recipe combines a robust Classic Porter with a fine Continental Pilsner, preserving the character of each while creating the classic taste of the legendary "Black and Tan". In true American style, we bring you the best of both beers as they meet in Mississippi Mud.

Swear to god, that's verbatim. Even the misplaced punctuation.

We were also unable to find an ABV, but another blog* lists it as only 5%. (However, they were rather mean with their review and I choose not to believe them too much.)

Epic Beer Blog gives the following ratings:

Magical Rareness: ?- Found at Bigg's, but never seen before

Deliciocity: 7- tasty with Beth's Bagel Cheese Spread** 

Aesthetics: 4- Not only a jug, but a reusable twist top!

*Bitchy Beer Blog

** No, you cannot have the secret recipe yet, that is for another post 

Update: I have discovered that there is no info on the web about Mississippi Brewing Company because it is owned by the elusive Ferolito, Vultaggio & Sons. The same fellas who make Arizona Iced Tea. To them I say Huzzah! You have brought me two wonderful things! Beer in a jug AND my daily go to- Arnold Palmer Half and Half Lite- the most delicious blend of iced tea and lemonade to ever happen. Plus that super awesome bracelet my mom got for me in California that is made out of one of your green tea cans! -Laura

Update 2: For those concerned, the unfinished bottle of sangria is safely in the fridge. 

Schlafly Grand Cru

Brewed by the St. Louis Brewery, delicious Schlafly beers have been served up in Missouri's first brew pub (The Schlafly Tap Room) since 1991*. The company also boast St. Louis' first new production brewery since the end of Prohibition in 1933*.

But, who cares. Here in Ohio we get our beer the same place any sane person does. In Kentucky.

 

We started this epic beer adventure several months ago, when money was good and times were warm. Ahh, the good old days. As always, when superior beer is desired (or at least superior looking bottles), The Party Source** in Newport is the place to be.

I (Laura) picked the Grand Cru based on it's bottle. It is one of a set of 4 beautiful bottles featuring variations on a Fleur de lis in epic Art Deco style. I learned later that they are a complete set of "bottle conditioned beers" offered by Schlafly. I guess I must be really new to this, because that means nothing to me.

Update: I looked up bottle conditioning, which now makes perfect sense. Yeast is stored in the bottle with the beer to prevent it breaking down and tasting like ass, thus allowing it to survive for years. This is very useful knowledge as now I know how to make long lasting beer for when the apocalypse destroys all the crappy beer.

 

But let's get to the important part.

The Schlafly website lists the Grand Cru as:

Fruity, spicy aromas and flavors contribute to the complexity of this golden-colored Belgian ale. Medium body and effervescence contribute to a light, dry impression, despite its strength and sweet, smooth finish.

ABV: 9%
OG: 18.3
IBU: 20

(No, we do not understand any of those numbers)

We tend to agree. Although I couldn't tell a Belgian Ale from my elbow, JonMikel informs us that this is an excellent example, going as far as to claim it the equal of the Brew-master in Lander, WY.

Personally it not only met my criteria of not tasting like butt, but far exceeded it with a smooth taste that was neither bitter nor harsh. It did, as promised have have a pleasant spicy, fruity flavor that hid the large alcohol percentage nicely.

Epic Beer Blog gives the following ratings:

Magical Rareness: 3- found at The Party Source

Deliciocity: 8.5 - Delicious in general (this number is the average rating given by 4 tasters)

Aesthetics: 4 - Beautiful and large enough to be reused in case of emergency

Thank you to our guest tasters Jonmikel and Kat. 

All photos taken by Kathryn Byerly.

*http://www.schlafly.com/brewpubs.shtml

**thepartysource.com

Where's the beer!?

So, to ease our readers into the world of beer, we've decided to have a little game. :)

See if you can spot the beer!

Is that a beer?

 

No, that's Christmas Cheer!

Is that the beer?

No! I'm making that ramen disappear!

Is that a beer?

No! That's a kitty in fear! (or you know...anger)

Is that the beer?

 

No! That's an EPIC souvenir!

Is that a beer?

Good job Team, you found the beer! 

Now, here is an easy one...  Spot the impostor here.

Please contact Beth and Laura at EpicBeerBlog@gmail.com for prizes.

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