By Dan Cummins
As recently as the 90's there
were
television commercials depicting the horrors of “bitter beer
face.” Since that distant and primitive time, American beer
drinkers have
come to love hops, the ingredient in beer that is
responsible for its
bitterness. Many different varieties have grown into
prominence
among brewers and each imparts its own unique flavor and
aroma to
beer. Over the years, brewers have become increasingly adept
at
mixing and matching different hops to balance their
beverages.
The IPA, or India Pale Ale, is
perhaps
the most famous example of a “bitter” beer. As a style of
beer
it is a relative newcomer, being first brewed in England in
the 19th
century. Traditionally the story tells of English citizens
and
soldiers in the colony of India craving the beer of their
homeland. Attempts to bring beer along the long voyage from
England to India
proved disastrous, until it was fortuitously discovered that
the
prodigious addition of hops to beer acted as a natural
preservative. These “India Ales” proved popular for the
English both at home
and abroad.
 |
| John Enjoying a Big Hop Draft |
The major producers of IPAs in
the
world have remained England and the United States, and the
style has
split into three main varieties, English, East Coast, and
West Coast. The differences between them are the balance
between the hop flavors
and the malt present in the beer, with English IPAs being
the most
“malty,” West Coast IPAs being the most “hoppy,” and East
Coast IPAs being somewhere in between.
East End Big Hop is a very good
example
of an East Coast IPA. The strong malt flavors provide a
backbone for
the bitter hops to play against. The floral hop notes found
in West
Coast IPAs are much more subdued creating a well balanced
and
flavorful beer that is exceptionally drinkable.
The East End brewing company is also based right downtown, perhaps surprisingly
in the
East End. They are huge supporters of the community and
focus on
sustainability in their brewery. Any chance to drink a good
local
beer is always recommended and these guys deliver in spades.
As the reader might expect from
a drink
named for its association with India, an IPA pairs
exceedingly well
with spicy foods. Big Hop has enough malt backbone to be a
great
companion to most dishes, but sitting it next to some spicy
hot
wings, chile rellenos, or a piece of chorizo will really
bring out
the flavors of both.
East End Big Hop Drafts Now Available at the Franklin Inn
Style: American IPA
ABV: 5.8%
BA Score: 87
Malt: Pale, Munich, Crystal, Wheat
Hops: Centennial, Cascade
About Dan: Shortly after turning 21,
Dan famously quipped to friends that he "just didn't like beer very
much." Nearly ten years later Dan has parlayed that general dislike
into a passion for the juice of the barley. He admits that he is no
expert, but is more than willing to share with our visitors the
knowledge he has gained from sampling hundreds of beers from around the
world, visiting breweries, and even making home brews. Dan has a degree
in technical theater from Slippery Rock University and is a relative
new comer to the Franklin Inn but we hope he sticks around for awhile.
Stop by the Inn and let Dan know your thoughts on his beer choices.
He'll be happy to chat with you.
Our daughter, Grace (I can't believe she's a teen now!), is actively involved in a youth group. Tomorrow the youth group is holding an all-you can-eat taco night in Heritage Church's Fellowship Hall. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. The proceeds benefit the kids' local mission trip via the Pittsburgh Project to repair the homes of our vulnerable neighbors. 
The tacos for this delicious event are donated by the Franklin Inn Mexican Restaurant (Of Course!). You will also have an opportunity to participate in a cake raffle and maybe win a delicious cake or pie donated by local bakeries/bakers. My sister, Robin, won this awesome Sombrero Cake by The Mike McAleer Bakery. Unfortunately, she did not share it with me! She took it home and shared it with other family members! She did tell me that it tasted as great as it looked. Thanks Robin!!!
Come on out and help the kids help those who lack the resources or the physical ability to make home repairs on their own. Fill your belly with good food, help our kids to experience the thrills of serving others, and make a difference for people in need. How great is that?
