THE BREWSKI REPORT

Old Man Winter can be an unfriendly curmudgeon.

The Brewski Report Reviews Southern Tier’s Old Man Winter Ale
File Date: 2.6.2011

File Name: Egypt on the Quasar
The Beer: Old Man Winter Ale
Type: Old Ale
Serving: Bottle
Stats: 7.7% ABV
Brewer: Southern Tier Brewing Co.
Web Site: www.southerntierbrewing.com
State/Country of Origin: NY, USA
Brewer Info: Southern Tier Brewing Company of Lakewood, New York, has been in operation since 2002. Founders Phineas DeMink and Allen (”Skip”) Yahn started the brewery with the vision of bringing small batch brewing back to a region rich in brewing tradition. In 2002 Skip and Phin purchased the defunct Old Saddleback Brewing Co. in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. All the equipment was removed, brought back to Lakewood and set up at its new home located within the Stoneman Business Park. The Brewery began distributing regionally in February 2003. By 2005 sales covered the majority of New York State and the eastern half of Pennsylvania. In the beginning their two flagship brands were Pilsner and Mild Ale and they also brewed IPA. As it turned out the flagships were a flop and the IPA was a huge success! They next launched a line of seasonal beers which gained great success. Since the beginning, Southern Tier has experienced steady growth and after multiple expansions to keep up with demand a new building was built in 2009. The building was designed with the express purpose of brewing innovative, high quality beer for an expanding customer base.

Brewer Brand Hype: Old Man Winter - a liquid winter wonderland. With the onset of winter, the brewer’s mind turns to providing warmth. For our winter seasonal, we offer a rich and complex amalgam of hops and barley that will put the feeling back in your toes and lift your spirits above the snow. OMW throws a deep and inviting hue with a thickness that clings to the glass and the warmth of an open flame. Because of its high alcohol content, Old Man is a heady brew that encourages sipping and pondering its essential richness. Drink it fresh now, or cellar a few bottles to see how this old man becomes wiser with age.
Label: Brewed by Southern Tier Brewing Co. Lakewood, NY.

The Brewski Review: What about the turmoil in Egypt? I totally respect the passion and courage the Egyptians have exemplified in an effort to change the course of political winds. Since they didn’t wait around of some other country (i.e. U.S.) to come and fight their battle they get extra bonus points. But, maybe what they’re truly clamoring for is a really good beer. I was at the local pay-and-sip liquor store the other day to find an Egyptian beer which I could review. Low and behold, I could find none! No wonder their up in arms! I’d be angry too if I couldn’t get a brown bag afternoon delight from the corner carryout and get drunk on my front porch sitting on my van seat. The Egyptian government has had their thumb on the populous for years. Slim to no industry, few jobs, limited prospects, bleak future, no bloated government health care plan and no TARP! What else is there to do? Dang it! March downtown and protest! Of course, they do brew beer in Egypt. My local store just didn’t carry any. It makes for a good story though. Southern Tier’s Old Man Winter Ale may be just the beer for you to drink while watching the saga unfold on the Quasar. It was good but a little high on the hoppy bitterness scale for Tommy.

Drinkability: Would try other Old Ales before revisiting.
Appearance: Dark ruby brown w/ quick disolve head.
The Buds: Hoppy bitterness is high.
TBR Cap Rating: 3.5 out of 5.

Did it cross your mind why the protestor signs are written in English? It's not their native tongue.

Many countries show an obvious distain for the western world. Yet they love to cater to the western news media. Or, are the news media putting the signs in the hands of the protestors? Hmmmm. Makes you wonder.

The local Cairo Office Max must have had a run on red markers.