Time Flies (When You've Had a Few Beers in You) - The Iron Press One Year Anniversary Basheroo!

We just love our IPA's, this time it stands for Iron Press Anniversary!  We can't believe just how fast time has zipped by us this past year.  With that being said, next Tuesday (April 23rd, 2013 AD) will be our first birthday.  Hot off the heels of a super fun night with Karl Strauss, join us that night for a crazy lineup of strong-strong-did I say strong? brews, some special delish dishes, and limited edition The Iron Press swag for everyone who has seen us through our ups, our downs, and who will be with us for what lies ahead!

Here is our Lucky 13 Line-up for the evening, and as promised, nothing is under 8% ABV:

1. Ballast Point Dorado on NITRO! - 10% - Hopheads rejoice! Mash hopping, first wort hopping, kettle hopping, and dry hopping create an award winning beer that embodies San Diego's reputation for making world class beer.

2. Bootleggers Knuckle Sandwich - 10% ABV - A fantastic example of a west coast imperial IPA and Bootleggers most sought after beer. ‘Nuff said.

3. The Bruery Tradewinds Tripel - 8.1% - This is a Belgian style tripel with a southeast Asian twist, brewed with rice and Thai basil. It sounds boring because Jerry doesn’t want anyone else to drink it but himself.

4. The Bruery White Oak - 11.5% - A blended beer with 50% wheat wine aged in bourbon barrels and 50% Mischief - a Belgian style hoppy ale. Vivid caramel, coconut, and vanilla flavors blanketed in a crisp yet robust wheat ale.

5. The Dudes Double Trunk - 10.8% ABV - This imperial IPA is definitely a big beer with a healthy dose of corn sugar to give a boost and dryness so it's not too malty on the finish.

6. Golden Road Wolf Among Weeds - 8% ABV - This double IPA wolf will sneak up on you from behind the fresh pine sap and tropical fruit notes mirrored in its aroma and flavor profile.

7. Hangar 24 Pugachev’s Cobra - 15.8% ABV - Russian Imperial Stout that is bursting with aromas of chocolate, vanilla, oak, bourbon, licorice, and dark fruits this beer is an assault on your senses!

8. Hangar 24 Hammerhead - 12.4% ABV - This barley wine’s character is enhanced by dry hopping and then aging the deep amber liquid for six months in charred oak rye whiskey and bourbon barrels. This is a strong ale meant to be sipped, savored, and enjoyed.

9. North Coast|Deschutes|Rogue Class of ‘88 - 10.2% - A hoppy citrus aroma radiates from this pale amber barely wine ale collaboration. It's sturdy malt backbone is balanced with clean bitterness and finishes pleasantly without overpowering.

10. Shmaltz Funky Jewbilation - 9.4% ABV - This American Strong Ale is a blend of six beers from the Shmaltz Brewing’s beer line-up aged in rye whiskey and bourbon barrels.

11. Stone Oak Smoked Old Guardian - 11.4% ABV - Stone added a generous dose of German oak smoked malt to this barley wine, enveloping it in a smokiness that compliments it's rich malt and vivid hop flavors and bitterness.

12. Widmer Bourbon Barrel Aged Brrrbon - 9.5% ABV - Following the initial brewing process of Widmer’s Winter Seasonal Brrr, this beer was given a boost of hops during second fermentation and then aged in Kentucky bourbon barrels for four months.

13. Widmer Kill Devil - 9.5% - Sweet Barbados and blackstrap molasses provide touches of toasted sugar, black licorice, and blackened toffee while the palm sugars invite notes of subtle sweetness all while after being aged in Puerto Rican rum barrels.

Smoochies, Len & Jerry

Tuesday Tap Takeovers - The Karl Strauss Revival Edition

So sorry this is really late notice, but we have been scrambling around to get our one year anniversary all planned (April 23rd, 2013 AD for those interested, and we know you are), that this is getting put up a little late!

We know Karl Strauss, in the past, has lost a little of it's luster as a true craft brewery, but this couldn't be further from the truth now.  In the last two years, they have definitely stepped things up and are throwing together some crazy delicious brews.  Check out the evening's lineup for medals galore:

1. Windansea Wheat – 5.1% ABV | 3 SRM | 12 IBU –This Hefeweizen is true to the Bavarian style, using 50% malted wheat and Noble Tettnanger hops. A centuries old strain of German weissbier yeast lends its trademark banana and clove flavors that linger through a refreshingly smooth finish. Gold and silver medal winner.

2. Pintail Pale Ale – 5.3% ABV | 15 SRM | 47 IBU – Motueka hops from New Zealand’s South Island provide a vibrant tropical aroma, while multiple additions of American-grown Cascades lend zesty citrus hop flavors. Gold medal winner.

3. Red Trolley – 5.8% ABV | 30 SRM | 17 IBU – Brewed with a half ton of caramelized malts for a rich copper color and toffee flavor. After adding the perfect mix of hops for balance, we warm ferment the beer to bring out a hint of dried raisins and currants. Gold medal winner.

4. Tower 10 IPA – 7% ABV | 9 SRM | 70 IBU – Filling the brew kettle to the brim with assertive Chinook hops, gives the beer its intense grapefruit and pine flavors that linger through its dry finish. After fermentation, it is dry hopped with a blend of Cascade and Centennial hops for a floral citrus aroma. A touch of lightly kilned caramel malts make Tower 10 a well balanced, full flavored IPA. Silver and Bronze medal winner.

5. Boardwalk Black Rye IPA – 8% ABV | 80 SRM | 80 IBU – A spicy black ale with a hop profile that’s pure West Coast. Black and caramelized rye malts add complex spicy and roasted notes, while three massive additions of Ahtanum hops provide the vibrant floral aroma and citrus hop character of a Double IPA. Gold medal winner.

6. Off the Rails – 8.5% ABV | 32 SRM | 40 IBU – A West Coast Imperial Red Ale with rich toffee flavors, undertones of dark fruits, and a derailing hop character. Think Red Trolley...Hulk style. Silver medal winner.

7. Doppelbock Conquistador – 8.5% ABV | 40 SRM | 28 IBU – A super robust German-style lager which has rich caramel and toasted malt flavors, underscored by a plum-like fruit character and a warming finish. Gold medal winner.

8. Mouette A Tois – 8.5% ABV | 35 SRM | 10 IBU – Brewed with fresh apricots, cherries and a blend of spices, the resulting strong ale is a Belgian Dubbel meets fruit cake. Rich layers of candied fruit and warming spices are punctuated by notes of toffee and fresh-baked bread. Aging on brandy-cured French oak adds hints of vanilla that linger through a warming finish.

9. Blackball Belgian IPA – 8.5% ABV | 14 SRM | 80 IBU – A Belgian-inspired India Pale Ale with a robust West Coast hop profile. Belgian ale yeast, coriander, and Curacao lend a fruity and spicy character for an ale bolder than your average IPA. A blend of New Zealand and Cascade hops add a vibrant floral aroma and clean citrus hop bitterness that lingers through its crisp, dry finish. Gold and silver medal winner.

10. Wreck Alley Imperial Stout – 9.5% ABV | 100 SRM | 50 IBU – Brewed with darkly kilned malts, cocoa nibs, and Ethiopian coffee beans, Wreck Alley boasts rich layers of dark chocolate, toffee, and espresso-like roast. Silver and bronze medal winner.

Check back with us soon for our special food offerings, yes?  Yes.  As usual, we will be tossing swag at you guys, so come early for the good gear!

Smoochies, Len & Jerry

Super Cool (as in Liquid Nitrogen) Ice Cream

For those who are not familiar with à la minute, Chef Ryan Berk has anti-melted together liquid nitrogen with local organic ingredients to freeze your own personal ice cream ON THE SPOT!

Liquid nitrogen is simply nitrogen (which makes up 78% of our atmosphere) in a liquid state.  It is -321 degrees and is obviously very cold.  Using liquid nitrogen to make ice cream reduces the size of ice crystals and results in a much creamier ice cream.

With that being said, we melted together our brains and have come up with some crazy dessert concoctions for our Tuesday Tap Takeover!

Sitting on top of a Belgian Waffle: 1) Salted Caramel - Used with locally made artisan caramel and topped with flur de sel French sea salt from De Grade region. $8

2) Espresso Chip - Using espresso from Augie's coffee house (also in Redlands) and micro batch artisan chocolate chips. $8

3) Strawberry Balsamic - Strawberries from local fields and a balsamic reduction. $8

Beer infused Ice Cream: 1) A brown butter and Hellion Belgian Golden Strong Ale infused ice cream on top of a waffle pressed piece of French Toast featuring real maple syrup. $8

2) Big Deluxe Imperial Russian Oat Stout infused ice cream battered in oats and slivered almonds, fried, and drizzled with house made chocolate by Chef Ryan Berk himself. $6

Frozen Drooooooooooool!

Along with these sweet offerings, we will be serving up these savory fellas:

1) Our YUM waffle fries topped with melted Cheddar cheese then adorned with a Citrus Lager Carne Asada made up of prime rib eye cuts. $8 (Ask for extra Avocado Pico de Gallo on the side for just $1 more)

2) Citrus Lager Carne Asada - Topped with Pepper Jack cheese and our house made Avocado Pico de Gallo served on a fresh waffle. $9

Both of these guys taste even better with Ritual's Hop-O-Matic IPA.  Trust me, I'm a beer doctor.

Big ups to Frank and Josh for helping put this all together.  See you guys soon!

Smoochies, Len & Jerry

Tuesday Tap Takeovers - The Ritual Brewing x à la minute Ice Cream Edition

As we have sadly drained our supply of Melange #3 and Sour in the Rye from a fun The Bruery Tuesday Tap Takeover, we are wiping the tears from our eyes and slapping on a big smile as have something really awesome coming up for our next Takeover.  For the first time, we are collaborating not only with a brewery, but also with a crazy good ice cream spot.  On March 26th, 2013 AD, we will be bringing in, from Redlands, Ritual Brewing and à la minute ice cream!

So we finally sat down and had a tasting with Ed from Ritual, and much to the happiness of our taste buds, everything was amazing.  Without further ado, here is the lineup for the evening:

1. Tafelbier - 4.5% ABV - Belgian style Enkel (Single) is typically brewed only at Trappist Monasteries.  This Tafelbier (Table Beer) is modest in strength, robed in warm, golden hues and soft on the palate with a smooth, dry finish.

2. Wit's End - 4.8% ABV - Classic Belgian style Witbier (White Beer) spiced up with a dose of orange zest from local Redlands orange groves, coriander, and other spices.  Delightful citrus nose and refreshing nature quenches the thirst.

3. Extra Red - 6.5% ABV - Eight (count em *EIGHT*) different malts and a big dose of hops results in a rich, multi-layered, full-bodied beer bringing together a classically complex malt backbone with an assertive West Coast finish.

4. Hop-O-Matic - 7.1% ABV - This fragrant IPA imparts an initial blast of bitterness that gives way to sweet, toasty malts, and a zesty citrus profile, then takes it up ten notches with a complex mélange of hops that won't go down without a fight.

5. Hellion - 8.4% ABV - Belgian Strong Golden Ale featuring aromas of bananas and pears with mouth filling flavors of sweet malt, earthy hops and a hint of juicy, sun-ripened apricot.

6. Big Deluxe - 12.2% ABV - Imperial Russian Stout brewed with no less than ten (count em *TEN*) different malts to give it that dark, roasty flavor with oats to add an additional layer of silkiness.

7. Little Oat - 4.5% ABV - A small beer made from the second runnings of the Big Deluxe mash.  This guy has an amazingly nuanced gathering of flavors given its heritage, enjoy it while it lasts as this is limited.

8. Vanilla Deluxe - 12.2% ABV - OC Premier for this brew!  Just as it sounds, all the deliciousness of the Big Deluxe infused with Vanilla Beans.

Pop back soon for an update on our crazy sweet offerings from Chef Ryan from à la minute!  With that, I will leave you a picture of Ed, from Ritual Brewing.  This was after we finished 6 growlers of beer - tee hee.

Smoochies, Len & Jerry

IPA x Robert Adamson

 

For our next round of IPA (Iron Press Art), meet Robert Adamson!  Not only is Robert a great friend, he has started a series of super sweet 8-bit art.  Our love of old school Nintendo games and beer have come to a culmination of some really fun things framed and hung at The Iron Press.  Come by and take a look at what he has put up, but you best hurry because one piece has already sold!  Look out soon for some new pieces by Robert that he is working on as well.

Robert's creativity does not only lie in painting, so check out some of his other talents here : http://www.robertnosmada.com when you get a chance.

Smoochies, Len & Jerry

Please Come and Enjoy Enjoy by 04.01.13

 

Yup.  That's right.  We got it.  There were only six (6) barrels of this bad boy delivered in our area and we got our dirty little hands on one.

From Stone:

"Double IPA | 9.4% ABV

You have in your hands a devastatingly fresh double IPA. While freshness is a key component of many beers - especially big, citrusy, floral IPAs - we've taken it further, a lot further, in this IPA. You see, we specifically brewed it NOT to last. We've not only gone to extensive lengths to ensure that you're getting this beer in your hands within an extraordinarily short window, we made sure that the Enjoy By date isn't randomly etched in tiny text somewhere on the label, to be overlooked by all but the most attentive of retailers and consumers. Instead, we've sent a clear message with the name of the beer itself that there is no better time than right now to enjoy this IPA."

On 04.02.13, if there are any left on the shelves or taps, Stone is taking it back.  That will definitely not happen as we are already going through this keg QUICK.  See you soon.

Smoochies, Len & Jerry

Tuesday Tap Takeovers - The Bruery Edition

Mmmmmm...yummy.  Now that we have gone through all the delicious beer that Ballast Point brought in, we are super happy to announce our next Tuesday Tap Takeover with The Bruery!  We will be pouring out their brews for you guys on March 5th, 2013 AD,  mark your calendars - please.

You guys will be enjoying the maiden tapping of Mrs. Stoutfire - The Bruery's own tasting room hasn't even tapped this brew yet!

Jerry and I have never been shy about spreading our love for the fellas over at The Bruery, so without further ado, here is the lineup for the evening straight from the guys there:

Grandma Katz's Oatmeal Cookies - Oatmeal Stout. One of our long-time brewers, Kevin Hammons, came up with the recipe for this smooth, sessionable oatmeal stout. His creativity was aided by a recipe for oatmeal cookies used by our CFO Carl's late grandmother, who became the beer's namesake. This is also our first ever nitro beer, contributing to the luxurious mouth feel. (ABV: 4.1%)

Mischief - Hoppy Belgian-Style Golden Strong Ale. This wickedly good golden ale is fiendishly dry-hopped with American hops to add a layer of complexity and mystery to its fruity, dry Belgian-style character. Citrus and resin diabolically combine with ripe melon, pear and slight peppery spice in a precariously effervescent mixture. Enjoy it, but you'll want to keep an eye out. (ABV: 8.5%, IBU: 35, SRM: 5, Release: Year-Round)

Smoking Wood - Barrel-Aged Smoked Imperial Rye Porter. Brewed with cherrywood smoked malt and aged in whiskey barrels, Smoking Wood is a delicious demonstration of what wood has to offer when it comes to beer. This imperial smoked porter is brewed with a hefty amount of rye malt, contributing to a full body and light spiciness. Toasty oak, caramel and vanilla flavors balance the smokiness, contributing to an intense yet refined flavor profile. (ABV: 13%, Release: December)

Humulus Lager - India Pale Lager. We promised we wouldn't brew an IPA, and this is the closest we've come to breaking that promise. Humulus Lager is an extremely aromatic hoppy beer, with citrus, pine, and intense herbal characteristics. We brew this beer with more than 3 lbs. of hops per barrel, and it shows. We also use rice, a typically despised ingredient in craft beer, to lighten the body and make it more true to the American lager style. (ABV: 7.4%, IBU: 70, SRM: 5, Release: whenever we can brew it!)

Melange #3 - Meaning "blend number 3", this is a very special, equal blend of three bourbon barrel-aged beers: Black Tuesday imperial stout, our anniversary ale, and White Oak Sap wheat wine. Extended barrel-aging lends notes of vanilla, spice & rich caramel to a background of chocolate & dark fruit. Rich in mouthfeel, huge in flavor, yet surprisingly drinkable despite its hefty 15.5% ABV. The perfect finish to an evening.

Mrs. Stoutfire - Imperial Smoked Stout aged on wood. A smoked beer was the natural choice for a collaboration with our friends over at Beachwood BBQ & Brewing. We hand-smoked the malt for this rich stout in Beachwood's smoker, lending a distinct barbecue-like character not found in commercial smoked malt. We continued that "house" character by aging the beer on the same wood varieties used in the smoking process: white oak, pecan & apple. The result is a full-bodied smoky stout with a surprisingly dry, easy finish; perfect with a plate of barbecue or just sipping on a cool night. (ABV: 9.5%)

Loakal Red - Oak-aged American Red Ale. Our tribute to the growing Orange County beer scene. A hoppy red ale at heart, we, like many other SoCal brewers, chose the citrus & floral notes of the Centennial hop to balance the light caramel sweetness of the malt. But, of course, we couldn’t leave well enough alone. So a portion of an older batch, left to mature in new American oak barrels, is blended with the fresh dry-hopped batch. The resulting blend has notes of toffee, orange peel, crushed herbs, vanilla & freshly sawed oak, for a beer that is intricate yet unassuming. (ABV: 6.9%, IBU: 40, SRM: 15, Release: Year-Round in Orange County only)

Rugbrød - Julebryg-style strong brown ale. We took our inspiration for this beer from the traditional Danish dark, whole-grain rye bread. Instead of the caraway flavor found in American-style rye bread, the Danes allow the spicy, slightly bitter character of the rye to shine through. We do the same with this robust ale, adding bready, nutty malts with a hint of roast to complement. And don’t worry, we can’t pronounce it either. (ABV: 8.0%, IBU: 25, SRM: 20, Release: Fall/Winter)

Sour in the Rye - American Wild Rye Ale. A challenging beer to brew due to the substantial amount of rye malt, but you’ll be glad we took the time. The character of the rye asserts itself with clove and pepper in the aroma and flavor, and contributes a full body not generally found in sour beers. Pleasantly sour with notes of tart cherry, rustic earth and vanilla notes from a year-plus of barrel aging. (ABV: 7.8%, IBU: 20, SRM: 10, Release: February)

Hottenroth Berliner Weisse - Brewed in memory of Patrick's grandparents, this tart German-style Berliner Weisse is as authentic as it gets. We used lactobacillus and a hint of brettanomyces to sour this very unusual, low gravity wheat beer. To cut the tartness for those with sweeter tastes, raspberry or woodruff syrup is a traditional way to sweeten the beer. Almost an extinct style, we hope to help revive the Berliner Weisse in memory of two great people. (ABV: 3.1%, IBU: 2, SRM: 2, Release: Limited Spring/Summer)

Smoochies,

Len & Jerry

IPA x Pixopop

As most of you have seen on our walls, we love supporting local artists!  We have an ongoing effort to rotate the art, which we are calling IPA (Iron Press Art).  All proceeds go directly to the artists, so if you guys know anyone interested, have them shoot over some sample art to info@theironpress.com.  As our relationships grow with these guys and gals, look out for some collaborations and exhibits coming our way in the near future.  In the meantime, meet Pixopop (Ali Sabet)!  We have been fans of the man himself and his art since we met him early on at California Shabu Shabu.

Come on by for a beer and take some time to check out the new stuff he's adorned on our walls.  To satisfy your instant gratification needs, jump on over to www.pixopop.com to see more of Ali's goods.

Smoochies, Len & Jerry

Pressing Out Something New

We have been getting our hands dirty lately and have been testing out a different kind of press. Instead of only waffle presses, we have brought in a nice big panini press to give our customers a bit more spice to their lives via variety!

Eric rocked out a rad Reuben on marble rye from Dean of OC Baking already, and what you see above was our first pressed sandwich - Smoked Turkey Club.  So, if you're not feeling waffly next time you're in, ask for your sammy pressed on sourdough or wheat!

Smoochies, Len & Jerry

Court is in Session

Though we had to drag our collective butts out of bed early this past Sunday morning, it was well worth it to be guest judges for The Bruery's Batch #1000 Home Brew contest hosted at the barrel aging facility in Anaheim! Our panel consisted of nine (9) brews that were split into two (2) flights. We started off with a Belgian Flight, which included some rad beers, and ended with a Specialty Flight that had a Russian Imperial Stout that Judge Jerry was drooling over.

Had some great beer, delicious pizza from Out of the Park Pizza, and met some fun people including Gabriel from www.beersinparadise.com, who was another guest judge.

We even squeezed Nikki in to help steward the event haha.

Big thanks go out to Patrick, Jonas, and Benjamin from The Bruery (look out for their Tuesday Tap Takeover on March 5th, 2013 AD)!

Smoochies, Len & Jerry