Erik Takes the Black (Stout)

Not Literally Productions is based in Denver, CO. We do the majority of our shooting, editing, producing, recording and day to day functions here. Luckily for us, Denver is also home to the Great America Beer Festival. Founded in 1982, GABF is the premier beer festival and competition that showcases the best brews from all around the United States. Along with being the largest collection of beer served in the States, GABF is also a competition where beers contend for the honor of being best in class. and with over 3000 beers in attendance and almost 50,000 people per day, the competition is stiff. And delicious. GABF 2013 ended this past weekend, and I can’t wait to go again next year.

One of my favorites this year was La Folie, a Flemish Sour Brown Ale made in Fort Collins, Colorado at New Belgium Brewing. It’s unapologetically sour and is a perfect pair for rich dinner platters and cuisines. The other highlight this year for me was the chance to try Take the Black Stout from Brewery Ommegang, the second of their Game of Thrones line of beers. Their first official Game of Thrones ale was named “Iron Throne”,

a blonde ale with rich malts and spicy notes of lemon and grains. Unfortunately I didn’t get to try that one, but it sounds delicious. I did sample “Take the Black” however, and many times to be perfectly honest. Inspired by the Night’s Watch, Take the Black Stout was dark, rich and complex, and made for a great session beer.

 

One of the other beers that caught my eye was Muggles Double IPA from Independence Brewing in Austin, TX. It’s incredibly hoppy, bitey and surprising smooth for the 110 IBU rating. Plus the name is amazing, so I couldn’t pass it up. Lucky I did too, as it’s a draft only, single batch brew. You’ll only be able to find it in draft houses and festivals, and once it’s gone, it’s gone.

 

“For all the Muggles out there trying to get a glimpse of the magical, a sound of Armstrong’s trumpet, a taste of the divine, here’s the secret handshake to get you in the club.”

If you’re ever planning a trip to Denver, October is a great time to do it. Fall is here, the colors are changing, the aspens up in the mountains are shining gold, and the Great American Beer Festival brings in the best of the best breweries from all around the country. Check it out if you’re ever here.