>by Paul Marko

Spelt, the grain addition twist in Community Beer Works’ newest saison, is an ancient wheat subspecies that has been cultivated since 5000 BC. It’s been used most commonly as a feed for animals, but, it’s gained popularity as a dietary grain in recent times, due to its nutty flavor and nutrition content. Some people claim they can consume spelt even though they’re sensitive to wheat. Although this may be true, it has more protein than wheat, and it does contain gluten, so those that eschew it, please be warned. One of this reviewer’s favorite farmhouse brews (made with spelt) is Saison d’Epeautre from Brasserie de Blaugies and CBW’s take on this style stands proudly shoulder to shoulder with its Belgian cohort. Heady, musty and inviting, this beer starts with its seductive aroma—and it delivers big time with a slight, wheaty tartness which bolsters its lighter, straw colored body. Highly carbonated and refreshing, CBW Spelt Saison (6.1% ABV) is a thoroughly Belgian inspired beer, meant to be experienced in proper glasswear (go with a stemmed tulip or white wine glass if you can). From its wonderful nose—through its long lasting head—and wonderfully dry and yeasty finish, this saison conjures a Belgian countryside scene of a wooden table, a wheel of cheese and several chairs for sharing with friends. Rumor has it that there’s a few kegs of Spelt Saison sheltered away, fermenting with the addition of various Brettanomyces yeast strains, that could see their release this Fall. Shhh...

>by Chris Groves Certified Cicerone ®

Shmaltz Statewide Pale Ale is a damn good beer for a good reason. The back story on why this beer came to be is rooted in the camaraderie of brewers from across the state, getting together to make a beer to benefit the New York State Brewers Association. Shmaltz, Community Beer Works, Empire Brewing, Lake Placid Brewing, Crossroads, C.H. Evans, Mad Jack Brewing, Brown’s and Rare Form Brewing all had a hand in crafting Statewide. This is a beer you can feel good about shelling out some bucks for. Be it a pint at one of our local breweries or a growler fill from Consumer’s, proceeds from the sale of this beer go directly back to the NYSBA who have done a tremendous job in steering the rocket that is the brewing industry in New York. Statewide Pale Ale is brewed with a majority of New York State grown barley from Pioneer Malting in Rochester, hopped with Warrior, Simcoe, Mosaic and dry hopped with New York Cascade from the Country Malt Group, this beer is the taste of our great state! It’s clean, balanced and smooth just like a great Pale Ale should be. Sitting and having a pint at Community Beer Works last Thursday was a proud, full circle experience, knowing that the money from the beer I’m drinking goes directly to the association who pushed for places like CBW to be able to even serve pints to their customers. With only 170 kegs spread out across the state, you might have to do a little hunting to find Statewide on tap. Look for it soon at Consumer’s Beverages for growler fills. #thinknydrinkny