Ciders, Southern Star, and Pecan Porter

          I mentioned last month that I would focus on hard ciders, particularly Texas brewed ciders, in this month’s Still Drinking. Well, it turns out I have a lot to learn about hard ciders. They’re a completely different type of beverage. Even as I attempted to taste various ciders, I realized complexities far greater than I imagined. I simply need more time and more tastings before I can say anything of value about ciders. However, I can say now that the two best ciders I’ve tasted thus far are Leprechaun’s Dry Cider (Texas brewed but not available in BCS as of yet) and Julian Hard Cider (brewed in California, available at our local SPECs). If I’ve learned anything through my cider tastings it’s that I mostly enjoy the dry ciders. I just don’t know why or what that even means, except that dry ciders seem – to this ignorant dolt, at least – to be a bit less sweet and more like a Brut champagne than anything Woodchuck cideries have yet to produce. Oh, and I also have learned that Woodchuck Cider is an unfair example of hard cider’s potentials. But that’s all I know for now. More to come in this department.
            Take note: Harvey Washbangers and Southern Star – our local Conroe Brewery – are teaming up on the evening of January 17 for a Southern Star Takeover event not to be missed. Southern Star, with access to all of Washbangers’ tap handles, will feature new ales including an Extra Pale Pine Belt Pale Ale (self explanatory), Cherry Hatchet Stout (a cheery infused version of their Buried Hatchet Stout), Buried Hatchet Nitro Stout (should be creamy), Smoked Lager (very exciting), Jasmine Infused Bombshell Blond (hitting zen just thinking about it), and Old Pontificator (I don’t know what that one is: I’m just looking forward to it). Of course, representatives and brewers from Southern Star will be in attendance to greet glad drinkers, and I’m sure they’ll have a little schwag on hand. Lord knows beer geeks love the brewery schwag nearly as much as they love the beer. Check Harvey Washbangers’ Facebook page for scheduling and details.
            A feature beer this month that I can’t seem to get enough of is (512)’s Pecan Porter. Dear my Lord – this is an amazing beer. I tried the Pecan Porter on tap several years ago at the Flying Saucer in Austin and found it to be both boring and totally pecanless. Well, either (512) changed their recipe or I changed my palette because the Pecan Porters I’ve enjoyed recently are already in the running for Best Beer of 2013. Weighing in at 6.5% ABV, (512)’s Pecan Porter is a malty miracle - full bodied, complex and dark as a Confederate's heart - enriched boldly by Texas grown pecans. (Buying pints of this beer supports several local economies!) (512)’s Pecan Porter is a part of (512)’s year round “Core 4”, along with their Wit, Pale Ale, and IPA. I don’t know enough about this brewery, and I’ve never tried any of the other Core 4 offerings, so I’m thinking a little Saturday excursion to Austin is in full order.