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I ONCE HAD a college professor who said that the only stupid questions are the ones that you don't ask. Obviously, several of you had the same professor because you've been sending in some brilliant questions. I thought I'd take the time to answer a few of the ones I've gotten recently.
Are there any other beers named after famous jazz artists?
Those of you familiar with jazz have no doubt heard of Thelonious Sphere Monk. His style of play and his compositions have placed him on the list of giants in American music. Those who are unfamiliar with jazz may not know that this form of music is the only original form of art created in America. Among jazz composers, only Duke Ellington has been recorded more than Monk. His many accomplishments include being the founder of what is now known as bebop. His compositions and improvisations are loaded with dissonant harmonies and angular melodic twists that reflect Monk's unorthodox approach to playing the piano, which, at times combined a highly percussive attack with a sudden, dramatic use of silence and hesitation.
North Coast Brewing Company, located in Fort Bragg, CA, has managed to brew a beer that encapsulates all the complexities evident in Monk's music in a rich and robust dark ale called Brother Thelonious. This Belgian Strong Dark Ale is blood orange and slightly cloudy with a thick tan head when poured into a glass. On the nose, you'll find cherries and orange peel with a hint of anise and toasted malt. The palate is sweet, initially, with layer upon layer of malt. The flavors are very complex. I definitely caught a slight bit of allspice and anise in the middle. This beer is thick, with moderate carbonation and the slight warming of alcohol burn at the finish. At 9.40% ABV, I expected it to burn a little more, but thankfully it didn't. I thought that it was rather delicious and definitely a fitting homage to one of the true greats in American music history.
 What is Rumple Minze?
Rumple Minze is a German-styled peppermint liqueur made by Scharlachberg Distillery in Germany. The recipe is a proprietary blend of herbs obviously dominated by peppermint. Unlike peppermint schnapps, which weighs in at anywhere from 15-30% ABV, Rumple Minze is a potent 50% ABV or 100 proof. In Germany, liqueurs like Rumple Minze are enjoyed as an after-dinner drink or digestif. In the United States, it is generally enjoyed as a chilled shot. In a recent post, I used it as a key ingredient in a wintery cocktail called a Peppermint Patty. For those who wondered why I only used an ounce of it in the recipe, you no doubt understand the method to my madness. At 100 proof, one ounce of this minty treat combined with a few ounces of hot chocolate will quickly numb your senses while you enjoy its wonderful soul warming deliciousness.
What is Wassail?
Wassail is a holiday punch with origins that date back thousands of years. The name is actually derived from a salute, Waes Hail, which loosely translates to good health. The original concoction was developed in the cider-producing counties in the south west of England: Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, and Somerset. Over time, this hot mulled punch began to be associated with Yuletide. The original recipe was mulled-cider made with sugar, ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg topped with slices of toast. Most modern recipes are wine-based with either fruit juice or mulled ale. Brandy or sherry and apples or oranges are almost always added to the brew as well. If you've ever been to a holiday dinner with a medieval theme, you may have enjoyed wassail. I like old traditions. The consumption of wassail dates back to a time when our ancestors paid tribute to the spirits that provided them with what they needed. The following incantation is an example of that tradition: Here's to thee, old apple tree, That blooms well. Hats full, caps full, Three bushel bags full, An' all under one tree. Hurrah! Hurrah! Here's a recipe for wassail worthy of chugging down after your chant: 3/4 cup sugar, 2 quarts apple juice, 1 pint cranberry juice, 1 teaspoon bitters, 1 cup rum, 2 cinnamon sticks, 1 teaspoon whole allspice, and 1 small orange studded with cloves. Dissolve sugar in juices. Pour juices into a crock pot and then add the remaining ingredients. Cook using the High setting for an hour. Then simmer on the Low setting for 4 to 8 hours. This should serve you and 17 of your closest friends.
Can you recommend a non-alcoholic Christmas punch recipe?
I received this question anonymously, but I'd bet that it's from Mrs. Hey Bartender. She's always looking out for those who would rather enjoy a non-potent potable. Christmas is a festive time of year, but there are those too young to drink or those who just enjoy their drinks sans alcohol. I can respect that. So here are a few recipes to have handy for a holiday party or dinner guests who don't drink alcohol.
Fruit Punch
46 ounces pineapple juice
12 ounce can of frozen orange juice (thawed)
3/4 cup lemonade concentrate
1 cup water
1/2 cup sugar
2 ripe bananas
20 ounces frozen unsweetened strawberries (thawed)
2 liters of ginger ale
Combine juices, 1/2 cup water, and sugar in a large punch bowl. Place strawberries, bananas, and 1/2 cup of water in a blender and blend them on the puree setting. Add the pureed fruit to the punch bowl. Stir, cover and refrigerate. Before serving, add the ginger ale.
Slush Punch
2 1/2 cups white sugar
6 cups water
6 ounces strawberry flavored gelatin mix
46 ounces pineapple juice
2/3 cup lemon juice
1 quart orange juice
4 liters lemon-lime flavored soda
Combine sugar, water, and strawberry gelatin in a large sauce pan. Bring contents to boil and boil for 3 minutes. Stir in juices. Split the mixture between two separate containers before placing them in the freezer. To serve, place the frozen contents of one container in a punch bowl and stir in one bottle of soda until slushy.
So, there you have it -- secrets revealed. Thanks once again for sending in such great questions. I really enjoy answering them -- especially when I learn something new myself. As always, whether enjoying Brother Thelonious, Wassail, or Rumple Minze alone or with friends during the holiday season, please enjoy responsibly. Until next time...prosit!!!
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