Stranded in Idaho Part 3 Moose Drool

So there are a couple of things that were I truly enjoy in Grangeville, Idaho outside my work that I am doing for the community.  One is Ernies Steakhouse.  Ernie got fed up with not being able to sell his organic grass fed beef on the open market as anything but regular cattle so he decided to do something about it.  He opened up Ernies Steakhouse in Grangeville, Idaho about 4 years ago, and its claim to fame is it is the only wood fired grill steakhouse that raises its own product.  All the beef at Ernies is raised on his farm in White Bird, Idaho and grass fed.  This gives the beef a sweet flavor, and it is one of the most tender cuts of beef you will find.  Ernies also has more than just bud and coors on tap.

As I stated before I had to chuckle when I saw that they listed Pyramid Hef and Michelob on their Micro brew menu, but one micro that they do have on tap is Moose Drool from Big Sky Brewing in Missoula, Montana.  

Moose Drool is a Brown Ale that has a very full body and a pleasant though modest nose.  Moose Drool is one of those beers that gets more fragrant and flavorful as it warms up.  I wouldn’t say you want it at room temperature, but around 50 degrees would be just perfect.  While i was drinking Moose Drool I was trying to pinpoint the flavor notes.  It starts out a little bitter like coffee and then goes hoppy, and finally finishing with sweet caramel spice.

It is a good drinking beer and one that was thoroughly enjoyable.  

In May of 2009 they Big Sky Brewery announced that they would begin packaging their brews in cans.  Previously they had put their brew in an aluminum bottle that was kind of hokey and wierd.  That is because previous to May there was no way to package their brew in cans without adding an unacceptable amount of air into the mix. With the new technology which is 100% electronic they can now package their product in a standard aluminum can without adding air to the package, thus not compromising the brew or mix.  This follows their committment to using recyclable packaging and being a greener company.  The other benefit will be a wider distribution, so perhaps some of you east coasters will finally be able to sample this great brew from the mountains.

-Don