Category Archives: Imperial Red Ale

Pubcast 376 – Sturdy Shelter Brewing

Over the past couple of years, the Fox River Valley is starting to rival downtown Chicago in the sheer number of  craft breweries. The tri-cities of St. Charles, Geneva, and Batavia alone can boast 11 locations and Sturdy Shelter Brewing is the newest of these, located beside the Fox River in historical downtown Batavia.

Co-owner and brewer, Frank Mercadante along with his wife Diane, and General Manager Oliver Bulley have created a taproom and brewery that has become an important meeting place in the Batavia community, plus the all-important brews are well made and there is something for everyone.

The Brit and co-host Ken McMullen (brewmaster at Hopvine Brewing) visited with the Sturdy Shelter team one Monday when the brewery was closed and we could sit down and enjoy some good conversation, and sample some of their current taplist. We find out how the name of the Italian Pilsner came about, the history of the building, and plans for the future.

Beers Sampled:

  • Francesco, Italian Style Pilsner, ABV 5.6%
  • Batavia Lager, Helles Style Lager, ABV 5.5%
  • Huckleberry Sour, Fruited Kettle Sour, ABV 4.3%
  • Pulped Up! Tropical, New England Hazy IPA, ABV 7.1%
  • Robustacious, Imperial Red Ale, ABV 7.5%
  • Porter, ABV 5.3%

Here’s our short ‘teaser’ video showing the brewery…

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Pubcast 204 – Rocky Mountain High!

To coincide with the 2016 GABF, we are tasting some Colorado brews that were provided to the pubcast earlier this year, and need to be tasted! Joining Phil this week is John Bitterman, Chuck and Mimi Fort, and John Karwoski. Mark is roughing it at GABF this week, so we should have a ‘on-the-floor’ report from him next time!

The brews we have selected are ones that we think appeal to the novice who visits Colorado through to the seasoned craft beer drinker.  Our panel is a cross-section of palates, so we hope they represent for the average craft beer drinker!

Brews reviewed are:
Wynkoop Brewing Co – Mile High Pale Ale, 5.5%
– Colorojo, Imperial Red Ale, 8.2%
Funkwerks, Tropic King, Imperial Saison, 8.0%
Odell Brewing, Friek, Lambic/Sour, 6.9%
Crooked Stave, Serenata Notturna, mixed fermentation Belgian Golden Ale, 12%
Breckenridge Brewing, 72 Imperial Barrel-aged, Chocolate Cream Stout, 7.2%

We also get a bonus beer, a test brew from Chuck Fort, an English bitter!

Play the show from our player below, or from SoundCloud…