Hoppy Bastille Day
The Pelican just released a new beer in honor of Bastille Day. I’ve got to come clean: I had to google Bastille Day. It obviously had something to do with France, and I had a hunch it was involving some sort of battle or revolution. Wikipedia (which is never wrong) set me straight. Most citizens of 18th century France, under rule of King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, were living in poverty. The Parisian populace felt the economic diversity between the rich and the poor was too vast, so a band of French renegades stormed The Bastille prison fortress and freed the seven political prisoners, marking the event which is now considered to begin the French Revolution. Cheers to you, modern-day French government!
However, starting this year, Bastille Day has the honor of a new anniversary. The geniuses running the brewery next door, The Pelican Pub & Brewery , have come up with something marvelous. Being a Mug Club member, I got an email with a secret beer tap password. If I went to the Pub and muttered a special key word to the bartender, I’d get to be among the first to try this little liquid miracle, before it became available to the swarming beer-drinking masses. It’s called, “The Guillotine.” As bloody and ill-reputable as actual guillotines are, this deliciously tangy, light ale which comes from “experimental hops,” gladly bears no semblance to its namesake.
I was leery to begin with. It’s against my personal convictions to willingly ingest anything “experimental.” However, it was love at first sip for me. The Pelican ale “hot sheet” describes it as having a zesty, sweet citrus notes of tangerine, mingled with floral, spicy and even perfume-like aromas. Very French, very delicious. The Pelican’s Guillotine debuted in honor of Bastille Day this year, and I wish is many happy returns in the years to come.
Enjoying this beer over a slow, sinking sunset on the western-facing patio of the Pelican Pub is exactly how summer should be savored. Haystack rock looming tranquilly offshore, the faint growl of the ocean, and the smoky hint of a distant bonfire down the beach tickling my nose. This is a treat no other beach town can offer. Pelican Pub & Brewery, Pacific City, French Revolutionaries; I tip my mug to you!
Posted Fri, 07/16/2010 - 13:37
All content copyright 2010. Mary J. Jones Principal Broker.