“Say, for what were hopyards meant,

Or why was Burton built on Trent?

Oh many a peer of England brews

Livelier liquor than the Muse.

And malt does more than Milton can

To justify God’s ways to man.”

– Edward Housman

On tap in the beer cellar:

Pliny the Elder is back! Get it while it’s in stock (you’ve been warned). $4.19/12oz.

New in our Belgian section, Steenbrugge Blond Ale, brewed by Palm Breweries from a recipe handed down from the 11th century St. Peter’s Abbey in Bruges, Flanders. 6.5% ABV with a distinct orange peel nose and flavor with some candied fruits in the back and a lively finish. Pours pale gold in the glass with good and lasting foam. $8.99/25.4 oz.

Mad River Brewing is making some exciting limited release beers. The latest is the Double Dread Imperial Red Ale. 8.6% ABV, with 78 IBU’s. Cara, Munich, Carastan and Crystal malts and Columbus, Chinook and Cascade hops with Amarillo in the hop back and dry hop. Ruby red in the glass with a fine head, resin and citrus on the nose with malty flavors in the mouth buttressed with zesty citrus and pine. $2.89/12 oz.

Our tasting schedule this week:

• Friday, Aug. 14, at 5 p.m. – Try the 2007 Crowley Chardonnay and 2007 Ayres Pinot Noir.

• Saturday, Aug. 15, at 5 p.m. – Stop by and taste the Steenbrugge Blonde Ale.

• Sunday, Aug. 16, at 5 p.m. – Taste the 2007 Domaine La Bastide Syrah-Grenache.