"My Maserati Does 185"
Brewery and Country of Origin: Harpoon Brewery of 306 Northern Ave # 2, Boston, MA, 02210, USA
Date Reviewed: 3-04-13
The arts have always brought people fame, along with the perks and comorbidities of being watched by society. Opera singers, composers, sculptors, and playwrights were the rockstars, actors, and directors of today. So the Oscars are over, and glitz and glamour of 2012-2013 entertainment awards ceremonies are things of the past. Fortunately, that means we don't have to go into Anne Hathaway's emaciated physique, Jennifer Lawrence's Kentuckian personality, or Tommy Lee Jones' pouty mood. But that does mean that with a name like "Director's Cut," you're all probably expecting us to go on about some ridiculously stretched connection between this beer and the movie industry. Let us take this opportunity to dispell those beliefs right now. What this is then, is a review of a rather unique hybrid style of beer that has garnered up a little bit of fame and infamy, all because of just fifteen minutes in the spotlight. We're talking of course, about the Black And Tan. Maybe you've heard of it. This is actually not technically a beer style, it's more of a mixture of two separate styles: a stout (usually Guinness), and either a bitter ale (usually Bass), or a pale lager (usually Harp). The concept originated in British pubs in the mid to late 19th century, when drinkers were looking for a beer with the flavor and boldness of a stout, and the lighter presence of a pale ale. The result was the mixture we know today, but the name was never given in the British Isles, and certainly not in Ireland. Back during the Irish War of Independence, Winston Churchill sent over thousands of British World War I veterans and other recruits to aid the Royal Irish Constabulary in their attempt to maintain control over Ireland. They were known as Black and Tans for their khaki uniforms, and became a symbol of oppression and violence for their attacks on Irish civilians in response to the IRA's actions. The name Black and Tan then was and still is regarded as offensive. Today, the beverage is served in the UK and Ireland under the name Half & Half, depending on what beer Guinness is mixed with. In the US, the name Black and Tan is widely used. Some brewers, including DG Yuengling, and Matt Brewing produce and distribute their own premixed bottles and cans of the drink. And today for a limited time, you can buy yourself a bomber of Harpoon's newest 100 Barrel Series session, Director's cut, a combination of Harpoon's Pale Ale, and Stout.
Date Sampled: 2-09-13 At: 7 Prescott Place, Allston, Boston, MA, 02134, USA
Beer Style: Black And Tan
Alcohol by Volume: 6.25%
Serving Type: 22 oz Bottle, 16 oz Stange Glass
Rating: 4.05