I am sorry I was unable to publish this post until today. I have been dealing with many issues related to my role as executor of the estate of a very close friend. I hope to be able to get back to my usual Sunday (or no later than Monday post soon).
I have been wanting to visit Mudhen Brewing for quite some time. It is located in Wildwood. When I realized it was only a ten minute drive from Hawk Haven Vineyards, I figured we could do this when we picked up our allotment there. We decided to do so while doing a preview tasting (more about that later). The brewery has a large indoor and (weather permitting) outdoor space to enjoy their brews. I must hasten to add, they offer an extensive food menu to accompany their diverse beer menu.
The Food
I ordered the Pulled Pork sandwich with feta cheese, roasted garlic, spinach, and jalapeño on a long roll. -Delish! My wife ordered the fish and chips with Cole slaw. This was also great. We both had too much to eat, but enjoyed our meals very much. Our meals are pictured below.
The Brews
We ordered two samplers of four five ounce pours each.
The Pours
- 1883 IPA (6.5 % ABV)-This is their “flagship IPA” with citrus notes and a dry finish.
- Captain Doug’s Porter (5,5% ABV)-Some chocolate notes with a medium body.
- Captain Doug’s in Love (5.5% ABV)- Porter infused with organic raspberry puree.
- Baker’s Double (8.3% ABV)-Unfiltered Double IPA (DIPA), with a hazy appearance, but a delicious flavor-more robust than many IPAs.
- Mudhen Pale Ale (5.8% ABV)-Irish Ale malt with Cascade and Chinook hops. A very enjoyable Pale Ale.
- Yellow Flashing Lights (8% ABV)-A tasty Imperial Stout.
- The Dockness (6.7% ABV)-A Cascadian Dark Ale. My least favorite in the tasting.
- Wee Heavy Wilson (8.1% ABV)-It is their award winning Scotch Ale; full-bodied with lots of sweet malt. I am not usually a fan of Scotch Ales, but this one won me over.
I am a dark beer lover (especially stouts). So it was a surprise that all of my favorites were lighter (in color) beers. I loved the IPAs, the Pale Ale, and the Scotch Ale. You can see my take home choices below. From left to right: Wee Heavy Wilson (Scotch Ale); Pale Ale; and 1884 IPA.
Mudhen Brewing Company is an excellent place to enjoy a beer (or two) and enjoy lunch or dinner. They offer a few large screen TV’s for sporting events and have two bars downstairs and one upstairs, so pick your comfy spot and enjoy. We shall return.
Hawk Haven Vineyards
I hadn’t planned on writing about my tasting and allotment last week, since I have written about Hawk Haven so frequently and recently in the past. But writing about what I choose to is one of the perks of writing a blog. You are not beholden to anyone else. Plus, this was the ideal type of wine tasting-led by the winemaker and owner, Todd Wuerker who gave patrons the chance to taste wines in their allotment before deciding which wines and how many to take home. The weather conditions were challenging all day (it poured continuously and the winds were gusting), but Todd and his staff were up to the challenge and so were the patrons.
The Tasting
- Signature Series 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon Rose-A Rose surprisingly light in color and body considering it is made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon.
- Signature Series 2022 Pinot Gris-We have enjoyed their two Pinot Grigios over the years. Todd wanted to try a French-style Pinot Gris, with a bit more body and aged for six months in neutral oak. Nice mouthfeel and an interesting addition to the lineup.
- Signature Series 2022 Gewurtztraminer-While we have a few Gewurtztraminer’s in the cellar already (a few from previous Hawk Haven vintages and a couple from the Finger Lakes), I couldn’t pass up on this 91 point Decanter rated wine. Tasty notes of lemon cream with just a hint of sweetness.
- Signature Series 2022 Reserve Chardonnay-Our perennial favorite Chardonnay here. Very tasty with apple notes and a creamy finish.
- Signature Series 2021 Cabernet Franc-An elegant wine, smooth and well-balanced.
- Signature Series 2021 Syrah-An excellent Syrah (80% Syrah, 18% Merlot, and 2% Viognier). Todd shared that the Viognier was added utilizing the grapes with their skins aged in stainless steel. I love these nuances which add complexity and layers of flavor. Good structure and well-balanced wine that would cellar well, but drinks smoothly now.
- Wintertime Red-a bonus tasting of this blend of Cab and Petit Sirah. An easy drinking red, great with burgers or a pizza.
My Takeaways
I took home four whites (2 Chards, Pinot Gris, and the award winning Gewurtztraminer) and two reds (Syrah and Cab Franc). They are pictured below. In addition, we will be picking up the Cab Rose once it is available.
Coming Attractions
- Terra Nonno Winter 2024
- Saddlehill Vineyards
- Evaluating Wine
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