The question “What is black and white and red all over?” is a classic riddle with several possible answers. One answer, using a play on the homophonic words to change the word “red” to mean “read,” is a newspaper. Other possible answers to the riddle add an attribute that is red in color to something that typically is black and white in coloration. These answers include a zebra painted red, an embarrassed skunk, a Communist nun and a sunburned penguin. Variations of these answers interchange the attribute and the object. For example, alternative responses to the question include an embarrassed nun or a sunburned zebra. Of course, the best answer to this classic riddle is today’s craft beer sample flight at Peaks and Pints: Craft Beer Crosscut 2.10.17: A Flight of Black and White and Red All Over.
Köstritzer Schwarzbier
4.8% ABV, 22 IBU
In April 1991, the Köstritzer Brauerei, a subsidiary of the Bitburger brewery, shed its 1543 wardrobe and emerged as of one of the most modern breweries in Thuringia, Germany. In September 1993, it re-introduced the “original Köstritzer black beer,” a traditional bottom-fermented lager that contains a distinctive fine malty flavor due to the use of refined barley malt. It’s a delicious blend of light freshness with a smooth, sweet finish.
Midnight Sun Snowshoe White
4.8% ABV, 12 IBU
“Wit” means “white” in Antwerp talk. Therefore, Midnight Sun’s Snowshoe White Belgian-style wit fits nicely in the “white” slot on our beer sample crosscut. This ginger ale colored beer sports a refreshingly airy bouquet with enchanting notes of wheat, coriander, and kissed by an orange breeze. Easy drinking and well-formed wheat body with fresh splashes of orange and coriander. It’s a delicious, clean example of the style.
Founders Rubaeus
5.7% ABV, 15 IBU
Founders Rubaeus has major raspberry going on. This stunning berry red beer bursts with fresh raspberries, which are added multiple times during the brewing process to get the most raspberry bang for your buck.
Crooked Fence Trainwreck Red
6% ABV, 45 IBU
Crooked Fence‘s Trainwreck Red pours ruby tinged, bright amber with sweet biscuit aromas dominating, backed by caramel colored malt and just a subtle hint of earthy hops. It’s round and creamy in the mouth with yeasty bread flavors, smooth malt, a touch of black pepper and a bigger hop bite than the nose would predict.
Dogfish Head Flesh & Blood IPA
7.5% ABV, 45 IBU
OK, Dogfish Head Flesh & Blood pours dark copper to bronze. We’re calling it red — with an aroma of crisp citrus and hints of orange. Actual orange peel, lemon flesh and blood orange juice sits inside the Flesh & Blood can, resulting in a zesty ale, with notes of crisp apple and minor Malbec grape.
