Hermitage Brewing Company to Tap Very Limited Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout

Hermitage Brewing Company is at it again with a very small batch, experimental beer scheduled for release in their Tap Room (1627 S. 7th St.) later today at 4pm.

Single Bourbon Barrel Aged 2 Tun is their Ale of the 2 Tun Imperial Stout aged in a bourbon barrel since 2012. The beer will be available in draft only and could be all gone within days after the initial release.

From Head Brewer Greg Filippi's tasting notes:

The whiskey character is strong up front and dominates the aroma, but beneath it lie the familiar chocolate and espresso notes of the stout. Whiskey shines through again as the beer crosses the palate, but quickly gives way to smooth, silky chocolate. That chocolate lingers in the finish, dancing with the sweet bourbon in perfect form, the way only years together can produce.

For the fortunate few who have sampled the beer, the excited reactions have been unanimous, and the Hermitage team is looking forward to having the public have their opportunity to come out and try the beer.

Hermitage will be hosting Brother Baby’s BBQ during tonight's release party.

I've written much more about this beer and Hermitage over at Examiner.com.

VTA Proposing Increased Service in New Two Year Plan

VTA has been holding public meetings to review proposed changes to transit services, and there are quite a few items on the list that would impact San Jose residents. The two new lines that really caught my eye are Line 11 and Line 56.

Line 11 would directly link the Airport with Downtown San Jose! It runs from Diridon Station, past the Convention Center, down 1st Street, then onto Highway 87 and does a full loop of SJC hitting both terminals (see the map below). Needless to say, Line 11 would be extremely convenient for Downtown residents and visitors alike. The line would run every 30 minutes from 5am to 11pm, seven days a week. Service will hopefully begin in October of this year.

Line 56 runs between the Component Lightrail Station in North San Jose and the Sunnyvale Caltrain Station (via Arques/Scott/Central Expressway). This would improve access and transit options for all of the companies in the Golden Triangle, including the burgeoning Renovation Row area.

For all of the details, head over to this VTA page.