Next on our tour of Interdimensional Brewpubs
is a world where the South is winning the War Between the States. There
are two bars on this tour, unfortunately, for reasons that will become quite
evident, not everybody will be able to visit both bars.
First on the tour will be Koenigsberg, on the Baltic Sea, in the Kingdom
of Prussia. Otto von Bismark rules with an iron hand, but an open one to
the commerce raiders from the American USN and Merchant Marine. These hardy
souls make the Corsair Bar a place to visit, just don't mention that you
own slaves. The Corsair Bar was old when the Americans moved in and made
it their own. To give you a flavor for the type of atmosphere the Corsair
Bar has, see what the renown Interdimensional Barhopping expert, Marty Busse
has to say about it:
Corsair Bar
Visitors to Koenigsberg are advised to take a trip
to the Corsair Bar, located near the docks. This bar is a hangout for expatriate
Americans, blockade runners, privateers, and American commerce raiders,
who come here to drink it up and plan their moves against perfide Albion's
sea trade, often attacked since Britain declared war on the United States
after the Trent affair. The RN may have ensured that cotton keeps coming,
but other goods from the United States and the former British colony of
Canada are rarer, and many have made themselves rich off this trade: they
like to blow some of their cash here. Despite the protests of the British
government, the Prussian government has shown no signs of shutting down
the bar or ending Koenigsberg's status as one of the overseas ports for
the Yankee commerce raiders, and the protection that Prussia gets from
being a member of the revived League of Armed Neutrality (along with Russia,
Austria, and Denmark, although Denmark has been upset due to a dispute
over Schleswig-Holstein, and has threatened to leave the League) means
that Prussia probably has little to worry about-at least so long as a large
part of British strength is committed to the war in the Americas and maintaining
its empire.. Be sure to try the "Grapeshot special" (a very alcoholic
drink with a strong grape flavor) and the "Burning Halifax" (a
drink that is lit on fire, then extinguished, before being drunk, and one
of the most tasteless names given to a drink yet, given the fiery end to
the siege of Halifax.)
Beyond the standard well drinks and house specialties,
the Corsair bar is renown for its ales and lagers.
First on tap is Koenigsberg Alt, a robust bitter ale, brewed in the old
fashioned method of traditional German brewers. An assertive hop flavor,
it has a smooth finish, helped by a touch of roasted malt.
Next up is a Kolsch style brew, Knusprig Frühling. Golden in color,
light bodied, and crisp in taste, it is a perfect warm weather ale. This
is partnered by Koenig Weisse, a wheat ale with the aroma of cloves and
vanilla. Served both is a clear, or sauber weisse, and a hefe
weisse versions. With a little imported lemon juice, perfect for a hot
August day at the piers.
Last of the ales, is one specially brewed for the New England raised
American expatriots, Seerauber Rahm Ale. A cream ale style, with a Prussian
twist. Instead of mixing stock lager with a new batch of ale, the brewmeister
of the Corsair Bar, Rudolph Hemmerschil, uses both ale and lager yeast at
the same time.
In the spring and summer months, the Corsair Bar has a variety of Lagers
on tap. In March, Koenig Marzen is on tap, to celebrate the ending of winter
and the start of a new summer. High in alcohol content, Koenig Marzen is
a malty brew, with a perfect balance of hops to even out the flavors.
In April and May, Koenig Maibock is on tap. Rich and malty, it makes
a perfect dessert beer.
During the months of June, July and August, Koenig Pils, Honig Dunkelweisse,
and Koenig Dobblebock vie for your tasting.
Koenig Pils is probably the best example of Pilsner in Prussia, thanks
to the tireless efforts of the master lagermeisters, Schoenig and Klink.
They spend the winter months brewing almost 5,000 barrels of different types
of lager for the thirsty port of Koenigsberg. Koenig Pils is their crowning
achievement. Light bodied, golden in color, with an aroma and taste of hops,
it is the favorite of many a beer drinker.
Vying second for the tastebuds of Koenigsberg is Honig Dunkelweisse.
A wheat lager, 40% malt, its flavor is enhanced by copious quantities of
honey added at the end of the brewing, but before the lagering. Despite
the wheat, it has a malty taste, and wonderful honey nose, that makes it
a perfect cigar lager.
Finally, your drinking pleasure can finish off with Koenig Dobblebock.
Alcohol content varies little from 8.7% to 9.2%, this dark brown brew has
the intense taste of malt, and enough hops to cut the sweetness.
After partaking in the pleasures of the Corsair
Bar, we'll then take a short jaunt to England and see the renowned Cotton
Fields, Arrogance, and the Royal Navy. Unfortunately, not all the members
of the tour will be able to visit this bar, as the owner, Eustace T. Korpher,
has staked his bar out to be a CSA bar, and obey all the laws of his homeland,
which means it is a whites only bar. However, the IBT has made arrangements
with Mr. Korpher, which allows us to bring out samples to those members
of our tour who've been barred from within. In keeping with our standard
policies, however, if you choose no to partake of any of the beers served
here, we will gladly find you alternate sites to visit or give you a pro
rata refund for this portion of the tour, and leave you to see the sights
of London, until we leave later next day.
Again, our Interdimensional Barhopping expert, Marty Busse, has been
here and has this to say about Cotton Fields, Arrogance, and the Royal Navy:
Cotton Fields, Arrogance, and the Royal Navy
The owner of this bar came up with the name after
a friend of his, arguing with him before the war began, told him that the
sole things the South would bring to the fight were "cotton fields
and arrogance." Finding himself invalidated out after the Battle of
Manassas, the bar's owner decided to take advantage of Britain's new found
belligerency (and fascination with their noble, Confederate allies), and
the number of CSA citizens in Britain for whatever reason, to create this
bar. Although marred by a brawl involving a young RN midshipman named Fisher
on its opening, the bar has been a smashing success, so much so that Fenian
sympathizers (who favor the Union cause) have tried twice to burn it to
the ground. The food is excellent, offering both the best in British regional
specialities (the blood pudding is supposedly the best south of York, and
the grits are so good, according to Mr. Benjamin Disraeli, as to constitute
"veritably an embassy." The bar is, of course, whites only, as
an envoy from China found out to his cost not too long back. (The British
government has been unable to respond to the Chinese response to that act,
but the CSA has paid restitution and sternly warned the owner of the bar
that he should check for diplomatic credentials before encouraging his
patrons to lynch someone.) Lord Paleerston praises the bar, often dining
there and proclaiming that "this fine establishment alone is sufficient
justification to join our allies in their cause."
On tap here are several British favorites:
Brown Bess Ale: a lightly hopped ale, its rich brown color hints at the
flavor within. It has a strong taste of malt, and a strong kick, 5.6% alcohol.
Bitter Relations: An ESB, this ale was brewed to reflect the current
political relationship between the CSA and the USA. Very hoppy, with only
a hint of maltiness.
Blackman Porter: An unfortunate name for a best of breed porter. Brewed
on premises, Blackman Porter, has the sharp taste of fusil oils and esters,
from it's high temperature brewing, but these are leveled out by rich malty
flavor. The overall taste is hops, and this is a highly hopped brew, so
it leaves a wonderful hoppy taste on the palate.
Queen Mary's Blood: A 90 shilling Scotch Ale, it is a "wee heavy"
in its maltiness and in its alcohol content, 9.9% by volume. Sweet, malty,
lightly hopped, it is a particular favorite as a dessert beer, and it is
used to make a wonderful beer bread that is served as an appetizer.
Mother's Milk Stout: Thick and sweet, this stout is popular with the
children and parents, and is sometimes served with iced cream and sweets.
Lightly hopped, it almost too sweet for most modern palates. Alcohol content
is 2.7% by volume.
Confederate's Strength: A barleywine specially brewed at Cotton Fields,
Arrogance, and the Royal Navy, it is a high alcohol content brew, 15% by
volume. Typically drunk while smoking expensive cigars, it is served in
brandy snifters, and is typical of the style. The current vintage being
served is over 5 years old, though there is hope that when they crack open
the next vintage, a better brew will be available.
That night, you will spend the evening, at the Grand Hotel, in the lap
of luxury and served the very best cuisine that Britain can offer. Partridge
in gelatin, Trout served in a white wine sauce, pudding, and a mincemeat
pie will grace you dining pleasure. |
