Cheers to our brewers for earning a Bronze in the 2018 Best of Craft Beer Awards for Jude, our Belgian Tripel at the 2018 Best of Craft Beer Awards. This timeless favorite is one of our favorite year round offerings. Come taste this classic at your neighborhood Reformation, or look for it at independent retailers near you in the Georgia market!
I think everyone is looking for ways to strike a balance that brings true contentment. It’s taken me a while to learn how to say a resounding “NO” to the noise of everyday life, and make time for real relaxation. Nothing’s perfect, but here are a few things that help me tap into down time when I need it most. What’s in your list?
It’s easy for me to tune out the things I love when I’m busy. But I’ve realized, if we have even just a spare few hours, we have time to get out those art supplies that we put away months ago and forgot about. And perhaps get others in on it too! Find camaraderie with people that share your passions. Make a day of it, or meet once a month if your schedule allows! Big things can happen when people who like the same things get together. Maybe for you it’s finding a new book, exercise routine, or a new board game. Find what recharging looks like for you and dive in.
We all know that moving our bodies is good for us. Do what it takes to get yourself up! Walk with a friend, listen to a new album or podcast, or explore your neighborhood. I’ve only just started exploring the local trails and community parks right here in Woodstock, but there are plenty of hiking, biking, and waterways to discover. And a quick trip to the mountains of North Georgia is always worth the breathing room, if you ask me. You can make a day of it, and then refresh and reflect with a pint if you like!
I’m always amazed by the things I see when I turn away from busyness. Sometimes I catch myself reveling in the things that no one else sees. A beautiful scene on the side of the road that I can’t help but stop and take a picture of – even if it means being five minutes late to that meeting. Social media can be a great resource for remembering these moments, but it’s easy to get caught up in what everyone else is doing! Scratch pads and journals are a good concrete way to reminisce, clear your mental cache, or chart things you take in. Recognize the beauty. Find a way to put life on pause, and stop to appreciate the moment.
Breaking away from my routine really helps me keep a healthy mindset. I’ve found that watching new films and listening to new music are some of my favorite ways to get away. It’s so nice to let go of a hard day by letting artistry take me into another world for a little while. And while it might seem unconventional, serving others can be an escape from the noise. Volunteering in your community can give you a sense of belonging to something bigger, and that feeling of purpose and meaning can lead to a real, abiding sense of perspective in our lives that keeps us in balance.
Never underestimate the benefit of buying that special beer you’ve been dying to try, getting the best kind of chocolate, or stopping for gelato on the way home from work. Celebrate life with small luxuries that make you happy, and get into the habit of treating yourself! Sharing moments with others can be great, but don’t be afraid to do something special on your own. Build margin for these humble but powerful things. We can all clear our schedules for a little bit to focus on calm, cathartic moments. And maybe, just maybe, life will be just that much more enjoyable.
Cheers to barrel-aged Jude, named a Top Wood-Aged Beer of 2017 by Beer Connoisseur. Check out their expert review below, or click the link to read more about this top honor.
“American oak wafts out of the glass and dominates the aroma. Vanilla, charred oak, and mellow bourbon comprise the barrel profile with an underlying presence of bready malt. No yeast aromatics are present. There is a bit of alcohol in the aroma as the beer warms but is well tempered by the explosive oak barrel presence. This an attractive beer – bright gold with exceptional clarity and a medium sized white frothy head that stands its ground.”
Read more:
Salty and sweet, popcorn is a perfect taste and texture companion to a well made beer. Test our favorite pairings, or BYOP (that’s bring your own popcorn) and explore your own!
India Pale Ale lovers know that hop bitterness and heat goes hand in hand. With Nolan‘s rotating hop additions in each release, you’ll get a kick out of this pair combining white cheddar popcorn with a punch of jalapeno pepper.
JOGR is our top pick as a refreshing low cal favorite to wash down white cheddar. This palate cleanser is a perfect match for salty and savory crisp white cheddar popcorn.
Smooth but subtle caramel and a dry finish make Cadence, or big malt in Jude make these Belgian Style favorites a complementary pair. Who knows you might just nurture your inner child with each bite!
Declaration is an Imperial Stout with aromas of smooth dark fruit and roasted malts. Declare a day done well with this pairing of chocolate caramel crunch popcorn and this beer’s notes of coffee and bitter chocolate.
Brewed as part of Reformation’s year-round portfolio of Belgian-style ales, Jude is billed as a “modern” take on the classic derived from the Trappist monastery at Westmalle.
It pours a hazy gold with a soft white head, and at 9.2-percent alcohol it’s dangerously easy to drink. Floral aromas and fruity and herbal notes mix with a sweetish malt flavor and a distinctive Belgian yeast character from esters and phenols that bring out hints of clove and banana.
When it comes to culinary pairings, you can’t get much tastier than a cheeseburger. A juicy patty topped with a slice of cheese — is there anything better? So imagine our delight to find out that Sept. 18 is National Cheeseburger Day. A whole day set aside to celebrate one of our favorite indulgences? We’re in. Keep reading to find out how to pay homage yourself.
Reformation Barrel Aged Jude debuts today, alongside a new era for Georgia craft breweries. Today, you can finally buy a pint directly from the brewery.
Woodstock, Georgia is home to Reformation, who started aging Barrel Aged Jude over 9 months ago. The Belgian-style tripel has been resting in fresh bourbon barrels since late December.
This unique version of Jude has been aged for over nine months in bourbon barrels, with 9.2 percent ABV the beer is described as having notes of bourbon and oak atop a balanced malt sweetness and clean, citrus finish.
Reformation Brewery’s Belgian Style Dubbel, Cadence, was awarded Bronze at this year’s 2017 US Open Beer Championship. Rick Roberts, organizer of the competition, even stopped by to enjoy a glass at our Woodstock Keeping Room on a recent visit. Cheers to great beer and classic styles!
Declaration and Cadence take home Bronze at the 2017 Best of Craft Beer Awards! Two delicious Reformation OG favorites that continue to impress both judges and beer drinkers alike. Come on by and let us pour you a taste on your next visit!
The 4th annual ‘Best of Craft Beer Awards’ were held last weekend in Bend at the Mount Bachelor Village Resort, where 245 medals were awarded out of 1,755 entries from 245 breweries. This event has quietly become one of the larger pro beer awards in the country… {read more}
“It pours dark, with tan head, and pops with a mix of cocoa and coffee, but not too much. You’ll get notes of mild chocolate, dark toasted malt, and, yes, some smoke. The good dry quality to it allows for a clean finish without the heavy tail of some porters. And according to the folks at Reformation, pair this one with a sweet and smokey barbecue, maybe some grilled beef, or even salted caramel and chocolate. They also recommend listening to Eddie Vedder singing “Just Breathe” as you enjoy a can of Stark. I tried this—it’s a solid suggestion.”