As they can say it best, I’ll let Dogfish Head tell the tale  “Life & Limb is a collaborative effort, the brainchild of Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. and Dogfish Head Craft Brewery. Life & Limb is a 10% ABV strong, dark beer that defies style characteristics- brewed with pure maple syrup from the Calagione family farm in Massachusetts and estate barley grown on the Grossman “farm” at the brewery in Chico, CA. The beer is alive with yeast-a blend of both breweries’ house strains-bottle conditioned for added complexity and shelf life, and naturally carbonated with birch syrup fresh from Alaska.

Life & Limb is dedicated to the family of beer drinkers and enthusiasts worldwide who continue to support the little guys, iconoclasts, entrepreneurs, and pioneers who risk life and limb to shape the vibrant craft-brewing community.

The other beer of this collaboration is Limb & Life (draft only). Both beers will be released later this fall.”

Dogfish Head has long been know for their cavalier attitude and adventuresome spirit toward brewing, and Sierra Nevada is an icon and credited by some as sparking the craft beer movement in the late 70′s and early 80′s. Combine the two and you have Life and Limb.

This unique beer pours a very deep brown with rich accents a ruby red when held up to the light. I poured this one into a goblet, producing a half finger head, that sustained itself during the duration of the experience. While it just sat there, the bubbles continued to swim there way to the top of my glass. A good start to be sure..

Take one whiff, and instantly you instantly get the alcohol aroma. Almost overwhelming in fact. however, another sniff and you get roasted malt. Both breweries states it’s brewed with maple and birch syrup, however in the smell I don’t get any. What I do get is other flavors, such as some spice, fig and dates.

To taste this one, is divine. Although the alcohol I originally smelled is still at the forefront, the more subtle flavors now creep in. The fig and dates definitely come out. A few more sips, I seem to taste the maple syrup described. Either that’s because it’s actually there, or I want it to be.  What I definitely get, is a nice hop undertone that seems to balance the alcohol in this one out.

The mouthfeel is what I’d expect from an American Strong Ale. Although this is almost a ‘catch all’ category for stronger American beers, it seems to do what it should. A crisp, yet slightly sticky feel to i, it is creamy and definitely a full beer.

Overall, I really like this one. I admit, that I had it straight out of the bottle the day after purchase, but it was divine. I still feel that the alcohol is a bit overpowering initially and on the back end, but I’ll have more of this one. It weighs in at 10.2% ABV, so take your time with it. Not a session beer, but one to enjoy when the time is right. I enjoyed life and Limb with a modest portion of Buttered Pecan ice cream.

All we are is just another tap on the wall

Everyone knows The Bull and Finch Pub in Boston (known as ‘Cheers’ on T.V.) as the place ‘Where everybody knows your name’. To me, that is an essential ingredient in any  place you frequent, visit once, or always hope to get to. For years living in San Antonio there was a drought for a place where you could get more than the average beer served at the ‘insert your name here’ bar on the corner. Sure, one or two places pop up here and there, but they do not have the overall atmosphere and selection that many craft beer bars on the west coast, east coast and Colorado have. Namely, an incredible selection of what many refer to as craft beer bars. Places that serve beer for those with a more refined taste of our favorite malted beverage.

Craft beer has gained quite the following in the last few years, with breweries, brew pubs and beer bars popping up everywhere.  The last decade has seen quite a lot. San Antonio and Texas have long been known for the Alamo, John Wayne and drinkers of Miller Lite, and not for craft beer. Well, times have changed. Texas has around 9 craft breweries, numerous more brewpubs and a growing number of what are known as craft beer bars.

Slowly, Texas and San Antonio have begun to come around.

Up until that point, there were few choices and frankly I was tired of heading to places that had the same old choices of beer that you saw on TV. Waiting to get back home to Colorado or visit friends and family in California became a favorite pastime. I am a lover of craft beer for its attitude and creative approach. I, and others, needed something more. Well, in January of this year, Jimmie Maricle opened up The Tap Exchange Alehouse and Grill and my new oasis.

The backside of good times.

Tucked away in the northeast part of San Antonio, The Tap Exchange boasts 61 beers on tap, more than 50 in bottles, dozens of wines. Located at, 22250 Bulverde Rd, #106 (at Evans Rd.) in San Antonio, Texas, it is a place that balances a wide selection of draft and bottled beer and great pub food, with the atmosphere of a place that you can call home. This was apparent upon walking through the door, where you are always greeted warmly by the incredible staff, you are instantly greeted with a warm, inviting and obviously fun atmosphere. Having been here a few times before, I always love introducing friends who want to expand their horizons to Jimmie’s place. They are always impressed and several have come back.

Each day features something at The Tap Exchange, from Glass night on Tuesday’s where you ‘buy the beer and keep the glass’  and Geeks Who Drink Trivia night on Wednesday to all day NFL games on Sunday with many of the craft beers on special during the games. Lest we keep the kiddos out, The Tap Exchange is also VERY family friendly. Boasting a kids menu and family friendly atmosphere, it is very common to see families here both day and night. It’s a place for all types of folks with all types of needs.

However, I digress about the selection of craft beer here. The Tap Exchange also features some out of the world pub food, too. From the typical Fish and Chips, signature salads and custom burgers to Jimmie’s Baked Ziti. Oh, and least I forget the homemade beer ice cream created here as well.

What’s great about this place, is that the owner doesn’t just stay behind the bar, he very often walks around talking with every patron as if he’s known them for years. He really works to really get to know his customers and not to get repeat business, but because that is just who he is. His wife Traci, a.k.a ‘Mrs. Tap Exchange’ is often seen here milling around the room dazzling the customers as well. You may even catch a glimpse of regulars Jill, Sean, Mark, Joser and Jessica.

Jimmie taking time to talk with the customers

The staff here tends to exude Jimmie’s approach too: Amber, Billy, Karen, Roxie and Stephanie will definitely make your experience one you will want to back to have again. All this serves to create the family atmosphere that ‘Cheers’ could not begin to match.

I asked Jimmie a little about his background and how he approaches The Tap Exchange:

How did you come up with your menu selections? “Menu choices started with ‘what do I want’ and then was fine-tuned by “what can I get”.  Really wanted a broad selection of taps, covering most styles.  No matter what style of beer you like, you’re sure to find something to your liking.

“What made you open a craft beer place? “Am a big fan of beer, but didn’t have anyplace within 45 minutes of my house to get anything other than the staples (Bud Light, Dos Equis, Shiner, etc.)  Besides, doesn’t every guy want to own a bar?

“What is your experience with craft beer? “Being from CA I had the luxury of many great brewpubs and beer bars within my reach. Traci and I grew up in places like these.”