This week the Hub City Brew Review takes on RJ Rockers Bell Ringer Ale. This is RJ Rockers’ high gravity offering, and it’s a winner in our book. It’s got big malts, big hops, and well-masked alcohol for a potent beer. In our estimation, this should be RJ Rockers’ signature beer.
We ramble on a bit more that usual on this one. Mostly, that’s because the ale was flowing–if you follow my meaning. We filmed it on the same night as our last brew review, so if you notice any eerie similarities between this one and the last one, there’s your reason. Enjoy!
Christopher George & Mike Cathcart
I concur with the props to the Bellringer, so much so that I wrote a little review for it a while back over at GSPnightlife.com called, “Why I Keep Getting Kicked Out of Terry’s Taproom” or “Bell Ringer: Curse or Blessing?”
check it out if ya want:
http://www.gspnightlife.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=112:qwhy-i-keep-getting-kicked-out-of-terrys-taproomq-or-qbell-ringer-curse-or-blessingq&catid=921:living-in-gsp
This was filmed the same time as the last one? What happened to the faux fireplace?
Btw you might want to mention some places to purchase each beer you review. Does RJ Rockers or the Taproom sell ‘take home’ bottles?
The fireplace–nothing faux about it–was from the first review (Patriot Pale), and was filmed on a different night in a different location. This one was filmed the same night as the second review (First Snow)
Normally, we buy RJ Rockers stuff at Oasis over on 295 near Fatz and Fuddruckers. They typically carry everything that RJ Rockers’ has to offer. We bought the Patriot Pale at the Food Lion in Roebuck, and generally you can find RJ’s popular beers like Patriot Pale or Bald Eagle Brown in some grocery stores around town, though it’s a bit of a crap shoot as to which stores seem to have it and which ones don’t
I have no idea if the Taproom fills take home bottles or not, or even if they’re allowed to by law. I was just talking to a friend the other day about how nice it would be if they did. We’d really like to grab some of the new IPA for a review, and it only seems to be available at the Taproom.
My husband got 2 half-gallons of beer from RJ Rockers last Friday. He mumbled something about membership or getting them refilled later or something along those lines. One of the half-gallons (don’t know to exactly refer to them) was IPA but I’m not sure what the other one was. He had the First Snow at Miyako earlier in the evening so I am assuming the second one (which he drank last weekend) was that one. The IPA is still hanging out in the fridge.
Very cool news! We’ll have to check that out at the Taproom.
For anyone who is curious: A half-gallon of beer for take-away use is called a growler.
Yes I know. I’m keeping it simple for the beer noobs. Commonly the term “growler” refers to a half-gallon, although some brewpubs offer liter or quart bottles which they refer to as “growlers” also.
I used to have a growler that I would fill at Jack of the Wood in Asheville whenever I was up that way. Beer in a growler usually keeps for about a week–or longer if unopened–before losing its carbonation.
I’m basically beer noob. I just happen to know that one term for some reason.
Thanks Steve. I thought that it might have a name but wasn’t sure. Now I have new random information to spring on people at will. I am admittedly not a beer person (I know, I know..it is surely a sign of poor character) but my husband loves it so I can impress him with my brew knowledge thanks to the Spark.
I like all the insert shots Katie added in to this video. These are starting to look ever so slightly more professional.
Yeah, she’s doing a really great job on the video editing. I really like the way this latest one turned out.
I love the bellringer. It certainly will ring your bell if you aren’t careful.
Here’s an informative recent blog entry about the brewery and the taproom. (No mention of take home bottles though.)
http://briancendrowski.hoppress.com/2010/01/07/rj-rockers-new-brewery-shows-south-carolina-what-its-been-missing/
I can’t help but chuckle at the random stutters knowing you’ve had a few.
Love the ending song, and that fact that your shirt says “meh” while you pour the beer. Hahaha.
Great job, guys.
they actually had Bell Ringers at my local Food Lion. I had one pale ale left so I set it aside to give this one a try. I am no connissour but I like it. Like Eagle ale better, as I think it is a bit smoother, and I prefer less after taste. but Bell Ringer is still a keeper. I will enjoy this six pack over the next week and a half….