Slower Lower, session notes from the Rogue

Surf fishing only zone...foot high anklets on the Chesapeake. Cape Charles Beach, 10/4/2019.

   Tropical storm season has heated up. Just chock full of surf that, if not carefully timed, is more erosive than ridable. Also have that slower autumnal time of year moving through. Daytime is warm, evenings are just a wee bit cooler...water temps dropping down into the lower 70s, upper 60s. Bay fishing has slackened. For that matter, the recent tropical winds along the coast has kept the boat in the driveway. No matter. The Wife and I made the most of it with a trip to Cape Charles on the Chesapeake bayside of Virginia's Eastern Shore. A distillery here, a brewery there. Some bait and tackle in the afternoon, and evening seafood on the harbor to finish off.

Sub-tropical Storm Melissa took a bite outta our coast, but it didn't stop
the Endless Summer cruisers from dropping in on the OC. 10/10/2019

Melissa, what is sub-tropical?

 

Nor'east Super-Tide in the Pines, 10/11/2019.

  Opportunities, if there's a brew house nearby (or a cidery, or a distillery), you can bet I'm gonna make the most of that prospect. Cape Chuck had all three. Buskey Cider on the Bay, cornering the main drag, and the Chesapeake, Buskey had a number of hard ciders, but the place seamed a bit stark. Like drink your cider, buy your six, and go. Very clinic-like. Decent cider, as a matter of fact, I enjoyed both the Jalapeno Lime and the Hoppy Grapefruit, but the Wife is more the cider fan than me.

Bait, but no beer.
Booo...

Hence, the move to the next self-supplying tavern. Cape Charles Distillery also on the main drag, otherwise known as Mason Street. Located in a brick, office modern building, known for handcrafted bourbon, whiskey, and moonshine. After checking out the town (which doesn't take long), wandered into the Prohibition Era interior. Eclectic, with a chalkboard wall that outlined the entire distilling process amongst leather easy chairs and couches that begged to set down your "Tommy" and add a cigar to the mix. Saddling up to the back bar, we did a flight of all their offerings. The Maple Whiskey was good. The Rye, fair. The real highlights were most likely the crafted cocktails, but way too expensive. Good for a stop, but not a stay.

 We set off for Stone Road, and a former lumber yard and weigh station for the old Bay Coast Railroad, now home to Cape Charles Brewing. Both brewery and brew pub, and the best of the three. Our "appetizer" port of call. A few tasters, pretzel twist with beer cheese, and Chesapeake Bay Oysters. Hard to out do oysters and beer.

All of their beers were very good. Took home a crowler of one of their seasonal brews... Beach Bumpkin Pumpkin. Fit the month. Poured a clear amber with a less than two-finger, beige head. Scents of pumpkin pie and nutmeg. Tasted of cinnamon, pumpkin pie spices. Moderate at 5.4% ABV, not as sweet as some Pumpkins, and a weak hint of malt. Closed with a slightly dry-hop (25 IBUs) finish. Rated a B. Capped the trip off with dinner at the Shanty on the Town Harbor. Briny aromas, excellent seafood, and an astounding sunset. Slow but easy, lower shore October.

Sunset on Town Harbor, Cape Chuck, VA. 10/12/2019.

   The next week, our annual hunt for this year's pumpkin. Took place in Wicomico's 'Bury. Our pooch in tow, beer on the horizon to celebrate success. Good times, good times. And all of this while sneaking in water time during the week. More head shots than needed. Guess the carving would wait for the gourds. Yeah, October was starting slow on our lower part of the Shore. However, we made the most of every opportunity. As per usual. To ward off the chill and relish the success of our search, cake. Or, beer brewed with cake. Smith Island Cake. Ten Layer Stout by RaR Brewing. Glossy black pour with a thin, fizzy, brown head. Smelled of sweet vanilla, and roasted malt. Take into account the 7.2% ABV, a dangerously smooth taste. Rich dark cocoa with a hint of coconut and more vanilla. Flavors were like rich chocolate cake mix meets slightly bitter (low at 10 IBUs) baking chocolate stout. I liked it. A lot. Rated an A.

Labor Day has come and gone...the unofficial end of summer. Crispy leaves, corn and pumpkins ready for harvest. Damn...Fall is here. Oakley's Farm Market, 10/12/2019.

"We can debate the merits of 
beer without alcohol, but
absolutely no one enjoys a flat
beer- which is what you're left
with after you boil or filter out 
alcohol."
-Uncle John's Beertopia