Who Is Tim?
My name is Tim Brinkmann and while I'd prefer to answer your questions in person at my store, you will always have 24-hour access to my wine and spirits knowledge on my Ask Tim page. My background and my passion both lie in the wine and spirits industry, with over 10 years experience as a spirits wholesaler and 9 years in fine wine distribution. I opened Brinkmann's Wine & Spirits because I love to discover new wines and spirits and I have a great appreciation for the evolution, growth, and maturity of existing brands. Please come visit me in the store so we can talk shop, or feel free to interact with me here. Just remember: Good, Better... Brinkmann's!
Updated November 20, 2008
Shane asked Tim - I recently visited the store and was amazed by the variey of high gravity beer available. What exactly is a high gravity beer?
Tim responds -
These gourmet beers are brewed for their unique and exceptional taste. They can even be selected to complement certain foods, just as fine wines are. Traditionally, high gravity beer is beer that has an alcohol content higher than 5% by weight or above 6.3% alcohol by volume, although that can go much higher. The term "high gravity" comes from the brewing process, and refers to beers that have an increased weight of sugar, and therefore more gravity "pull" in the fermentation process. The higher alcohol content results from the variety of ingredients that brewmasters combine to produce complex flavors not to be found in lower alcohol beers. Although more expensive, highalcohol beers are a beer connoisseur's delight to be sipped and savored. Cheers, Tim!
