Friday the 13th!

Today might not be a day that you drink Lucky Lager but it may be the day you opt for something a little more daring. A beer with daredeviltry and daringness is what you may need to sip on this superstitious day. While leaning on the scrupulous side of life has never entirely saved folks from fate, it is recommended that you act nimble-wittedly when you reach for your next offering.

Today’s Friday the 13th of November marks this year’s third occurrence of the supposedly unlucky Gregorian calendar day. While it is every year that sees this possibly wearisome day, three exigencies of it is maximum for one year. The next year three Friday the 13ths will appear will be 2012.Many folks regard the 13th day of the month landing on a Friday in much the same way as Halloween. A spooky yet fun day to wrap your mind and spirit around. However, a real underlying fear exists when it comes to such a superstition.  United States President Franklin Roosevelt refused to travel on the 13th day of the month and denied sitting at a table with thirteen people present. Many tall buildings refuse do away with numbering a 13th floor. In fact, according to Otis Elevator Company, more than 90% of American skyscrapers are without one (well, it’s there, just called the 14th floor). Here’s what Discovery News has to say about this storied day:

According to North Carolina’s Stress Management Center and Phobia Institute, around 900 million dollars is lost each year on Friday the 13th, due to people choosing not to travel or otherwise conduct business on this day. It’s estimated that some 21 million people suffer from some form of Friday the 13th phobia.

Some, however, view the number as lucky as an antithesis of what the worryworts follow. Comedian Groucho Marx once said “Thirteen at a table is unlucky only when the hostess has only twelve chops.”  When it comes to beer geeks, hell, they’ll turn everything into an excuse to brew, quaff, and experience what they love. In fact 13 beers is just one better than a half rack. Unfortunately there will be no Vertical Epic employing the number. Here’s some beers apropos for this day:

Firestone Walker 13: Slated for release on November 14 (superstitious?), this monstrous ingredient laden brew is designed with the cellar in mind (just don’t go down there alone). Deep, rich, and boozy, this anniversary brew from the Paso Robles, California brewery is part of Firestone’s anniversary series, and a unique blend of barrel-aged beers.  Limited to only 1,000 cases “These unique barrel aged beers have really changed the public’s perception of beer,” says Brewmaster Matt Brynildson. “The care and time that went into this blend is more akin to wine than beer,” he adds.

Firestone Walker adds:

Brynildson again enlisted the help of Paso Robles area wine makers to assist in the blending of several barrel-aged beers into the final product. Barley wines, imperial stouts and an imperial brown are just a few of the beers making up the final blend. Many of the component beers have spent over 2 years aging in a combination of retired bourbon, rye, and wine barrels. This process contributes unique and one-of-a kind flavors not typically found in beer.

Perhaps the scariest thing about this beer is its pricetag. Its suggested retail cost is $21.99 for 22 ounces.

Lagunita’s Lucky 13 Mondo Large Red Ale:  The red here isn’t blood and gore, its a bomb brew from the folks in Petaluma, California who know how to design hoppy treats better than most.

Lagunita’s commercial description of the beer reads:

From the first day of the first mash of the first recipe in the first space to this oasis 13 years on the road; We have worked hard to walk in the footsteps of our hero brewers. The Esteemed brewer of California’s best Pale Ale, the Noble Brewer of the planet’s only legal Steam Beer, and Oregon’s Rebel Brewer from Newport. Thirteen years down the road, we have found our own voice as brewers but our admiration for the Great Ones has not dimmed one bit. If we walked well down the hero’s path ourselves, perhaps we too have been an inspiration for others. Beer is a Bronze Age business and we feel honored to have left our footprints on its path into history, at the same time leaving our flavors on your buds. Thanks for your trust over the years and we hope you enjoy this specially brewed Hi-Gravity Auburn offering. Beer Speaks. People Mumble! O.G. 1.085 76.92 IBU

This hoppy, malty treat does a great job at masking the 8.3% ABV with layers of rich bitter and sweet aromatics. It was designed for Lagunita’s 13th birthday a few years back. Hopefully you’ll find one to calm your nerves.

In an old post on Belmont Station’s beer blog, Chris Ormand once wrote “Whooooooooooohhhhhh, it’s Friday the thirteenth. Watch out for black cats, broken mirrors, and government agents who say, “We’re just here to help.” It was at Belmont Station I discovered the Moorhouse’s Black Cat Mild Cat. It was certainly welcomed when it crossed my path. Good luck and good tasting. Dark, almost black in color, this is a true session brew (3.4% ABV). Lots of rich burnt chocolate and toffee flavors comprise this nearly viscous delight. It finishes with a nice dry, hopped finish. Bloody scrumptious.

Go out and enjoy the day, just make sure not to step on any cracks of course.