WILK Friday Beerbuzz – 9 July 2010 (Oskar Blues GUBNA)

I know it’s a very minor anniversary, but given that today was our 10th show, I wanted to do something that recognized this minor-milestone.  Now I know most people have cereal that is older than 10-weeks, but I still think a 10-show mark deserves recognition.  In honor of our 10th show, I of course chose a 10% ABV beer (with 100IBU).  I also chose this beer based on the fact that in the UK (my recent vacation destination), they use “GUBNA” like we use “dude.”  So after hearing it spoken a few times in London, it suddenly hit me what beer I should choose.

Now this is a big beer and a beer that no one should take lightly.  Don’t let the can or small packing fool you.  GUBNA starts with a big citrus-hoppy-hit, and never eases up all the way up to it’s 100IBU.  But fear not new beer lovers.  GUBNA masks it’s potency with some wonderful flavor and body.  This is a great beer and a great double IPA.  If you’re not a hop lover yet (and notice I say YET), this may not be for you, but DO give it a try.

So what about the name.  The common theory is that it comes from a

scene from Mel Brooks’ Blazing Saddles Mel Brooks played a crazy governor in Blazing Saddles, and his cabinet meeting generated a lot of harrumphing. When Brooks caught a crony not complying, Harvey Korman chastised him with, “Give the GUBNA a ‘harrumph.’” You’ll read something similar on every can of Gubna.  After speaking with Dave Chichura, I found that it was originally named after the slang greeting “Gubna” by the brewmaster Dale Katechis based on some work shirt’s Dale’s brother used in Alabama with “Gubna” on them.  As you can see the can features not only the Blazing Saddly quote but a quote from a Lynrd Skynrd song (Sweet Home Alabama).

In Birmingham they love the governor
Now we all did what we could do
Now Watergate does not bother me
Does your conscience bother you?
Tell the truth

The can only features the last line but you get the idea.  Quite a funny name for quite a wonderful Imperial IPA…so do check it out.

So with a fond 10-week anniversary wish, I once again say t

hank you to John, Nancy, Joe & Bosco for yet another fun Friday. 

The Friday Beerbuzz…bringing good beers and good people together. 

As always you can check out the video on-line at the WILK Friday Beerbuzz page by clicking HERE

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