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June 26, 2009
Beer Wars: A Tasty New Hope, Part 4

Posted: June 26th, 2009, 5:26pm EDT

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CIGGS: Duke, I didn't come back just to say good-bye. I shouldn't tell you this, but... you're the only one I can trust.

Duke's eyes grow wide with anticipation over Ciggs' seriousness.

DUKE: What... are you talking about exactly?

CIGGS: I made some friends at the Beer Academy. (he leans in and whispers) When our frigate goes to one of the central systems, we're going to jump ship and join the Brewers Alliance.

Duke, dazed and stunned, is almost speechless. And disappointed.

DUKE: Join the Rebellion?! Are you kidding! How?

CIGGS: Quiet down will ya! You got a mouth bigger than a meteor crater!

LUKE: All the better to... never mind. I'm sorry. I'll be quiet. (he whispers) Listen how quiet I am. You can barely hear me.

Ciggs shakes his head angrily and then continues.

CIGGS: My friend has a friend who has a cousin on Beersteine who might help us make contact.

DUKE: Your crazy! You could wander around forever trying to find them.

CIGGS: I know it's a long shot, but if I don't find them I'll brew what I can on my own. It's what we always talked about. Luke, I'm not going to wait for the Empire to draft me into brewing macro-swill. The Rebellion is spreading and I want to be on the right side -- the side I believe in!

DUKE: And I'm stuck here...

CIGGS: I thought you were going to the Academy next term. You'll get your chance to get off this rock.

DUKE: Not likely! I had to cancel my application. There has been a lot of unrest among the Dirtpeople since you left...they've even raided the outskirts of Anchorhead.

CIGGS: Your uncle could hold off a whole colony of Dirtpeople with one racking cane!

DUKE: I know, but he's got enough mash tuns going to make the place pay off. He needs me for just one more season. I can't leave him now.

CIGGS: I feel for you, Luke, you're going to have to learn what seems to be important or what really is important. What good is all your uncle's work if it's taken over by the Empire? You know they're starting to nationalize beer commerce in the central systems. It won't be long before your uncle is merely a tenant, slaving for the greater glory of the Empire.

DUKE: It couldn't happen here. You said it yourself. The Empire won't bother with this rock.

CIGGS: Things always change.

DUKE: I wish I was going...Are you going to be around long?

CIGGS: No, I'm leaving in the morning.

DUKE: Then I guess I won't see you.

CIGGS: Maybe someday. I'll keep a lookout.

DUKE: Well, I'll be at the Academy next season...after that who knows. I won't be drafted into the Imperial Brewer's Guild that's for sure. Take care of yourself. you'll always be the best friend I've got.

CIGGS: So long, Duke.

Ciggs turns away from his old friend and heads towards the power station.

To BE CONTINUED...

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May 29, 2009
Beer Wars: A Tasty New Hope, Part 3

Posted: May 29th, 2009, 10:26am EDT

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EXTERIOR: SPACE.

The Imperial Beerdestroyer comes over the surface of the
planet Brewooine.

EXTERIOR: BREWOOINE -- DESERT.

Wortland Wastes, or "No Beer Land", where the rugged desert mesas
meet the foreboding Suds Sea. The two helpless dudes kick up
clouds of sand as they leave the lifepod and clumsily make their
way across the desert wasteland. The lifepod in the distance
rests half buried in the sand.

TRIPEO: How the hell did I get into this mess? We seem to be made to suffer. It's our lot in life.

Art answers with an agreeing fart.

TRIPEO: I've got to rest before I fall apart. My joints are killin' me.

Art continues to respond with a series farts.

TRIPEO: What a desolate place this is.

Suddenly Art whistles, makes a sharp right turn and starts off in
the direction of the rocky desert mesas. Tripeo stops and yells.

TRIPEO: Where the hell do you think you're going?

A stream of bodily noises pours forth from the small guy.

TRIPEO: Well, I'm not going that way. It's too damn rocky! This way is much easier.

Art counters with a long whistle.

TRIPEO: What makes you think there are settlements over there?

Art continues to make burping sounds.

TRIPEO: Don't get technical with me you overweight blob of skin!

Art continues to make burping sounds.

TRIPEO: What mission? What are you talking about? OK, I've had just about enough of you! Go that way! You'll be S.O.L within a day, you nearsighted fart factory!

Tripeo gives the little guy a kick in the ass and starts off in
the direction of the vast Suds Sea.

TRIPEO: And don't let me catch you following me begging for help... because you ain't gonna get it!

Art's reply is a rather rude sound. He turns and trudges
off in the direction of the towering mesas.

TRIPEO: No more adventures! I'm not going that way.

Art burps to himself as he makes his way toward the
distant mountains.

EXTERIOR: BREWOOINE -- SUDS SEA.

Tripeo, hot and tired, struggles up over the ridge of a sand
dune only to find more dunes, which seem to go on forever.
He looks back in the direction of the now distant rock mesas.

TRIPEO: That outta shape piece of crap! This is all his fault! He tricked me into going this way... but he'll do no better.

In a huff of anger and frustration, Tripeo knocks the
sand from his shirt. His plight seems hopeless, when a glint
of reflected light in the distance reveals an object moving
towards him.

TRIPEO: Wait, what's that? A transport! I'm saved!

The now sunburned dude waves frantically and yells at the
approaching transport.

TRIPEO: Over here! Help! Please, help!

EXTERIOR: BREWOOINE -- ANCHORSTEAM SETTLEMENT -- BREW STATION -- DAY.

Duke and Ciggs are walking and drinking a malt brew.
Brewmeister and the others can be heard working inside.

DUKE: (Very animated)...so I cut off my power, shut down the afterburners and came in low on Beak's tail. I was so close I thought I was gonna fry my instruments. As it was I busted up the Skyhopper pretty bad. Uncle O'hen was pretty upset. He grounded me for the rest of the season. You should have been there... it was fantastic!

CIGGS: You ought to take it easy, Duke. You may be the hottest bushpilot this side of Mos Tooheys, but those little Skyhoppers are dangerous. Keep it up, and one day - WHAMMO, you're going to be nothing more than a dark spot on the side of a canyon wall.

DUKE: Look who's talking. Now that you've been around those giant starships you're beginning to sound like my Uncle. You've gotten soft in the city.

CIGGS: I've missed you kid.

DUKE: Well, things haven't been the same since you left, Ciggs. It's been so... lonely.

Ciggs looks around then leans in close to Duke.

TO BE CONTINUED...
May 22, 2009
Appetite for Life: Widmer Brothers

Posted: May 22nd, 2009, 11:44am EDT

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Chances are you've watched the Travel Channel a few times and thus are likely to know who Andrew Zimmern is. If not, he's the short, funny, bald guy who trots around the world tasting stuff you and I would never put in our mouth. "Bizarre Foods is like an hour long episode of the Survivor or Fear Factor segments where contestants eat a plate of moving... things.

Well, Zimmern also does a web show for MSN called Appetite for Life wherein he travels around the country sampling the food, and the life of the places he visits. There are currently six episodes, but beer geeks will want to watch #5 (Portland, Oregon), where Andrew visits Widmer Brothers Brewery and talks with Rob Widmer.
May 08, 2009
Beer Wars: A Tasty New Hope, Part 2

Posted: May 8th, 2009, 4:34pm EDT

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EXTERIOR: Brewooine -- BEER WASTELAND -- DAY.

A beer wasteland stretches from horizon to horizon. The tremendous
heat of the planet's twin suns settle on a lone figure, Duke
Flymalter, a hopfarm boy with heroic aspirations who looks much
older than his twenty-one years. His dreadlocks and baggy tunic
give him the air of a simple deadbeat with a goofy smile.

A light wind whips at him as he adjusts several valves on a
large battered brew kettle. He is aided by a beatup tread-robot
with six claw arms - three of which hold cans of beer. The little
robot appears to be barely functioning -- much like Duke, and
moves with jerky motions.

A bright sparkle in the morning sky catches Duke's eye.
Instinctively he dry heaves thinking it a figment of his hungover
imagination. Realizing it's not, he grabs a pair of mangobinoculars
from his prized imitation Batman utility belt and scans the sky.
He stands transfixed for a few moments studying the heavens, then
dashes toward his dented, crudely repaired hoopty... a '27 Galaxy
Groundcruiser (an auto-like vehicle that travels a few feet off
the ground on a flatulence-resonance field). He motions for the
tiny robot to follow him.

DUKE: Hurry up ya sorry sack of bolts! Come with me! What are you waiting for?! Get in gear!

The robot spins around in a tight circle, stops short, and pops
his lid. Smoke begins to pour out of every joint. Duke throws
his arms up in disgust. Exasperated, the young farm boy jumps into
his '27 Galaxy Groundcruiser and leaves the smoldering robot to
hum madly.

INTERIOR: REBEL GROWLER -- MAIN HALLWAY.

The awesome, seven-foot-tall Dark Lord of the Macro makes his
way into the blinding light of the main passageway. This is
Darth Fermentor, right hand of the Emperor. His face is blocked
by flowing black robes and a grotesque breath mask, which
stands out next to the fascist white armored suits of the
Imperial Beerstapo. Everyone instinctively backs away from
the imposing figure and a deathly quiet sweeps through the
Rebel troops. Several of the Rebel troops break and run in a
frenzied panic.

INTERIOR: REBEL GROWLER.

A woman puts a card into Art Deetzo's hand. Art burps.

INTERIOR: REBEL GROWLER.

Lee Tripeo stands in a hallway, somewhat bewildered. Art is
nowhere in sight. The pitiful screams of the doomed Rebel
soldiers can be heard in the distance.

TRIPEO: Art! Art Deetzo! Where the hell are you?

A familiar farting sound attracts Tripeo's attention and he spots
little Art at the end of the hallway in a smoke-filled alcove. A
beautiful young girl (about sixteen years old) stands in front of
Art. Surreal and out of place, dreamlike and half hidden in the
smoke, she finishes adjusting something on Art's face, then
watches as the little guy joins his companion.

TRIPEO: WTF?! You weren't doing what I think you were doing?! WERE YOU!?

Beerstapo troopers can be heard battling in the distance.

TRIPEO: They're heading in this direction. What are we going to do? We'll be sent to the torture racks of Guantánamo or smashed into who knows what!

Art waddles past his goofy friend and races down the
subhallway. Tripeo chases after him.

TRIPEO: Wait a minute, where are you going?

Art responds with a fart.

INTERIOR: REBEL GROWLER -- CORRIDOR

The evil Darth Fermentor stands amid the broken and twisted bodies
of his foes. He grabs a wounded Rebel Officer by the neck as
an Imperial Officer rushes up to the Dark Lord.

IMPERIAL OFFICER: The Beer Star plans are not in the main computer.

Fermentor squeezes the neck of the Rebel Officer, who struggles
in vain.

FERMENTOR: Where are those transmissions you intercepted?

Darth Fermentor lifts the Rebel off his feet by his throat.

FERMENTOR: What have you done with those plans?

REBEL OFFICER: We intercepted no transmissions. This is a beer wagon! We're on a beer delivery mission!

FERMENTOR: If this is a beer wagon... where is the Dalmatian?

The Rebel refuses to speak but eventually cries out as the
Dark Lord begins to squeeze the officer's throat, creating a
gruesome snapping and choking, until the soldier goes limp.
Fermentor tosses the dead soldier against the wall and turns to
his troops.

FERMENTOR: Commander, tear this ship apart until you've found those plans. Bring me the Dalmation alive. Oh, and while you're at it... a a cold beer too.

The Beerstapo troopers scurry into the subhallways.

INTERIOR: REBEL GROWLER -- SUBHALLWAY.

The lovely young girl huddles in a small alcove as the
Beerstapo troopers search through the ship. She is Princess Leia
Hopgana, a member of the Alderaan Brewers Association. The fear
in her eyes slowly gives way to anger as the muted crushing
sounds of the approaching enemy grows louder. One of the
troopers spots her.

TROOPER: There she is! Set for stun!

Leia steps from her hiding place and blasts a trooper with
her hopistol. She starts to run but is felled by a paralyzing
ray. The troopers inspect her inert body.

TROOPER: She'll be all right. Inform Lord Fermentor we have a prisoner.

TO BE CONTINUED...
April 22, 2009
Help pick the official 2009 Great American Beer Festival poster!

Posted: April 22nd, 2009, 11:47am EDT

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Every year the folks at the GABF have to choose from a number of different poster designs. Well, they want your help to pick the design for 2009! Go here and choose from the six posters they have on display and cast your vote! The winning design will be revealed in late May.

Here are a few of the posters...
April 15, 2009
Beer Wars: A Tasty New Hope

Posted: April 15th, 2009, 7:35am EDT

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A long time ago... in a galaxy far, far away...

The awesome silver brew kettle of Sudsooine emerges from a total
eclipse, her two moons throbbing against the darkness. A tiny
silver spacecraft, a Rebel Beer Wagon known as a Growler, firing
hop pellets from the back of the ship, races through space. It is
pursued by a giant Imperial Beerdestroyer. Hundreds of deadly
streams of macroswill (highly condensed and focused beams of
bitter beer capable of destroying taste buds and blasting holes
into armor plating) streak from the Beerdestroyer, causing the
main solar fin of the Rebel craft to disintegrate.

INTERIOR: REBEL GROWLER -- MAIN PASSAGEWAY.

An explosion rocks the ship as two dudes, Art Deetzo and
Lee Tripeo struggle to make their way through the shaking,
bouncing passageway. Both feel old and battered. But that has
more to do with the hops and cannabis than their actual age.
Art is short, some would call him a midget. His face is a mass
of wrinkles surrounding one radar-like eye. A patch covers
his bad eye. Tripeo, on the other hand, is a tall, slender man
with sleek, angular, almost robotic features. Not a single
follicle of hair resides on his gleaming chrome dome. Another
blast shakes them as they struggle along their way.

TRIPEO: Did ya hear that? Geezuz! They've shut down the main brew kettle. We'll be destroyed for sure. This is madness!

Rebel troopers rush past the two dudes and take up positions
in the main passageway. They aim their weapons toward the
door.

TRIPEO: We're doomed!

Little Art makes a series of burps and farts that only Lee can
fully understand.

TRIPEO: Crap! There'll be no escape for the Princess this time.

Art continues making farting sounds. Tension mounts as loud
metallic latches clank and the scream of heavy equipment is
heard moving around the outside hull of the ship.

TRIPEO: What the hell... ?

EXTERIOR: SPACECRAFT IN SPACE.

The Imperial craft has easily overtaken the Rebel Growler.
The smaller Rebel ship is being drawn into the underside
dock of the giant Imperial beership.

INTERIOR: REBEL GROWLER.

The nervous Rebel troopers aim their weapons. Suddenly
a tremendous blast opens up a hole in the main passageway
and a score of fearsome, foamy white, armored Beerstapo
troopers make their way into the smoke-filled corridor.
Seconds tick by...

Suddenly the entire passageway becomes awash with
streams of macroswill. The deadly swill ricochets in wild
random patterns creating huge, wet explosions. Beestapo
scatter and duck behind empty kegs. Bolts of macroswill
hit several Rebel soldiers who scream and stagger through
the smoke, their Bitter Beer Faces telling the whole story
behind their horror and misery. An explosion hits near
the dudes.

TRIPEO: I should have known better than to trust the logic of a half-sized spaced out, homeless, douche bag like you!

Art counters with an angry burp as the battle rages around
the two hapless dudes.

TO BE CONTINUED...
April 14, 2009
Want to work for All About Beer Magazine?

Posted: April 14th, 2009, 9:41am EDT

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You can.

All About Beer, now in its 30th year of bid'ness, is hiring an Account Manager. Basically you have to do two things really well: dig drinking cold craft beer and dig making "yucky" cold calls.

I never was a salesman.

As Account Manger, some of your duties will include (but certainly aren't limited to) managing sales of advertising space in All About Beer Magazine, World Beer Festival programs, and company websites, to homebrew suppliers, brewery suppliers, national non-beer, and local beer-related accounts.

Oh, and you'll probably be everyone's beer biotch when the beer fridge goes empty.

So if you're interested check out Craig's List and reply with a resume and cover letter to: jobs@allaboutbeer.com

Good luck!
April 13, 2009

Brewers Association releases Top 50 breweries list

Posted: April 13th, 2009, 4:09pm EDT

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Boulder, Colorado • April 13, 2009 – Brewers Association, which represents the majority of brewing companies in the U.S., announced the annual list of top 50 brewing companies. Released are lists for both Top 50 Craft Brewing Companies¹ of small and independent craft brewers (see Craft Brewing Statistics) plus a Top 50 Overall Brewing Companies list. Rankings are based on sales volume in 2008.

"In 2007, 35 of the top 50 brewing companies were small and independent craft brewers. In 2008 there were 37," states Paul Gatza, Director of the Brewers Association. "Craft brewers continue to have success and generate excitement behind the flavorful beer movement, but not without recent challenges including price increases for raw materials and supplies, as well as access to market issues."

Changes from last year's list include breweries moving up or down in the rankings based on volume sales. There was one new entrant into the Top 50 Craft list, The Saint Louis Brewery, and two craft brewers have claimed spots in the Top 50 Overall list—Big Sky Brewing Co. and Mac & Jack's Brewery. Consolidation of MillerCoors, last year's number 2 and 3 brewers, opened up a slot, and the merger of Widmer Brothers and Redhook into the company now named Craft Brewers Alliance, Inc. opened up another slot filled by emerging small and independent craft brewers.

A more extensive analysis of statistics on the craft beer segment in 2008 will be released April 22 during the Craft Brewers Conference in Boston, Massachusetts. The Association's full 2008 industry analysis, which shows regional trends and sales by individual breweries, will publish in the May/June issue of The New Brewer on May 19.

Top 50 Craft Brewing Companies by Beer Sales Volume
(Based on 2008 sales)

Rank	Brewing Company	City	State
1	Boston Beer Co.	Boston	MA
2	Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.	Chico	CA
3	New Belgium Brewing Co.	Fort Collins	CO
4	Spoetzl Brewery	Shiner	TX
5	Pyramid Breweries Inc.	Seattle	WA
6	Deschutes Brewery	Bend	OR
7	Matt Brewing Co.	Utica	NY
8	Boulevard Brewing Co.	Kansas City	MO
9	Full Sail Brewing Co.	Hood River	OR
10	Magic Hat Brewing Co.	Burlington	VT
11	Alaskan Brewing Co.	Juneau	AK
12	Harpoon Brewery	Boston	MA
13	Bell's Brewery, Inc.	Galesburg	MI
14	Kona Brewing Co.	Kailua-Kona	HI
15	Anchor Brewing Co.	San Francisco	CA
16	Shipyard Brewing Co.	Portland	ME
17	Summit Brewing Co.	Saint Paul	MN
18	Stone Brewing Co.	Escondido	CA
19	Abita Brewing Co.	Abita Springs	LA
20	The Brooklyn Brewery	Brooklyn	NY
21	New Glarus Brewing Co.	New Glarus	WI
22	Dogfish Head Craft Brewery	Milton	DE
23	Long Trail Brewing Co.	Bridgewater Corners	VT
24	Gordon Biersch Brewing Co.	San Jose	CA
25	Rogue Ales/Oregon Brewing Co.	Newport	OR
26	Great Lakes Brewing Co.	Cleveland	OH
27	The Lagunitas Brewing Co.	Petaluma	CA
28	Firestone Walker Brewing Co.	Paso Robles	CA
29	SweetWater Brewing Co.	Atlanta	GA
30	Flying Dog Brewing Co.	Frederick	MD
31	BJ's Restaurant & Brewery	Huntington Beach	CA
32	Rock Bottom Brewery Restaurants	Louisville	CO
33	BridgePort Brewing Co.	Portland	OR
34	Odell Brewing Co.	Fort Collins	CO
35	Victory Brewing Co.	Downingtown	PA
36	Mac and Jack's Brewery	Redmond	WA
37	Big Sky Brewing Co.	Missoula	MT
38	Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurants	Chattanooga	TN
39	Karl Strauss Brewing Co.	San Diego	CA
40	Breckenridge Brewery	Denver	CO
41	Lost Coast Brewery and Cafe	Eureka	CA
42	Otter Creek Brewing Co.	Middlebury	VT
43	Utah Brewers Cooperative	Salt Lake City	UT
44	North Coast Brewing Co.	Fort Bragg	CA
45	Blue Point Brewing Co.	Patchogue	NY
46	Boulder Beer Co.	Boulder	CO
47	Pete's Brewing Co.	San Antonio	TX
48	McMenamins Breweries	Portland	OR
49	Anderson Valley Brewing Co.	Boonville	CA
50	The Saint Louis Brewery, Inc.	St Louis	MO

Top 50 Overall Brewing Companies by Beer Sales Volume
(Based on 2008 sales)

Rank	Brewing Company	City	State
1	Anheuser-Busch InBev	St. Louis	MO
2	MillerCoors Brewing Co.	Chicago	IL
3	Pabst Brewing Co.	Woodridge	IL
4	Boston Beer Co.	Boston	MA
5	D. G. Yuengling and Son Inc.	Pottsville	PA
6	Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.	Chico	CA
7	Craft Brewers Alliance, Inc.	Woodinville	WA
8	New Belgium Brewing Co.	Fort Collins	CO
9	High Falls Brewing Co.	Rochester	NY
10	Spoetzl Brewery	Shiner	TX
11	Pyramid Breweries Inc.	Seattle	WA
12	Deschutes Brewery	Bend	OR
13	Iron City Brewing Co.	Pittsburgh	PA
14	Minhas Craft Brewery	Monroe	WI
15	Matt Brewing Co.	Utica	NY
16	Boulevard Brewing Co.	Kansas City	MO
17	Full Sail Brewing Co.	Hood River	OR
18	Magic Hat Brewing Co.	Burlington	VT
19	Alaskan Brewing Co.	Juneau	AK
20	Harpoon Brewery	Boston	MA
21	Bell's Brewery, Inc.	Galesburg	MI
22	Goose Island Beer Co.	Chicago	IL
23	Kona Brewery LLC	Kailua-Kona	HI
24	Anchor Brewing Co.	San Francisco	CA
25	August Schell Brewing Co.	New Ulm	MN
26	Shipyard Brewing	Portland	ME
27	Summit Brewing Co.	Saint Paul	MN
28	Stone Brewing Co.	Escondido	CA
29	Mendocino Brewing Co.	Ukiah	CA
30	Abita Brewing Co., L.L.C.	Abita Springs	LA
31	The Brooklyn Brewery	Brooklyn	NY
32	New Glarus Brewing Co.	New Glarus	WI
33	Dogfish Head Craft Brewery	Milton	DE
34	Long Trail Brewing Co.	Bridgewater Corners	VT
35	Gordon Biersch Brewing Co.	San Jose	CA
36	Rogue Ales/Oregon Brewing Co.	Newport	OR
37	Great Lakes Brewing Co.	Cleveland	OH
38	The Lagunitas Brewing Co.	Petaluma	CA
39	Firestone Walker Brewing Co.	Paso Robles	CA
40	SweetWater Brewing Co.	Atlanta	GA
41	Flying Dog Brewing Co.	Frederick	MD
42	BJ's Restaurant & Brewery	Huntington Beach	CA
43	Rock Bottom Brewery Restaurants	Louisville	CO
44	BridgePort Brewing Co.	Portland	OR
45	Odell Brewing Co.	Fort Collins	CO
46	Victory Brewing Co.	Downingtown	PA
47	Straub Brewery	Saint Marys	PA
48	Cold Spring Brewing Co.	Cold Spring	MN
49	Mac and Jack's Brewery	Redmond	WA
50	Big Sky Brewing Co.	Missoula	MT

For additional statistics, see Craft Brewing Statistics.

¹The definition of a craft brewer as stated by the Brewers Association: An American craft brewer is small, independent, and traditional. Small: Annual production of beer less than 2 million barrels. Beer production is attributed to a brewer according to the rules of alternating proprietorships. Flavored malt beverages are not considered beer for purposes of this definition. Independent: Less than 25% of the craft brewery is owned or controlled (or equivalent economic interest) by an alcoholic beverage industry member who is not themselves a craft brewer. Traditional: A brewer who has either an all malt flagship (the beer which represents the greatest volume among that brewer's brands) or has at least 50% of its volume in either all malt beers or in beers which use adjuncts to enhance rather than lighten flavor.

###

Based in Boulder, Colorado, USA, the Brewers Association (BA) is the not-for-profit trade and education association for small and independent American brewers, their craft beers and the community of brewing enthusiasts. Visit the Web site, www.beertown.org, to learn more. The association’s activities include events and publishing: World Beer Cup®; Great American Beer Festival^sm; Craft Brewers Conference and BrewExpo America®; National Homebrewers Conference; National Homebrew Competition; SAVOR: An American Craft Beer and Food Experience; American Craft Beer Week; Zymurgy magazine; The New Brewer magazine; and books on beer and brewing. The Brewers Association has an additional membership division of 17,000+ homebrewers: American Homebrewers Association.

New Sam Adams LongShot variety packs hits shelves

Posted: April 13th, 2009, 11:17am EDT

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New Samuel Adams LongShot Variety Six-Pack Hits Shelves Nationwide Featuring Winning Brews From 2008 American Homebrew Contest

2009 Homebrew Contest Call for Entries Underway

BOSTON, April 13 /PRNewswire/ -- As America's interest in homebrewing and craft beer is at an all time high, Jim Koch and the brewers at Samuel Adams are proud to foster the talents of aspiring homebrewers by offering their unique recipes to craft beer drinkers across the country as winners of the 2008 Samuel Adams(R) American Homebrew Contest(TM). Samuel Adams Founder and Brewer Jim Koch, was joined by a panel of industry experts to select California-resident Alex Drobshoff's Traditional Bock in the final round of judging. Alex's beer bested more than 1,300 consumer entries.

Alex's beer will be joined in the LongShot six-pack by California-resident Mike McDole's Double IPA and Samuel Adams Employee Carissa Sweigart's Cranberry Wit. Mike's Double IPA won acclaim from the judges in 2007, but due to the worldwide hops shortage and a desire to preserve the integrity of the beer's recipe, calling for seven hop varieties, Mike elected to delay the brewing of his beer for the 2009 LongShot package. All three winning homebrewers brewed their winning recipes alongside the Samuel Adams brewers in Boston and their bragging rights also include having their recipes bottled and available nationally in the 2009 Samuel Adams LongShot Variety Package. Available for a limited time starting in April.

Samuel Adams employees compete in an annual homebrew competition. This company tradition, started in 2001, encourages passion and knowledge for craft beer while paying tribute to Jim Koch's "first" batch of Samuel Adams Boston Lager(R), homebrewed in his kitchen in 1984. Jim and the other brewers at Samuel Adams selected three finalists from all of the employee entries. These three employee homebrewers attended the 2008 Great American Beer Festival (GABF) and asked festival goers to taste and vote on their favorite. In the end, Carissa Sweigart's Cranberry Wit was the favorite and will be featured in the 2009 LongShot variety pack alongside the Traditional Bock and Double IPA.

"The number and quality of entries submitted to the Samuel Adams American Homebrew Contest and our annual employee contest continues to increase year after year," said Jim Koch, founder and brewer of Samuel Adams(R). "As a homebrewer for more than 25 years, I'm proud to see that passion for great beer is passed on to our employees. The brewing creativity and innovation in both the employee and consumers homebrews is more impressive every year. Alex's Bock, Mike's IPA, and Carissa Sweigart's Cranberry Wit are all exceptional brews that push the limits and demonstrate the endless boundaries of big flavor and the infinite ingredients available to today's craft brewer."

A panel of industry judges including our dear friend, the late William Brand of The Oakland Tribune, Tony Forder of Ale Street News and Marty Nachel, author of Homebrewing for Dummies, joined Jim Koch in selecting the 2008 consumer winners. Together, they determined the final winning consumer recipe based on the American Homebrewers Association Beer Judge Certificate Program guidelines. Each beer was carefully evaluated by style category and judged on how well the style characteristics and flavors were exhibited.

The 2009 Samuel Adams LongShot variety six-pack will be available nationwide in select retail stores in April 2009 for a suggested retail price of $9.99. The variety pack will include two bottles each of Alex Drobshoff's Traditional Bock, Mike McDole's Double IPA and Carissa Sweigart's Cranberry Wit.

ABOUT THE WINNERS AND 2009 CONTEST

Alex Drobshoff's Traditional Bock is a bright copper German inspired bock with a complex, full bodied mouthfeel. Underlying notes in the brew include hints of rich plum and cherry aromas paired with a toasty, malt flavor. He was inspired to create his Traditional Bock after listening to his friends travel encounters that described German beer as something that only could be experienced in Germany. Alex was up to the challenge and set out to replicate an authentic German bock right at home in California. The two year attempt to create this brew resulted in an award winning German inspired bock with a complex, full bodied mouthfeel. Alex's beer features hints of rich plum and cherry aromas paired with its toasty, malt flavor make this a great beer to linger over on a cool evening.

Mike McDole's Double IPA was inspired by the brewer's own deep appreciation for hops. Known in his West Coast Homebrewing community as having an affinity for hoppy beers, Mike used over six pounds and seven different varieties of American hops per barrel for his Double IPA. An intense beer that explodes the senses, Mike's brew is pale orange in color but makes up for it in a robust and malty taste. A full-bodied pale ale with strong spicy, floral and citrus aromas, this Double IPA is a hop-lovers' dream come true.

Carissa Sweigart, a national sales representative for Samuel Adams currently based in Colorado, chose her own hometown ingredients from Cape Cod as the inspiration for her winning Cranberry Wit. A delicious blend of cinnamon, orange peel, coriander and grains of paradise with hints of cranberry, Carissa's brew is bright, fruity and refreshing. The perfect beer to sip on a chilly day, this crisp brew is flavorful and well rounded.

2009 AMERICAN HOMEBREW CONTEST

Aspiring homebrewers have another shot at fame by entering the 2009 Samuel Adams(R) American Homebrew Contest(R). Interested beer drinkers can check online at www.SamuelAdams.com now for contest rules, regulations and information on purchasing a homebrewing kit. In addition, they can download Jim Koch's video, "The Art of Homebrewing" offering his personal tips on making a successful homebrew. Entries must be received between April 15 and May 1 and the winners will be announced at the 2009 Great American Beer Festival.

The Samuel Adams(R) American Homebrew Contest(R) continues the tradition first established with the 1996 Samuel Adams American Homebrew Contest and is a natural link to the company's roots. Jim Koch knows first hand the challenges and the personal rewards of creating a quality homebrew. He brewed the first batch of Samuel Adams Boston Lager in his kitchen in 1984. More than 20 years later, Koch is a recognized pioneer of the U.S. craft-brewing revival, and he continues to push the boundaries of brewing and follow his passion for elevating the craft beer-drinking experience.

THE BOSTON BEER COMPANY BACKGROUND:

The Boston Beer Company began in 1984 with a generations-old family recipe that Founder and Brewer Jim Koch uncovered in his father's attic. After bringing the recipe to life in his kitchen, Jim brought it to bars in Boston with the belief that drinkers would appreciate a complex, full-flavored beer, brewed fresh in America. That beer was Samuel Adams Boston Lager(R), and it helped catalyze what became known as the American craft beer revolution.

Today, the Company brews more than 21 styles of beer. The Company uses the traditional four vessel brewing process and often takes extra steps like dry-hopping and a secondary fermentation known as krausening. It passionately pursues the development of new styles and the perfection of its classic beers by constantly searching for the world's finest ingredients. While resurrecting traditional brewing methods, the Company has earned a reputation as a pioneer in another revolution, the "extreme beer" movement, where it seeks to challenge drinkers' perceptions of what beer can be. The Boston Beer Company strives to elevate the image of American craft beer by entering festivals and competitions the world over, and in the past five years it has won more awards in international beer competitions than any other brewery in the world. The Company remains independent, and brewing quality beer remains its single focus. While Samuel Adams is the country's largest-selling craft beer, it accounts for just under one percent of the U.S. beer market. For more information, visit www.samueladams.com.

Source: Samuel Adams
Web site: [www.samueladams.com]
April 01, 2009
Domo Arigato, Mr. Beerboto!

Posted: April 1st, 2009, 12:29pm EDT

Tags: [edit]

When I stumbled across this...

... which by the way I must have in my home immediately, I thought of this....

Unfortunately, according to the website, this beer pouring robot is sold out. The features of this R2-D2 looking robot:

• Stores and refrigerates 6 cans
• Programmable voice (male, female, or custom)
• Cleaning mode
• Child lock

And you got these things included in Delivery:

• 2 custom glass mugs
• 6 Foam cup bases
• Plastic floor protector
• Instructions in Japanese and English

If anyone has this, or knows how to get one... shoot me an Email! I WANT ONE!!!!!
March 17, 2009
Win a VIP trip to see "Beer Wars" in Hollywood!

Posted: March 17th, 2009, 1:52pm EDT

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As I mentioned, Beer Wars is a documentary written and directed by Anat Baron that takes you on a journey of the U.S. beer industry. It reveals the truth behind the label of your favorite beer.
Who doesn't like free VIP trips and free beer?! EXACTLY!
Sounds like a pretty good movie, right? Well, how would you like to win a VIP trip to the premier in Hollywood to see this event with the Three Drink-migos from Beer Tap TV? What's more, you'll get to attend a private reception with Anat Baron, drink with the folks in the movie (including Sam Calagione, Greg Koch, and others beer experts seen in the film), as well as shmooze with moderator Ben Stein.

Watch episode 22 of Beer Buzz to find out! It includes an exclusive interview with Anat about her highly-anticipated movie. At the end of the interview we make a very special announcement about how registered viewers of Beer Tap TV can win this incredible VIP trip!

For more info:
Beer Wars the Movie
Beer Buzz #22
Beer Wars LIVE with Ben Stein
March 04, 2009
Beer Wars

Posted: March 4th, 2009, 9:40am EST

Tags: [edit]

Beer Wars is a documentary written and directed by Anat Baron that takes you on a journey of the U.S. beer industry. It reveals the truth behind the label of your favorite beer. Told from an insider’s perspective, the film goes behind the scenes of the daily battles and all out wars that dominate one of America’s favorite industries.

The movie will debut on April 16 in 430 theaters across the country. But it's far more than just a movie debut. For one night only (that'd be April 16 if you've had a few too many)... Fathom and Ducks In A Row Entertainment will be presenting Beer Wars LIVE with Ben Stein.

This live event begins with a showing of the never-before-seen documentary, immediately followed by a live discussion with many of the leading independent brewers and experts featured in the film... hosted by Ben Stein. This interactive Q&A will be linked to hundreds of theaters around the country.

Needless to say, seats are limited so buy your tickets today. Go to the website and enter your zip code to find a participating theater near you. Tickets are $15 per person for the Live event which will be simulcast at 8pm ET / 7pm CT / 6pm MT / 8pm PT (tape delayed).

Be sure visit BeerWarsMovie.com for exclusive video clips, beer links, the Director’s blog, and more.

We'll see you... at the movies!
February 24, 2009
Get fat on beer and food on Fat Tuesday!

Posted: February 24th, 2009, 10:42am EST

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What would you do if I told you there was a place on this earth where you can go every Tuesday night and drink unlimited craft beer and food for a measly $15?

You'd be there like Ashley Dupré on Eliot Spitzer every damn Tuesday night, right?!

Well, there is. And if you live in or around Manhattan then you're a lucky bastich because it's in your backyard. If you don't live in the area, but are rich and have a private jet... you're a lucky bastich. If you're like the Average Joe though (poor and own a Fiat) and live nowhere close... you're outta luck. So Manhattan Beer Lovers... take advantage of this Willy Wonka-esque treat, hail a cab and get your butt down to Maxie's Grill!

This is a crazy deal! Every Tuesday starting tonight (which happens to be Fat Tuesday for those living in a cave), from 6:00pm-8:00pm, Maxie's will be offering UNLIMITED BEER AND FOOD... for just $15.

Oh, but it's not mass produced swill they're serving. Week 1 (again, tonight) will include the three beers from the new Samuel Adams Imperial Series (Imperial Stout, Imperial White, and an amped up version of their Double Bock).

Hey all you Big Apple readers out there... let me know how this weekly shindig goes.

UPDATE: Breaking News... this just in! This will not be a weekly tasting as originally publicized. This will be MONTHLY. The next tasting will be on St. Patty's Day.

The Details: Maxie's Bar & Grill, 233 Park Avenue South (Entrance on 19th Street), New York, NY, 212.979.7800
February 23, 2009
Brewers Association Announces 2008 Craft Brewer Sales Numbers

Posted: February 23rd, 2009, 5:43pm EST

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Today's Beer and Wine Drinkers Moving to Full Flavor Craft Beer and Buying Closer to Home While Small Brewers Gain Alcohol Market Share

Boulder, CO - Monday, February 23, 2009 - The Brewers Association, which tabulates industry growth data for U.S. breweries, announced that today's small independent craft brewers are gaining alcohol market share due to a shift toward full flavor beer and increased support for local breweries. From 2007 to 2008, estimated sales by craft brewers were up 5.8 percent by volume and 10.5 percent in dollars¹. Overall share of the beer category from craft brewers was 4.0 percent of production and 6.3 percent of retail sales. More than 1 million new barrels of beer were sold in 2008, and close to half of those barrels were beer from craft brewers.

"2008 was a historic year for beer with the large brewers consolidating and imports losing share, while the top ten selling beer brands dropped in sales. At the same time, small independent craft brewers continued to gain share and attention," said Paul Gatza, Director of the Brewers Association.

With total U.S. beer being more than a $100 billion industry, the Brewers Association estimates the actual dollar sales from craft brewers in 2008 were $6.34 billion, up from $5.74 billion in 2007. Taxable barrels of the total beer category was 1,210,018 more in 2008 with craft brewers producing 473,364 of those barrels. Total craft brewer barrels for 2008 was 8,596,971, up from 8,123,607 barrels in 2007.

Beer's popularity as America's favorite fermented beverage continued in 2008 with Gallup stating "beer is back to a double-digit lead over wine." Taking into account the challenges in today's economy, BevincoNielsen released a survey showing beer was faring better than spirits, with wine lagging. The Brewers Association emphasized trading across from wine and spirits to beer continues, with some of today's wine drinkers discovering the affordable enjoyment and rewards of craft beer.

These increases in share and barrels for craft brewers come at a time when, according to the Brewers Association, the cost of operating a small brewery increased over 39 percent in the period of November 2007 to November 2008. The Brewers Association states that today's craft brewers face many challenges including:
- Access to ingredients and raw materials
- Increased pricing for materials and supplies
- Access to market (competition for shelf space at the retail level)
For more statistics visit 2008 Craft Beer Industry Statistics. A more extensive analysis will be released April 22 during the Craft Brewers Conference in Boston, Massachusetts. The Association's full 2008 industry analysis, which shows regional trends and sales by individual brewery, will be published in the May/June issue of The New Brewer. ¹Sales by craft brewers represent total taxable production. Dollars reported by Information Resources Inc. for total U.S. supermarkets.

To view this in your browser go to:
http://www.maildogmanager.com/page.html?p=0000015Fu8vmqatthb1OjplpayaGDb3UohPG8=

##
Based in Boulder, Colorado, USA, the Brewers Association (BA) is the not-for-profit trade and education association for American small and independent brewers and the community of beer enthusiasts. Visit the Web site, www.beertown.org, to learn more. The association's activities include events and publishing: World Beer Cup®; Great American Beer Festival sm; Craft Brewers Conference and BrewExpo America®; National Homebrewers Conference; National Homebrew Competition; SAVOR: an American Craft Beer and Food Experience ; American Craft Beer Week; Zymurgy magazine; The New Brewer magazine; and books on beer and brewing. The Brewers Association has an additional membership division of 17,000+ homebrewers: American Homebrewers Association.
February 20, 2009
Make St. Patrick's Day an Official Holiday!

Posted: February 20th, 2009, 11:56am EST

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Nope, I'm not Irish, but damn if I don't love this idea!

Hey, if Hallmark can have their Valentine's Day (a self-loathing, worthless, greed driven "holiday" if there ever was one), why can't Guinness have St. Patty's Day?

Ya, that's what I thought. So unite with Guinness, sign Proposition 3-17, and help make it a holiday!

Proposition 3-17 was started last year by Guinness to make St. Patrick's Day an official holiday in the United States. This year they're continuing their pursuit of this "noble" cause. While they gained a lot of support (yes, I signed last year too) they still need one million signatures. So I'm asking all of you beer loving folks out there on the Interwebs to support Proposition 3-17. Who doesn't want to make history, right?

Sláinte!
February 13, 2009
Beer Tap TV Tweetup @ Breckenridge Brewery!

Posted: February 13th, 2009, 2:14pm EST

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That’s right gang! It’s the long awaited (and heavily requested) Beer Tap TV Tweetup.

Come hang with your friends from Beer Tap TV at Breckenridge Brewery... and drink a FREE BEER! I bet that got your attention, huh?

Some of the great things about this Tweetup:
- It’s in the actual brewery, not the tasting room, so this is a semi-private Tweetup just for you Tweeples!
- One free beer ticket is provided.
- A brewer will be onsite to give personalized, behind the scenes tours to anyone that wants them.
- There will be giveaways from Beer Tap TV and Breckenridge Brewery.
- The Beer Tap TV crew will be there taping a live-audience show that you will be involved in… taste beer with the brewers and the BTTV guys!
Hurry! Due to the free beer and limited space, we have to cap attendance at the first 100 Tweeples. Don't worry, there will be plenty of overflow room in the tasting room to hang if you want to come anyways!

Be sure to register your attendance on the Yahoo Upcoming Events page [upcoming.yahoo.com]

We look forward to seeing you there!
February 11, 2009
Great Divide Anti-Valentine’s Day Party

Posted: February 11th, 2009, 4:33pm EST

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I found this so funny I had to pass it on! This from the latest Great Divide Brewing Company newsletter:

Happy Valentine’s Day… or not. From 6 to 9 p.m. on the 14th Great Divide is having an Anti-Valentine’s Day Party with snacks, $3 Bloody Yetis, and free kisses for singles.* There will also be a Black Saturday Ritual where anyone and everyone will be encouraged to destroy something from a past relationship.

*All free kisses will be from Tap Room Manager Patrick Langlois with no discrimination whatsoever toward the recipient.

LOVE IT! My wife and I are very happily married. And I absolutely detest the blatant "Hallmark Holiday" that Valentine's has become. It's nothing more than a fake "holiday" to sell shit - chocolate, jewelry, whatever. Frankly, it's disgusting.

If you have to buy stuff to show your love... you're doing something wrong.

But since we're on the topic of V-Day and this is a beer blog, here are a few of my fave craft brews that might help set the perfect mood, and might even convince your non-beer loving lover to change their non-beer loving ways:
What are your favorites?

Zivjeli!
February 06, 2009
Sam Adams goes Imperial

Posted: February 6th, 2009, 4:37pm EST

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The Samuel Adams Imperial Series consist of three beers that represent some of the biggest and most intense beers they've ever brewed. Two are brand spanking new beers, an Imperial Stout and Imperial White, plus an amped up version of their Double Bock.

You'll be able to find all the stats on each beer on the website within a few days.

Since they quite literally just bottled these Imperial bad boys this very week they likely won't be in stores before the end of February.

Stay tuned!
February 05, 2009
Save Colorado Craft Beer!

Posted: February 5th, 2009, 11:20am EST

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The Colorado Legislature recently proposed House Bill 1192. HB1192 would allow grocery stores to sell full strength craft beers. Sound like a great idea? It's not. Please watch our PSA style video at Beer Tap TV ( [beertaptv.com] )... it explains why this bill is bad for liquor stores, the Colorado craft beer industry, and most importantly... bad for you and the Colorado economy.

Time is running out, please act quickly and help save Colorado and Colorado brewers. Go to VoteSmart.org, find your State Senators and your Colorado House Representative and send them an email, fax or give them a phone call. Let them know you are opposed to HB1192 and you want it killed in committee next Wednesday, February 11th, before they waste any more of your tax dollars deliberating over this bill!

Have questions? You can visit Save Colorado Craft Beer ( [savecoloradocraftbeer.com] ) or you can Email us at AlwaysHoppy@BeerTapTV.com

Full disclosure: as many of you know I write about beer in many locations. When I'm not writing about beer here, or as the Southern Colorado Beer Examiner, I'm writing about at Beer Tap TV, where I'm the VP of Content & Programming.
January 30, 2009
The National IPA Championship is a back!

Posted: January 30th, 2009, 2:03pm EST

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Join in celebrating March Madness with a single elimination bracket of 64 IPAs from across the nation going "head to head" to see who has biggest cone-jones!

The National IPA Championship (NIPAC) starts with the preliminary round on February 22rd in Syracuse, New York, and continues weekly up until the Final Four on March 21 in New York City.

Enter your prediction of each round on-line at www.brewingnews.com/nipac to qualify for the 2008 NIPAC Winners Contest.

Visit the on-line Locker Room for full descriptions of each of the IPA competitors. After confirming your age, you will then be able to review the beers and then proceed to the contest. The deadline for your picks is Midnight, Saturday, February 21, 2009.

Want to know if your favorite IPAs advance to the next level? Follow their progress on-line using the link provided in the Locker Room. NIPAC winners are posted to the web site within 24 hours of each round.

Brewing News has posted a PDF Bracket on the site so that you can print it off and put in your office, beer bar, homebrew shop or bar. Set up your own pool!

Be sure to sign up for the Beer Brackets email newsletter to be notified when the NIPAC brackets are updated with the winners.

Good luck!
January 23, 2009
Zane Patrick's Day

Posted: January 23rd, 2009, 2:55pm EST

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As many of you know I have a fondness for Zane Lamprey and his show Three Sheets. Well, ole Zane may currently be networkless, but he's tirelessly filming the rest of season 4 of TS anyway, hoping that some forward thinking network will in fact pick up the show. He's also been rather busy with sundry projects, like the Save Three Sheets campaign and Zane Year's Eve. Now he has Zane Patrick's Day...

FROM THE PRESS RELEASE:

Zane Patrick's Day is not to be confused with St.Patrick's Day. Sure, they both pay homage to Ireland and it's culture. Yes, they do both involve a "fair amount" of drinking. Yes, both of them stoop to the level of celebrating gimmicky green beer. And they both involve singing Irish songs, dancing and good times.

And then there are the differences. One of us is not a Saint. As many of you know Sainthood requires that you perform THREE miracles. I have only accomplished two... Firstly, I was always told that I would never get anywhere drinking and being a wiseass. So, getting paid to host a show where I do just that, is miracle number one. The second miracle is actually keeping said job. To actually get the job was one thing, but to do a good enough job whereby you actually watch it, that's definitely miracle number two. So, one more miracle to go before the Saturday before St. Patrick's Day is called St. Zane's Day. But, as I believe you can't be living and be a Saint, I'm in no rush.

Additionally, Saint Patrick's Day can fall on any day of the week, whereas Zane Patrick's Day is on a Saturday. Other than that... Hmm... I guess it's the same thing. Sweet.

I don't know what you're doing on St. Patrick's Day, so I can't break down the 17th for you. But, I can break down your Zane Patrick's Day, if you're planning on being with me on the 14th...

My Zane Patrick's Day party is happening at The Knitting Factory in NYC
- 12pm-2pm VIP Luncheon
- 2pm-7pm Doors Open
Everybody gets:
- OPEN BAR (including Guinness, Jameson's, Bushmills, Bailey's and Killian's)
- ZANE! On the stage, in the crowd and in your photos
- Music by the killer Irish band JAMESON'S REVENGE
- A "performance" by STEVE MCKENNA (if you heard about him at New Years, you know he puts on quite a show. Unfortunately, it involves a bit of chest hair.)
- Challenge JIM-THE-COP in a chugging contest. He'll set the time to beat. But you won't need the luck of the Irish on your side, because he's not very good...
- Dave Hill, from MOJO's "King of Miami", will be doing his thang. Don't know what his thang is? Me neither. I'm frightened...
- DJ SHAM-ROCK (aka DJ Merenda) mixing it up on the one's and two's.
- Access to the GREEN ROOM for GREEN BEER! Awesome...
- And... GAMES, OPEN BAR, PRIZES, OPEN BAR, DANCING and OPEN BAR.
Three Sheets fans are the coolest people in the world. And I should know. I've met a lot of Three Sheets fans AND been around the world. All of the events I've had have been amazing, and many people have told me that they had "the best time ever". I can't wait!

For more info, or to buy your ticket, go to ZaneLamprey.com

Sláinte!

Zane
January 22, 2009
Karl Strauss Brewing Co. celebrates 20 years of beer in San Diego

Posted: January 22nd, 2009, 9:18am EST

Tags: [edit]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

San Diego, CA - January 21, 2009-1989 was a good year-Harry met Sally, a wall fell, the Simpson's invaded, and two college friends decided it was time to bring better beer to San Diego. Chris and Matt, along with help from world renowned Master Brewer Karl Strauss, realized their dream and opened San Diego's first craft brewery since Prohibition on February 2, 1989. Today, Karl Strauss Brewing Company is celebrating 20 years of craft brewing in San Diego. And the excitement is just beginning. They have recently completed their brewery expansion and new bottling line and will be releasing new packaging, a new beer, and celebrating this milestone throughout the year.

Karl Strauss' main brewery has been stationed in Pacific Beach for 13 years now and when it came time to expand, they didn't want to part from their converted greenhouse. Instead, they opted to find a way to make the existing foot print work. The result is an impressive use of
space-their new bottling line operates on two floors, and the brewery expansion equipment was completely rearranged to make room for 5 new 240 barrel fermenters and 2 new 120 barrel bright tanks. After adding a new energy efficient glycol chiller, boiler, lighting and an automated brewing monitoring system, the expansion was complete and the brewery is now capable of producing 60,000 barrels annually.

Coming off the new bottling line will be all new packaging, featuring handcrafted, sterile filtered beer. The new packaging includes hand sketched imagery in darker, muted colors, printed on natural craft paper with a look that is more in line with the company's culture and attitude. While they kept their iconic Red Trolley and Woodie Car, they also added a new brand to the mix-Tower 10 IPA.

Coming from a city known for hops, Karl Strauss thought it was time to release an American style IPA done their way. Tower 10 IPA features a blend of classic Centennial, Cascade, and Chinook hops for a bright, citrussy hoppiness. Coming in at 60 IBUS and just over 6.5%ABV, this beer is meant for those who appreciate hops. Named after lifeguard Tower 10 in Mission Beach where Chris and Matt first hatched their plans for Karl Strauss Brewing Company, it seemed fitting to name a beer coming out this year after the spot where it all began. Tower 10 IPA will be available on draft and in 12 oz bottles during the first quarter of 2009.

To celebrate their 20th Anniversary, Karl Strauss will be hosting a series of beer dinners throughout 2009 as well as releasing their 20th Anniversary beer-a Munich Dunkel-on tap mid-February. You can try their limited release 20th Anniversary Bourbon-Aged Trippel on cask at any one of their six brewery restaurants on February 5th until it runs out. The company will also be toasting their 20th at their annual beer and music festivals, Beach to Brewery and Karlfest. All proceeds will benefit the Surfrider Foundation and the Karl Strauss Brewer's Education Fund.

About Karl Strauss Brewing Company

Two college grads, a 75-year-old master brewer, and a passion for beer... when Karl Strauss Brewing Company started brewing full-flavored, quality handcrafted beer in 1989, it was the first craft brewery to open in San Diego since Prohibition. Today, you can enjoy our flagship beers, special releases, and seasonals at any of our six brewery restaurants or other fine drinking establishments throughout Southern California. For more information visit karlstrauss.com or call the brewery at (858) 273-2739.
January 19, 2009
2009 Beer Releases from Left Hand Brewing Co.

Posted: January 19th, 2009, 9:51am EST

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This just in from Left Hand Brewing Company in Longmont, Colorado... their list of '09 brew releases! Commence drooling!

Oak-Aged Imperial Stout
Available - MARCH

Our limited edition Oak-Aged Imperial Stout is back for the 1st time in 2 years, but with a couple of new twists - instead of being aged in French Oak Wine Barrels, we opted to age it this year in Heaven Hill brandy barrels from the hills of Kentucky. (And like all of our Big Mo Limited Edition releases, it's available in 22 oz. bombers now instead of the 750ml caged & corked Belgian beer bottle.) We racked Imperial Stout into the barrels back in June of this year, and will blend it with un-aged Imperial Stout to woody perfection. At 22 degree plato and 10.4% ABV, it's the perfect warmer for those cold February, early March nights. Enjoy the complex flavors revealing hints of raisin, black licorice, coffee, dark chocolate, and, of course, a hint of brandy. Order quickly - we've decided on our blend already, and we'll only be packaging about 150 barrels of it this time around. So, in other words, get it when you see it, b/c who knows what type of barrel we'll try again in '11.

St. Vrain Tripel
Available - LATE MAY

Also back from a 2-year hiatus is our limited edition St. Vrain Tripel Ale. If you've been out to the brewery, you must have seen the 'raging' mighty St. Vrain Creek that churns due west of the brewery in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains. Named after Ceran St. Vrain, an early settler to the valley who built a trading fort in the area. A reflection of this dedicated spirit can also be found in the beers of Belgium, where brewers, often monks, developed beer styles over the past 900 years of distinctive character. At 20.5 plato, St. Vrain is a classic Belgian Style Tripel. It's beautifully light in color and lightly bittered with Spalt hops. A touch of sweetness from clear Belgian candy sugar tempers the warm spiciness hidden within beers of this gravity. To maximize authenticity, the entire brewing staff shaved their heads and bathed in baptismal ecstasy on the banks of the St. Vrain. 9.0% ABV, 20 IBU's.

Oktoberfest Märzen Lager
Available - LATE JULY/EARLY AUGUST

The beer pours an alluringly clear copper color, with a short white head and good lacing. The malt bouquet is accented by toasty, bready aromas. As you lift your stein in high anticipation, your palate is well rewarded for its patience. The sweetness of the German malts dominate upfront, while the noble pedigree hops allow for a proper dry finish, true to style. Medium-bodied, with the subtle elegance of a well-balanced beer. Clean and crisp, this Märzen Lager can easily become your session beer this Fall. 6.0% ABV with 27 IBU's. Beer Advocate Magazine said of it in their October 2007 issue: "We sized this one up and it came through like a champ. A complex but drinkable malt bomb on the taste buds."

Snow Bound Spiced Strong Ale
Available - OCTOBER

Brewed once a year to fight cabin fever, this spiced strong ale uses all natural ingredients, including crushed cinnamon, chopped ginger, orange zest, cardamom and cloves. The addition of locally harvested clover honey, coupled with the sparing use of hops and a malty foundation, creates the illusion of a liquid cake. Deep red in color, this medium-bodied beer is a winter warmer - enjoy on a cold night in front of the fireplace. 8.6% alcohol by volume, and available in 22 oz. bombers & kegs. Beer Advocate's issue last year said "this is a spiced ale done right, nothing light and dainty about this beer at all - just the way we like our winter warmers." And Celebrator's issue this month called it Exceptionally Great, big sweet, spicy nose with hints of ginger and other spices.

Warrior Fresh Hopped IPA
Available - OCTOBER

The vibrant aromatics and flavors that are derived from the use of exuberant amounts of fresh flower hops are what helps create and set apart this most unique beer. While the addition of locally grown hops from the brewery's own hop farm contributes to the bright floral hoppiness, the majority of the hop volume comes from the Warrior hops that are overnighted from Yakima, WA. Yet true to the brewery's fundamental belief system, the strong hop character is balanced by a strong malt foundation, allowing for an approachable, drinkable IPA that finishes amazingly clean. The beer is full-bodied, bronze in color, and tips the scales at 6.6% alcohol by volume and 60 IBU's. Available in 22 oz. bombers and kegs. Modern Brewery Age's December 2007 edition said "Warrior IPA takes no prisoners. It slays lesser brews.superb in every respect."

Oak-Aged Widdershins Barleywine
Available - LATE NOVEMBER

And rounding out our limited edition Big Mo' Series of Beers for the year is Oak-Aged Widdershins Barleywine. And, just like it's brother Imperial Stout, we'll be aging this big beer in the same Heaven Hill brandy barrels from the hills of Kentucky. We'll rack Widdershins into the barrels in April of this year, and will blend it with un-aged Widdershins to woody perfection. Counter clockwise to the traditional American style barleywines, we designed this beer to be rounder and smoother than some less refined versions. Full of caramel and malt flavors, yet balanced with a variety of hop varieties, all vying for your attention. Oak aging and sparing use of specialty malt add complexity to this already deep beer. Full bodied, copper in color, Widdershins tips the scales at 8.8% alcohol by volume. And, just like Imperial Stout, get it when you see it, b/c who knows what type of barrel we'll try again in '11.
January 16, 2009
New Belgium Releases its First-Ever Sustainability Report

Posted: January 16th, 2009, 9:36am EST

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We've talked about New Belgium's environmentally friendly footprint on Beer Tap TV many times in the past. Well, they're serious about being environmental stewards and have just released a comprehensive document that defines the brewery’s commitment to operating a sustainable business. Check out the Press Release, which only scratches the surface. Be sure to check out their website, which is loaded with tons of other facts (like the"Life Cycle Assessment of a Fat Tire 6-pack), figures and suggestions on how you can help.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Ft. Collins, CO, January 15, 2009—New Belgium Brewing, the nation’s third largest craft brewer, recently unveiled its first-ever corporate sustainability report—a revealing look at the progress and challenges of operating a sustainable business.

The 2007-2008 report outlines New Belgium’s “Triple Bottom Line” approach to business, measuring the environmental, economic and social effects of the brewery. It also highlights several of the brewer’s unique environmental initiatives—from a decade-long commitment to using wind energy to a greenhouse gas life cycle assessment (LCA) of a six-pack of Fat Tire beer. The full report is available at [www.newbelgium.com] .

“Environmental sustainability has always been a core value at New Belgium, so we felt it was time to take a measure of our progress,” said Jenn Orgolini, New Belgium’s Sustainability Director. “While it is gratifying to know that we have made great strides in our environmental performance, this report will help us set goals and make plans to help us close the gap in areas where we could stand to improve.”

The report looks at New Belgium’s corporate, environmental and social performance, using metrics and data gathered over a five-year period. Among the highlights of the report:
- New Belgium’s five-year Compounded Annual Growth Rate was 13.4 percent, beating the craft brewing average of 8.1 percent—proof that doing the right thing pays, both financially and otherwise.
- Through a mix of green power from its local utility, Community Energy wind RECs, and its own Process Water Treatment Plant (PWTP), 100 percent of New Belgium’s electricity comes from renewable resources.
- On the energy conservation side of the equation, New Belgium’s investment of more than $1 million in energy-sparing equipment, as well as process changes related to cooling the beer, helps cut the electricity used to produce its beer.
- New Belgium’s new packaging hall, completed in 2007, incorporates several green building and energy conservation measures, including: skylights, solar tubes and windows for daytime illumination; an HVAC system that features displacement-ventilation technology and direct/indirect cooling and is Freon free; and numerous water conservation elements including landscaping that utilizes xeriscape principles.
- Tour de Fat, New Belgium’s event celebrating all things bicycle, also includes a car-for-bike swap, where people commit to live car-free for a year. In exchange for their vehicle, the Car-for-Bike Trade participants receive a hand-built commuter bike. By pledging to bike instead of drive, the volunteers commit to pedaling to work, out to dinner and even to get groceries. To see the Car-for-Bike Trade ceremonies from Tour de Fat stops and read and watch swapper applications, go to www.newbelgium.com. Visitors to the site can join New Belgium’s Team Wonderbike – a bike commuter program that encourages members to Bike More – Drive Less.
The Sustainability report will be produced regularly, with the next report to be released in May.
January 15, 2009
This Flying Dog's bark is as bad as its bite

Posted: January 15th, 2009, 9:06am EST

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I've forgiven Flying Dog for pulling up stakes here in Colorado a year ago and moving everything to its modern, cutting edge facility in Maryland. Their CO location was old and needed some serious renovations. One of the "fun" things that the Frederick, MD, facility afforded that the CO plant didn't was the ability to put brew in different sized bottles.

Given that... Flying Dog Brewery is introducing their Canis Major Mixed 8-pack in puppy sized 7-ounce bottles. The Canis Major line consists of: Gonzo Imperial Porter, Horn Dog Barley Wine, Double Dog Double Pale Ale, Kerberos Tripel. All four are high-gravity beers with a serious bite to them. Gonzo is a "mild" 7.8% ABV, Kerberos sits at 8.5%, Horn Dog wags your tale with a hefty 10.2%, and the Double Dog will claw your eyes out at a whopping 11.5%. Needless to say, you may not want (and certainly don't need) to drink a full 12-ounces of these beers to get to a state of tail chasing.

Who let the dogs out!?

The mixed 8-pack comes with two of each of these Canis Major style and is now available at better beer stores. If they're not, tell your favorite retailer to get them ASAP or you'll sick Michael Vick's pooches on him.
January 13, 2009
Odell Brewing Company Releases an American-Style Red

Posted: January 13th, 2009, 1:22pm EST

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From PR release:

Beer Enthusiasts See Red

On February 2nd, 2009 beer lovers can climb to new heights with the release of Odell Brewing Company’s Red Ale, an American-style red with generous hops for an extra kick.

For several months, Odell brewers crafted different varieties of red ales on the brewery’s five barrel Pilot Brewing System. The test batches were served in the Odell Brewing Tap Room and evaluated by the entire brewery staff. The selected brew features aggressive American hops delivering a robust hop aroma and flavor.

Red Ale follows Odell Brewing’s winter release, Isolation ale, as part of the brewery’s new rotating seasonal lineup that will replace its Single Batch Series. The rotating seasonal lineup will also include a new summer brew currently in development on the brewery’s Pilot Brewing System.

“Making this beer was a true collaboration of efforts and creativity,” said Odell brewer Brent Cordle. “The Red Ale has some serious hops, but it’s well-balanced and very drinkable.”

Red Ale is available through May. Six-packs will retail for approximately $9.49 - $9.99.

Odell Brewing is a proud sponsor of the Cicerone Certification program and an award winning brewery, nationally and internationally: 2008 North American Beer Awards – gold medal for 5 Barrel Pale Ale. 2008 World Beer Cup® – gold medal for IPA, silver medal for Double Pilsner, silver medal for Cutthroat Porter. 2007 Great American Beer Festival® – gold medal for IPA, silver medal for Easy Street Wheat, bronze medal for Extra Special Red. 2007 Stockholm International Beer Festival – bronze medal for 5 Barrel Pale Ale. 2007 Australian International Beer Awards – silver medal for 90 Shilling, silver medal for Cutthroat Porter, silver medal for Easy Street Wheat and bronze medal for 5 Barrel Pale Ale.
January 09, 2009
Karl Strauss Brewing Co. is committed to giving back

Posted: January 9th, 2009, 8:00am EST

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From Press Release:

San Diego, CA - January 8, 2009 - Karl Strauss Brewing Company has a long tradition of supporting the local community, and 2008 was no exception. Despite a turn for the worse in the economy, the company made the commitment to increase their charitable contributions from the
year before.

This last year, Karl Strauss participated in 284 events throughout Southern California, donating the equivalent of 3,264 cases of beer! For the second year in a row, the company donated 1% of their total beer sales, which amounted to more than $63,500 in donated beer-an increase
of $8,500 over 2007.

At its own fundraising beer and music fests, Karl Strauss raised support and awareness for the Surfrider Foundation. Last May, the company hosted Beach to Brewery and raised $17,000 for the San Diego Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation. Louis XIV headlined and over 3,000 San
Diegan's turned out to support their local beaches. Going beyond a monetary donation, Karl Strauss worked with Surfrider to address important issues such as implementing a new recycling plan for the event which diverted over 50% of the waste to recycling and featuring 100%
organic event shirts. Beach to Brewery also rallied employees behind a company-wide beach clean-up.

The love spread up the coast in October when the company brought Karlfest to Costa Mesa. Having partnered with Surfrider for over 5 years in San Diego, Karlfest was the perfect opportunity to expand the relationship to the Orange County chapters of Surfrider. The first OC
Karlfest was a huge success with a packed house, four guest breweries from around Orange County, live music, and a first-time donation of $2,500 to the South Orange County and Newport Beach Chapters of Surfrider. The company looks forward to building on that momentum in 2009.

It's a company core value to care for others, the community, and the environment. Donating to local non-profits and hosting fundraising events are a tangible way to live out that core value. Karl Strauss Brewing Company, being passionate about local brewing, is able to combine this core value with its passion for local brewing through the Karl Strauss Brewers Education Fund. In honor of the late Master Brewer Karl Strauss, the fund was established to help finance education and training for aspiring brewers in Southern California. To celebrate Karl's birthday in October, the brewers created an Imperial Amber Lager with proceeds from each pint sold going into the Fund. Imperial Amber Lager drinkers helped add $3,000 to the fund. Cheers to that.

==============================

About Karl Strauss Brewing Company

Two college grads, a 75-year-old master brewer, and a passion for beer... when Karl Strauss Brewing Company started brewing full-flavored, quality handcrafted beer in 1989, it was the first craft brewery to open in San Diego since Prohibition. Today, you can enjoy our flagship beers, special releases, and seasonals at any of our six brewery restaurants or other fine drinking establishments throughout Southern California. For more information visit karlstrauss.com or call the brewery at (858) 273-2739.
January 08, 2009
Magic Hat Brewing wants you to come to Vermont for Mardi Gras

Posted: January 8th, 2009, 12:25pm EST

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For beer geeks like myself Magic Hat Brewing Company, all the way on the upper east side of the US in lil ole Vermont, is famous for not just it's beers... but for it's zaniness. Continuing in that spirit they are holding a Mardi Gras contest. Well, Mardi Gras in Vermont that is.

Before you stop reading check out the details and tell me if this prize ain't worth winnin'!?
- Roundtrip airfare to Burlington for Winner and three of your closest friends
- Two rooms double occupancy for two nights
- 4 VIP tickets to the Disco Biscuits show on Friday Night
- VIP tour of the Magic Hat Brewery
- Ride on the Magic Hat Float
- Dinner for 4 on Saturday night
- Sunday Recovery Brunch for 4
- Two additional round-trip flights anywhere JetBlue flies
- And... a year's supply of Ben & Jerry's ice cream
Ya, that's what I thought! But you have to enter to win! I already did cuz I really, really want that Ben & Jerry's ice cream. Kidding. I want their beer! We can't get any of it here in the Napa Valley of the Beer World.

Good luck!
January 07, 2009
Now that's pounding some beer!

Posted: January 7th, 2009, 9:32am EST

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DAS BOOT 2 Liter Beer 48 Seconds - Click here for more home videos

My good buddy Dieter, co-owner of Edelweiss German Restaurant (which I named in my Southern Colorado Beer Examiner column as having the Best German beer selection in Southern Colorado) sent this video to me. It's a clip of a guy drinking a 2-liter (68 ounces) Das Boot in a mind blowing 48 seconds. Check it out. I give this guy mad props. That's not something I'd want to try.

As I told Dieter... my forte is drinking large quantities, but not in a minute. See, I have somewhat of a reputation at Edelweiss. At their Rathskeller grand opening party I consumed nearly 7 liters of German beer (Franziskaner and Erdinger) while remaining rational, talkative, and coherent.

I've now amazed Germans and Bostonians alike for the amount of their respective beers (Hefe and Guinness) I can consume in one sitting while remaining upright and breathing. I'm Croat and Russian, what do you expect? And yes... I am boasting about my drinking prowess. Remember, I'm in training for THE Oktoberfest in Munich. I have legitimate reasons to drink that much beer. I must represent the good ole USA when I'm over there. I can't very cave in after one measly liter!

Edelweiss has a massive 5-liter stein that I'd love to go up against. Sadly, it's cracked and can't be used. However, they do have a 2-liter, and I've tackled that a time or two. The 1-year anniversary of Edelweiss' Rathskeller is right around the corner....

I hear Das Boot calling me.
January 06, 2009
Win a pair of Icelantic skis from Tommyknocker

Posted: January 6th, 2009, 9:36am EST

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Gear up for Tommyknocker Brewery's 2nd annual Icelantic Ski Giveaway!

Those little mining rascals in Idaho Springs, Colorado, are giving away 2 pairs of Icelantic skis this year. One pair will be given away to the lucky person who is in attendance at the brewery the night of the giveaway (Thursday, March 5 ). Another winner will be selected for the second pair... which you do not have to be present for. They'll call you if your name gets drawn. However, you still have to stop in and sign up at the brewery.

What: 2nd annual Icelantic Ski Giveaway
Drawing: Thursday, March 5, 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Requirement: Sign up at the bar located at 1401 Miner St., Idaho Springs, CO
January 04, 2009
Win a custom made Dale's Pale Ale Unity Snowboard

Posted: January 4th, 2009, 9:04am EST

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Dale's Pale Ale Snowboard Giveaway

Oskar Blue's wants you to ride the slopes in style - with a custom Dale’s Pale Ale snowboard made by Unity Snowboards!

How can you score the board? All you have to do is write a stirring testimonial (250 words or less) on why your favorite canned beer (that would of course be any one of Oskar's great brews) makes a great addition to boarding.

The gang at Oskar's will select their favorite entry on Saturday, February 28th, during the 7th annual Boulder Strong Ale Festival. They will post the winning composition on their website and contact the winner via Email.

Entry is easy: send your write-up via Email to snowboard@oskarblues.com (be sure to include your real name).

Good Luck!
December 31, 2008
Hoppy Brew Year!

Posted: December 31st, 2008, 12:44pm EST

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Let me apologize for not having regular, timely columns over the last few weeks. While I'd like to say I was taking a break, being lazy, or too busy playing with my new PS3 that my loving wife (be sure to heck out her food blog For the Love of Fran's Food) gave me for Christmas (it's killer, friend me on the PlayStation Network @ Eli_the_Mad_Man)... it's none of those things.

Fact is I've been beery busy elsewhere in the Beer-o-sphere. Aside from writing 3 - 4 articles every week as the Southern Colorado Beer Examiner, I was also recently made VP of Content & Programming at Beer Tap TV , which means I have even less time to write here. On top of all that I'm still a freelance writer scribbling about other things. I have several pens in the inkwell, including the possibility of writing for one of the coolest beer mags (sorry, can't say which one at the moment), and I'm still writing the occasional video game article (a big write up about DC Universe Online will be published in the next issue of Beckett's Massive Online Gamer Magazine).

But back to Beer Tap TV... we're growing exponentially every week and 2009 is gonna be off the tap crazy. So if you've missed what's been going on now's a good time to catch up. Since the week of December 7 we've been banging out 4 episodes a week - three Taste Buds and a Beer Buzz. Within the next few weeks we'll be adding another new show (so we'll have a new show 5 days a week). As you may recall I was writing The Beer Bucket List column for MOJO135. Well, MOJO officially closed it's doors on December 1st. We're converting that written column into what should be a very cool televised show.

So there ya have it. I want to wish all those who have have been reading this little slice of beery goodness a very Hoppy Brew Year! Be sure to drink in 2009 with a great craft beer... it's the new champagne you know. ;)

Until next year... Zivjeli!
December 25, 2008
Beery Christmas to all... and to all a good beer!

Posted: December 25th, 2008, 10:10am EST

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Wishing all my friends and family out in the blog-o-sphere a very Merry Christmas! Be sure to have a good brew or two today.

Zivjeli!
December 20, 2008
Saint Arnold Brewing Company invites you to have fun

Posted: December 20th, 2008, 10:28am EST

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I love Saint Arnold's Brewing Company (the oldest brewery in Texas). The funny thing is... I've never actually had any of their beer. So what is it that I love about them?

Aside from having a super cool mascot (in Saint Arnold, Patron Saint of Brewers) and a kick ass logo (see it on the right), they always have something crazy going on.

If you live in the Houston area and have a penchant for growing facial hair - Grow A Donegal & Win A Blu-Ray Player! And what the hell is a "donegal" exactly? According to the website: "A beard that goes from one sideburn along the jawline to the other sideburn without a mustache, leprechaun and Abe Lincoln style."

Sweet.

To compete you must check in with the brewery (clean-shaven) sometime between Saturday, December 27 and Saturday, January 3. If you're lazy, you can send them a picture of yourself with the day's newspaper. So what does "clean-shaven" mean exactly? Zero facial hair and those Elvis sideburns must be cut at least halfway up the ear. Judging will occur at their St. Patrick's Day Party.

Too much work? How does hopping onto a ship full of Saint Arnold brew and cruising around the Caribbean sound to you? Ya, that's what I thought. In November 2009 they'll be loading up a cruise ship full of brew and hitting Jamaica (where Fran and I have been a few times now), Grand Cayman and Cozumel. They dont' have a lot of info up for the '09 cruise, but click here to check out the 411 from last year's cruise.

Is cooking more your thang? Saint Arnold invites all you chefs out there to face off at their second annual One Pot Showdown. This big Texas throwdown is slated for Sunday, January 25. Thirty teams will have up to four hours to knockout on some knockout food. Judges will award prizes to the top three recipes based on creativity, use and distinction of the Saint Arnold beer in the recipe and overall taste. A portion of each ticket sold will benefit the Houston Food Bank, which feeds 80,000 different people each week and nearly a half million people each year. Last year's event raised $1,800 for charity. Tickets will be available through the brewery. Be sure to check the website for all the rules. Last years winners whipped up a finger food that the brewery renamed "Saint Arnold Fried Beer," using Saint Arnold Winter Stout as an ingredient. Feel free to download the recipe from the Saint Arnold Brewhouse Blog.

Obviously this brewery has a zest for life (who else sponsors a PGA golfer?). They also care about their patrons, community, and their beer. 2009 will be big for the Saint. A move to a "new" (for them, the building was first built in 1914) and massive (I do mean massive) building is planned. Check out this link for info and a slew of pictures on the undertaking.

Oh, and according to the list of awards ole Arney has collected, this Saint makes some damn fine beer. Now all I need to do is have some! Can someone help me out with that? Please? ;)
December 17, 2008
How Stuff Works - Beer!

Posted: December 17th, 2008, 9:19am EST

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How Stuff Works on Discovery Channel (home of Dirty Jobs, MythBusters, Man vs. Wild, etc.) is a program that shows folks how a vast number of ordinary things - work.

Well, this Thursday (that would be tomorrow) HSW will focus on the essentials of beer making. Throughout the hour long program numerous experts, brew masters and beer connoisseurs talk about how they are innovating new ways to make beer.

One of those experts is local (to Coloradans) Beer Rockstar, Charlie Papazian. According to an article he wrote on his National Beer Examiner column the producers of the show spent the day with Charlie at his home over the summer. During their visit they filmed his hop garden, homebrew “garage,” beer stash and sampled several brews while he told them “how beer works.”

Another expert on the show will be brewunderkind Sam Calagione of Dogfish Head Brewing Company in Delaware. If you're looking for a totally different kind of beer... Dogfish is the brewery that makes it.

Be sure to check out the HSW website because there are several links to some really interesting beer articles, such as: "Find out how the first beer can was introduced by the American Can Co. and Krueger Brewing Co. of New Jersey."

What: "How Stuff (Beer) Works"
Airs: Thursday, December 18 @ 8:00 PM
Re-Airs: Friday, December 19 @ Midnight
Friday, January 2 @ 6:00 PM
December 16, 2008
American craft beer sweeps Chinese taste buds

Posted: December 16th, 2008, 3:04pm EST

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I just received this press release from the Brewer's Association and found it very interesting. Apparently the Chinese want more of our craft beer! After reading this press release (which I did not write)... let me know what you think.

Export Development Program Showcases Flavorful Craft Beer in China

Boulder, Colorado- December 16, 2008 - With the success of the American craft beer movement in the United States and ever-growing interest in Europe, the Brewers Association again turned its attention to the burgeoning Chinese market. During the week of December 8, 2008, the BA's Export Development Program (EDP) showcased American craft beer in Shanghai and Beijing. The trip promoted craft beer for the first time in China's capital city, while expanding on the previous activity conducted in the country's financial center. The BA's efforts were highlighted by an unexpected visit with, and support from, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Ed Schafer.

Photo Caption: Bob Pease (Brewers Association)(Right) and Eric Rosenburg (Bryant Christie Inc.)(Left) receive assistance from U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Ed Schafer (Center) promoting American craft beer in China.

"We are excited about the possibility of exposing more people in China to the flavor and diversity of American craft beer," said Brewers Association Vice President Bob Pease. Through craft beer seminars held in Shanghai and Beijing, the Chinese beer trade and media were introduced to different styles of American craft beer. Pease added, "American craft beer is gaining traction in this market, but much of the trade and media are still unaware of the unique characteristics, numerous styles and superior quality of American craft beer compared to beers that are more readily available."

The seminars, with content provided by the Siebel Institute, offered information on beer styles, ingredients, storage and handling, and food and beer pairing. Six beers were sampled during each seminar with the final three beers paired with Western and Asian foods. Five American craft breweries currently export to China, supplying 20 brands to the marketplace.

To date, the Export Development Program has been able to promote its members' beer in Scandinavia, the Netherlands, Italy, the United Kingdom, Canada, China, Japan, Australia and Germany. Today, exported beer from American craft brewers is in demand with over 50% more sales in 2007 than in 2006. This was the Brewers Association's second visit to China. American craft beer sales grew four times from 2007 to 2008 in China with more than 80 on-premise establishments and 50 retailers carrying products today.

Export Development Program Web site: [www.beertown.org]
December 12, 2008
A holiday beer with a malt ball center?

Posted: December 12th, 2008, 4:27pm EST

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This (literally) just in from the fine folks at the Karl Strauss Brewing Company in beautiful San Diego, California.

I'll name this PR sheet... Karl Strauss and the Malt Ball.

San Diego, CA - December 12, 2008 - It is tradition at Karl Strauss that each winter a different Karl Strauss brewer gets to try their hand at the Holiday Beer. This year the opportunity fell to our very own Ian Young. Ian knew he wanted to brew a Stout, but he had visions of malt balls dancing in his head. Our friends at Briess Malting had kicked off the holiday season for us with a sack of Briess malt balls and that's when inspiration hit - Ian wanted to use the malt balls in his holiday beer. Some thought he was crazy, others were intrigued, but no one expected the end result to taste so good.

This beer is rich and full-bodied and based off of a recipe for a classic Russian Imperial Stout. But we used large amounts of chocolate malt and dark caramel malt for a less roasty version of the classic style. Rolled oats introduced during the four-step mash helped create a smooth and full mouthfeel. A blend of Willamette and Chinook hops were added solely for balance, and then came the fun part. The equivalent of 5,000 malt ball centers was tossed directly into the boil. "I wanted the four-step mash to create a dryer taste from the barley and then have a lingering sweetness from the non-fermentable malt ball sugars added during the boil. I love malt balls, but now I think they taste even better in beer!" said Ian.

Karl Strauss Imperial Malt Ball Stout is a rich, full-bodied stout with
loads of chocolate flavor and a subtle sweetness imparted from the malt balls. This is the perfect winter warmer on a cold night, and at 8.5% ABV, you won't need a fire to warm you up. The hint of chocolaty sweetness makes it an excellent match with heartier fare such as holiday roasts and of course chocolate desserts.

You can enjoy the Imperial Malt Ball Stout at all six Karl Strauss Brewery Restaurant locations and select bars across Southern California during the month of December.

Karl Strauss Imperial Malt Ball Stout
8.5% ABV
85 SRM
30 IBU

I don't know about you, but I'm drooling! I want some of this beer!!!!!
December 09, 2008
Save Three Sheets: The Rally

Posted: December 9th, 2008, 10:38am EST

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MOJO HD went off the air on December 1st. Aside from ending my run of weekly Beer Bucket List entries (more on that at the end of this article) that means no new Three Sheets. No more Zane Lamprey or his faithful sidekick, Pleepleus.

As of this moment no network has picked up this amazing global pub crawl with the funniest host on television. Why? No clue other then to say that television execs are obviously stupid. Just look at all the moronic programming (i.e., "reality" programs like dancing with the hasbeens and other "talent" shows) that saturates the airwaves.

Well, Zane is holding a rally... and a party.

On Tuesday, December 16th Zane will personally lead a protest march to SAVE THREE SHEETS! As is typical with Zane this is far more than just a protest march. It's a pub crawl as well! Here's the deal:
- It will take place in Century City, California, and march to and from Beverly Hills... because that's where all the decision makers are. As poor as these maker's of decisions seem to be, they are still the one's who must see the march and hear the wails and laments of 3S fans.
- Zane will also be doing the same thing in New York City on Thursday, December 18th! You can see all the details, locations, etc, on Zane's website.
- These rallies are free. It'll only cost you as much as you want to spend on drinks during the pub crawl.
- "Save Three Sheets" t-shirts will be available on Zane's website. He's going to make them as inexpensive as possible. They will also be available at the rallies until supplies run out.
- Everyone who attends will receive a THREE SHEETS shot glass signed by Zane.
- Feel free to make signs and banners. Let your voices be heard!
Below is the official press release that went out today:

ZANE LAMPREY RALLIES HUNDREDS OF FANS IN LOS ANGELES AND NEW YORK TO KEEP THREE SHEETS ON THE AIR

Popular Travel and Drinking Show Host Calls All Fans to Send a Message

(December 9, 2008) LOS ANGELES- Zane Lamprey, host of the fan-favorite television series Three Sheets, is hosting a rally on Tuesday, December 16, 2008 in Los Angeles and in New York on Thursday, December 18, 2008 to save his beloved show. The show, which previously aired on the MOJO HD channel, needs to find a new network to air its next season. Rallies being held in Los Angeles and New York City are an effort to draw attention to the show's popularity and convince television executives to place the program on their network.

To help save their favorite show from extinction, hundreds of Three Sheets fans will join Lamprey in Los Angeles as he leads the march from Century City to Beverly Hills, passing the buildings that house the executives with the power to put the show into their television line-up. The rally, which will also be a three-stop pub crawl, will begin at 3pm at Rock Sugar in the Westfield Century City Mall (10250 Santa Monica Blvd, Century City, CA 90067). The group will march east towards Beverly Hills for a second stop at Siniqual (9595 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90210) around 4:30pm. The final stretch will lead them back to Century City at Pink Taco (10250 Santa Monica Blvd, Century City, CA 90067) for a post-rally party around 6pm.

Lamprey will then head to NYC to host a similar rally/pub crawl with the score of loyal east coast "Three Sheets" fans. Steve McKenna and Jim-the-Cop, two of the show's regular guest stars, will join the cause. The rally will begin with a pre-march drink at 3pm at Houndstooth Pub (820 8th Avenue at 37th) and then march up Broadway through Times Square making their second stop at Aspen Social Club (157 W. 47th St between 6th and 7th) around 4:30pm. They will continue east through Rockefeller Center and end their march at Sutton Place (1015 2nd Ave between 53rd and 54th) for a post-rally party around 6pm. New York-based mobile social network, MeetNowLive.com will be providing exclusive bar specials and a free drink ticket to each person who registers and tags their location by "broadcasting" from each bar [www.meetnowlive.com]

"The networks need to stop looking at Three Sheets at face value. It's not just a show about a guy who travels around the world and drinks," Says Zane Lamprey, host of Three Sheets. "It's more than that... I also eat. We're going to show the TV execs that this tried and proven show has a bevy of the world's most loyal, dedicated and endearing fans."

As the most recognized world drinking ambassador, Lamprey has imbibed his way through over 50 countries while shooting Three Sheets. He has acquired not only a full passport, but a wealth of knowledge about world drinking customs. He's enjoyed the finest Champagnes, oldest Scotches, and most expensive Sakes. He has downed booze strong enough to degrease an engine, danced with the green fairy (Absinthe), and bathed in a tub of beer. Lamprey not only knows how to drink, he also knows a lot about what he's drinking.

Three Sheets has aired for three seasons on MOJO HD and is wrapping up filming on season four, which includes exotic locations like Tahiti, Tanzania, Tuscany, New Zealand, Newcastle, Iceland, Poland, Lithuania and Namibia.

For more information on Zane Lamprey, Three Sheets and the Los Angeles or New York pub crawl/rally, please visit www.zanelamprey.com.

Media Contact:
Karen Marines
karen@zanefest.com

So... what about "The Beer Bucket List"? Well, it's being moved from MOJO135 to Beer Tap TV where it will undergo a glorious transformation -- printed word to vunderbar video! Look for this to kick off right after the New Year!
December 04, 2008
Are you the Beerdrinker of the Year?

Posted: December 4th, 2008, 9:41am EST

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Pssst. I hear you're a Beer Geek. Think so do ya?

Let me ask: do you keep track of every single beer you've ever tasted, and what it tasted like? Do you write down every place you've ever been to taste that beer? Do you live, breath, think, talk and drink beer? Is your beeresume (beer resume) so hefty that when you drop the sucker on a table it wobbles and strains under the weight?

If so... you may be the next Beerdrinker of the Year!

Wynkoop Brewing Company in Denver, Colorado, is seeking the most passionate, edu-ma-kated beer geek from around the globe to become their 13th annual BDotY! But it's not just a matter of being able to throw back kegs o' beer... you gotta know stuff. Lot's o' stuff. Here are the details:

Beeresumes for the 2009 Beerdrinker search must include each entrant’s beer drinking philosophy, details on their passion for beer, and their 2008 beer experiences. Beeresumes should detail the entrant’s understanding of beer and its history and importance to civilization, as well as the entrant’s efforts to educate others to the joys of great beer.

It must be emailed to Wynkoop as an email Word document attachment to beerdrinker@wynkoop.com, and it must be received by Wynkoop no later than December 31, 2008 (so you better hurry, time is running out!). Resumes sent via any other means will not be accepted. Be sure to check Wynkoop's website for all the details and requirements.

All submitted beeresumes will be reviewed by the nation’s best beer experts, beer journalists and previous Beerdrinker winners. The top three entrants are flown to Wynkoop (at their expense, not yours) for the BDotY finals to be held on February 21, 2009. At the finals, a panel of wigged & robed judges (literally) comprised of the nation’s best beer minds and previous winners will grill the crap out of the finalists and pick the winner. The event is open to the public and starts at 2:00 PM.

So what do you get for going to all this trouble?
- Free beer for life at the Wynkoop brewery in Denver
- $250 worth of beer at your local brewpub or beer bar
- Apparel proclaiming you are the '09 BDotY
- Name engraved on the BDotY trophy located at Wynkoop
I attended last year's ceremony and I'll be at the '09 coronation as well. Not as a participant mind you. These devoted beer geeks must endure two hours of questioning and cross examination about a hoary host of beer facts, theory, brewing concepts, etc. Frankly, I ain't that SMRT, but my beer buddy Matt Venzke (who I met via the social networking site, The Aleuminati) is, and won last year's competition through a combination of knowledge and a lot of humor.

It's so tough to get to the finals that last year Wynkoop decided to pay tribute to some of the entrants by adding a Rookie of the Year award to the best first-time BDotY entrant. Last year, Virgil Grider (also a member of The Aleuminati) was the first recipient of the award and got himself a special "Rookie of the Year Beerdrinker" shirt. To give you just a little idea of how hard it is to win -- Virgil tasted over 1,100 different beers in 2007 and didn't even make it into the final round. DOH!

Here's what Matt Venzke had to say about winning BDotY:

The whole ex-beer-ience has been a blast. Joining the prestigious ranks of Beerdrinker winners has led to private brewery tours, much free beer and a greatly expanded circle of beery friends. I’ve also had the pleasure of representing Beer Nation in various newspaper, TV and radio appearances. My parents are very proud.

Sooooo... still think you got the hops to go toe-to-toe with these seriously hardcore Beer Geeks? If you do, throw your mug into the ring and find out. Good luck. You're gonna need it!

*And if you can't make it... don't worry. It looks like Beer Tap TV will be on hand to film and air the entire thing LIVE to the Interwebs for those of you who can't make it out to the Napa Valley of the Beer World!
December 03, 2008
Full Sail Brewing & Big Daddy J

Posted: December 3rd, 2008, 11:45am EST

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Nope, that's not a new rock band... but it is a collaboration of sorts.

As part of Full Sail's continuing "Brewer's Share" line up of small batch draft beers they are proud to introduce... Big Daddy J's Malt Liquor!

Every new and interesting beer in the "Brewer's Share" line is made by each individual brewer at Full Sail and gets featured in the Full Sail pubs in both Hood River and Portland.

Big Daddy J's Malt Liquor was created by soon-to-be-daddy, Jason Munoz. Thus the name Big Daddy J. According to Jason, BDJ is golden in color, hopped up with Hallertau Hersbrucker hops, and perfectly balanced. It's clean and smooth, and at a hefty 8% ABV has a drinkable smoothness that goes down easy. Oh, I bet it does!

Full Sail invites you to come and meet Jason (and his beer) at the Full Sail Tasting Room and Pub on Monday December 15, from 5:00 to7:00PM and at their Riverplace Brewery in Portland, on Tuesday December16th from 5:00 to 7:00PM. In addition, Full Sail is also celebrating 21 years of doing what they love to do... and that's brew beer. So there's plenty to celebrate!

The "Brewer's Share" beers will only be available on tap at Full Sail's Tasting Room and Pub in Hood River, Oregon, and at Full Sail's Brewery at Riverplace, in Portland, Oregon. (Growlers to go are welcome.)

For a complete list of Full Sail's birthday festivities visit [www.fullsailbrewing.com]
December 02, 2008
Avery releases the devil!

Posted: December 2nd, 2008, 4:59pm EST

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Hey, even the devil likes him a lil Christmas!

On Wednesday, December 3, Avery Brewing Company in Boulder, Colorado, is letting the devil run free as they host a Mephistopheles' Stout release party!

Beer Style: Stout
Hop Variety: Magnum, Styrian Goldings
Malt Variety: Two-row barley, black malt,roasted barley,Belgian special B, aromatic
OG: 1.135
ABV: An ungodly 16.1%
IBU's: 107
Color: Black as night

Mephistopheles is the crafty shape shifter, the second fallen angel. Amazingly complex, coal black, velvety and liqueurish, this demon has a bouquet of vine-ripened grapes, anise and chocolate covered cherries with flavors of rum-soaked caramelized dark fruits and a double espresso finish. IBU's 107.

Mephistopheles is the final installment of "The Demons of Ale" series.

So are you cold, tired, and need something to knock your socks off? Who the hell says "no" to that kinda question... even if you don't?!

Whatever the true answer may be, get yourself up to Boulder and kick it with Mephistopheles’ at Avery's taproom (5763 Arapahoe Ave.) between 4 and 7 PM.
November 30, 2008
De Proef-Bell's Collaboration Announcement

Posted: November 30th, 2008, 4:17pm EST

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Bell's Brewery named as partner for 2009 De Proef Brewmaster's Collaboration Series

Seattle, WA December 1, 2008 - SBS Imports of Seattle, Washington is pleased to announce that Bell's Brewery has agreed to be the 2009 partner for the latest brew in the De Proef Brewmaster's Collaboration Series. The yet to be designed beer will be brewed in March at De Proef in Lochristi, Belgium and released to the USA market in September 2009.

The initial beer in the series was Signature Ale - originally brewed in 2007 with Tomme Arthur of Port Brewing/Lost Abbey. Jason Perkins of Allagash collaborated in 2008 on Les Deux Brasseurs. Both beers have been exceptionally well-received by beer enthusiasts.

"Each year it is my pleasure to invite a noted American brewer to
participate in this series," noted SBS Founder Alan Shapiro. "I am thrilled that John Mallet & Bell's have agreed to be the 2009 partner."

"I am really looking forward to this project," added Bell's Production
Manager, John Mallet. "I have several family ties to the area which makes
this invite to brew with Dirk Naudts at De Proef even more special."

Bell's Brewery of Kalamazoo, MI is one of the most highly regarded and
creative breweries in the country, known for its bold, unfiltered,
bottle-conditioned beers. Since its founding in 1983 by Larry Bell it has
garnered numerous medals and accolades. Its 2007 production of over 90,000
barrels ranked it among the top 15 of American craft breweries. More
information on Bell's is available at www.bellsbeer.com.

De Proef Brouwerij of Lochristi, Belgium was created in 1996 by highly
regarded brewing engineer and professor, Dirk Naudts. The ultra-scientific brewery blends modern equipment and technologies with both traditional and new world brewing techniques. SBS imports a unique range of beers from De Proef under the De Proef Brewmaster's Collection branding.

SBS Imports was created in 2002 by specialty beer industry veteran Alan
Shapiro. In addition to the DeProef brands, SBS represents Aspall Cyders
from Suffolk, England and Batemans beers from Wainfleet, England. More information on the SBS portfolio is available at www.sbs-imports.com.
November 28, 2008
Flying Dog Beverage Stimulus Package

Posted: November 28th, 2008, 9:35am EST

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Were you one of those really "dedicated" (aka crazy) Christmas shoppers waiting in line this morning... just raring to run over anyone who got in your way for that supercallafragalisticlly priced "Black Friday" gift?

Well... hope ya had fun. If you're a beer geek, or looking for a sweet gift for a beer geek in your life... you didn't have to get up early. If fact, you didn't even have to leave the house.

WTF?! How is that possible?!

Introducing the “Flying Dog Beverage Stimulus Package”

All day today (Black Friday, November 28) Flying Dog Brewery is giving everyone 33% off at their online store (www.flyingdogales.com)! Shop their site leisurely from the comfy confines of your home, suckin' down some morning after java in your PJs. When you're ready to check out use the discount code BEERDRINKERBAILOUT and you'll save 1/3 on everything from pint glass sets to T-shirts to cute women’s hoodies. Beer is not included 'cuz it’s completely illegal, but every other bit o' Flying Dog swag is eligible!

Cheers!
November 25, 2008
Widmer Bros. 13th annual Holiday Ale Festival

Posted: November 25th, 2008, 9:21am EST

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Are you "ale-ing" for a good time? If so... here's a possible cure!

The 13th annual Holiday Ale Festival will take place December 4 - 7 at Pioneer Courthouse Square in downtown Portland. Yes, December can be nasty in the Great Northwest -- dark, cold and wet, but don't let that stop you because everyone will stay nice and toasty (and dry!) under the heated tents! Hey, Oregonians know how to party!

There will be more than 40 specialty and vintage beers from around the country, all of which have been brewed specifically to bring warmth and cheer to the holiday season. Each beer is uniquely crafted for the festival and can't be tasted outside the celebration. DOH! Take a look at the list of beers that will be on tap and you'll instantly turn Grinch green with envy! Oh man I wish I could go!!!

As readers of this blog know, I love me some Widmer. Their Hefeweizen was my first sortie into the craft beer bunker waaaay back in the day, so I'm pretty much a sucka for all their brews. Well, those of you lucky enough to be going can expect to taste a delicious holiday-inspired brew from Widmer in the form of the recently concocted Babushka's Secret, a Black Raspberry Russian Imperial Stout with an ABV of 9.0%. I WANT SOME OF THIS... NOW!!!!! How can I get some?!

Admission into the festival is free, but if you want to taste beers... well, you're gonna have to pony(keg) up some dough (or would that be yeast?). To actually taste brew you have to purchase a $20 tasting package. Not bad considering you get a souvenir mug and 10 beer tickets. Additional tickets can be purchased for $1 each. Ouch. See, I'm not big on the whole "beer ticket" model at festivals. They're just.... meh.

But wait! There are various pour sizes and ticket amounts, so in scheme of things... not bad. A "taster" size pour at this festival is a whopping 4 ounces! Be warned: a few of the limited release and special tapping beers will require two tickets. You can get a full mug 'o beer (14 lushes ounces), but you'll have to drop four tickets, and some of the limited release and special tappings brewskis may not be available in full mug pours.

Ya, I want to go. I am super jealous of you Northwesters. Be sure to check out the Ale Festival website, there are tons of other things going on, including a sweet looking Sunday Belgian beer brunch.

GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!

I'm gonna go over in the corner now and throw a hissy fit. Screw the holiday spirit... ya lucky bastiches. :P

Zivjeli!
November 24, 2008
Do u Beerdo?

Posted: November 24th, 2008, 9:09am EST

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Are you a Twitter Freak? How about a Beer Geek? If you answered "yes" to either of these questions then Beerdo is right up your alley.

Beer-who? No, Beerdo! And what exactly does Beerdo... do? It's a little Twitter "application" that allows you to quickly rate beers on the fly that get posted across the Twitterverse.

It's so easy even a... well, I was going to say child could do it, but that's a bad analogy. Let's just say it's so easy that a drunken monkey could do it. Simply type the name of the beer you want to rate, followed with your rating (1 - 5 exclamation points depending on how good or bad it is) to @beerdo, and ba-blam... a few seconds later your rating is Twitterized.

Here are a few examples:
- @beerdo Widmer Snow Plow !!!!! = 5 stars for Snow Plow
- @beerdo Lost Abbey Witch's Wit !!!! = 4 stars for Witch's Wit
- @beerdo Leinenkugel's Sunset Wheat !!! = 3 stars for the Leiny
- @beerdo Sam Adams Light !! = 2 stars for Sam Adams Light
- @beerdo MGD ! = 1 star for MGD
Do the right thing and join the beer review revolution! Check out Beerdo today!
November 21, 2008
Pike Brewing Company releases wood-aged stout

Posted: November 21st, 2008, 11:29am EST

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Pike Brewing Company up in Seattle, Washington, is set to release Pike Entire Wood-Aged Stout on Monday, November 24, 2008.

Pike Entire is actually and interesting blend of three beers:
- Pike's XXXXX Extra Stout, original gravity 10.73, 7.00% ABV
- Pike's XXXXX Extra Stout aged 6+ months in oak Bourbon barrels
- Imperial Stout, original gravity of 10.98, massive 12% ABV
The blend contains 42.7% barrel aged beer and weighs in at a heft 9.5% alcohol. According to the PR sheet, "the taste is complex with velvety malt tones, a coffee aroma, and a palate and finish of bitter chocolate."

The pale and crystal malts, along with roasted barley, is balanced by a heaping dose of Yakima Valley Willamette, Goldings and Columbus hops in the boil, then finished off with even more Willamette and Goldings. Topping it off "are the underlying wood tones perfumed by the caramel sweetness of wood-aged Kentucky Bourbon."

Right off the bat I can say I probably won't care much for this beer, not only because of the hops, but because of the Kentucky Bourbon. I'm not a fan of bourbon or whiskey. Not even a little bit. With that said... I wasn't expecting to like their Auld Acquaintance Happy Holiday Ale, and I was very wrong about that!

As I (and hopefully you as well) have learned... Pike Brewing is different. They don't just release a PR sheet, they release a history lesson. And they've done it again with Pike Entire. This beerstory lesson comes straight from the press release:

Until the 18th century, malt was "kilned" over wood fires making most beers dark brown or black, and contributing significantly to the pollution in cities like London. The use of coal allowed brewers a little more control, but it was not until coke, a bi-product of coal, was introduced as a fuel that pale malt could be made. Pale malt yielded more sugar than black malt.

Because the Thames was polluted, soft water was drawn from wells, ideal for dark beers, but yielding unpleasant flavor to black beers unless they were blended with the paler beers made by country brewers who had access to hard water. These country brewers also bought dark beers from London and aged them in large oak casks.

After aging they sold them back to the London brew pubs as highly desirable, "stale" (aged) beer. Home brew houses then began to blend the black, pale, and stale beers and the result became known as "three threads", a corruption of "three thirds."

Ralph Harwood's Bell Brewhouse, one of London's original common brewers, was the first to market an already blended beer to other pubs called "Entire". It is believed that he blended his own black beer with purchased pale and stale. Since it saved publicans the chore of blending their own three threads, it became an immediate success and the beer style of choice that was sold by London's train porters. Ultimately the style became known as Porter.

As brewing moved away from the brew pub to common brewers, Harwood's creation became London's great contribution to beer. As the British Empire expanded, "Porter," later known as "Stout Porter," then simply "Stout," became the world's most widely distributed beer style.

I love Pike Brewing! As much for their ability to teach us about beer's past as for the great beers they make in the present.

To keep with tradition, but also to make a distinctly American beer, Pike acquired oak Bourbon barrels in April 2008 and filled them full of Pike XXXXX Extra Stout to be blended back. Pike Head Brewer, Drew Cluley, says the beer is "complex and chocolaty with a great vanilla wood overtone."

Come Monday, November 24, Pike Entire will be released in 22 oz. bombers, complete with wax-dipped caps. It will have very limited availability at the Pike Pub and in select bottle shops, primarily in the Seattle area. Only a few quarter-barrels are being released for sale on draft. The Pike Pub will tap its one and only quarter-barrel of Pike Entire on Friday, November 28.

So if you want some... you better skedaddle to Seattle!
November 20, 2008
Hoppy days are here again!

Posted: November 20th, 2008, 9:00am EST

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CSU's Brewing Science Class Partners with Odell Brewing on Third Brew

Thursday, November 13, students from Colorado State University's Brewing Science and Technology course gathered at Odell Brewing Company's Tap Room to celebrate the release of their class beer, Hoppy Days IPA. The class, along with Professor Jack Avens joined Doug Odell on October 25th to brew the beer on Odell Brewing's five barrel pilot system. Hoppy Days IPA is the third beer brewed at Odell Brewing by the CSU class which is now in its fourth year.

"This is a capstone event in the total course learning experience for these students, and it exemplifies the continuing cooperation of Odell Brewing Company in the education of students at Colorado State University," said Professor Jack Avens.

Hoppy Days IPA, an American style IPA, was first developed and brewed by the students in class at CSU on a ten gallon brewing system donated by Odell Brewing Co. The recipe for the ale, which features generous amounts of Columbus, Amarillo, and Centennial hops, was then modified to be brewed on Odell Brewing's pilot system.

Eli Kolodny, a student in the class and avid homebrewer said, "Brew days in lab and at Odell's were my favorite because they afforded us the opportunity to experience brewing on both a smaller and larger scale." Kolodny, who came up with the name Hoppy Days, will be a brewmaster for the class next semester.

Hoppy Days IPA will be available at Odell Brewing and at CSU's Ramskeller beginning November 14th.

What I want to know is this: where the hell were classes like this when I was in college?! HELLO!!!!
November 19, 2008
Great Divide Brewing dines with AiX

Posted: November 19th, 2008, 9:00am EST

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AiX & Great Divide Brewing Company present... a tasting dinner!

When: Thursday, November 20, 2008

What: Four-course dinner pairing AiX's modern cuisine with the ales from Great Divide

Where: AiX Restaurant (719 East 17th Ave., Denver, CO 80203)

Cost: $35 per person (excluding tax and 18% gratuity)

What's on the menu?
- Ahi tartare marinated in sake vinaigrette with cucumber discs appetizer paired with Samurai Unfiltered Rice Ale
- Mussels in a white wine garlic butter paired with Hades Belgian Style Ale
- Braised pork carnita tacos with gouda paired with Hercules Double IPA
- Grilled vegetable duck ragu with chorizo and duck confit paired with Hibernation Ale
- House made chocolate truffles paired with Old Ruffian Barleywine
WOW! My taste buds are telling me to go!

As one might expect if you plan on going, don't just show up, you must call and make reservations (AiX at 303-831-1296.) A credit card is required when making the reservation and there is a 24-hour cancellation policy for this particular dinner. Seating is super limited, so call ASAP!

If you do go, be sure to let me know how it was!
November 18, 2008
InBev finally gets Anheuser-Busch

Posted: November 18th, 2008, 11:46am EST

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Well, it's official. The jolly Belgian giant has snatched up Anheuser-Busch and scurried back up the hop stalk. Here's the official press release:

InBev (Euronext: INB) announced today that it has completed its acquisition of Anheuser-Busch (NYSE: BUD), following approval from shareholders of both companies. The combination creates the global leader in beer and one of the world’s top five consumer products companies. Under the terms of the merger agreement, all shares of Anheuser-Busch will be acquired for 70 USD per share in cash, for an aggregate of 52 billion USD.

Effective today, InBev has changed its name to Anheuser-Busch InBev to reflect the heritage and traditions of Anheuser-Busch. Starting November 20, 2008, the company will trade under the new ticker symbol ABI on the Euronext Brussels stock exchange. Anheuser-Busch has become a wholly owned subsidiary of Anheuser-Busch InBev and will retain its current headquarters in St. Louis, MO. St. Louis will also become the North American headquarters for the combined company. The new Anheuser-Busch InBev is geographically diversified, benefiting from a balanced exposure to developed and developing markets. The company manages a portfolio of over 200 brands that includes global flagship brands Budweiser, Stella Artois and Beck’s, fast growing multi-country brands like Leffe and Hoegaarden, and strong “local jewels” such as Bud Light, Skol, Brahma, Quilmes, Michelob, Harbin, Sedrin, Cass, Klinskoye, Sibirskaya Korona, Chernigivske, and Jupiler, among others.

Carlos Brito, CEO of Anheuser-Busch InBev, said, “We are extremely pleased to announce the closing of this historic transaction. By bringing together these two great businesses, we have created a stronger, more competitive global company with a leading international brand portfolio and distribution network, and great potential for growth all over the world. We look forward to leveraging the operational and cultural strengths of both companies.

“Today also marks an important step towards achieving our shared dream of becoming the best beer company in a better world. Anheuser-Busch and InBev both have rich brewing traditions and a commitment to quality and integrity. We will succeed by celebrating and integrating both companies’ strong brands, heritages and values and by incorporating the best practices of both to create opportunities for all of our stakeholders worldwide."August A. Busch IV, President and CEO of Anheuser-Busch said, “By combining with InBev, we have created a first-class international consumer products company and, without a doubt, the premier global brewer. Together, we will achieve our goals far more effectively than either company could on its own.”

REGULATORY APPROVALS

InBev has received all regulatory clearances required to be obtained in order to proceed with completion. Prior to completion, InBev reached an agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice ("DOJ") that permitted the completion of the acquisition provided that certain actions to address competition concerns relating to the combination of InBev USA’s sales of Labatt branded beer and Anheuser-Busch’s sales of beer in upstate New York are implemented following closing of the deal. The terms of the consent final judgment with the DOJ were filed in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia on November 14, 2008.

MANAGEMENT / BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Several management and board of director changes became effective today as a result of closing the transaction. Luiz Fernando Edmond, currently Zone President Latin America North and AmBev's Chief Executive Officer, becomes Zone President North America. Dave Peacock, who most recently served as Vice President of Marketing of Anheuser-Busch Incorporated and Chief Executive Officer of Wholesaler Equity Development Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Anheuser-Busch Companies Inc., becomes President of Anheuser-Busch.

Additionally, Joao Castro Neves becomes Zone President Latin America North and AmBev's Chief Executive Officer, and the incumbent Zone President for North America, Bernardo Pinto Paiva, has become Zone President Latin America South, replacing Joao.

The Board of Directors of the combined company will be comprised of the existing directors of the InBev Board and former Anheuser-Busch President and CEO August A. Busch IV.

ANHEUSER-BUSCH COMMON SHARES

Effective as of the close of trading yesterday, Anheuser-Busch common stock (NYSE: BUD) has ceased trading. Every shareholder of Anheuser-Busch common stock will receive 70 USD per share in cash. Anheuser-Busch’s shareholders holding through a broker or bank should receive information regarding their Anheuser-Busch common shares from the broker or bank.

InBev has appointed BNY Mellon Shareowner Services as paying agent in connection with the acquisition. Anheuser-Busch shareholders with any questions regarding the payment for their Anheuser-Busch common stock should contact BNY Mellon Shareowner Services at 1-888-213-0964 from within the U.S. and 1-201-683-6884 from outside the U.S. Additional information will be mailed to all Anheuser-Busch common shareholders as well.

FINANCING

Financing for the transaction was provided by a group of leading financial institutions. The lending group provided 45 billion USD in debt financing and 9.8 billion USD in equity bridge financing.

Dutch and French versions of this press release will be posted on ab-inbev.com as soon as possible.

About Anheuser-Busch InBev

Anheuser-Busch InBev is a publicly traded company based in Leuven, Belgium. It is the leading global brewer and one of the world's top five consumer products companies. A true consumer-centric, sales driven company, Anheuser-Busch InBev manages a portfolio of over 200 brands that includes global flagship brands Budweiser, Stella Artois and Beck’s, fast growing multi-country Brands like Leffe and Hoegaarden, and strong "local jewels" such as Bud Light, Skol, Brahma, Quilmes, Michelob, Harbin, Sedrin, Cass, Klinskoye, Sibirskaya Korona, Chernigivske, and Jupiler, among others. In addition, the company owns a 50 percent share in Grupo Modelo, Mexico's leading brewer and owner of the global Corona brand, and a 27 percent share in China brewer Tsingtao, whose namesake beer brand is the country's best-selling premium beer. Anheuser-Busch InBev’s dedication to heritage and quality is rooted in brewing traditions that originate from the Den Hoorn brewery in Leuven, Belgium, dating back to 1366 and the pioneering spirit of the Anheuser & Co brewery, established in 1860 in St. Louis, USA. Geographically diversified with a balanced exposure to developed and developing markets, Anheuser-Busch InBev leverages the collective strengths of its 120,000 employees based in operations in over 30 countries across the world. The Company strives to be the Best Beer Company in a Better World. On a pro-forma basis for 2007, the combined company would have generated revenues of 26.4 billion euro.

So there you have it.

This merger will create one of the world’s top five consumer products companies. Now that the deal is done, I'd like to know what you think... so chime in!
November 13, 2008
Pike packs the holidays into Auld Acquaintance

Posted: November 13th, 2008, 9:40am EST

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I received a 22 oz. bomber of Pike Brewing Company's Auld Acquaintance Happy Holiday Ale at the confessional last week. The official press release went like this:

Brewed as a perfect complement to holiday meals, the alcohol is a restrained 5% by volume with an original gravity of 1.052. In addition to generous batches of Yakima Valley Magnum, Willamette and East Kent Goldings hops, Auld Acquaintance is subtly seasoned with orange peel, coriander, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Our goal, then and now, is to brew a luxurious beer to be enjoyed with splendid winter fare, like hearty soups, cheeses, turkey, hams and joints of meat.

Considering this thing is full of hops from Yakima Valley, Willamette and East Kent I was expecting a massive hop storm.

Not... even... close.

Since I don't care to have my palate carpet bombed by hops, I didn't think I was going to dig this beer very much. Boy, was I wrong! I had some of this wonderful winter warmer the other night while we filmed the latest "Taste Buds" for Beer tap TV.

As you know... I'm not big on "formal" reviews. I never understood why anyone would care so much about the exact color a beer pours -- describing it in such exacting detail that you use adjectives and terminology that NO ONE UNDERSTANDS! Or that you could taste the slightest bit of something that's probably not even in the beer. Maybe I'm not SMRT enuff for that (there are lots of people who are), but most likely... I just don't care. It's good, bad, or not my type of beer. Pretty easy analysis when ya boil it all down. But then that's how I roll.

Anywho... I digress.

The beer poured nicely into my glass, and came to rest with a sweet head. I didn't smell or taste any hops. What I did taste was a soothing, tasty mix of orange peel (probably the most predominant taste, which comes at the end of the swig) coriander, cinnamon and nutmeg. I love it! Don't let all the hop hubbub fool ya... there's just enough of cannabis' cousin here to tame all the spices without going completely over the edge and making your mouth feel violated.

Pike's PR sheet says Auld Acquaintance is "festive and flavorful with subtle spices on the nose and palate that marry perfectly with holiday foods." That pretty much sums it up... complete with a nifty bow on top!

So if you can get a hold of this sensational seasonal... do so! I'm going to get in touch with our Pike peeps and beg for more.
November 12, 2008
Oskar Blues releases Ten FIDY Imperial Stout

Posted: November 12th, 2008, 9:02am EST

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According to the PR release, Oskar Blues Brewery in Lyons, Colorado, has just released a small amount of its winter seasonal -- Ten FIDY Imperial Stout. The beer will be showing up in stores in Colorado, Southern California, Texas and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Limited amounts will reach other markets later this year.

That's pretty odd distribution if you ask me. I'll have to ask Marty Jones at Oskar's why it's so seemingly haphazard. Anywho... Ten FIDY is "an immensely rich imperial stout" that's raved about here in The Napa Valley of the Beer World and has won several honors and accolades: “Beer of the Year” by The Denver Post, “100 Rating” from Ratebeer.com, “This one puts the ‘A’ in ‘Holy Crap!’” exclcaims Beer Advocate Magazine, and “The biggest, baddest, boldest beer in a can” from Celebrator Beer News. Ya, it's good.

Verbatim from the PR sheet:

Ten FIDY is dramatically viscous and loaded with neck-deep flavors of chocolate, malt, coffee and oats. It’s the beer equivalent of a decadently rich milkshake made with malted milk balls and Heaven’s best chocolate ice cream. Ten FIDY is about 10% ABV and made with enormous amounts of two-row malts, chocolate malts, roasted barley, flaked oats and hops. Its huge-but-comforting flavors hide a hefty 98 IBUs that are deftly tucked underneath the beer’s blankets of malty goodness. The beer will retail for approximately $12 a fourpack.

Now that it's winter time here in the Rocky Mountains it's time to crack out the stouts and porters! A Ten FIDY sounds good right about now.

Zivjeli!
November 10, 2008
Beer Geeks & Foodies unite at Moylan's Brewery

Posted: November 10th, 2008, 4:07pm EST

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Listen up all you beer lovin' foodies!

The Moylan's Brewery & Restaurant is hosting an event you can not miss. Sadly, I won't be able to make it this time around. It sure would be nice to to kick around in my old stompin' grounds. Anywho, for those of you who can make it, here's the info:

What: Join Moylan's Brewmaster Denise Jones for the 2nd Annual Brewmaster's Dinner (see the full menu below).

When: Thursday, November 13th at 7:00pm

Where: Noonan's Bar and Grill, 2233 Larkspur Landing Circle, Larkspur, CA 94939

Need to know: Reservations (required) are $79.00 a person and can be made by calling 415.464.8711 or visit the Noonan's Bar and Grill website.

Reception starts at 7:00 PM
A trio of hors d 'oeuvres will be dished out including poached white prawns with spicy tomato & pepper relish, dungeness crab crostinis with tarragon aioli, and smoked Point Reyes oysters. All served with Moylan's Extra Special Bitter.

Dinner begins at 7:30 PM
The menu includes:

Marinated Niman Ranch Tenderloin of Beef on a bed of arugula, fennel & orange with cilantro vinaigrette, served with Moylan's Oktoberfest Marzen

Banana Leaf Wrapped Pacific Rockfish in Adobo sauce with vegetable filled pasilla pepper & queso fresco served with Moylan's White Christmas Winter Lager

A little Wheat Ale & Lemon Granita to cleanse the palate...

Pan Roasted Quail filled with a dried cranberries, wild mushrooms& spinach, sauce Bernaise served with Moylan's IPA.

For dessert... walnut bread pudding with a malted barley caramel reduction served with three of Moylan's Ryan Sullivan Imperial Stout variations:
- Bourbon Barrel
- Espresso & Chocolate Infused
- Fresh Raspberry
All that for a mere $79.00 a person?! My mouth is watering. Hmmm... I think I can get a round trip Southwest flight for about that. Maybe I will make it out there! ;)

For those who actually do attend I would love to hear how the dinner was, so please let me know!
November 05, 2008
Pike Brewing Releases Auld Acquaintance Hoppy Holiday Ale

Posted: November 5th, 2008, 11:49am EST

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From Pike Brewing Company press release:

Seattle, Washington, November 2, 2008.

As Jack Frost approaches each year, King Gambrinus, dressed as Santa, introduces special ales meant especially for drinking with old friends that gather for good cheer.

According to the Association of Brewer's who represent over 1400 microbreweries nationally, seasonal beer, and especially holiday beer, has become the most popular style of craft beer, outselling pale ale, wheat beer and other classic styles.

Pike first brewed Auld Acquaintance in 1990 and it was an immediate hit with customers. At the time, most American's were not familiar with seasonal beers. Each year Pike brews a limited amount, bottled in 22oz. bottles and on draft. Brewed as a perfect complement to holiday meals, the alcohol is a restrained 5% by volume with an original gravity of 1.052. In addition to generous batches of Yakima Valley Magnum, Willamette and East Kent Goldings hops, Auld Acquaintance is subtly seasoned with orange peel, coriander, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Our goal, then and now, is to brew a luxurious beer to be enjoyed with splendid winter fare, like hearty soups, cheeses, turkey, hams and joints of meat.

Pike Auld Acquaintance is now available at better stores, restaurants and, of course, at our own Pike Pub.

While this tradition is fairly new to American beer-bibers, the custom of brewing flavorful, spiced beer dates back well over a thousand years to what is now England. When the Vikings arrived, the Britons drank primarily megithin (mead), a brew of honey with spices (the origin of our word for medicine); cider from crab apples; perry from pears, and wine from grapes. Though there is evidence of cerevista (a beverage made from cereal) being brewed, it was a little known part of British life until the recipes for ales, the technique for cultivating and malting barley, and the art of brewing, were imported from the Middle East by the monasteries. The church did an exceptional job of promoting ale as an elixir superior to all other drinks. The Danes and Norwegians, at odds with the church about most things, agreed with them about their delicious strong malt liquor. Over a period of a couple of hundred years, the Danish word "Øl" (oyl) became the English word "Ale," a name for the drink as well as the festival where it was served. The Jüle or Yule winter festival had a long tradition before the Vikings and the monks. Jüle, introduced by the Celts, in honor of the sun god, promised a period of warmth and plenty.

As Britons converted to Christianity, the Jüle (Xmas) Ale became the most popular winter festival. Before the Norman Conquest the Scandinavians were uninvited guests at Christmas parties throughout the land. As time passed, many of them converted and turned their lives around. While the tradition of holiday beers nearly became extinct in The British Isles, Jüle Øl from Norway and Weinachts Bock from Bavaria never completely died out; but it is in America that the style grew dramatically to become an important part of every beer lover's calendar.

Notice anything different about this press release? That's right, it's filled with beer history! Not the superficial kind either, this is like going to history class and getting some cool, useful knowledge dropped on ya. How freakin' cool is that?! Long time readers of my blog should know that learning new tidbits about the history of beer is just as exciting as drinking a new beer for me. Heck, my very first post here was all about how beer has shaped the world we live in.

But that's how Pike Brewing Company rolls. They love to spill knowledge. Go to their website and click on the "Brewery" link on the main page; then click on the "history" link. What you'll find is six detailed pages of how Pike Brewing Company and its illustrious owner, Charles Finkel, was born. Does that name sound familiar? It should. Charles Finkel is a legend in the craft beer world. He not only created Pike and Merchant du Vin, but has been involved with many famous breweries and people, and has quite literally helped shape the craft beer industry in the United States.

Don Russell (aka Joe Sixpack) wrote an article about Charles in the July/August '07 issue of Draft Magazine where he says, "You can't understate the impact of his quest." He goes on to say that "The exotic flavors of Merchant do Vin import's later influenced a whole generation of craft brewers." The man who started out as a wine merchant shaped the American craft beer scene. Cheers to Charles and all that he's done!

With that... stay tuned for some "Mad Beer Man" style reviews of Pike Brewing beers coming soon, here and on Beer Tap TV.
November 04, 2008
Save Three Sheets!

Posted: November 4th, 2008, 8:39am EST

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The high definition cable channel MOJO HD will close up shop on December 1. MOJO as you know is the home of my much beloved show, Three Sheets, with "host" Pleepleus and his constant companion (and "co-host") Zane Lamprey.

But all is not lost. Not yet anways... and that's why Zane and Pleepleus need your help! It would seem the most likely place for Three Sheets to end up is over on the Travel Channel. Zane has put out a call to all 3S fans to head over to the Travel Channel forums and besiege them with posts saying how stupid it would be for them NOT to pick up and continue the global pub crawl!

According to Zane's MySpace page they've already filmed 15 episodes (with 5 more in the works) for the as yet unaired Season 4!

Zane loves his job. Fran and I love watching Zane love his job. Most of all... we love Pleepleus! Don't let this magnificent show fade away. SAVE THREE SHEETS NOW!
October 31, 2008
Living, loving and writing the Beer Life

Posted: October 31st, 2008, 12:08pm EDT

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Nothing great in the world has been accomplished without passion. -- Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel

I started this blog because I'm passionate about beer. I love everything about the "elixir of the gods" -- the culture, the history, the camaraderie... and yes, its glorious ability to act as a delectable social lubricant.

But I love to write even more than I love to drink a good craft beer (or play a great video game). When asked what my one, true passion is (other than my wife of course)... I always answer: "writing." Lord Byron, the 19th century poet, said it best: "If I don't write to empty my mind, I go mad." And I probably would. Not the clock tower/high powered rifle mad mind you. Writing acts as a release valve for me, and oddly enough... a different form of social lubricant that oils up the squeaky cogs of my "mad" brain.

I'm a writer. And after years of wordsmithing I think I've reached the point where I can call myself that without it sounding odd (to me) or egotistical (to everyone else). It's what I am, not what I do. I know that because I'm most happy when I'm writing... about anything. Well, almost anything. I probably wouldn't be too passionate about the lifestyles of the broke and infamous, but... ya never know. In the past I've written about George Lucas' Star Wars and PC video games, and I'm sure I'll eventually stumble onto some other topic that will "light my fire." At the end of the day it always boils down to one thing for me: passion.

I've always thought of "writers" as mythical beings, and I really do believe that "the pen is mightier than the sword." Writers have the power to make people cry, rejoice, rebel, change and even create nations. There is no limit to what a great writer can do... as long as they have passion. Sadly, any Tom, Dick, or Jane with the ability to turn on a computer can "write" about their cat (or their inanely boring life) through a blog. And because of this the luster of being a real "writer" seems to have faded to some degree. See, most of them don't have passion.

But I digress... what the hell am I getting at?

Over the years I've run into a number of "colleagues" that are jaded as the day is long. Why? They've lost their passion. I refuse to let myself become jaded. Hell, I still get giddy when -- no matter how big or small -- someone asks to profile me, or use one of my quotes, or tells me that I'm "relevant," or that my blog has made it onto a "best of" list... as was the case yesterday when the folks at the Culinary School Guide informed me that this lil blog o' mine made it onto their 100 Best Beer and Wine Blogs. All that stuff is not only very humbling, but -- even more than the money -- validates every single letter I've ever written.

A lot of great things have happened since I started this blog. I look at this space as my lucky charm. Furthermore, my life is richer for it. Writing, like all things, requires constant practice, and banging away here in my little corner of the blogosphere has not only opened doors to things I never thought possible, but has helped me perfect my craft. More importantly, it has introduced me to a brewery full of new friends.

It is said that the craft beer community -- top to bottom -- has a camaraderie unlike any other. Having experienced it personally time and time again, I can attest to the truthfulness of that statement. There really is nothing like it anywhere else, and it is my sincerest desire that the global wave of popularity craft beer is riding right now doesn't ever ruin that.

So thanks very much to all my friends, and all the people who keep coming back for more beer madness. The word "appreciate" doesn't even begin to describe my heartfelt gratitude! Oh, and thanks for letting me indulge in a little self reflection with this post. Now... let's get back to drinkin' some damn fine beer shall we?!

Zivjeli!
October 29, 2008
Redhook doubles back with Double Black Stout

Posted: October 29th, 2008, 8:09am EDT

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Redhook Ale Brewery's Double Black Stout is back! Ironically, the lyrics to AC/DC 's famous song, "Back in Black," is perfect for the occasion:

Back in black
I hit the sack
I've been too long I'm glad to be back
Yes, I'm let loose
From the noose
That's kept me hanging about
I've been looking at the sky
'Cause it's gettin' me high
Forget the hearst 'cause I never die
I got nine lives
'Cause I'm back
I'm back in black!

Double Black that is! After an 8 year hiatus Redhook's much loved Imperial stout has been let loose from the brew house. Even though it's only going to be available for a limited time, at least it's back on store shelves.

Eight years ago I wasn't much of a Beer Geek, so I've never had the pleasure of tasting this most succulent of stouty suds. According to the PR release "Double Black Stout is a smooth, imperial stout enhanced by the addition of rich, flavorful coffee and dark malts to create a big, roasted flavor." I love my morning coffee as much as I love my afternoon beer... so pairing the two is a match made in adult beverage heaven!

I ain't gonna lie: I love this beer. It's so smooth you'd think you were drinking satin. There is no harsh bitter taste from any component of the beer, making it perfectly balances. No wonder beer fans have been clamoring for this bad boy! Since Widmer decided to stop brewing Snow Plow (it's going to be harder to get than a straight answer from a "professional" politician) -- Double Black Stout just became my fave winter brew.

Speaking of... Double Black is only being sold in 22 oz bombers at -- get this -- the unbelievable price of $4.99. Ya, there's no one (1) in front of that four people! For a mere five bucks you can suck down an entire bomber of this 7% ABV stout and feel all nice and toasty. With the economy in the crapper, most six packs costing $9 or so a pop, this is probably one of the best deals around! I'm going to snatch up all the bombers I can find in my neck of the woods, so if my fellow beer geeks in the area can't find it at their local liquor store... come see me.

But wait... there's more! Following DBS, Redhook will be unleashing three additional limited release beers throughout 2009. The next one (don't ask, I don't know what it is) will hit the shelves in March. So stay tuned!

Zivjeli!
October 23, 2008
The Brothers Widmer release Brrr

Posted: October 23rd, 2008, 8:20am EDT

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Brrr it's cold outside! It puts me in a -- singin' mood! Bare with me...

Oh the weather outside is frightful,
But the beer is so delightful,
And since we've no place to go,
Let us drink! Let us drink! Let us drink!

Thanks to lyricist Sammy Cahn and composer Jule Styne for that little bit of inspiration. In 1945 Cahn and Styne created the legendary winter song "Let it Snow."

And thanks to Kurt and Rob Widmer for making legendary beers. Widmer Brothers Brewing up Oregon way is one of my all-time favorite breweries. I can/will/have drink their Hefe all summer long, Snow Plow all winter (more on that later) long, Drop Top Amber anytime, and don't even get me started on their W'08 Crimson Wheat. Put it this way: if I was stuck on an island like Robinson Crusoe (if you haven't seen the new NBC series Crusoe yet - do so!) and could only have beer from one brewery, well... Kurt and Rob would be stuck there with me.

But I digress...

We got our first "official" snowfall here in Colorado Springs the other day. So the weather outside is in fact frightful, and Mother Nature went ahead and "let it snow," so it's the prefect time for a brand spanking new beer from the Brothers Widmer called "Brrr," right?! It's the first new winter seasonal they've made in four years.

According to the PR release, Brrr is "a moderately strong dark red ale that embodies the notable 'Pacific Northwest' citrus hop aroma and flavor." How understated of their wordsmithing PR people. At a winter warming 7.15% ABV, it's "moderately" strong alright!

I recently received a few bottles to try prior to its release to 17 Western states (AK, AZ, CA, CO, HI, ID, OR, MN, MT, ND, NM, NV, SD, TX, WA, WI, and WY) later this month. When you first crap the cap (I love Widmer's bottle caps; they each have a different, wacky prost on the underside of each one!) you will definitely smell the citrus hop aroma. As many long time readers know I'm not big on hop bombs, so my first thought after sniffing the hoptacular scent of cannabis' cousin was that I wasn't going to like this new winter brew.

Brrr does pour a dark red and has a super big head. The first sip was... hoppy. So for those of you who love your hops -- and I know there are many, including my wife -- you'll absolutely love this brew. According to the PR sheet Brrr should provide "a tangible, but not excessive, flavor that ultimately transitions into a candy-like malty sweetness and quick finish. Caramel and chocolate malts provide flavor complexity, and an enticing color." There was none of that on the first few sips as my "unrefined" palate was attempting to adjust to the violation of an overly hoppy invasion. However, after the third sip the hop napalm subsided and I did notice a subtle "transition into a candy-like malty sweetness."

This is a good beer. Some of you will certainly think it's great. I probably wouldn't drink a whole lot of this only because it doesn't suit my palate profile, but a lot of you will. No matter what though, it will definitely warm you up on a cold winter's night.

Sadly, Brrr will be replacing Snow Plow as Widmer's regular winter seasonal for the foreseeable future. Snowplow happens to be my favorite winter beer. I've bought 1 - 2 cases every winter for a few years now, so I'm not happy that Snow Plow is getting the heave ho. I've been told that it may come back, and I hope it's permanent. Everyone I've turned on to Snow Plow has loved it. Breaking News! I've just learned it's not totally gone! It will be released on the West Coast (and by "West Coast" they mean OR, WA and ID) in 22oz bottles for a limited time this winter. And yes, I'll be hitting up my Oregon relatives to snag me a few!

Anywho... Brrr should be in a store near you (well, if you're on the Left Side of the U.S.A. that is; sorry East Coasters) next week and I want to know what you think! Once you try it send me some feedback.

Oh, you can watch Erik Boles and I drink and talk about Brrr on the next episode of Beer Buzz (Episode 004) on Beer Tap TV!

Zivjeli!
October 22, 2008
Cicerones in the making!

Posted: October 22nd, 2008, 8:20am EDT

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Siss-a-what-ees?

A Cicerone (pronounced sis-uh-rohn) is one who has proven expertise in beers. Think the beery version of a wine "sommelier." The titles “Certified Cicerone” and “Master Cicerone” are protected certification trademarks and can only be used by those who have passed the requisite test of knowledge and tasting skill.

Yes... even you can become one!

Ray Daniels, a legend in the beer industry, is the man behind the Cicerone plan. He'll be on the West Coast in November to conduct Certified Cicerone exams as well as a workshop. Exams are scheduled as follows:
- San Diego (Stone World Bistro and Beer Garden) - Nov 15*
- Berkeley/Oakland (More Beer) - Nov 16
- Seattle (Pike Brewery) - Nov 17
* A Certified Cicerone "prep" class will be held during the morning of the 15th. This course will run from 9 am to noon during which time key content from the Certified Cicerone exam will be covered (from draught system parts and operation to beer styles, off-flavors, brewing and beer & food pairing). The 3-hour course is designed to provide a quick overview of the exam and help you gauge whether or not you're ready for this most difficult exam.

Awesome! But I don't live on the West coast! Well, my Cicerone wannabe... you are in luck! Ray will be conducting two Midwest Certified Cicerone exams in November as well:
- Ann Arbor (Vinology) - Nov 9 (11 am - 3 pm)
- Chicago (Siebel Institute) - Nov 23 (11 am - 3 pm)
Sadly, I'm not SMRT to take this test, but I bet some of you are! If you're interested register through the exam site.

Contact Ray Daniels if you have any questions or wish to reserve a spot in the class. Ray can be reached at ray@cicerone.org.

Good luck!
October 17, 2008
Spooky Brew Stories

Posted: October 17th, 2008, 10:58am EDT

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I love this time of year. The air is crisp, the leaves have changed colors, and Halloween is on everyone's mind. Scary ghost stories, werewolves, vampires, goblins... Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein!

Heck, this year Colorado even has the Sci-Fi Channel's Ghost Hunters pluming the depths of our state. They're in Colorado Springs checking out the Briarhurst manor as well as in Estes Park (home to a great brewery by the way) looking into The Stanley Hotel. The ghost-filled Stanley is actually where the great author Stephen King got the inspiration for his classic horror novel, The Shining. He in fact wrote some of the book while staying there.

So, with all this spookiness in the air I ask you my fellow beer brothers and sisters -- do you have a good ghost story that deals directly with beer or even better, a brewery?

And it doesn't have to be relegated to the confines of the great state of Colorado. I know of one (which I'll be sharing shortly) regarding Lemp Brewing Company in St. Louis, Missouri. But I want more. Lots more! So send me what you know! Otherwise I'll set a Brew Ghoul on you.

Moooooooooooooooahahahahahahahahahahaha!
October 16, 2008
Back in Double Black!

Posted: October 16th, 2008, 10:16am EDT

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No, I'm not talking about my favorite rock band AC/DC (although they are coincidentally coming out with a new album next week called Black Ice)...

I'm talking about Double Black Stout from Redhook Ale Brewery. After being MIA for eight years, Double Black Stout is back! But only for a limited time. This bad boy of brew will be released nationwide the first week of November and will remain available until February '09... or until supplies run out.

According to the press release (I've never had this beer and I have no idea what it tastes like, so if any of you have... chime in!):

Originally created by the brewery in 1995, Redhook stopped producing Double Black Stout in 2000 and craft beer enthusiasts have been reminiscing about it ever since. Double Black Stout is a smooth, imperial stout enhanced by the addition of rich, flavorful coffee and dark malts to create a big, roasted flavor. The beer can be found at specialty food stores and beer markets for $4.99 SRP per 22 oz bottle.

"For eight years now, Double Black Stout fans across the country have clamored for its return. We decided to go one step farther and use it to launch an entire series of limited releases," said Doug MacNair, brew master for Redhook Ale Brewery. "By giving Double Black another chance to shine, we're raising a glass to our craft beer heritage - and we think our loyal drinkers will be very happy with the result."

If that weren't cool enough... after the Double Black Stout has left the building, Redhook will crack open three more "limited release" beers throughout 2009. Developed by Redhook's expert brewers, these unique craft beers will be different than anything the brewery has ever created. The next limited release will hit shelves in March 2009.

Sweet!
October 08, 2008
Beer Tap TV is back!

Posted: October 8th, 2008, 1:17pm EDT

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Bigger! Badder! Beerier!

New forums, blogs, beer guides, calendar of upcoming events, BTTV meet ups, and more importantly... more shows. Right now there are 4, with more to come. What are you waiting for... check it out!

Taste Buds is the retooled original with Erik and Dusty throwing back brews and giving their own personal spin on 'em. It's the show that takes your taste buds on an adventure!

The Brewmaster Chronicles takes you behind the scenes... WAAAAY behind the scenes. We'll sit down with Brewmasters and Head Brewers from craft breweries all over the world and see what makes them -- and their brews -- tick. One is in the can, as we talked with Jason Yester of Trinity Brewing. Look for it soon.

Tapping the Keg is a show that features brewery openings as well as new (or annual) beer release parties. We've already shot two shows, one at the Trinity Brewing Company opening, and the second at Bristol's Winter Warlock release party. Look for them to appear shortly.

Beer Buzz is a weekly show that keeps you informed on all the wild and wacky things going on in the beer world, from the noteworthy to the nutty. Episode 001 is below. Erik and I taped Episode 002 last night and should air tomorrow.

Come join us!

Cheers!
October 02, 2008
For the Love of Fran's Food

Posted: October 2nd, 2008, 10:07am EDT

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Fran (my wife for those who don't know) is now part of the blog-o-sphere! That's right, after insatiably blogging about beer for the past year... I finally managed to get her into the scene. She's the Yin to my Yang. The Wino to my Beer Geek.

I don't make beer, and I don't do "proper" reviews about beer. I just drink it and write about it. What I also don't do is cook. I'm so bad I would probably burn boiling water. I can clean like a mad man (ahem), and I can BBQ adequately well... but I leave all the real cookin' to Fran.

Not only does she cook, but she cooks with beer. And let me tell you brothers and sisters of the Beerhood... she cooks like nobody's bid'ness. In fact, she's good enough to be the head chef at some restaurant (maybe the one we've always dreamed about - or was that a nightmare?). Anywho... check out her recipes, both with and without beer, at For the Love of Fran's Food.

Cheers!
October 01, 2008
Pre Great American Beer Festival party @ Trinity!

Posted: October 1st, 2008, 10:50am EDT

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NOW HEAR THIS! RED ALERT! ALL HANDS ON DECK! INCOMING BEER ALERT!

Jason Yester and Todd Walton from Trinity Brewing Company are hosting a massive, mega, off-the-friggin-hook, pre Great American Beer Festival party next Wednesday, October 8. This pre-festival festival kicks off at 11am at the brewery on 1466 Garden of the Gods Road in Colorado Springs.

These two guys are the rock stars of the beer world in Southern Colorado, so this is no ordinary shindig. Jason has managed to get a bunch of "one time only, wacky cool beers" from a hoary host of Colorado brewers to tap. Check out the lineup SO FAR:
- Brewer's Bitter (TommyKnocker's)
- Southwestern Braggot (Carvers)
- Gordon (Oskar Blues)
- Awaken Cask dry hopped with Oaxcan coffee and Chickory
- Flo Cask dry hopped with wild Colorado hops aged on French oak
- Patientia (Arctic)
- Bourbon Stout (Rockyard)
- Chille Ale (Shamrock)
- Kaiser Imperial Octoberfest (Avery)
- Ale to the Chief (Avery)
- Imperial Red (Amica's)
- Cranberry Saison (New Belgium)
- Hot Shots Harvest Ale (Pump House)
- Octoberfest (Lefthand)
Aside from the awesome beer selection expect to see traveling brewers making guest appearances as they head up to Denver for the completely sold out GABF!

This is bigger than big people... you do NOT want to miss it!

UPDATE... THIS JUST IN! MORE BEER!

This comes straight from Jason!

Ale to the Chief. A 100% Brettanomyces beer reminiscent of a Belgian Pale, but hopped with American cascade and dry hopped. Brewer, Steve ‘The Breeze’ Breezly.

Awaken Cask (Trinity). Naturally carbonated traditional English cask of our Awaken aged/served on a cold coffee toddy and Chicory. Brewer, Jason Yester.

Bourbon Stout (Rockyard). A Large and chewy Stout aged on ‘Four Roses’ bourbon barrels. Brewer, Jim Stinson.

Brewer’s Bitter (TommyKnocker’s): Fresh hop ale, heavy fruit hop, hops added less than 24 hrs after Harvest, Brewer, Steve Indrehus

Chile Ale (Shamrock). Amber Cold toddied with locally grown ‘Mira Sol’ making a spicy and aromatic glas of beer. Brewer, Alan Stiles.

Cranberry Saison (New Belgium).

Flo IPA Cask (Trinity). Naturally carbonated and served through a hand pump. This cask was dry hopped with wild Colorado hops and aged on French oak. Brewer, Jason Yester.

Gordon (Oskar Blues). Large and chewy Double IPA. I true treat and one of the first of it’s style in Colorado. Brewer, Dave Chichura.

Hot Shots Harvest Ale (Pump House). Brewed using Amarillo Hops less than 24 hrs after harvested. Distnct notes of peach and apricot are created by those hops. Brewer, Dave Mentus.

Imperial Red (Amica’s). A scarlet colored ale with light roast notes, a huge hop aroma, and an enormous hop character! Brewer, Mike Lacroix.

Kaiser Imperial Octoberfest (Avery). Extremely Large and toasty lager with light ester undertones. Brewer, Steve ‘Breeze’ Breezley.

Octoberfest (Left Hand). Light in body, toasty, and balanced, this is a true German-Style fest beer. Brewer, Joe Schiralde.

Patientia (Arctic Brewing). Oak-aged sour beer showcasing distinct notes of caramelized pineapple produced by Brettanomyces. Brewer, John Dunfee.

Southwestern Braggot (Carvers) A unique and very fruity beer brewed with the green fruits of Prickly Pear Cactus. Brewer, Erik Maxson.
September 30, 2008
Beer twin powers activate!

Posted: September 30th, 2008, 10:59am EDT

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Two bottles of beery goodness collide and combine as Beer Tap TV and Confessions of a Beer Geek join forces to create something bigger and better! Check it out:

Stay tuned! Big, big, big things are coming!
September 28, 2008
Investing in your future... one beer can at a time

Posted: September 28th, 2008, 9:54am EDT

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There's an investment strategy making the rounds on the Internet. Don't worry... it's not a fraud. Unlike so many of the "investment" banks on Wall Street.

===================================================
If you had purchased $1,000 of Delta Air Lines stock one year ago, you would have $49 left.

With Fannie Mae, you would have $2.50 left of the original $1,000.

With AIG, you would have less than $15 left.

But, if you had purchased $1,000 worth of beer one year ago, drunk all of the beer, then turned in the cans for the aluminum recycling REFUND, you would have $214 cash.

Based on the above, the best current investment advice is to drink heavily and recycle. It's called the 401-Keg!
===================================================

Thanks for passing this along to me, Nay! Now if you'll excuse me... I must go out and buy a metric ton of beer. In cans of course. After all... I'm investing in my future.
September 24, 2008
Put a porter in your pipe(line)... and drink it!

Posted: September 24th, 2008, 8:26am EDT

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Kona Brewing Company is situated on Hawaii's Big Island. You've probably seen some of their "liquid aloha" at your local liquor store. The beers they ship off the island are: Long Board Island Lager, Fire Rock Pale Ale, Big Wave Golden Ale, Wailua Wheat and Pipeline Porter.

After doing some research I discovered that Kona has five other beers that they only serve on tap in Hawaii. To be honest, these sound more appealing to me... not that their exported bottled beers aren't good (because they are), but the draft beers sound more appealing to me personally. Tap only beers include Black Sand Porter, Duke's Blonde Ale, Lavaman Red Ale, Castaway IPA, and what would likely be my fave of the bunch -- Hula Hefeweizen. I've never been to Hawaii... I wonder if I can wrangle a beer writing trip out of this? ;)

Recently I was sent samples of Pipeline Porter and a bag of the world famous 100% Kona coffee (grown at the Cornwell Estate Plantation) that Kona Brewing uses in that porter. This was a very interesting taste test. Fran and I are big morning coffee drinkers, and just like beer -- I don't have one favorite that I drink all the time -- we like to sample a variety of different coffees. After having the Kona coffee from Cornwell (which we've never had before) it's easy to see why it's world famous.

Full disclosure: I've had Pipeline Porter before. In fact, I still have a bottle or two in my fridge from last winter. That's not a slight against Pipeline, I have other beers from last winter in there as well... remember, I'm a seasonal beer drinker.

However, this time was different. Sipping the freshly brewed Kona coffee for a few mornings prior to imbibing the beer that those same beans are used in totally changed the taste of the beer. I was able to discern the coffee nuances much more this time around.

Kona's PR description of Pipeline goes something like this: "... smooth and dark, with an earthy complexity from its blend of premium malted barley. The malt unites with freshly roasted 100% Kona coffee... a delicate blend of hops rounds out the palate-pleasing brew and the infusion of coffee gives Pipeline Porter a unique roasted aroma and flavor."

Can't argue with that. As you know I don't delve into deep, analytical, superfluous, adjective-laden reviews. I leave that to SMRT people. For me it's good or it's not to my liking. Pipeline Porter is damn good. And I'll be drinking more of it as summer gives way to fall which gives way to winter. The islanders may be sucking this down on on the North Shore of Oahu after a long day of hanging ten... I'll be sucking it down after shoveling a foot of snow off my damn driveway!

Zivjeli!
September 22, 2008
Now that's a Fantasy Draught!

Posted: September 22nd, 2008, 9:22am EDT

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So you fancy yourself a beer lover. And you fancy yourself a fantasy sports freak. Would a fantasy league that combines the best of both these worlds entice you?

Well, if it sounds intriguing the gang at The Beer Mapping Project have just the ticket!

Beer Mapping Fantasy Draught: Season Two! In a nutshell folks participating in this competition will have a list of the breweries that are submitting beers to be judged at the Great American Beer Festival coming up in Denver in a few weeks. Competitors in the fantasy league will try to select the breweries that will win them the most points. Just like in a real draft each brewery can only be picked by one person. they are going to limit the number of participants to between 30 - 35, so you best hurry on over to the site and register!
September 20, 2008
Let Oktoberfest begin!

Posted: September 20th, 2008, 11:44am EDT

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It's that time once again when beer lovers from around the world descend onto Munich, Germany, for the biggest and baddest Oktoberfest in all the land. This giant beer-love-in lasts for another 15 days 5 hours and 46 minutes (give or take an hour or two). Which means you still have time to grab your lederhosen and hop on a jet plane!

If you aren't Bill Gates rich you still have a few local (here in Colorado) options. Denver's Oktoberfest on Larimer Street kicked off yesterday and runs until tomorrow, then fires back up again next weekend (26th - 28th). Check out the website for all the details. Fran and I were originally set on going, but... we're not. We decided to cancel and go up to San Luis Valley Brewing Company's Ales & Rails Oktoberfest in a few weeks instead.

For all you Southern Colorado Beer Lovers (go read my SoCoBX diatribes)... Woodland Park is hosting their 11th Annual Rocky Mountain Oktoberfest today and tomorrow. Since it's a quick hop up the pass to Woodland Park this is a much more manageable excursion then climbing aboard a 747 bound for Germany. Although this 'fest probably won't have nearly the same caliber of fraulines... or beer. Oh well, that's the price you pay for staying local! I'm not saying that Rocky Mountain gals ain't the bomb, but... they're not German frau's decked out in Dirndls. I mean... look at 'em! All German-y... hoisting liter mugs of beer. COME ON! Why do you think I married one?!

And if you can't get to any of the fests remember... my good friends Dieter and Norm down at Edelweiss will again be having their weekly festival specials. This is the best German restaurant Fran (who remember is 100% German) and I have ever been to. Starting the week of October 1 they will -- as usual -- be dishing out their fantastic German cuisine and serving up the best selection of German beer in the region. Week 1 is a Bratwurst special, Week 2 is Rippchen, Week 3 is Schweinehaxen, and back by always popular demand for Week 4... Bratwurst!

Prost!
September 12, 2008
Following up on the Ultimate Beer Run

Posted: September 12th, 2008, 9:38am EDT

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In the last few weeks my brother and I have managed to do some serious damage to the "end of the world" stockpile of beer I purchased during our Ultimate Beer Run to Daveco Liquors.

Here's the original list:
- Achel Blond 5
- St. Bernardus Wit and Abt 12
- Delirium Nocturnum and Tremens
- Pyramid Imperial Hefe and Crystal Wheat
- Widmer W'08 Crimson Wheat
- Kapuziner Hefe
- Twisted Pine Brewing craft pack (2 bottles of 6 of their Twisted Pine series brews)
- Abita Turbodog
- Westmalle Tripel Dubbel
- Ommegang Three Philosophers
- Caracole Nostradamus
- Russian River Pliny the Elder and Blind Pig
- Rogue Dead Guy
- Unibrou Don de Dieu
- Gouden Carollus Noel
Here's what I've consumed from that list:
- Achel Blond 5
- St. Bernardus Wit
- Delirium Tremens
- Pyramid Imperial Hefe and Crystal Wheat
- Widmer W'08 Crimson Wheat
- Kapuziner Hefe
- Twisted Pine Brewing craft pack (2 bottles of 6 of their Twisted Pine series brews)
- Abita Turbodog
- Rogue Dead Guy
- Unibrou Don de Dieu
Now for a a brief rundown of each one...

Achel Blond 5 is achely heavenly! There isn't a Trappist beer I haven't liked.

St. Bernardus Wit is perhaps my new favorite wit beer. This is the first time I've had a St. Bernardus. I've heard about it for years but had no idea it was this damn good! I will most certainly be buying more of this.

Delirium Tremens is as usual... amazing. Trinity Brewing Company now serves this ON TAP and it's even better!

Pyramid Imperial Hefe and Crystal Wheat. Pyramid is one of my "go to" breweries. I love almost everything they brew. The Imperial Hefeweizen is no exception. I've got to get more of this before it vanishes! The Crystal Wheat on the other hand... not so much. It's harsh, and doesn't appeal to my buds in the slightest. I won't buy it again.

Widmer is my Numero Uno "go to" brewery. Their hefe is the bomb during the summer and the Snowplow is the bomb in the winter. Their W'08 Crimson Wheat is majesty in a bottle... and I want more! Rob and Kurt... send me your beer! Ya, I'm pimping again. Sue me.

Kapuziner Hefe is without qeustion the smoothest hefe either of us have ever tasted. Ever. This is so sessionable one could quite frankly live on this suckulent wheat beer. You can bet I'll be buying a lot more of this! I want to try their whole line of Hefes, so if a Kapuziner rep is reading this... SEND ME ALL OF THEM! ;)

Twisted Pine Brewing craft pack (2 bottles of 6 of their Twisted Pine series brews). IN this particular pack was a Raspberry Wheat, Hoppy Boy, Honey Brown, American Amber, Blonde, and Creamy Stout. Really enjoyed the Wheat and Honey Brown, but was left wanting more from the rest.

Abita Turbodog is down in Louissiana, and they can brew some beer. I'd drink this one again... and again... and again.

Rogue Dead Guy. If you've had it, you'll love it. I've had it... and I love it.

Unibrou Don de Dieu. A triple Wheat Ale that's been refermented in the bottle with an ABV of 9 %?! What's not to love!? This is yum in a bottle, baby!
September 10, 2008
Put a hook in me... a Redhook!

Posted: September 10th, 2008, 9:04am EDT

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Autumn is rolling in. You can smell it in the air. Summer's hot air is getting chased out of the high country faster than a beer getting drained from my pint glass.

Like many, I am a seasonal beer drinker. As the climate cools my penchant for summer beers (mostly Hefes and Wheats) dissipates. With AM temps dipping dangerously into the low 40's over the last few weeks... it's time for a change in beer! Since I'm not one to drink normal mass produced swill... it's time for something crafty. A little bit of liquid goodness would be perfect right about now.

Something like... Redhook's Late Harvest Autumn Ale.

As you know the Mad Beer Man (damn that third person) doesn't do proper beer reviews. I grunt "good" or "meh." Bad beer (unless it's skunked) is a misnomer. Every single person's palate is different, therefore what's "bad" to one person may very well be the pinnacle of beery goodness to the next. Take for instance IPAs. I cant' stand 'em. Doesn't mean they're bad, they're just not my pint o' beer.

But Redhook's autumn brew... that's a different story. This sucker pours a coppery color. If you dropped a penny in it'd vanish. It has a thick, firm head. There's absolutely no smell after being poured into a glass. It tastes malty and a lot like Autumn... as it should since that is its frakin' name. Better still, there's no aftertaste. It's the ideal brew for chomping down a burger with.

So there ya go... grab yourself some Late Harvest Autumn Ale before it disappears. It's only available through October!
September 06, 2008
Craft Beer... and Sargento cheese!

Posted: September 6th, 2008, 11:08am EDT

Enclosure: [download]

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Beer and cheese go as well together as wine and cheese. Maybe even better. I mean come on... cheese and beer go together like milk and cookies. Think about it. What's a burger without cheese? And beer. Cheese goes on pizza. And you can't have wine with pizza... it's un-American! Cheddar cheese brats. Wine and brats? Uuuuh... no. OK, so maybe I'm taking it a bit too far, but you get my drift.

A few months back I made a guest appearance on Beer Tap TV where we discussed/tasted Belgian beers. During the session we ate some cheese along with the beers and the degree to which the tastes of both were amplified was nothing short of amazing. Ever since then I've had my loving and understanding (thank God!) wife pick up different artisan cheese to sample along side my beers. Yuum!

Well, Sargento Cheese believes in the ability of their cheeses to bring out the best in every beer. In fact, they made a video about it. Take a look see..

So there ya have it! Those sliders look goooood! Think I'll go make some. Oh wait... I don't cook. Maybe Fran will make me some. ;)

Big thanks to Bob Krause for providing this video.
August 28, 2008
The Trinity has arrived!

Posted: August 28th, 2008, 11:04am EDT

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Well, almost!

Last night Erik Boles (Beer Tap TV) and I attended a pre-party at Trinity Brewing Company. It was a combination private party for their friends and family, and a dry run for the employees... all in lieu of their grand opening tomorrow (Friday, August 29) at 11:00 AM MST.

When Erik and I first walked into the joint it was a maelstrom of sound and activity. Almost immediately we pitched in to (minimally) help Alex and Owen (two of the construction guys who built the place) put bar stools together, set them around the place (the bar and normal bar height tables are up in front, while several couches are in the back next to the roll up warehouse door for an intimate ), and "roughed up" the cool stainless steel tables. All that last second prepping... and the place is absolutely dazzling!

Here are two video clips Erik shot and streamed to Qik that will give you the briefest of ideas on what to expect:

The beer selection is probably the best in town. Oh sure, Old Chicago's has more, but the world class beers on tap at Trinity flat out destroys anything else. This is not only a brewery, but a first-rate beer bar. New Belgium La Folie, Delirium Tremmens, Russian River Damnation and Pliny the Elder, several selections from Stone Brewing (i.e., Arrogant Bastard, 8.08.08) -- and several other beers of world class caliber are on tap right next to Trinity's own meaty batch of brew. I sampled Soul, Awaken, and Flo. All were exceptional. And the food served here is not your typical pup grub. Not by a longshot. This will be the first establishment in the Springs that pairs the food with the beer every day, not just on special "beer dinner" nights. Nothing about this place is typical.

Myself along with the guys from Beer Tap TV will be on site tomorrow (between 1:00 - 2:00 PM MST) doing a live shoot (and streaming to the Internet), getting thoughts and impressions from guests as well as interviewing the masterminds behind Trinity, Jason Yester and Todd Walton. So keep you browser locked and loaded to Beer Tap TV for this very special event!
August 25, 2008
The Ultimate Beer Run

Posted: August 25th, 2008, 10:13am EDT

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On Sunday afternoon my good buddy Erik Boles (from BeerTapTV) and I drove up to Daveco Liquors in Thornton, CO, where we met fellow beer geek, beer blogger and Beer Examiner, "Chipper" Dave Butler.

According to the Guinness Book of World Records, Daveco is the largest liquor store in all the world. After experiencing first hand the grandeur (and beer selection) that is Daveco we can resoundingly say it was the biggest one any of us had ever seen. Think the Costco of liquor stores. We all weeped with joy as we walked the isles. Heck, I think this place would even make Baby Jesus weep. We were literally like kids in a candy store.

Here's one clip of video Erik streamed via Qik (check out the other clip on Qik, as well as the tornado we saw touch down just south of Denver -- one in which we weren't more than half a mile from) while we stood before the Gates of Heaven (the Imported Singles section), which included beers from six of the world's seven Trappist monasteries (minus Westvleteren).

Needless to say, we all dropped several hundred dollars (each) on what amounted to "The Ultimate Beer Run." Here's what I got (Chipper and Erik, chime in with what you guys purchased!):
- Achel Blond 5
- St. Bernardus Wit and Abt 12
- Delirium Nocturnum and Tremens
- Pyramid Imperial Hefe and Crystal Wheat
- Widmer W'08 Crimson Wheat
- Kapuziner Hefe
- Twisted Pine Brewing craft pack (2 bottles of 6 of their Twisted Pine series brews)
- Abita Turbodog
- Westmalle Tripel Dubbel
- Ommegang Three Philosophers
- Caracole Nostradamus
- Russian River Pliny the Elder and Blind Pig
- Rogue Dead Guy
- Unibrou Don de Dieu
- Gouden Carollus Noel
Stay tuned for musings and follow ups (not reviews) on each of these beers as I've never had any of them. There will be some gooooooood drinking in the very near future!

Zivjeli!
August 22, 2008
Send me your beers!

Posted: August 22nd, 2008, 8:12am EDT

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Friends, Brewers, Cerevisaphiles, send me your brews; I come to drink your beers not to pour them out. The evil that unclean vessels can do lives on in the beer, and the good is oft interred with the wort; so let it be with bad beer. The noble Brewer hath told us he was ambitious. If it were so… HE’D SEND ME SOME!

Blah blah blah… that ancient tongue is tough. I can only do so much with it!

By now you know I'm not a shy guy. I like beer and I like trying a lot of different beer. So I'm sending out a call: Brewmeisters... I want your beer in my belly! Send me your delish brew and it will get written about/reviewed/referred to (or shunned if it's nasty) by moi -- The Mad Beer Man -- here on this blog as well as on the handful of other sites I perform my own "stylish" personal brand of commentary for.

Shameless self promotion from a shameless self promoter! Wooohooo!

That's right, I'm pimpin' out my beer belly!
August 21, 2008
You know you're a Beer Geek when...

Posted: August 21st, 2008, 10:23am EDT

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I like to watch me some TV and movies. Over the last year or so I've found myself obsessed with trying to identify the brand of beer people are drinking in my favorite celluloidal presentation.

Have you ever found yourself doing this?

Take for instance the movie Smart People with Ellen Page (Juno), Dennis Quaid,Thomas Haden Church and Sarah Jessica Parker. If you liked Juno you'll like this movie too. However, beer makes an appearance in this flick a few times and I couldn't ID them. I thought one was a Rolling Rock, but there was another green bottle with a metallic label of some kind. Can anyone from the Pittsburgh area (that's where the movie was set) tell me what the hell that beer was? Geneesee maybe?

Ya know... this would be a good little niche project/website for some diehard movie watching beer geek. Complie a list of every movie that's had beer in it... and what the beer was! BRILLIANT! So... who's game?
August 20, 2008
Septembeer is almost here!

Posted: August 20th, 2008, 8:53am EDT

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Septembeer means only one thing... OKTOBERFEST!!!

I know... it makes no sense. Why call it "Oktoberfest" when it starts in September? Blame it on those silly Germans. Those silly, wonderful, beer making, beer guzzling, life loving Germans. Aaaaah...

I won't bore you with the details about the why. Check out my rant from last year that describes in detail the history (and fun) of the original Oktoberfest. I will remind you that 2 years from now Fran and I will be hopping a big ole jet plane to attend the 2010 Oktoberfest in Munich. Wanna come? Contact me for more info! (Yes, you will have to pay your own damn way!)

So... back to this year's spates of Oktoberfests. We may not be going to Munich, but we are definitely going to Denver's Oktoberfest on Larimer Street. Big. Loud. Germany. Lederhoseny. Beery. Fun. This big, bad boy of festivus' runs two consecutive weekends: September 19 - 21 and again on September 26 - 28. Wanna come? Contact me for more info! (Yes, you will have to pay your own damn way!)

We're also going to try and hit the Breckenridge Oktoberfest on September 13 -14. We've been to this one before and it's a hoot. Plus, the location (Main Street, downtown Breck) is to die for! Wanna come? Contact me for more info! (Yes, you will have to pay your own damn way!)

Let the Beer Games Begin!
August 16, 2008
Dundee does Beer!

Posted: August 16th, 2008, 3:38pm EDT

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No, not the short, funny Aussie crocodile dude from the movies. This is a whole nutha Dundee.

So it's mid-August here in Colorado and the weather has taken a decidedly wintry turn. The months of June and July encompassed record heat and record lack of rain.

Well, that's all changed. We've had substantial, measurable rainfall for something like 12 days in a row now. It's been hovering below 60 degrees for the better part of the last two days. It even snowed on top of Pikes Peak today! In the middle of August! It feels like winter... and that means only one thing: Stout and Porter weather!

Yes, I'm a seasonal beer drinker. Warm weather is all about the hefes, wheats and other "lighter" brews. But the second it's cold enough to crack out thick, heavy jackets then it's time to crack open thick, heavy beers as well.

Last night I had a porter from Dundee Brewing Company that was very tasty. Living my whole life on the left side of the United States Dundee is new to me. I first had one of their Honey Brown's a few weeks ago on a trip to California and absolutely loved it. Thankfully they're selling their brews (in 12-pack craft cases, 2 of all 6 different beers) at my local store here in Colorado.
The Honey Brown is great. The Porter is sumptuous. The Pale Bock is very sessionable. The Pale Ale is OK, and the IPA is too hoppy for my taste (but Fran liked it). Being a hefe and wheat guy I was looking forward to downing their Wheat Beer. Sadly, it wasn't my favorite... not sure I'd actually want to drink it again. But my Hefe loving brother thought it was very good.

After doing some research I found out that although Dundee may be new to me, it's been around a while. Dundee is part of High Falls Brewing Company, which was founded way back in 1878 as the Genesee Brewing Company. Genesee I know... their Cream Ale is really good. High Falls is based in Rochester, New York, and apparently one of the largest (7th to be exact) and oldest continually operating breweries in the U.S. Back in May they refreshed their image with all know logos, branding and publicity push. That's probably why I've never heard of them until now.

Gotta love finding some tasty new beers and learning a little bit of "beerstory" (beer history) as well! Now if Summer would just roll back in for a few more months...

Until next time... Zivjeli!

UPDATE (4:02 PM): Just got back from a beer run and picked up: Stone Bitter Chocolate Oatmeal Stout, Samuel Smith's Winter Ale, Left Hand Milk Stout and Young's Double Chocolate Stout. OH YA!
August 06, 2008
How now Brau Frau

Posted: August 6th, 2008, 4:33pm EDT

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Believe it or not women like beer too. If you're such a woman... one who likes her some hops, then you too are a Cervisaphile. And if you're as geeky as some of us beer swillin' men, well... then you need some beer bling to show off your beerlicious loving ways.

Enter Michelle Venzke's Brau Frau Designs. If the last name sounds familiar -- and it should, it's because her hubby Matt won Wynkoop's prestigious Beer Drinker of the Year award back in February.

And guys... if you're lucky enough to have yourself a gal (in the first place) who loves the brew, then Michelle's warez make the perfect gift!
August 02, 2008
What a Wonderful World

Posted: August 2nd, 2008, 11:01am EDT

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Everyone knows that famous song by Louis Armstrong. If you don't, check it out here:

To those of you who have been inquiring about my whereabouts... aside from the lack of "free" time I've had of late (talked about in previous posts), there's a bigger reason. I've mentioned my wife Frances here dozens of times. Well, her father Rolf passed away on July 24. The last year has been especially hard on Rolf, but the man possessed an internal fortitude rarely seen. Here's his obituary as it ran in the Santa Rosa Press Democrat. It was written by Fran's sister, Kathy:

WANKEL, Rolf Beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend. Six-time cancer survivor, Rolf Wankel passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on July 24, 2008 at the age of 83. He is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Karin Wankel, his three children and two grandchildren. Included are; daughter Katherine Love and husband Greg of Lake Oswego, OR; son Richard Wankel of Santa Rosa; daughter Frances Shayotovich and husband Eli of Colorado Springs, CO; grandson Jason Hernandez and wife Adrian of Manteca, CA; and grand daughter Krystle Hernandez of Los Angeles. Survivors also include his 92 year old sister Marianne Schlink, sister Carola Schneider, 86 and brother Klaus Wankel, 82-all living in Germany. Sister Ursula Achenbach preceded him in death. Rolf's family wishes to thank all his loving friends for their support. Family and friends are invited to a Memorial Mass which will be held Tuesday, July 29 at 11:00 a.m. at Star of the Valley Church, 545 White Oak Dr, Santa Rosa. A lunch will follow at Parish Hall. If desired, a memorial donation may be made to the American Cancer Society, Memorial Program, Redwood Empire Region, 1451 Guerneville Rd, Ste 220, Santa Rosa, CA 95403.

What the obit doesn't convey is what a great man Rolf was and how much he impacted people's lives. Eighty five people showed up at the memorial service. Eighty five. And that didn't include any of his family from Germany. These were all local friends and family who came to pay respects to a man whom they came to call a "friend." Jason (Fran's son) put together a magnificent slide show featuring the above mentioned song by Louis Armstrong. When it played, there wasn't a dry eye in the place.

Rolf was a walking encyclopedia of knowledge and wisdom. What he and his wife Karin have seen and lived through in their lives are things you only read about in fictional novels. As Kathy said, he loved life and lived it intensely. For him... this was truly a wonderful world.

So the next time you're enjoying life with a cold (German) beer, do me a favor and raise a toast to a man this world will sorely miss.

To you Rolf... it was an honor and a privilege.
July 18, 2008
Prague is Beerlicious!

Posted: July 18th, 2008, 12:26pm EDT

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Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic. Bordered by Germany, Austria, Slovakia, and Poland, it's home to 1.21 million people and some great Czech beer. In fact, the Czech Republic has a long and important history.

In 1842 a brewery in Plzeň hired a German brewer by the name of Josef Groll who was experienced in the then new method of brewing cold fermentation lager. Using soft Bohemian water, very pale malt, and Saaz hops, Groll brewed the first batch of a light colored beer that would become the world famous Pilsner Urquell on 5 October 1842.

More fun beer facts about the Czech Republic:
- A brewery existed in the region as far back as 1118
- The city of Brno had a right to brew beer from the 12th century
- Both Plzeň and České Budějovice (Pilsen and Budweis in German) had breweries dating back the 13th century
- It has the highest beer consumption per capita in the world. Czech's like their beer.
As luck would have it (or is it beer karma?) Zane Lamprey, the greatest host of the greatest show in all the land did an episode in the Czech Republic (Season Two, Episode Three). So why not visit the land of beery goodness for yourself?!

This from Budget Travel:

The Real Deal: Round-trip airfare, six nights' accommodations, some meals, and guided tours, from $1,999 per person — plus taxes of about $399.

When: April 1-Oct 31, 2009; other dates are available upon request.

The Fine Print (always read the fine print): Buffet breakfast daily, three-course welcome and farewell dinners with beer, hotel taxes, airport-hotel transfers, and all other transportation by motor coach, sightseeing tours, and select entrance fees as per itinerary are included. Airport taxes are an additional $135 per person, and fuel surcharges are an additional $264 per person. Based on double occupancy and a group of at least 20 travelers. Single supplement is $545. Read these guidelines before you book any Real Deal.

Book By: No deadline; based on availability.

Contact: Austrian Airlines Vacation Center, 800/790-4682, austrianair-vacations.com.

Why it's a Real Deal: A recent Kayak search for round-trip travel to Prague in April 2009 yielded a fare of $661 from New York City (United/Austrian Airlines), including tax. For an additional $1,737, Austrian Airlines covers airfare as well as six night's accommodations, some meals, sightseeing tours, excursions to breweries, local transportation, and all taxes.

Trip Details: The Here for the Beer group package includes round-trip airfare on an Austrian Airlines' carrier and six nights' accommodations in Prague at the 226-room Ibis Karlin or a similar hotel. The Karlin is in walking distance to the Krizíkova metro station, and a 10-minute ride separates the hotel from the historic center.

The trip features two half-day tours of Prague. The first will take you to Old Town Square, a charming and well-preserved market square that dates back to the Middle Ages. While there, you'll get to see one of the city's most popular attractions: a medieval astronomical clock, Orloj, mounted on the southern wall of Old Town City Hall.

The second half-day tour covers the Castle District, from the 18th-century Loretto Square to the Old Castle Steps, with stops at the Archbishop's Palace, the Hradcany Hall, the gothic St. Vitus Cathedral, the Royal Palace, St. George's Basilica, and Lobkowicz Palace at Jirská Street.

In keeping with the trip's theme — beer — you'll get to take a behind-the-scenes look at four of the country's famed breweries. You'll begin with a visit to the U Fleku brewery, founded in 1499, where you'll tour the brewing house, the traditional fermentation center, and the renovated exhibition area that has antique equipment and tools. The tour concludes with a three-course traditional Czech dinner and a beer at the U Fleku restaurant.

Na Zdravi!
July 16, 2008
One year and still going... sort of.

Posted: July 16th, 2008, 2:00pm EDT

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Guess what I forgot about? It's been one year since I tapped into the beer life and started this blog. I guess the fact that it's grown by hops and bounds is a good thing. And as I've gotten busier -- writing about beer on a myriad of other sites -- the little blog that started it all has felt the brunt. I apologize for that. Sadly, the next few weeks aren't going to get much better, but stick around. By the beginning of August things should be back to some degree of normalcy. With that... here are just a few things I want to pass along:

Prospective Cicerones

Since people from across the nation have expressed interest in becoming a Certified Cicerone, Ray Daniels is expanding the number of exams this fall. This four-hour test will be held in the following cities (exact dates and times to follow):
- Boston (October or November, Monday night)
- New York (Manhatten) (October or November, Sunday during day)
- Philadelphia (October or November, Saturday during day)
- Chicago (September and November, Sunday during day)
- Kalamazoo/Ann Arbor/Detroit, MI (September and November, time TBD)
- San Diego (North county, Saturday during day)
- Oakland/Berkley (Sunday during day)
- Seattle (Monday evening)
- Denver: several sessions around GABF - Sunday Oct 5, during day; Friday Oct 10, during day; Sunday Oct 12, during day.
Speaking of GABF

Tickets for the 2008 Great American Beer Festival are now on sale. I'm a big time beer geek, and even I am having a hard time justifying the prices they're asking for admission. Evening Sessions (Thursday - Saturday) run from 5:30 to 10pm. For a mere $50 you get the "privilege" of imbibing hundreds of different beers for 4 1/2 hours with thousands of your closest friends in a noisy, raucous auditorium. The Members Only session on Saturday (12:30 - 4:30pm) is a ridiculous $78. I'm sorry... I love beer and the beer life, but not that much. Hopefully I can snag a press pass (if they exist) and get in on one of the sessions in order to write up "experience" pieces for the rest of you not fortunate enough to have the King of Beerfests in your back yard.

Once, Twice, Three Times a Brewery

The countdown to the opening of Colorado Springs newest beervana spot -- Trinity Brewing Company -- has begun. Jason and Todd received their State Liquor License to brew beer and they're in full on hire mode to get people on board, trained and ready to serve all the beery goodness they can come Friday, August 1. If you're looking for a job and want to work at what will surely become the hottest place to hang out in Colorado Springs, check out their website pronto like.

Phantom Canyon goes Ape!

Colorado Springs' Phantom Canyon Brewing Company (owned by Denver's Wynkoop if you didn't know) tapped two new brews... a Czech style pilsner and a smoked porter. The Pre-Prohibition may be a lighter brew, but at 6.7% ABV this pils packs a punch. The Silverback Smoked Porter has smooth smoked roasted flavors. Wynkoop has partnered up with the Denver-based Mountain Gorilla Conservation Fund to raise money for the endangered mountain gorillas of Africa. From now until the end of October if you buy a pint of Silverback Porter 25% of the proceeds goes to the Mountain Gorilla fund. So drink a pint of smoked porter and help save an ape!
June 23, 2008
InBev in bed with A-B?

Posted: June 23rd, 2008, 2:32pm EDT

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A Belgian giant walks into an American bar, sits down and tries to order a Leffe Tripel.

"Sorry, got nothing like that here," the barkeep says.

The Belgian giant, perplexed, asks: "How about a Hoegaarden?"

"A ho gardening?"

"Hoegaarden," the Belgian replies dryly.

"I don't know what kinda weirdness you're into, but you might find some down the block standing on a street corner. Can't miss 'em."

The Belgian is so mystified he doesn't notice the big American walk in and take a seat next to him at the bar. The big American orders a Bud.

"Comin' right up," the bartender replies all to readily.

"A Bud?" the Belgian asks.

The American turns and looks at the Belgian with fire in his eyes. Thinking the Belgian has never heard of the great American Lager asks: "You're in a bar and you've never heard of a Budweiser?"

"Oh, a Budweiser. That's what you Americans call beer, right?"

"Damn straight!" the burly American barks.

"Well... we need to fix that now don't we?" the Belgian retorts.

==============================================

For some reason that's how I imagine this potentially earth shaking buy-out went down. OK, maybe I had a few too many craft beers with high ABVs. Whatever the case... until today I didn't pay much notice to the enormity of this potential consolidation. What gigantic conglomerates do amongst themselves bores me to tears. And living in the "Napa of the Beer World" -- I frankly don't care all that much. I haven't voluntarily touched an A-B product (or any other macro-beer) in years. As the Warsteiner saying goes: "Life is too (damn) short to drink cheap (crappy) beer."

Earlier today I was contacted by Amanda Elend, who works for the CBS-owned news and politics web show MobLogic about this very topic. They did a really interesting webisode about the A-B takeover and wanted to know my thoughts. After watching it (I've embedded the show below), and reading the corresponding blog, A-B fights for America, it got me thinking.

Aside from the whole national pride thing, not wanting to give up the long held family biz, yadda yadda yadda... one has to wonder how many home grown jobs are going to be lost. InBev has to keep A-B in St. Louis because if they offshore it there will be serious negative PR ramifications. If InBev can guarantee this won't ever happen, A-B would be crazy to pass this offer up. A-B gets international PR while InBev gets American PR.

Take a gander at the MobLogic show, read the blog and come on back here to discuss. What are your thoughts on this monumental beer tapping?
June 17, 2008
Do you get thirsty when you travel?

Posted: June 17th, 2008, 11:00am EDT

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Do you get thirsty when you travel? Hell, I get thirsty when I "travel" from the couch to the bathroom. Fortunately, juxtaposed betwixt those two sacred things lies... The Beer Cave. Much like Batman's Bat Cave, mine is also filled with all the essential tools that any spandex wearing, caped crusader ("The Mad Beer Man") would need should someone dial in on the Beer Phone.

But I digress... as usual. (By the way, I don't wear spandex, but I do have a cape.)

As long time readers of this slice o' beery goodness know, I have a man crush on Zane Lamprey and his show, Three Sheets, which airs on MOJO HD. I pimp him (and the show) like a $2 hooker whenever I get the chance. Which is often. Ask anyone. Now for those spineless, Politically Correct (which is just another way of saying "I'm too afraid to have an opinion that might offend someone") nimrods shouting "conflict of interest" -- suck it. That is not what's going on here. I freelance for their community website (The Beer Bucket List on MOJO 135, every Wednesday - same beer time, same beer channel!) because I love the show. End of story.

For the last few months I've been hearing about another show similar in nature to Zane's, called The Thirsty Traveler. Well, Fran and I finally got a chance to catch several episodes (a big marathon ran over the weekend) which airs on the Fine Living Network. Sadly, it is not in High-Def in our neck of the woods (thanks Comcast), nor does it spell out which episode is which (thanks again Comcast). So I basically have to tape every episode. Strike one.

After doing some research (so I would sound edumacated because... that's what I do) for this particular article I discovered that Brad Schewaga was given a ROSIE award for "exemplary work as the series' Director of Photography" by the Alberta Motion Pictures Industry Association. Based on the episodes I saw, it is a well deserved award. By the way, this show needs to be in HD (talking to you Comcast; so far you're not so "Comcastic") because the cinematography is stunning.

And therein lies the rub... I thought I was watching recent episodes. Not. Apparently there are 4 seasons of the show, which started airing way back in January of 2002. Who knew?! I've never heard of this show until a few months ago. Good advertising people! The episodes we watched were: Absolutely Aquavit and Alaskan Beer (the first two episodes from Season 2); My Dear Maderia and Ga Ga for Cognac (from Season 3), and Wines Down Under (last episode of Season 4, which appears to be the last episode taped).

None of the seasons are available on DVD. At least not that I could find. Granted, I only spent a few minutes looking, but if it's not easy to find... it ain't easy to buy either. The websites for FLN and TTT are very well done, but there is no online store on either one. TTT's website is flashy and cool, but not very updated. Which leaves me wondering if this show is actually shooting new episodes, or has been canned. Strike two.

It's all too much work to be honest because, while the show is good and offers a lot of great information, it's not nearly Three Sheets good. And the host, Kevin Brauch, whom I'm sure is a decent enough fellow and I have absolutely nothing against him personally -- I just don't like him. Kevin just doesn't make me feel like pulling up a barstool and having a beer with him. Zane does. Strike three.

Now, I totally understand that the show isn't trying to be Three Sheets, and Kevin isn't trying to be Zane, but... Fran and I both came away feeling like we could have lived without watching the show. Which ain't the same feeling we get when we watch Three Sheets. We simply cannot get enough of Pleepleus and his human sidekick, Zane.

Speaking of... there's an incredibly good interview with Zane on TV.com, which lets us in on the wild and wacky Lamprey, including the origin of the show and his furry friend Pleepleus (apparently it started with his wife, naming their first born Pleepleus, a traveling companion, and secret messages). It's a must read if you're a fan!
June 15, 2008
More Medical Misnomers: Beer is Bad for you!

Posted: June 15th, 2008, 11:03am EDT

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You know the "great" thing about medical studies? They're almost always wrong. Kind of like weathermen. One month a study will say "so and so" (take your pick, it happens to virtually everything) is bad for you, the next they say "oh no, we were wrong, it's actually good for." Then it's back to being bad for you. WTF?! How did they become doctors again?

Case in point: beer (and pork rinds)!

According to a study of over 18,000 men conducted by Brainiacs at Harvard they found those who had an average of two drinks every single day, five to seven days a week mind you, had the LOWEST risk of heart attack. THE LOWEST! Additionally, some Smarty Pants at the University of Buffalo found that men who sucked that same amount of suds every day had lower levels of abdominal fat than those who had four drinks at a time, once or twice a week. LOWER!

HA! Is it a shock? Nope. I mean, look at how many decades the nutrition pyramid was WRONG. So go ahead, toss in a cold one or two into your daily diet. I know I am.

BREAKING NEWS! New Belgium Brewing is releasing their flagship beer, Fat Tire, in cans starting Monday. Denver and Ft. Collins will be the first to get them, followed by the rest of the state, then the country! *Big thanks to John "The Beer Hermit" Morrissey (the Foam on the Range beer ranger) for dropping me the 411 about this!

Zivjeli!
June 11, 2008
Sam Adam's Beer Lover's Choice

Posted: June 11th, 2008, 1:43pm EDT

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The 4th annual Samuel Adams Beer Lover's Choice program will soon be appearing at beer fests everywhere. This year's nominees are:

Samuel Adams Blackberry Witbier
Blackberry notes with a subtle spice character. A traditional witbier with orange peel and coriander, smacked with "a hint" of blackberry. Complex flavor with malt and cereal notes, intense spice and citrus flavors and a smooth, sweet/tart finish.

Man, my mouth is watering just thinking about this beer! I can already tell ya this is the one I'm voting for! Yup, I like fruit in my beer and I'm secure enough in my manhood to say it loud and proud. Not be a wuss and bend under "peer pressure" to say you like beers that are so hopped up it feels like a prison riot going on in your mouth. Ya, I'm talking to you boyo! ;)

Samuel Adams Coffee Stout
"Dry beaned" with coffee beans from Rwanda. This full-bodied stout is brewed with a special blend of roasted barley and dark crystal malt, aged for two weeks on whole coffee beans- ¾ of a pound per barrel. Has a rich roasty flavor with a smooth finish.

Then again I love stouts... and this sounds fantastic! Just not in the middle of the hot summer. I'm a seasonal beer drinker, and I wonder if chugging a thick, heavy stout in the heat will have a direct impact on who votes for what.

I'm looking forward to casting my vote since I'll be hitting up several beer fests in the next few months. So... which one are you voting for?
June 08, 2008
Beer contains female hormones! News @ 11!

Posted: June 8th, 2008, 4:32pm EDT

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Last month, scientists at the National University of Lesotho released the results of a recent analysis that revealed the presence of female hormones in beer.

Men should take a concerned look at their beer consumption.

The theory is that beer contains female hormones (hops contain phytoestrogens) and that by drinking enough beer, men turn into women. To test the theory, 100 men drank 8 pints of beer each within a 1 hour period. It was then observed that 100% of the test subjects:
1. Argued over nothing.
2. Refused to apologize when obviously wrong.
3. Gained weight.
4. Talked excessively without making sense.
5. Became overly emotional.
6. Couldn't drive.
7. Failed to think rationally.
8. Had to sit down while urinating.
No further testing was considered necessary.

*Thanks for passing this along to me Nay Nay!
June 06, 2008
The Global Warming Open

Posted: June 6th, 2008, 4:24pm EDT

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One of the many great things about the craft beer industry is this: it doesn't take itself too damn seriously. Case in point, the Great Lakes Brewing News tournaments. A few months ago they held an NCAA "March Madness" styled tournament involving IPAs. Pale Ales from around the country were randomly picked to go heads up against each other, ala the March Madness brackets, for a final National IPA Champion. Users who visited their site and signed up could make their own bracket picks. It was pure genius. Since I unfortunately am not a genius I came in waaaay down near the bottom of the list.

Well, Great Lakes is back with another tournament -- the Global Warming Open! This one matches "refreshing summer beers against one another to determine the most refreshing beer in America." Now we're talking! As before, users can participate by picking the winners in each round. Go check out the brackets, sign up and make your predictions.

Think you can you beat the Mad Beer Man in a summertime throw down? I dare ya! No... I double dog dare ya! ;)

Weekend Brew Event Alert:

Bristol Brewing here in the Springs is having a small get-together for no particular reason on Saturday. Gotta love the BB Gang! Join 'em from 3pm - 5pm for original music from local favorite John Stone!

Rocky Mountain Brewery (625 Paonia St., Colorado Springs, just off Powers Blvd. near Platte -- the location of the defunct Blick's Brewery) is having their "official" unveiling Saturday. I have no details, but swing by and check it out if you can!

Great Divide is having their 14th Anniversary party up at their newly expanded brewery in Denver Saturday from 2pm - 6pm. A ten spot (all of which is being donated to charity) will get you beer, BBQ and live music from three different bands. Check out the 411 here!

Have a great weekend all!

Zivjeli!
June 03, 2008
Mojo + AOL + SoCoBX = no time!

Posted: June 3rd, 2008, 12:48pm EDT

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The old adage "I bit off more than I could chew" is one I'm rather familiar with of late. You'll never hear me say "I drank more beer than I could swallow," but the chewing thing... ya. At least metaphorically speaking.

So what's with all the gibberish in the title? Mojo refers to my weekly Beer Bucket List column I write for Mojo 135, which I'm having a ball with. AOL = the two video game websites (Massively and Big Download) that I write for - daily. But what the hell is SoCoBX?

Weeeeellll... that's my latest gig. Like I had nothing else to do, right? SoCoBX is a cute lil acronym I came up with for Southern Colorado Beer Examiner. As of yesterday, I'm the new SoCoBX - a place where I get to rant and rave specifically about Colorado beer. What better place to be a beer writer than in the Napa Valley of the Beer World, right?

All of that = no time to write here. At least for the moment. I'm in the midst of getting a schedule down so I get in a nice comfortable routine... a nirvana where I have time to play video games, drink beer and write about both of them! Bwaaaaaaaaahahaha!

Oh ya, and I'm working on a new website design. So if anyone out there in the great vastness of the Interweb has some mad HTML skillz they'd like to contribute -- give me a shout.

Please be patient and hang with me during this process. I promise it will be worth the wait!
May 29, 2008
The Colorado Beer Trail

Posted: May 29th, 2008, 3:30pm EDT

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You know craft beer has hit the big time when it gets talked about in Time magazine. But not just any craft beer -- Colorado craft beer.

Joel Stein wrote up an interesting article last month called "The Colorado Beer Trail" in which the intrepid, non-beer drinking reporter tagged along with the Big Beer Kahuna himself, Scott Kerkmans (Chief Beer Officer for Four Points by Sheraton), for a tour of Denver-area breweries.

It's a really good article, even if it's written by someone who - before going on this excursion - proclaimed not to like beer. Hey, it's OK not to like beer... my wife really doesn't, but too often beer articles written for mainstream media are done so by people who not only don't like beer, but can't tell the difference between a Hefe and an IPA. At least Joel sounds like he knows what he's talking about, thus he can accurately convey to readers what he was drinking and experiencing. There's nothing worse than a writer writing about something they know nothing about. It does a huge disservice to the writer, the magazine (or website), and most importantly... the very topic being written about. If uninformed, it might actually sway the opinion of someone who doesn't know better.

While you're reading the article be sure to check out the accompanying photo montage taken by David Bowman. There's some really good pics in there.

Oh, and Mr. Kerkmans... about that bus tour of Denver-area breweries - call me! ;)
May 26, 2008
Beer Tap TV

Posted: May 26th, 2008, 11:31am EDT

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What's better than watching TV while drinking a good craft beer? Watching TV about good craft beer while drinking a good craft beer!

Apparently Erik Boles and Dusty Frazier had that same idea, cuz they're the creators and hosts of the new internet television show Beer Tap TV.

According to the website Beer Tap TV is more than just a drinking show. After watching the first episode I agree. Erik and Dusty have good on camera chemistry and they chat up Colorado brews (Bristol's Red Rocket and Breckenridge's Avalanche Ale) in a way that will make even beer geek noobs want to tune in. They "edumicate" viewers (myself included) as they articulate the finer points of craft beery goodness.

Iroincially, neither of the beers they discuss (and taste) are ones I personally care for, but hey... different strokes for different folks. That's why there are so many breweries making so many beers. Successfully. The craft beer industry done blowed up people!

Embedded below is the first episode, but do yourself a favor and get on over to their website, register, and become a part of the BeerTap community that Erik and Dusty hold as dearly as they do a pint of fine craft beer. The show is for the people and they want to hear from the people. So go!

P.S. Look for me on an upcoming episode. ;)
May 25, 2008
Sunday Suds

Posted: May 25th, 2008, 12:00pm EDT

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What's this -- a Sunday post?! Has hell frozen over? Have the macro-brewers learned the error of their mass produced crap beer ways and just given up? Uh... no. But tomorrow is an extra day off, and right now I need to rest after the long day spent outside in the yard doing things that should have been done weeks ago.

Which means we in fact did not go to the Beaver Creek Blues and Brews fest as originally planned. Fran and I woke up Saturday morning and realized that we were just too tired to get up and go drinking -- again. Plus, there was the little fact that when we called to cancel our reservations, it was snowing in Avon. Snowing. On Memorial Day Weekend.

And why were we too tired to go to a festival of fun and frivolity that also included three of my most favorite things in all the world (blues, brews and BBQ)? Because our Northern California vacation was nothing short of a week long bender. A human body can only consume so much beer. Plus, my taste buds felt like they were dragged over a field of dead, dry hops. Enough is enough. Besides, we're having a get together today... to drink beer. So not all is lost to yard work!

Vacations are a duel edged sword. It's all fun in the sun while you're there, but when you get back you wish you hadn't left in the first place. Hell, I already need a vacation from the vacation, and I've only been back (to work) a few days. Speaking of... I'm going to be heavily inundated with my mortgage paying "day job" through next week, but I wanted to hoist a few beers thoughts up here just to let you know I'm still alive.

Here are the breweries, wineries, and beer bars we actually hit during our drinkstorming adventure through Northern California:

Wednesday the 14th
Toronado Pub (the next place I'll be writing about on The Beer Bucket List)
21st Amendment Brewery

Friday the 16th
Sterling Vineyards
August Briggs Winery
Cuvaison Winery
Silverado Brewing Company
Calistoga Inn (which houses Napa Valley Brewing)
Hydro Bar & Grill

Sunday the 18th
Russian River Brewing Company

Tuesday the 20th
Mac & Jack's inside the Seattle-Tacoma Airport on the way home

Needles to say, lots of drinking was done. However, I do have detailed notes on most of these places, so expect a series of write-ups. Hopefully.

Oh, and it looks like I might have another beer writing gig or two lined up. More on those as (if) they solidify. Don't wanna jinx anything ya know! ;) And I thought I was busy before. HA!

Hop(e) everyone has a great Memorial Day Weekend. What's left of it anyway. So drink heartily... but drink responsibly.

Zivjeli!
May 23, 2008
Blues, Brews & BBQs!

Posted: May 23rd, 2008, 4:28pm EDT

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If you find yourself with nothing to do this weekend, head on up to the Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort in Avon, Colorado, for their annual Blues, Brews and BBQ Festival. Hey, at least it's beautiful up there. Just be sure you can drink at elevation!

This year the blues music will be provided by Marc Broussard (2:00 to 4:30 pm) , Marcia Ball (4:30 to 6:00 pm), and Donna Jean and the Tricksters (12:00 to 2:00 pm). Top BBQ chefs from Kansas City, Des Moines, Iowa, Colorado and other BBQ-y locations nationwide will be cooking up some great food and providing demonstrations. So if you fancy yourself some kinda BBQ genius... you'll want to be there.

Oh, and there's one other thing... the brew. What's the BB&B without the brew?! Beaver Creek supposedly hosts "the largest Colorado Microbrewery Beer Tasting in the state." Ya, not really. Fran and I have been 3 times in a row and while they tout 35 Colorado-based breweries, there most certainly was not that many last year. In fact, each year's fest has gotten smaller and smaller. We'll see what happens this year.

Hope to see you there. If not... have a great memory-laden Memorial Day Weekend! Drink heartily, but drink responsibly!

Zivjeli!
May 13, 2008
Brews, Blues and Laughter

Posted: May 13th, 2008, 10:31am EDT

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Fran and I have lived in Colorado for almost 6 years now and it still amazes us how often we find new experiences. Those of you who know us, or run with us in the "Professional Drinker's Tour," know we like to travel the width and breadth of this great state (affectionately and appropriately entitled "Beerstate, USA" by my buddy, John "The Beer Hermit" Morrissey) looking for great beer (and soon wine and spirits), blues, food and bars.

We found all of that this past weekend down in Canon City, Colorado, a mere hour southwest of Colorado Springs. Anyone who has visited the Royal Gorge (or has a fetish for jails) has likely gone through Canon City because Highway 50 runs smack through town. Well, now they have two more claims to fame. One seriously kick ass fun brewfest and one seriously kick ass fun brew pub. First the brewfest... the 4th annual Brew Ha-Ha.

In my previous post I listed the 20 breweries that would be in attendance, and they were all there dolling out some of the finest brews available. A couple really popped out. I'm a Hefe fan, and while I like nearly all the hefe's made in the region, the one that continues to stand out is the Hefe Suave from San Luis Valley Brewing Company. It's the frakin' bomb! Sadly, while they are finally bottling this fine elixir, it's still not available in Colorado Springs. Sometime soon Fran and I are gonna have to truck out to San Luis Valley and stock up!

The great thing about hefes, and all craft beers really, is the diversity they bring. Everyone likes something different, and with all the craft brews available you're sure to find one you like. It also gives credence to the notion that there simply can't be too many breweries. The industry is exploding, and as more people learn that they don't have to stand for Macro-Crap-Beer, the demand for craft beer is only going to grow.

Case in point, two smaller breweries in the southern end of Colorado. First, McClellan's Grill & Brewing Company in Canon City. This brew pub is owned and operated by Joe and Dana McClellan, who have created an absolutely amazing beer oasis in the heart of a small (but growing) town. The after-party for the Brew Ha-Ha was held here, complete with a helluva fine reggae playing band (with their own killer twist) who's name escapes me at the moment (sorry guys and gals!). Joe and Dana pride themselves on quality "Americelt" eats, ales and atmosphere and they have all three in spades! The food was fantastic, the ales (the Blonde in particular) are awesome, and the atmosphere, well... you need to check it out for yourself. Fran and I are already planning our next trip down there just to hang out with Joe and Dana and all the fine folks at McClellan's on a night that isn't quite so... crazy. ;)

While at the Brew Ha-Ha (as well as the after-party) I was fortuitous enough to meet and hang out with Jeff Aragon, the owner and head brewer of Trinidad Brewing Company. Trinidad is about as far south on I-25 as you can get before running into New Mexico. They had a few offerings at the fest (of their many that they serve up at their brew pub) that absolutely knocked my taste buds in the dirt -- in a good way! Their Bon Carbo Stout weighs in at a robust 8.9% ABV. It's black in color, which is good since "bon carbo" means good coal. Don't worry, it tastes better than coal! Fran and I already have plans to head down Trinidad way later this summer and live the experience that is TBC.

I also met the man who has the single greatest job (other than Zane Lamprey that is) in the history of humanity. Scott Kerkmans is the Chief Beer Officer for Four Points by Sheraton, the third largest hotel chain in the world. He decides what beers go into each of them, which requires him to scour the globe and drinking beer. (sigh) What I didn't know was that he got his start at Alaskan Brewing Company (which just started distributing their brews here in Colorado). He was a guest server at their booth and we got to chatting. Recently Scott held an open call for an apprentice; they received over 1,000 applicants and finally narrowed it down to 10 people. They planned on picking the finalist this week. Good luck whoever you are... ya lucky bastich!

OK, I've rambled enough, but that's alright because Fran and I are heading to Northern California for a few days. While there we'll (for sure) be hitting the famed Toronado Pub and 21st Amendment Brewery in San Francisco. Our sojourn will also take us to the Napa Valley, where we'll be stopping by the August Briggs Winery, Sterling Vineyards, and staying at the Calistoga Inn for a night. With any luck we'll be able to swing by the Russian River Brewing Company in Santa Rosa to toast the opening of their brand new brewery.

Needless to say I'll have a lot to talk about when we get back! Until then... Zivjeli!
May 09, 2008
TGIF BeeRoundup Cavalcade of suds!

Posted: May 9th, 2008, 12:45pm EDT

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A man with a plan: Bury me in a beer can!

Bill Bramanti, a 67-year-old South Chicago Heights man, loves him some PBR. So much so that he ordered a custom-made beer can casket to show his undying love... which he will take into the hereafter.

He doesn't plan on needing it anytime soon, but using it? Hell yes! Last weekend he threw a party to show it off and filled the sucker with ice and 15 cases of his favorite brew. Bramanti bought the custom casket from Panozzo Bros. Funeral Home in Chicago Heights, while Scott Sign Co. designed the beer can.

"Why put such a great novelty piece up on a shelf in storage when you could use it only the way Bill Bramanti would use it?" said Cathy Bramanti (his daughter).

Now there's a man after my own heart... and guess what I'm gonna be buried in when it's time for the very "Last Call"?! OOOOH YAAA!

==========

Beer Cocktails and Mixers are making a comeback.

According to an article in am New York, beer cocktails are making a comeback.

Karyn Seltzer is the general manager for Telephone Bar & Grill, an English pub in the East Village which specializes in beer cocktails. She says: "Now there are lots of breweries and people are becoming beer connoisseurs, and looking at beer similarly to wine." Amen sister.

In fact, they've been serving "beer cocktails" for 20 years. Try these bad boys on for size:
- Black Velvet: made from Guinness and champagne
- Shandy: a mixture of ale or lager with 7-Up
- Snakebite: lager and cider with black-currant ribena (syrup)
- Telephone Lager and Lime: light lager and key lime juice
On a recent sojourn to Edelweiss (our fave German restaurant here in Colorado Springs), they too had several beer mixers available, such as Pilsner and Coke (or Sprite), and Erdinger Hefe with Coke. I know, it sounds horrid, but they're fantastic! Give 'em a try next time you see them.

==========

Obama woes blue collars with brew.

According to a report from -- of all places -- the Telegraph in Great Britain, Barack Obama "may have found the answer to his troubles in a place familiar to millions of Americans: the pub." So that's how the Brits think of us , huh? ;)

Apparently aware that blue collar voters saw him as "uppity" following his remarks about “bitter” small town Americans, Obama recently visited three pubs in Indiana and North Carolina in order to "boost his credibility with the working class."

A few day ago Obama visited the Raleigh Times Bar and found himself momentarily beerless. "Where's my beer?" he asked.

Point for Obama in my book. After doing some research about the RT Bar, they have some serious kick ass beers! Check out their beer menu... it's jam packed with beery greatness! I'm adding this to the list of bars we need to check out some day!

But what does ole Obi-wan-Obama reach for? "PBR," he said, choosing Pabst Blue Ribbon.

Ugh.

Oh, but it gets worse. While in Pennsylvania last week he was seen drinking Yuengling, America's "oldest brewery." They make some great beers mind you, but this is where my admiration for him waned. He double-checked the name of the beer to make sure it wasn't "some designer beer or something".

Point lost Mr. Obama.
May 07, 2008
Do you have Mojo!?

Posted: May 7th, 2008, 1:16pm EDT

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Drinkin' ain't easy. And writin' about drinkin' while you're drinkin' ain't any easier... but it sure is fun!

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines the word mojo as "a magic spell, hex, or charm." The Urban dictionary's definition is a bit more focused: "your cool/style essence; that quality, often elusive, that sets a person apart from everyone else." In effect, the word "magic" can replace "mojo" in virtually every scenario.

Well, it's ironic then that my particular "cool magical writing style" (cough) has caught the attention of the folks at Mojo. You know, the high-def television network responsible for the greatest TV show known to mankind -- Three Sheets. I may have rant and raved about a it few times here.

Well, guess who's gonna be writing for them? Thaaaaaaaaat's right.

They have a new section on their website called Mojo 135. It's a place for those who have mojo -- and an opinion; "where the knowledgeable (that'd be me, about beers and bars at least) share their experiences and exchange their ideas." And if you've been reading my beer confessions for any length of time you know I don't mind giving out my opinions. One of their slogans is: "Life is how you see it." Let me tweak it a bit with my own special mojo-sauce: "Life is how you see it, so attack it. It's going to kill you anyway."

I'll be writing up a few different things, but primarily I'll be expanding on a list I started here on my blog, my beer bars everyone with a pulse must visit before they die list. The name of the segment on 135 will be called The Beer Bucket List. In fact, the first one went live today!

So do you have the mojo it takes to join me on this beertastic journey?
May 06, 2008
Surfside eats & alcoholic treats at Palapa's

Posted: May 6th, 2008, 11:25am EDT

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I'm going to shift gears away from beer for a few minutes because I want to give a big shout out to Palapa's Surfside restaurant. I first heard about Palapa's from our local food critic, Nathanial Glenn (a guy I admire as much for his writing as for his culinary opinions), who penned a fantastic review of the place in the March 20 edition of the Gazette.

Everything in his review is dead on accurate, down to the several groups of people who (still, after being opened since January) walked in (seemingly straight off the prairie; apparently their one trip to the "big city" every week), looked at the menu, and walked out. Part of that I'm sure has to do with the prices at Palapa's, which are higher then other places. Golden Corral all-you-can-eat-and-hope-to-digest buffet dining this (THANKFULLY!) is not. No, Palapa's is a one of kind restaurant... especially here in Colorado Springs, where chain restaurants and their bland food is loved by the unwashed masses. The old adage "you get what you pay for" could not be more accurate.

*I do want to state that there are some exceptional restaurants here (Blue Star, Edelweiss, The Famous, and Phantom Canyon to name a few).

In his article Nathaniel briefly mentioned one of the entrées -- the Scallops of Love. What he failed to mention was just how damn good -- scratch that, great -- they are. Simply put, these scallops are hands down the best Fran or I have ever had. Period. Dot. Exclamation point. Keep in mind that this statement comes from two people who lived in the the San Francisco Bay Area for over 20 years, a place where fresh seafood is part and parcel of everyday life. SF is to fresh seafood and top notch cuisine as Colorado Springs is to gorgeous mountain vistas and amazingly fresh buffalo steaks. Colorado Springs needs a place like Palapa's.

But it's not just the food that's so great. Nate Windham, the "much-loved mixologist from The Red Martini" is the joint's executive bartender. Any restaurant that takes their drinks as serious as their food is a winner in my book. See, Nate is to spirits as I am to beer. He's a Spirit Geek through and through and knows as much about the history of alcohol as how to mix them.

Ironically, Palapa's only serves bottled beer (Odell's, so beer lovers like myself do have good options). They have nothing on tap. But Nate is so knowledgeable about spirits (and only serves the best) that he had me downing a shot of Tequila with some kind of "traditional" chaser that made me want more. Those of you who know me know I over indulged as a youth on Tequila (thanks Joe!), so I practically dry heave at the mere smell of the stuff. Well, not anymore. The man is an alchemist... a true Liquid Engineer.

Nate is joined at the bar by Joey and Sean, his liquid engineering apprentices. All three combined to make some of the best mixed drinks we've ever had the joy of sampling, and made our anniversary evening a truly special one. But more then that... they made us feel at home. And for Fran and I, who pride ourselves on being consummate Bar Flys -- bartenders make or break a bar. If we don't like the atmosphere at the bar we're not coming back. Palapa's has some of the best barkeeps in the entire city. We'll not only be back, but we're brining the entire Professional Drinker's Tour with us next time!

But don't take our word for it. Aside from Glenn's review in the Gazette, Palapa's recently received another rave review from Matthew Schniper, the food dude at the Independent.

This is a great restaurant located in an area of Colorado Springs overran with chain drek (i.e., Chili's, TGIF, Ruby Tuesday's, Red Robins, etc.). It needs your patronage in order to keep on tickin... and Fran and I need you to need it so we can keep on eatin' the freshest seafood this side of a coastal town, and drinkin' some of the best spirits money can buy. So if you're in the mood for something more refined then a bagde wearin' buffoon who doesn't know the difference between medium and well-done... Palapa's is the place you need to be.
May 03, 2008
4th Annual Brew Ha Ha!

Posted: May 3rd, 2008, 11:50am EDT

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Like beer? Like to laugh? If you said "no" to either one... sorry for you. Life must really suck for you, huh?

For everyone else though... Canon City (not "Canyon" as I had it originally; that's what happens when you fly without an editor!) is having their 4th annual Brew Ha Ha on Saturday, May 10, from 3:00 - 6:00 pm in Veteran's Park (3rd St. & Highway 50). There will be more than 20 of the state's top brewers (and a pair of national brewers). Here's a list of who will be serving up the brew:
- Alaskan Brewing (Juneau, AK)
- Amica’s (Salida) – Brewer Mike LaCroix
- Arctic Craft Brewery (Colorado Springs) – Brewer John Dunfee
- Big Sky Brewing (Missoula, MT)
- Bristol Brewing (Colorado Springs) – Brewer Jason Yester
- Carver Brewing Company (Durango) - Brewer Ken Andrews
- Durango Brewing Co. - Scott Bickert
- Flying Dog - (Denver) - Stephanie Kerchner
- Great Divide Brewing (Denver) - Mary Valles
- Gunnison Brewery (Gunnison) – Assistant Brewer Keith
- Left Hand Brewery (Longmont) – Josh Breckel
- McClellan’s Grill & Brewing (Cañon City) – Brewer Jeff Lockhart & Owner Joe McClellan
- New Belgium Brewing (Fort Collins) – Travis Flett
- Odell Brewing (Fort Collins) - Kirk Simpson
- Oskar Blues Grill & Brew (Lyons) - Katie Jones
- Rock Bottom Brewery (Colorado Springs) - Head Brewer Jason Leeman
- San Luis Valley Brewery (Monte Vista) - Brewer Angie Graber
- Shamrock Brewery (Pueblo) - Brewer Alan Styles
- Ska Brewing (Durango) – Arlo Gramatica
- Trinidad Brewing Company (Trinidad) - Brewer Jeff Aragon
That's one helluva major league lineup people!

Along with the free flowing brew some top-notch stand-up comedians will be on stage to make folks laugh -- Gretchen Hess, Bob Meddles, Frank Schuchat and Gina Trammell!

And here's where it really gets good... at 6 p.m. the Atomic Fireballs, featuring Carlos Crull and Johnny Watson, will be playing everything from blues, jump and swing music to jazz and country! Oh, but it gets better! Texas blues guitarist Buddy Whittington will be joining the Fireballs! And who is Buddy Whittington ? Oh, only the "Godfather of the British Blues." He's been the lead guitarist for John Mayall's band (the Bluesbreakers, a band that the legendary Eric Clapton once played with) for the past 14 years!

Brews and Blues? Oh hell... I'm so there!
May 02, 2008
I see a Cicerone!

Posted: May 2nd, 2008, 12:51pm EDT

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Ray Daniels is a veteran of the US beer industry and current president of the Craft Beer Institute. He also created the Cicerone Certification Program. Last month Ray went to San Diego (and the 2008 World Beer Cup Championships) to hold the first exam for Certified Cicerone status. Five candidates passed the grueling three and a half hour test which included 200 fill-in-the blank and short-answers, as well as three essay questions. Additionally, they each had to sample 12 beers an-- and guess what they were -- in the tasting portion of the exam.

Each of the five candidates scored an amazing 70% or higher on the tasting portion! SEVENTY PERCENT! That's crazy good taste buds people! What's more, each scored 80% or above overall, becoming the first to carry the title of "Certified Cicerone." These prestigious five are:
- Rob Gerrity - Sierra Nevada Brewing Company
- Scott Kerkmans - Four Points by Sheraton
- Ron Kloth - Papago Brewing Company
- Andrew Waer - Unaffiliated
- Neil Witte - Boulevard Brewing Company
Congrats to these bold pioneers and to a whole new level of beer respect!

* Since January, a total of 115 people have passed the Certified Beer Server exam and are now eligible to take the Certified Cicerone exam.
April 30, 2008
Bristol Brewing May Blowout

Posted: April 30th, 2008, 11:18am EDT

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This Sunday, May 4, Bristol Brewing Company will be open for a special occasion down here in Colorado Springs. From 1 - 4pm they'll have some kick ass apateasers from the Margarita at Pine Creek, live music by Woodworks, and they'll be donating a buck for every pint poured to the Colorado Farm and Art Market.

Here's the real reason I want to go... Skull 'n Bones Aged Wheat.

What's that you say? What about Cinco de Mayo? Well, Bristol will be celebrating that too with the release of their chile beer!
April 23, 2008
Time flies when your drinkin' beer!

Posted: April 23rd, 2008, 10:45am EDT

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I've come to a conclusion. There's not enough time in the dang day or enough days in the dang week! From a physical standpoint I don't mind being 41. Age is just a number, and you're only as "old" as you allow yourself to be. But how the hell is it that time continues to speed up at an exponentially greater rate than is humanly conceivable? I feel like I don't have nearly enough time in the day to get everything accomplished.

I mean, there's work to trot off to every stinkin' day. There's dealing with housely chores that spring up frequently and out of the blue. There's a 90-pound Malamute that needs constant attention and taking care of. There's enjoying time with my wife who is a saint for putting up with all my flaws and hobbies. Daily workouts to keep up with - what, you don't think I'm genetically blessed with this "svelte" bod drinking all this beer do you? Speaking of... there's an ocean full of beer to drink and a library of video games to play - and then write about in order to justify all the drinking and game playing. Thank God I don't have any kids! Speaking of...

No doubt you've heard the new radio spot for Kaiser-Permenente's "Thrive" campaign about how being a kid is a busy job, right? Well, being a middle-aged man-child ain't no pint of beer lady! I honestly have no idea where the time goes. Is it leaking from some orifice, or is my mind slipping a tad more then it was a month ago?

Whatever... beer will fix 'er right up. Lots and lots of beer.

So yes, I'm still alive just very, very busy. I think I have a tad too many irons in the fire. We'll see. Hopefully one of those irons will start to burn brightly here soon and I can wallow in a bath of beer (like Zane did when he went to the Czech Republic).

Bit I digress...

For now enjoy the hilarious "Real Men of Genius" audio clips off on the right sidebar. I finally got around to fixing them so they all work now. And I'll be adding lots more soon! Just don't try to download them - because you can't. Last thing I need is a C&D from the Big A-B.