While local culinary artists show off their considerable talents at a sumptuous harvest feast on Sept. 15, its guests will be also served up some local music and fun during the Peninsula Local Food Chef Showoff, an evening filled with food, presentations, displays, and resources on how to connect young farmers, and every day residents with our fast-disappearing farmland.
Keynote speakers include:
Nash Huber of Nash's Organics in Sequim. Huber, the American Farmland Trust's 2008 "Farmer of the Year" is a nationwide leader of and advocate for the preservation of farmland.
Kate Dean formerly of Mt. Townsend Creamery. Dean, renowned for her fabulous, high quality local artisan cheeses, has become well-known for her efforts in structuring creative ways of connecting young farmers with landowners.
Details:
Peninsula Local Food Chef Showoff
Tuesday, September 15, 4-10 p.m.
President's Hall, Kitsap Fairgrounds,
1200 NW Fairgrounds Road, Bremerton
Tickets: $25 in advance, $30 at the door
Order on line www.LocalFoodChefShowoff.org
Purchase in person at:
Monica's Waterfront Bakery and Cafe, 3472 NW Byron Street, Old Town Silverdale, WA; 360-698-2991
Hi-Lo’s Café, 2720 15th St., Bremerton, 360-373-7833; C.J.’s General Store, 1417 Park Ave, Bremerton, 360-479-2708
Pheasant Fields Farm, 13274 Clear Creek Rd NW , Silverdale, 360-697-6224
CBParkshore, 4235 SE Mile Hill Dr., Port Orchard, 360-871-2332
This event is open to the public and all ages are welcome.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Belgian Beer Me! Last Call for October Tours
Always wanted to drink your way through Western Europe? Belgian Beer Me! has two trips this October that still have room.
• The Best Damn Farmhouse Ale Tour of Belgium & France, Oct. 12-17, 2009, Six Days, Five Nights --$1495 land only, $325 single supplement.
• The Lonely Monks Trappist Tour of Belgium & the Netherlands, Oct. 17-27, 2009, Ten Days, Nine Nights -- $2695 land only, $325 single supplement.
While both tours have themes, travelers will experience a wide range of Belgian beer styles during the tours.
Deadline to sign up is Sept. 10, 2009. Please visit Belgianbeerme.com for details.
• The Best Damn Farmhouse Ale Tour of Belgium & France, Oct. 12-17, 2009, Six Days, Five Nights --$1495 land only, $325 single supplement.
• The Lonely Monks Trappist Tour of Belgium & the Netherlands, Oct. 17-27, 2009, Ten Days, Nine Nights -- $2695 land only, $325 single supplement.
While both tours have themes, travelers will experience a wide range of Belgian beer styles during the tours.
Deadline to sign up is Sept. 10, 2009. Please visit Belgianbeerme.com for details.
Brewpublic One Year Anniversary
Brewpublic.com celebrates their one year anniversary with two events featuring one-of-a-kind craft beers, art and giveaways. These two special events were planned with the beer geek in mind.Brewpublic One Year Anniversary Party
Friday October 9, 2009
Saraveza (1004 N. Killingsworth, PDX)
Brewpublic kicks off a spectacular weekend at Saraveza with a special hand selected one-of-a-kind brew from Lagunita's cellars as well as other unique pours. There will also be a raffle, and giveaways. This special event will also feature a video art installation dedicated to craft beer by Matthew DiTullo.
Brewpublic Killer Beer Fest
Saturday October 10, 2009
Bailey's Taproom (213 SW Broadway, PDX) 4PM-Midnight
On this special night during Portland's Fresh Hop weekend, Brewpublic has curated a line-up of never-tasted-before beers from the Pacific Northwest. Barrel-aged brews, Belgian-style specialties, and other one of a kind and one-off brews from Cascade Brewing, Double Mountain, Fort George, Big Horse, Standing Stone, Block-15, Deschutes, Beer Valley, Lucky Lab, Laurelwood, Lompoc, Amnesia, Pyramid, Seven Brides, Ninkasi, Upright, Vertigo, Oakshire, Hopworks, Rock Bottom, and more. Most of these beers will not be available again; they will be offered in 10 oz and 20 oz imperial pints, as well as sample trays.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Green Dragon Mini Beer Fest Rescheduled
Due to scheduling conflicts, the dates for the Inaugural Mini Beer Festival have changed from August 29th & 30th to September 19th & 20th.
On Saturday September 19th from 11:00am to 9:00pm and Sunday September 20th from 11:00am to 7:00pm, the city of Portland will close down SE 9th Street between SE Belmont and SE Yamhill for the 1st Annual Mini Beer Fest. The event will feature 30+ independent Oregon-based breweries that brew no-more-than 1,000 barrels per year, providing festival goers with exciting, hardto-find beers.
Each brewer will bring 2 different styles of beer with them to pour during the Mini Beer Fest. Some of the breweries include:
* Alameda Brewing Co. * Calapooia Brewing Co. * Klamath Basin Brewing
* Fort George Brewery * Block 15 Brewery * Fearless Brewing
* Hair of the Dog Brewing * Vertigo Brewing * Three Creeks Brewing
* Fanno Creek Brewing * Upright Brewing * 10 Barrel Brewing
* Old Market Pub * Seven Brides Brewing * Wet Dog Cafe
* Eugene City Brewery
Attendees will be able to take their favorite beers home with them in bottles, growlers and kegs to go. If the beer is not enough to keep cool, tours of the Green Dragon’s 1,040 square foot, glow-in-the-dark cooler will be held hourly. Other activities include:
12:00 to 5:00 - Dog Wash
12:00 to 4:00 - Washers Tournament
11:00 to 9:00 - Free Pinball
11:00 to 9:00 - Free Shuffleboard
Mini Beer Fest is 100% dog-friendly and owners are encouraged to bring their companions
with them. A portion of the proceeds from the Mini Beer Festival will benefit the Portlandbased
Pixie Project, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing animal adoption in a
nurturing environment and affording access to spay and neuter services for everyone.
With a $10.00 paid admission, each attendee will receive 5 taster tickets. Additional tickets will be sold for $1.00 each.
On Saturday September 19th from 11:00am to 9:00pm and Sunday September 20th from 11:00am to 7:00pm, the city of Portland will close down SE 9th Street between SE Belmont and SE Yamhill for the 1st Annual Mini Beer Fest. The event will feature 30+ independent Oregon-based breweries that brew no-more-than 1,000 barrels per year, providing festival goers with exciting, hardto-find beers.
Each brewer will bring 2 different styles of beer with them to pour during the Mini Beer Fest. Some of the breweries include:
* Alameda Brewing Co. * Calapooia Brewing Co. * Klamath Basin Brewing
* Fort George Brewery * Block 15 Brewery * Fearless Brewing
* Hair of the Dog Brewing * Vertigo Brewing * Three Creeks Brewing
* Fanno Creek Brewing * Upright Brewing * 10 Barrel Brewing
* Old Market Pub * Seven Brides Brewing * Wet Dog Cafe
* Eugene City Brewery
Attendees will be able to take their favorite beers home with them in bottles, growlers and kegs to go. If the beer is not enough to keep cool, tours of the Green Dragon’s 1,040 square foot, glow-in-the-dark cooler will be held hourly. Other activities include:
12:00 to 5:00 - Dog Wash
12:00 to 4:00 - Washers Tournament
11:00 to 9:00 - Free Pinball
11:00 to 9:00 - Free Shuffleboard
Mini Beer Fest is 100% dog-friendly and owners are encouraged to bring their companions
with them. A portion of the proceeds from the Mini Beer Festival will benefit the Portlandbased
Pixie Project, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing animal adoption in a
nurturing environment and affording access to spay and neuter services for everyone.
With a $10.00 paid admission, each attendee will receive 5 taster tickets. Additional tickets will be sold for $1.00 each.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Top Honors at the 2009 Washington IPA Challenge
On Saturday, August 22, 16 judges gathered at Beveridge Place Pub, located in Seattle, Washington, for a blind evaluation of 36 IPA and Imperial IPA entries. The Washington IPA Challenge was a chance for some of Washington’s breweries, very few of which distribute beer outside of the Northwest, to compete with select well-regarded IPAs from around the country.
In this inaugural year of the challenge, Firestone Walker Union Jack IPA, from Firestone Walker Brewing Co. in Paso Robles, California, was judged the winning IPA out of 19 entries. Marin White Knuckle Double IPA, from Marin Brewing Company in Larkspur, California, was judged the winning Imperial IPA out of 17 entries. Congratulations to both breweries for winning a competition that was packed with outstanding examples of the styles. For the rest of the field, the saying “Everyone is a winner” truly applied to the IPAs in this competition. As this was a competition with a Washington focus, a big congrats goes out to Big Time Brewing for taking second place in the IPA category with their Scarlet Fire IPA!
Beveridge Place Pub also had 12 Washington IPAs on tap for the occasion for public consumption, and customers voted for their favorites. The tap handles were blank, with only numbers to order samples by so that there was no bias in the customers’ voting. Rock Bottom Hop Bomb IPA, from the Rock Bottom in Bellevue, Washington, tallied the most votes (in a serious landslide) to claim the Customer Favorite award from the Challenge. For the Hop Bomb, this award follows up a Gold medal at GABF in 2008 and a Silver medal at GABF in 2007. Cheers to brewer Brian Young for his continued success!
For more complete results of the Challenge, please visit seattlebeernews.com. This year’s winners will be invited back to defend their crown in 2010.
In this inaugural year of the challenge, Firestone Walker Union Jack IPA, from Firestone Walker Brewing Co. in Paso Robles, California, was judged the winning IPA out of 19 entries. Marin White Knuckle Double IPA, from Marin Brewing Company in Larkspur, California, was judged the winning Imperial IPA out of 17 entries. Congratulations to both breweries for winning a competition that was packed with outstanding examples of the styles. For the rest of the field, the saying “Everyone is a winner” truly applied to the IPAs in this competition. As this was a competition with a Washington focus, a big congrats goes out to Big Time Brewing for taking second place in the IPA category with their Scarlet Fire IPA!
Beveridge Place Pub also had 12 Washington IPAs on tap for the occasion for public consumption, and customers voted for their favorites. The tap handles were blank, with only numbers to order samples by so that there was no bias in the customers’ voting. Rock Bottom Hop Bomb IPA, from the Rock Bottom in Bellevue, Washington, tallied the most votes (in a serious landslide) to claim the Customer Favorite award from the Challenge. For the Hop Bomb, this award follows up a Gold medal at GABF in 2008 and a Silver medal at GABF in 2007. Cheers to brewer Brian Young for his continued success!
For more complete results of the Challenge, please visit seattlebeernews.com. This year’s winners will be invited back to defend their crown in 2010.
Wanna be a brewer? Oregon dream job up for grabs
Whether you pride yourself on your home brewing skills (or wish you had some) this may be the chance of a lifetime.
Today, Travel Oregon launched the “Cuisinternship” (pronounced: quiz-een-turn-ship) contest, which will award seven lucky people with the opportunity to shadow a notable Oregon culinary personality in a week-long cuisine-internship. The winner of the Brew Master category will spend their time making craft beer with Jamie Emmerson of Hood River’s Full Sail Brewery.
Entries will be accepted through September 18th at www.traveloregon.com/bounty.
Applicants will need to submit a short video, along with a statement of 140 characters or less saying why you are the best candidate for this dream job opportunity. Go forth and brew!
Today, Travel Oregon launched the “Cuisinternship” (pronounced: quiz-een-turn-ship) contest, which will award seven lucky people with the opportunity to shadow a notable Oregon culinary personality in a week-long cuisine-internship. The winner of the Brew Master category will spend their time making craft beer with Jamie Emmerson of Hood River’s Full Sail Brewery.
Entries will be accepted through September 18th at www.traveloregon.com/bounty.
Applicants will need to submit a short video, along with a statement of 140 characters or less saying why you are the best candidate for this dream job opportunity. Go forth and brew!
Reunion '09 pint night at Naked City Taphouse
Naked City Taphouse Tuesday, is hosting a special event tomorrow, August 25th, at 6pm, welcoming Alan Shapiro from SBS Imports and showcasing this year's Reunion - A Beer for Hope (www.reunionbeer.com).
When you purchase a pint of Reunion, you will receive a limited edition Reunion '09 pint glass (while supplies last), and proceeds for the event will benefit The Institute for Myeloma & Bone Cancer Research (www.imbcr.org).
Naked City Taphouse, 8564 Greenwood Ave N., Seattle, WA 98103
When you purchase a pint of Reunion, you will receive a limited edition Reunion '09 pint glass (while supplies last), and proceeds for the event will benefit The Institute for Myeloma & Bone Cancer Research (www.imbcr.org).
Naked City Taphouse, 8564 Greenwood Ave N., Seattle, WA 98103
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Buffalo Trace Bourbon Barrel Aged DOA Now on Tap!
Buffalo Trace bourbon barrel aged DOA on tap at Hopworks Urban Brewery in Portland, Oregon! This is the first beer in their limited release, "single barrel" series.
Buffalo Trace Distillery is a distillery located in Frankfort, Kentucky producing bourbon since 1870, and stands as the oldest distilling site in the United States. It’s flagship bourbon is Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (introduced in August 1999). The distillery is located on what was once an ancient buffalo crossing on the banks of the Kentucky River in Franklin County. Buffalo Trace Whiskey is a tribute to the American bison that created paths followed by America's early pioneers.
This is the first beer aged in the barrel, and as a result, has much of the same aroma and flavors as the whiskey. Buffalo Trace Whiskey won a gold medal at the 2007 San Francisco Spirits Competition. The taste is pleasantly sweet and contains notes of brown sugar and spice that give way to oak and leather.
9.5% ABV 16 Degress Plato 55 IBU
Visit HUB and grab a pint!
Buffalo Trace Distillery is a distillery located in Frankfort, Kentucky producing bourbon since 1870, and stands as the oldest distilling site in the United States. It’s flagship bourbon is Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (introduced in August 1999). The distillery is located on what was once an ancient buffalo crossing on the banks of the Kentucky River in Franklin County. Buffalo Trace Whiskey is a tribute to the American bison that created paths followed by America's early pioneers.
This is the first beer aged in the barrel, and as a result, has much of the same aroma and flavors as the whiskey. Buffalo Trace Whiskey won a gold medal at the 2007 San Francisco Spirits Competition. The taste is pleasantly sweet and contains notes of brown sugar and spice that give way to oak and leather.
9.5% ABV 16 Degress Plato 55 IBU
Visit HUB and grab a pint!
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Beer For A Cause
Laurelwood is very excited about their next bottled beer- Prevale IPA- to be released in 22 oz bottles on September 1st throughout Oregon and Western Washington. They're excited not only because their brewers have created a great Northwest-style IPA, but also because the proceeds from each bottle sold will go towards a great cause.
In collaboration with The Oregon Team in Training chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Laurelwood brewers created a benefit beer. They asked anyone with some inspiration and creativity to name the beer and after hundreds of entries Prevale was chosen as the winning name. A portion of the proceeds from every bottle will be donated to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society for cancer research.
They're planning a release party at their 51st and Sandy location in Portland, OR to kick off the release of this special beer. Watch their blog for more details soon. http://www.laurelwood.typepad.com/
Monday, August 17, 2009
The Wedge: Portland Celebrates Cheese Festival
Artisan, specialty, and farmstead cheese makers from throughout the Northwest will converge in Portland Saturday October 3, 2009, to celebrate the return of The Wedge: Portland Celebrates Cheese Festival.
The farmer’s market-style event will be hosted by Green Dragon Bistro & Brewpub in Southeast Portland (928 SE 9th Ave.). Event hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
SE 9th Avenue will be blocked off between Belmont and Yamhill to provide space for up to 35 cheese makers. The festival highlights the recent strong placements by Northwest cheese makers in the 26th Annual American Cheese Society Competition, held August 7th in Austin, Texas.
More detailed information will be posted shortly at www.dairyfarmersor.com or www.oregoncheeseguild.org.
The farmer’s market-style event will be hosted by Green Dragon Bistro & Brewpub in Southeast Portland (928 SE 9th Ave.). Event hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
SE 9th Avenue will be blocked off between Belmont and Yamhill to provide space for up to 35 cheese makers. The festival highlights the recent strong placements by Northwest cheese makers in the 26th Annual American Cheese Society Competition, held August 7th in Austin, Texas.
More detailed information will be posted shortly at www.dairyfarmersor.com or www.oregoncheeseguild.org.
Denver Rare Beer Tasting Tickets Are Getting Rare
Organizers of the inaugural Denver Rare Beer Tasting report that more than 20 of America’s leading craft brewers have committed to pour rare, limited edition and hard to find brews during the Sept. 25th event at the Wynkoop Brewery in Denver.
The event, presented by All About Beer Magazine, in cooperation with BeerAdvocate.com, will benefit Pints for Prostates, an awareness campaign aimed at encouraging men to have regular prostate health screenings and PSA tests. Breweries that have accepted invitations to the event include Allagash, Alaskan, Avery, Boston Beer, Bison, Brooklyn, Deschutes, Dogfish Head, Foothills, Founders, Harpoon, Highland, Jolly Pumpkin, Lost Abbey, Michelob, New Belgium, New Glarus, Odell, Rogue, Saranac, Stone, Stoudt, Victory and Wynkoop.
“This is a phenomenal collection of the best craft breweries in America. They have a real passion for great beer and the special beers they are bringing to this event are some of the hardest to find in the world,” said Daniel Bradford, publisher of All About Beer Magazine, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary. “The Denver Rare Beer Tasting is going to truly live up to its name and support a great cause: prostate cancer awareness.”
Each brewery at the event will be pouring one unique beer, including some vintage aged beers and brews that were made in extremely limited batches as part of special projects. A partial list of beers scheduled for the event includes:
Allagash Fluxus ’09: This saison from Maine is brewed with sweet potatoes and black pepper, weighing in at 8.3 percent alcohol by volume. Jason Perkins will represent the brewery.
Alaskan 1999 Vintage Smoked Porter: The last known draught keg of the 1999 vintage of Alaskan’s much decorated Smoked Porter. This beer will be served alongside a sample of 2008 Alaskan Smoked Porter for comparison.
Brooklyn Wild 1: This beer started off as a batch of the popular bottle-conditioned Brooklyn Local 1 farmhouse ale, then spent nine months in Bourbon barrels and then it was bottle conditioned with Belgian re-fermentation yeast and a strain of Brettanomyces bruxellensis. Only 80 cases were made for consumption by Brooklyn Brewery staff. Garrett Oliver will represent the brewery.
Deschutes Black Butte Porter XX: Brewed in 2008 to celebrate Deschutes’ 20th anniversary, this 11 percent alcohol by volume beer was pulled from the brewmaster’s private library. This beer starts off as a Double Black Butte Porter, has cocoa nibs and Bellatazza Coffee Roasters’ Sumatran and Ethiopian beans added, then it is aged in ex-Bourbon barrels. Brett Porter will represent the brewery.
Dogfish Head 2006 Raison D’Extra: This is a super charged 18 percent alcohol by volume version of the popular Dogfish Head Raison D’Etre. The brewery has not made this brew for the past two years.
Foothills Barrel Aged Total Eclipse Stout: One of only 10 kegs of this beer in the world. This North Carolina brewery took its award winning stout and aged it for three to four months in ex-whiskey barrels that previously held 23-year-old Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon. Jamie Bartholomaus will represent the brewery.
Great Divide 2008 Old Ruffian Barley Wine: A hop-forward barley wine at 90 IBU and aged for a year that weighs in at 10.2 percent alcohol by volume. Taylor Rees will represent the brewery.
Harpoon 100 Barrel Series Glacier Harvest ’09 Wet Hop Ale: The 28th edition of Harpoon’s 100 Barrel Series, this deep copper colored beer is made using fresh Glacier hops. Todd Charbonneau will represent the brewery.
Highland Big Butte Smoked Porter: Winner of the Highland Cup homebrewing completion and based on a recipe created by Alex Buerckholtz, this beer is only available for a very limited time in North Carolina. Features smoked German malt and Fuggle hops. John Lyda will represent the brewery.
Lost Abbey Angel’s Share 2009 Brandy Barrel Finished: This 11.5 percent alcohol by volume English-style barleywine has spent more than 15 months in ex-brandy barrels.
Mich Brett: This is an experimental beer from Michelob Brewing so rare that only brewery insiders and a few lucky beer journalists will ever get the chance to taste the brew. Get ready to be surprised. Kristi Saviers will represent the brewery.
New Glarus Golden Ale: This Belgian-style ale is the first of the Wisconsin brewery’s R&D Series and previously was only available at the brewery. The 7 percent alcohol by volume beer is bottle fermented with Brettanomyces yeast. Dan Carey will represent the brewery.
Odell Brett Barrel Crimson Strong Ale: Brewed with Munich malt and Belgian candy sugar, this ale is fermented in stainless steel and then transferred into virgin American oak barrels and pitched with Brettanomyces yeast and aged for three months. Doug Odell will represent the brewery.
Reunion – A Beer of Hope: This Double White Ale was collaboratively designed and brewed by four brewers across the U.S.: Bison Brewing and Pizza Port Brewing in California, Elysian Brewing in Washington and Terrapin Brewing in Georgia. This Belgian-style witbier uses sweet orange peel, coriander, lemongrass and rhubarb root. Sales of the beer support The Institute for Myeloma & Bone Cancer Research. Daniel Del Grande and George Allen from Bison Brewery represent the brewers.
Rogue John-John Hazelnut Dead Guy: Named for Rogue Brewmaster John Maier and Rogue Master Distiller John Couchot, this brew starts off with Rogue’s famous Dead Guy Ale that is aged in Rogue Hazelnut Rum barrels. Brett Joyce will represent the brewery.
Saranac Imperial IPA: Part of the New York brewery’s limited release High Peaks Series this ale features 10 different hop varieties and 10 different malts.
Stone 2008 Old Guardian Barley Wine Aged in Red Wine Barrels: This 95 IBU barley wine has a massive malt character that is made even more complex thanks to the barrel aging. Greg Koch and Mitch Steele will represent the brewery.
Stoudt 2007 Barrel-Aged Reserve Old Abominable Barleywine: This vintage barleywine from Pennsylvania was aged for 10 months in oak whiskey barrels before being keg conditioned. Carol Stoudt will represent the brewery.
Wynkoop 2008 Barrel Aged Berserker Mead: This 11 percent alcohol by volume mead was made using Colorado wildflower honey and has spent about 20 months in barrels that were formally the home of Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey. C. Andrew Brown will represent the brewery.
“The craft brewing community has stepped forward with a truly special line up of beers and Pints for Prostates is proud to be a part of this event,” said Lyke. “The Denver Rare Beer Tasting will be the talk of this year’s Great American Beer Festival. Each week 4,000 men in this country hear the words ‘you have prostate cancer.’ The goal of Pints for Prostates is to use the universal language of beer to reach men with information about a disease that, if detected early and treated, is nearly 100 percent survivable.”
The event will be held at the Wynkoop Brewery at 1634 18th St. in Lower Denver. Only 450 tickets are available for the event and more than 85 percent have already been sold.
Admission, which includes unlimited beer samples, hors d’oeuvres, a commemorative tasting glass and the chance to meet some of America's top brewers, is $55 in advance and $65 at the door (if still available). Tickets can be purchased through Etix at www.allaboutbeer.com/pints. For information call 800-977-BEER or visit www.ustoo.org/pints.
The event, presented by All About Beer Magazine, in cooperation with BeerAdvocate.com, will benefit Pints for Prostates, an awareness campaign aimed at encouraging men to have regular prostate health screenings and PSA tests. Breweries that have accepted invitations to the event include Allagash, Alaskan, Avery, Boston Beer, Bison, Brooklyn, Deschutes, Dogfish Head, Foothills, Founders, Harpoon, Highland, Jolly Pumpkin, Lost Abbey, Michelob, New Belgium, New Glarus, Odell, Rogue, Saranac, Stone, Stoudt, Victory and Wynkoop.
“This is a phenomenal collection of the best craft breweries in America. They have a real passion for great beer and the special beers they are bringing to this event are some of the hardest to find in the world,” said Daniel Bradford, publisher of All About Beer Magazine, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary. “The Denver Rare Beer Tasting is going to truly live up to its name and support a great cause: prostate cancer awareness.”
Each brewery at the event will be pouring one unique beer, including some vintage aged beers and brews that were made in extremely limited batches as part of special projects. A partial list of beers scheduled for the event includes:
Allagash Fluxus ’09: This saison from Maine is brewed with sweet potatoes and black pepper, weighing in at 8.3 percent alcohol by volume. Jason Perkins will represent the brewery.
Alaskan 1999 Vintage Smoked Porter: The last known draught keg of the 1999 vintage of Alaskan’s much decorated Smoked Porter. This beer will be served alongside a sample of 2008 Alaskan Smoked Porter for comparison.
Brooklyn Wild 1: This beer started off as a batch of the popular bottle-conditioned Brooklyn Local 1 farmhouse ale, then spent nine months in Bourbon barrels and then it was bottle conditioned with Belgian re-fermentation yeast and a strain of Brettanomyces bruxellensis. Only 80 cases were made for consumption by Brooklyn Brewery staff. Garrett Oliver will represent the brewery.
Deschutes Black Butte Porter XX: Brewed in 2008 to celebrate Deschutes’ 20th anniversary, this 11 percent alcohol by volume beer was pulled from the brewmaster’s private library. This beer starts off as a Double Black Butte Porter, has cocoa nibs and Bellatazza Coffee Roasters’ Sumatran and Ethiopian beans added, then it is aged in ex-Bourbon barrels. Brett Porter will represent the brewery.
Dogfish Head 2006 Raison D’Extra: This is a super charged 18 percent alcohol by volume version of the popular Dogfish Head Raison D’Etre. The brewery has not made this brew for the past two years.
Foothills Barrel Aged Total Eclipse Stout: One of only 10 kegs of this beer in the world. This North Carolina brewery took its award winning stout and aged it for three to four months in ex-whiskey barrels that previously held 23-year-old Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon. Jamie Bartholomaus will represent the brewery.
Great Divide 2008 Old Ruffian Barley Wine: A hop-forward barley wine at 90 IBU and aged for a year that weighs in at 10.2 percent alcohol by volume. Taylor Rees will represent the brewery.
Harpoon 100 Barrel Series Glacier Harvest ’09 Wet Hop Ale: The 28th edition of Harpoon’s 100 Barrel Series, this deep copper colored beer is made using fresh Glacier hops. Todd Charbonneau will represent the brewery.
Highland Big Butte Smoked Porter: Winner of the Highland Cup homebrewing completion and based on a recipe created by Alex Buerckholtz, this beer is only available for a very limited time in North Carolina. Features smoked German malt and Fuggle hops. John Lyda will represent the brewery.
Lost Abbey Angel’s Share 2009 Brandy Barrel Finished: This 11.5 percent alcohol by volume English-style barleywine has spent more than 15 months in ex-brandy barrels.
Mich Brett: This is an experimental beer from Michelob Brewing so rare that only brewery insiders and a few lucky beer journalists will ever get the chance to taste the brew. Get ready to be surprised. Kristi Saviers will represent the brewery.
New Glarus Golden Ale: This Belgian-style ale is the first of the Wisconsin brewery’s R&D Series and previously was only available at the brewery. The 7 percent alcohol by volume beer is bottle fermented with Brettanomyces yeast. Dan Carey will represent the brewery.
Odell Brett Barrel Crimson Strong Ale: Brewed with Munich malt and Belgian candy sugar, this ale is fermented in stainless steel and then transferred into virgin American oak barrels and pitched with Brettanomyces yeast and aged for three months. Doug Odell will represent the brewery.
Reunion – A Beer of Hope: This Double White Ale was collaboratively designed and brewed by four brewers across the U.S.: Bison Brewing and Pizza Port Brewing in California, Elysian Brewing in Washington and Terrapin Brewing in Georgia. This Belgian-style witbier uses sweet orange peel, coriander, lemongrass and rhubarb root. Sales of the beer support The Institute for Myeloma & Bone Cancer Research. Daniel Del Grande and George Allen from Bison Brewery represent the brewers.
Rogue John-John Hazelnut Dead Guy: Named for Rogue Brewmaster John Maier and Rogue Master Distiller John Couchot, this brew starts off with Rogue’s famous Dead Guy Ale that is aged in Rogue Hazelnut Rum barrels. Brett Joyce will represent the brewery.
Saranac Imperial IPA: Part of the New York brewery’s limited release High Peaks Series this ale features 10 different hop varieties and 10 different malts.
Stone 2008 Old Guardian Barley Wine Aged in Red Wine Barrels: This 95 IBU barley wine has a massive malt character that is made even more complex thanks to the barrel aging. Greg Koch and Mitch Steele will represent the brewery.
Stoudt 2007 Barrel-Aged Reserve Old Abominable Barleywine: This vintage barleywine from Pennsylvania was aged for 10 months in oak whiskey barrels before being keg conditioned. Carol Stoudt will represent the brewery.
Wynkoop 2008 Barrel Aged Berserker Mead: This 11 percent alcohol by volume mead was made using Colorado wildflower honey and has spent about 20 months in barrels that were formally the home of Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey. C. Andrew Brown will represent the brewery.
“The craft brewing community has stepped forward with a truly special line up of beers and Pints for Prostates is proud to be a part of this event,” said Lyke. “The Denver Rare Beer Tasting will be the talk of this year’s Great American Beer Festival. Each week 4,000 men in this country hear the words ‘you have prostate cancer.’ The goal of Pints for Prostates is to use the universal language of beer to reach men with information about a disease that, if detected early and treated, is nearly 100 percent survivable.”
The event will be held at the Wynkoop Brewery at 1634 18th St. in Lower Denver. Only 450 tickets are available for the event and more than 85 percent have already been sold.
Admission, which includes unlimited beer samples, hors d’oeuvres, a commemorative tasting glass and the chance to meet some of America's top brewers, is $55 in advance and $65 at the door (if still available). Tickets can be purchased through Etix at www.allaboutbeer.com/pints. For information call 800-977-BEER or visit www.ustoo.org/pints.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Sierra Nevada and Dogfish Head to release “Life & Limb” Collaboration
This fall independent craft brewers Sierra Nevada and Dogfish Head will release two collaborative beers. Limb & Life—a draft-only beer—will debut in October; with Life & Limb 24oz bottles and limited draft to follow in November.
The beers—Life & Limb, and Limb & Life—are dedicated to the family of beer drinkers and enthusiasts worldwide who continue to support the little guys, iconoclasts, entrepreneurs, and pioneers who risk life and limb to shape the vibrant craft-brewing community. Over the years, the two brewers—Ken Grossman and Sam Calagione—have become friends in the industry. They quickly realized how many similarities they share. Grossman’s history as a craft-brewing pioneer and his radical approach to brewing are echoed some fifteen years later by Calagione—through his boundary-pushing innovation and tireless promotion for the cause of craft beer.
Both men started out as home brewers obsessed with beer-making. Both share deep values of sustainability and responsibility. Both share the desire to pass their breweries on to the next generation, and both started out small—from humble beginnings—and built vibrant, creative, beer-centered and fiercely independent breweries, despite the long odds.
Their mutual respect, admiration, and none-too-few shared glasses of beer led to the collaborative idea.
“I have gotten to know Ken through our years on The Brewers Association Board and at numerous beer events throughout the country. As a brewer myself, it is inspiring to see a person like Ken drive a beer-centric (as opposed to a biz-centric) brewery so far and so wide while sticking to his original ideals and integrating his family into the company. I have enjoyed talking (and drinking) beer with his children, especially Sierra and Brian who currently work alongside Ken at Sierra Nevada. The iterative process of conceptualizing and brewing this beer with Ken and all the folks at Sierra has been a joy. We have designed this beer to intertwine signature aspects of both of our breweries’ creative approaches—from sustainability to exotic sugars, from bottle conditioning to cellarability. I hope Mariah, our amazing co-workers, and I can keep Dogfish on track with our beer-centric ideals for many years to come. I will know how successful we’ve been at this task if my children, Sammy and Grier, are able to share a bottle of 2009 Life & Limb with Sierra and Brian at a beer dinner or festival 15 years or so from now. I am hopeful that, as they toast each other, they can hold their heads up high knowing our two breweries were among many fine breweries that breathed LIFE into the colorful, diverse, and beautiful LIMBS of the American craft-brewing family tree.” – Sam Calagione, President and Founder, Dogfish Head Craft Brewery.
“Sam and I have spent many evenings laughing, arguing, and toasting glasses, talking about where we are in the business and where we’re going. As Sierra Nevada approaches our 30th anniversary, it’s inspiring to step back and see how far American craft beer has come. People like Sam and Dogfish help to push the boundaries of beer, and it has been fun working with him and the Dogfish crew. This is our first time working with maple syrup in beer on this kind of scale, and the first time we know of anyone using birch syrup. It has been an interesting and inspiring experience and will hopefully lead to big things. As a beer, Life & Limb has so much meaning for me personally, and for the brewery. As our first collaborative release, we couldn’t have had a better partner. Our families are coming together in this beer, both literally and figuratively by using ingredients from our family “farms”—estate hops and barley from us; maple and birch syrup and exotic sugars from Sam—and by having the Dogfish family come to Chico to brew. As the bottled beer ages and changes over time, it will be great to see our families share this beer over anniversaries of their own.” – Ken Grossman, Founder, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
Life & Limb is a 10% ABV strong beer that defies style characteristics—brewed with pure maple syrup from the Calagione family farm in Massachusetts and estate barley grown on the Grossman “farm” at the brewery in Chico. The beer is alive with yeast—a blend of both breweries’ house strains—bottle conditioned for added complexity and shelf life, and naturally carbonated with birch syrup fresh from Alaska; it is the first beer we know of ever to use birch syrup in the brew. If stored under good conditions, this rich, full-bodied beer should age well for years. Life & Limb will be available in 24-oz. bottles and limited draft starting this November.
Limb & Life is a companion to the big beer—an acorn off the larger tree. It is a 5% ABV small beer—a low-gravity beer made using the residual sugar as “second runnings” from the first larger brew, fortified with American hops. This is a session beer. Its big brother is a sipper. Limb & Life will be a limited draft-only product, a prelude to the bigger beer, available in select bars and restaurants this October.
The beers—Life & Limb, and Limb & Life—are dedicated to the family of beer drinkers and enthusiasts worldwide who continue to support the little guys, iconoclasts, entrepreneurs, and pioneers who risk life and limb to shape the vibrant craft-brewing community. Over the years, the two brewers—Ken Grossman and Sam Calagione—have become friends in the industry. They quickly realized how many similarities they share. Grossman’s history as a craft-brewing pioneer and his radical approach to brewing are echoed some fifteen years later by Calagione—through his boundary-pushing innovation and tireless promotion for the cause of craft beer.
Both men started out as home brewers obsessed with beer-making. Both share deep values of sustainability and responsibility. Both share the desire to pass their breweries on to the next generation, and both started out small—from humble beginnings—and built vibrant, creative, beer-centered and fiercely independent breweries, despite the long odds.
Their mutual respect, admiration, and none-too-few shared glasses of beer led to the collaborative idea.
“I have gotten to know Ken through our years on The Brewers Association Board and at numerous beer events throughout the country. As a brewer myself, it is inspiring to see a person like Ken drive a beer-centric (as opposed to a biz-centric) brewery so far and so wide while sticking to his original ideals and integrating his family into the company. I have enjoyed talking (and drinking) beer with his children, especially Sierra and Brian who currently work alongside Ken at Sierra Nevada. The iterative process of conceptualizing and brewing this beer with Ken and all the folks at Sierra has been a joy. We have designed this beer to intertwine signature aspects of both of our breweries’ creative approaches—from sustainability to exotic sugars, from bottle conditioning to cellarability. I hope Mariah, our amazing co-workers, and I can keep Dogfish on track with our beer-centric ideals for many years to come. I will know how successful we’ve been at this task if my children, Sammy and Grier, are able to share a bottle of 2009 Life & Limb with Sierra and Brian at a beer dinner or festival 15 years or so from now. I am hopeful that, as they toast each other, they can hold their heads up high knowing our two breweries were among many fine breweries that breathed LIFE into the colorful, diverse, and beautiful LIMBS of the American craft-brewing family tree.” – Sam Calagione, President and Founder, Dogfish Head Craft Brewery.
“Sam and I have spent many evenings laughing, arguing, and toasting glasses, talking about where we are in the business and where we’re going. As Sierra Nevada approaches our 30th anniversary, it’s inspiring to step back and see how far American craft beer has come. People like Sam and Dogfish help to push the boundaries of beer, and it has been fun working with him and the Dogfish crew. This is our first time working with maple syrup in beer on this kind of scale, and the first time we know of anyone using birch syrup. It has been an interesting and inspiring experience and will hopefully lead to big things. As a beer, Life & Limb has so much meaning for me personally, and for the brewery. As our first collaborative release, we couldn’t have had a better partner. Our families are coming together in this beer, both literally and figuratively by using ingredients from our family “farms”—estate hops and barley from us; maple and birch syrup and exotic sugars from Sam—and by having the Dogfish family come to Chico to brew. As the bottled beer ages and changes over time, it will be great to see our families share this beer over anniversaries of their own.” – Ken Grossman, Founder, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
Life & Limb is a 10% ABV strong beer that defies style characteristics—brewed with pure maple syrup from the Calagione family farm in Massachusetts and estate barley grown on the Grossman “farm” at the brewery in Chico. The beer is alive with yeast—a blend of both breweries’ house strains—bottle conditioned for added complexity and shelf life, and naturally carbonated with birch syrup fresh from Alaska; it is the first beer we know of ever to use birch syrup in the brew. If stored under good conditions, this rich, full-bodied beer should age well for years. Life & Limb will be available in 24-oz. bottles and limited draft starting this November.
Limb & Life is a companion to the big beer—an acorn off the larger tree. It is a 5% ABV small beer—a low-gravity beer made using the residual sugar as “second runnings” from the first larger brew, fortified with American hops. This is a session beer. Its big brother is a sipper. Limb & Life will be a limited draft-only product, a prelude to the bigger beer, available in select bars and restaurants this October.
GABF Brewery List Released!
The Great American Beer Festival (GABF) participating brewery list has just been published. Viewing this list will help you see which breweries in your region, state or town are participating.
Items of Note:
*Over 450 breweries are pouring at the festival this year, and over 50 have never attended before.
*There will be 47 states represented, and the festival hall will be organized by regions of the country.
*Check out the new GABF Fact Sheet to see how the festival has continued to grow over our 28 year history.
*The festival sold out in 2007 and 2008 and ticket sales for 2009 are going faster than ever, with the Saturday Afternoon Members-Only session already 90% sold.
*Close to 50,000 people (including ticket holders, brewers, judges, volunteers and more) will attend.
Items of Note:
*Over 450 breweries are pouring at the festival this year, and over 50 have never attended before.
*There will be 47 states represented, and the festival hall will be organized by regions of the country.
*Check out the new GABF Fact Sheet to see how the festival has continued to grow over our 28 year history.
*The festival sold out in 2007 and 2008 and ticket sales for 2009 are going faster than ever, with the Saturday Afternoon Members-Only session already 90% sold.
*Close to 50,000 people (including ticket holders, brewers, judges, volunteers and more) will attend.
By The Bottle Opener 2009 Disc Golf Challenge - Newbies, beginners wanted, no skills required!
In By The Bottle's recent support of Leverich Park, and in recognition of their many Disc Golf customers, they are hosting "The First Annual By the Bottle Opener 2009 Disc Golf Challenge." This is a charity event to support the maintenance of Leverich Park.
Sorry disc pros, this isn't a PDGA (Professional Disc Golf Association) tournament, in fact, beginners, newbies, and all ages are encouraged to come out and learn how to play.
They have an awesome day planned of disc golf with beervana prizes for longest drive, closest to the basket, and the winning foursome. After disc play, there will be lunch and a huge raffle with a guaranteed win for each player included in your green fee. Any additional purchased tickets will also benefit Leverich Park. The awards ceremony will wrap things up.
Even if you don't want to disc golf, you can still plan your own BBQ or picnic! The park is quite beautiful with a woodsy feel in some places, and open play areas in others. If you are golfing, other enjoyable amenities for family members while you're playing the field include playground equipment, a very large covered shelter with two fireplaces, picnic tables, rest rooms, and safe extensive hiking & biking trails.
Vancouver Parks & Recreation did an amazing job renovating this area. What was once a park in question is now a beautiful, flourishing center of activity. The introduction of disc golf to the community also provides the many positive things that also define this up and coming sport: fun, family recreation, fitness, nature, affiliation, and friendship.
Details:
When: Saturday, September 12, 2009
Where: Leverich Park, Vancouver, WA, just north of 39th Street and just east of I-5
Time: 9:30am to approximately 3:00 pm
Green fee: $20.00 includes disc play for 12 holes, one raffle ticket for a guaranteed prize, lunch, non-alcoholic beverages, good times
To sign-up:
Call By The Bottle at 360-696-0012, then stop by with your $20 green fee in cash, check, or money order. Sorry, no debit or credit can be accepted for this charity event. There are only 48 spots available. Paying your green fee is the only thing that secures your spot. Your fee may also be mailed to By the Bottle, PO Box 61926, Vancouver, WA 98666.
Deadline:
Your fee must be at By the Bottle by 9pm, Saturday, September 5th.
Approximate Schedule of Events:
9:30am arrival for those seeking disc instruction, tips, and practice
10:00am-10:30am registration
10:30- 1:30pm, disc play
1:30pm-3pm, lunch, raffles, awards ceremony
Other ways to get involved:
Your time - Volunteers are needed. You will receive a free By the Bottle T-shirt. Volunteers will be required the entire day and will perform various duties from set-up to clean-up, and must be able to walk the entire course.
$25 Hole Sponsorships:
This is a really cool way to get involved that's not terribly expensive. There are 12 holes that are up for grabs. Sponsor one yourself or ask your employer for a donation or another business owner you may know. Call By The Bottle at 360-696-0012.
Sorry disc pros, this isn't a PDGA (Professional Disc Golf Association) tournament, in fact, beginners, newbies, and all ages are encouraged to come out and learn how to play.
They have an awesome day planned of disc golf with beervana prizes for longest drive, closest to the basket, and the winning foursome. After disc play, there will be lunch and a huge raffle with a guaranteed win for each player included in your green fee. Any additional purchased tickets will also benefit Leverich Park. The awards ceremony will wrap things up.
Even if you don't want to disc golf, you can still plan your own BBQ or picnic! The park is quite beautiful with a woodsy feel in some places, and open play areas in others. If you are golfing, other enjoyable amenities for family members while you're playing the field include playground equipment, a very large covered shelter with two fireplaces, picnic tables, rest rooms, and safe extensive hiking & biking trails.
Vancouver Parks & Recreation did an amazing job renovating this area. What was once a park in question is now a beautiful, flourishing center of activity. The introduction of disc golf to the community also provides the many positive things that also define this up and coming sport: fun, family recreation, fitness, nature, affiliation, and friendship.
Details:
When: Saturday, September 12, 2009
Where: Leverich Park, Vancouver, WA, just north of 39th Street and just east of I-5
Time: 9:30am to approximately 3:00 pm
Green fee: $20.00 includes disc play for 12 holes, one raffle ticket for a guaranteed prize, lunch, non-alcoholic beverages, good times
To sign-up:
Call By The Bottle at 360-696-0012, then stop by with your $20 green fee in cash, check, or money order. Sorry, no debit or credit can be accepted for this charity event. There are only 48 spots available. Paying your green fee is the only thing that secures your spot. Your fee may also be mailed to By the Bottle, PO Box 61926, Vancouver, WA 98666.
Deadline:
Your fee must be at By the Bottle by 9pm, Saturday, September 5th.
Approximate Schedule of Events:
9:30am arrival for those seeking disc instruction, tips, and practice
10:00am-10:30am registration
10:30- 1:30pm, disc play
1:30pm-3pm, lunch, raffles, awards ceremony
Other ways to get involved:
Your time - Volunteers are needed. You will receive a free By the Bottle T-shirt. Volunteers will be required the entire day and will perform various duties from set-up to clean-up, and must be able to walk the entire course.
$25 Hole Sponsorships:
This is a really cool way to get involved that's not terribly expensive. There are 12 holes that are up for grabs. Sponsor one yourself or ask your employer for a donation or another business owner you may know. Call By The Bottle at 360-696-0012.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Lager Night at Green Frog Café & Acoustic Tavern
Chuckanut Brewery and Anacortes Brewery will feature their beers during a "Lager Night" at the Green Frog Café & Acoustic Tavern (902 N. State St.) in Bellingham, Washington on Wednesday, August 19th starting at 7:30 PM.
Available to try side-by-side in a blind tasting, will be each of the brewery's classic German Lager style beers: Helles, Vienna, and Pilsner. There will also be live music by Kristi Nelson starting at 9:30PM to accompany this fun night of Lager Beer tasting.
For more information on The Green Frog Café & Acoustic Tavern check out the website at: www.acoustictavern.com.
Available to try side-by-side in a blind tasting, will be each of the brewery's classic German Lager style beers: Helles, Vienna, and Pilsner. There will also be live music by Kristi Nelson starting at 9:30PM to accompany this fun night of Lager Beer tasting.
For more information on The Green Frog Café & Acoustic Tavern check out the website at: www.acoustictavern.com.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Lhasa, Tibet's First and Only Export Beer, Makes Its U.S. Debut
Lhasa Beer, an all-malt European style lager imported from Tibet, will launch U.S. sales in Texas this August through specialty food retailers and on-premise establishments. It will soon be available at other retail locations across the U.S.
“From the roof of the world to US bars, restaurants and American dining room tables, we will bring American beer aficionados a tasty lager that they can not only enjoy, but also feel really good about buying because they are making a socially responsible purchase to help others less fortunate,” said George Witz, president of Dzambuling Imports, importer and marketer of Lhasa Beer.
Lhasa will donate 10% of its annual profits to non-profit groups supporting education, health care, cultural preservation and other socially responsible initiatives in Tibet, according to Witz.
Lhasa Beer is the only Tibetan beer on the world market and comes straight from its namesake, Lhasa, the capital of Tibet and the land that is the world's highest plateau, referred to as "the roof of the world." It is brewed by the Tibet Lhasa Brewery Company, which is the highest commercial brewery in the world. Lhasa means “place of the gods” in Tibetan, and is revered as a holy place in Tibetan culture.
Lhasa Beer is brewed using only the finest natural ingredients, including Himalayan spring water, barley, Saaz hops and yeast. This export product is specially formulated with 30 percent of the malt content coming from huskless native Tibetan barley. Using this Tibetan barley gives the beer a crisp clean taste without any harsh or astringent flavors that can come from the husk, and supports the Tibetan farmers.
Lhasa Beer has been specially re-formulated for export by renowned master brewer, Alan Kornhauser, who has more than 35 years of brewing experience and is a repeat multiple gold medal winner at the Great American Beer Festival. “Alan is very well known and respected in the industry with a rich and diverse brewing background ranging from large scale production to award winning beers for fine craft breweries. He has worked in both domestic and foreign facilities including overseeing the operations for a number of breweries in Asia,” Witz added.
Lhasa Beer will be available nationwide by the end of the year. It is an easy drinking beer with medium hop bitterness, nicely balanced by the full bodied but not heavy all-malt flavor. Its flavor is highlighted by the renowned floral bouquet of Saaz hops the most elegant and refined of all aroma hops. It comes in a 12- ounce bottle in 6-packs, and 24-bottle cases, with a bright, colorful l
abel.
For more information on Lhasa Beer go to www.lhasabeerusa.com or call 1-877-GO-TIBET.
“From the roof of the world to US bars, restaurants and American dining room tables, we will bring American beer aficionados a tasty lager that they can not only enjoy, but also feel really good about buying because they are making a socially responsible purchase to help others less fortunate,” said George Witz, president of Dzambuling Imports, importer and marketer of Lhasa Beer.
Lhasa will donate 10% of its annual profits to non-profit groups supporting education, health care, cultural preservation and other socially responsible initiatives in Tibet, according to Witz.
Lhasa Beer is the only Tibetan beer on the world market and comes straight from its namesake, Lhasa, the capital of Tibet and the land that is the world's highest plateau, referred to as "the roof of the world." It is brewed by the Tibet Lhasa Brewery Company, which is the highest commercial brewery in the world. Lhasa means “place of the gods” in Tibetan, and is revered as a holy place in Tibetan culture.
Lhasa Beer is brewed using only the finest natural ingredients, including Himalayan spring water, barley, Saaz hops and yeast. This export product is specially formulated with 30 percent of the malt content coming from huskless native Tibetan barley. Using this Tibetan barley gives the beer a crisp clean taste without any harsh or astringent flavors that can come from the husk, and supports the Tibetan farmers.
Lhasa Beer has been specially re-formulated for export by renowned master brewer, Alan Kornhauser, who has more than 35 years of brewing experience and is a repeat multiple gold medal winner at the Great American Beer Festival. “Alan is very well known and respected in the industry with a rich and diverse brewing background ranging from large scale production to award winning beers for fine craft breweries. He has worked in both domestic and foreign facilities including overseeing the operations for a number of breweries in Asia,” Witz added.
Lhasa Beer will be available nationwide by the end of the year. It is an easy drinking beer with medium hop bitterness, nicely balanced by the full bodied but not heavy all-malt flavor. Its flavor is highlighted by the renowned floral bouquet of Saaz hops the most elegant and refined of all aroma hops. It comes in a 12- ounce bottle in 6-packs, and 24-bottle cases, with a bright, colorful l
abel.For more information on Lhasa Beer go to www.lhasabeerusa.com or call 1-877-GO-TIBET.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Enumclaw Oktoberfest
Beer, brats, bands, and liederhosen – Enumclaw Oktoberfest gears up with all of that plus a whole lot more for the whole family to enjoy. Celebrate the way the Bavarians do at the Enumclaw Expo Center (formerly the King County Fairgrounds) as the City of Enumclaw presents its first Oktoberfest, October 9-10, 2009 from 10AM-10PM both days.
The City of Enumclaw has partnered with the Washington Beer Commission in efforts to bring a taste of the finest brews from around the state. With fifteen breweries bringing over 40 beers to taste – you are sure to find a couple to become your new fall favorites.
Bring the whole family - there is plenty to do for all ages. Kids can decorate a Lebkeuchen Heart, pick a pumpkin and paint it, enjoy free kids crafts of German apple stamping and pinwheel making. Don’t let the fun stop there. Grab a brat and a rootbeer float from the “rootbeer garden for kids.
Whether you are looking for the Edelweiss or the modern polka, Enumclaw Oktoberfest will offer a diverse selection of German music and dancers including the Smilin’ Scandinavians, Enzian Shuhplattler Dancers, Folk Voice, and Alpenfolk. There is sure to be one of your favorites to raise your stein to throughout the day.
Tickets go on sale September 1, 2009. Adult admission $7.00, Children and Seniors $5.00. For more information visit www.enumclawoktoberfest.com or call 360/825-3594.
The City of Enumclaw has partnered with the Washington Beer Commission in efforts to bring a taste of the finest brews from around the state. With fifteen breweries bringing over 40 beers to taste – you are sure to find a couple to become your new fall favorites.
Bring the whole family - there is plenty to do for all ages. Kids can decorate a Lebkeuchen Heart, pick a pumpkin and paint it, enjoy free kids crafts of German apple stamping and pinwheel making. Don’t let the fun stop there. Grab a brat and a rootbeer float from the “rootbeer garden for kids.
Whether you are looking for the Edelweiss or the modern polka, Enumclaw Oktoberfest will offer a diverse selection of German music and dancers including the Smilin’ Scandinavians, Enzian Shuhplattler Dancers, Folk Voice, and Alpenfolk. There is sure to be one of your favorites to raise your stein to throughout the day.
Tickets go on sale September 1, 2009. Adult admission $7.00, Children and Seniors $5.00. For more information visit www.enumclawoktoberfest.com or call 360/825-3594.
Upright Brewing Tasting Room Opens
At long last, you will be able to try all four of Upright's year round beers and their current seasonals, all in one location!
For now the tasting room hours will be Saturdays and Sundays from Noon to 5pm.
Check out The Left Bank Project for directions to the brewery. Once you make it to the lobby on the west side of the building, head down to the basement and the fellas of Upright should be very easy to find.
The tasting room is open to all-ages as long as they are accompanied by a guardian.
They're offering $3 12oz glasses and free tasters of everything as well as some snacks.
For now the tasting room hours will be Saturdays and Sundays from Noon to 5pm.
Check out The Left Bank Project for directions to the brewery. Once you make it to the lobby on the west side of the building, head down to the basement and the fellas of Upright should be very easy to find.
The tasting room is open to all-ages as long as they are accompanied by a guardian.
They're offering $3 12oz glasses and free tasters of everything as well as some snacks.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
The Great Pumpkin Beer Festival ’09 October 10 & 11 at Elysian-Capitol Hill
August may not seem like fall, but it’s the start of pumpkin beer season. Elysian Brewing Co., of Seattle, Washington has announced the dates of its fifth annual Great Pumpkin Beer Festival (October 10 and 11 at its Capitol Hill location), and is releasing both draft and bottles of Night Owl Pumpkin Ale, one of many pumpkin brews to be highlighted at the fest.
The phenomenon of pumpkin beer dates to colonial times, when because of prohibitive taxation on imported (English) malt many other materials were pioneered as ingredients in beer. Fast forward to the 1980s craft brewing movement, when Buffalo Bill’s Brewpub in Hayward, California produced a spiced pumpkin ale, and the pumpkin revival was underway.
Elysian has taken the whole thing several steps further. In addition to the Night Owl, the festival will showcase The Great Pumpkin Imperial Pumpkin Ale, Dark o’ the Moon Pumpkin Stout, Hansel and Gretel Ginger Pumpkin Pilsner, Jack o’ Bite Barrel-aged Strong Scottish Pumpkin Ale, Mr. Yuck Sour Pumpkin Ale, Bete N’Owl Dark Belgian-style Pumpkin Ale, and a few others, all from Elysian’s brewers. In addition, 16 guest pumpkin beers will be poured from several Seattle-area brewers as well as special efforts from some of America’s best and most innovative brewers.
The high point of each GPBF is the 4 o’ clock tapping of the Great Pumpkin, a huge gourd filled with pumpkin ale which has been sealed up with wax and allowed to undergo a second fermentation before having a tap hammered home for serving. Patrons line up dozens-deep to enjoy and comment on the year’s effort.
This year, in addition to expanding the festival to run the entire weekend, the folks at Elysian will also take GPBF on the road, with festivals scheduled for the South Philly Tap Room in Philadelphia (October 18) and the Blind Tiger in Greenwich Village, New York City (October 14).
The phenomenon of pumpkin beer dates to colonial times, when because of prohibitive taxation on imported (English) malt many other materials were pioneered as ingredients in beer. Fast forward to the 1980s craft brewing movement, when Buffalo Bill’s Brewpub in Hayward, California produced a spiced pumpkin ale, and the pumpkin revival was underway.
Elysian has taken the whole thing several steps further. In addition to the Night Owl, the festival will showcase The Great Pumpkin Imperial Pumpkin Ale, Dark o’ the Moon Pumpkin Stout, Hansel and Gretel Ginger Pumpkin Pilsner, Jack o’ Bite Barrel-aged Strong Scottish Pumpkin Ale, Mr. Yuck Sour Pumpkin Ale, Bete N’Owl Dark Belgian-style Pumpkin Ale, and a few others, all from Elysian’s brewers. In addition, 16 guest pumpkin beers will be poured from several Seattle-area brewers as well as special efforts from some of America’s best and most innovative brewers.
The high point of each GPBF is the 4 o’ clock tapping of the Great Pumpkin, a huge gourd filled with pumpkin ale which has been sealed up with wax and allowed to undergo a second fermentation before having a tap hammered home for serving. Patrons line up dozens-deep to enjoy and comment on the year’s effort.
This year, in addition to expanding the festival to run the entire weekend, the folks at Elysian will also take GPBF on the road, with festivals scheduled for the South Philly Tap Room in Philadelphia (October 18) and the Blind Tiger in Greenwich Village, New York City (October 14).
Fearless Sarah Brews Fearless Beer
By Bennett Johnson, Writing Solutions
In the age of liberation and equality, there are few remaining career paths that are ‘women-less’. Yet the art of brewing beverage from grain, yeast and water (beer) is practiced almost exclusively by men. Even in Beervana, otherwise known as Portland, with more breweries than any other city in the world, less than a handful of brewers are women.
Don’t bother telling that fact to Sarah Billick, who recently signed on as brewer at Fearless Brewing Company in Estacada, Oregon. She thinks she has the perfect job. Sarah, a small town girl descended from pioneers who traveled the Oregon Trail, didn’t want to spend her days working at a desk job. Raised in the agricultural and logging community of Paisley, Oregon, Sarah could only see herself in a job that was physically active while providing an outlet for her aptitude in science and math.
“This job offers a lot,” claims Sarah. “It requires mechanical knowledge, math, chemistry, creativity and lots of physical activity. I never get bored.”
Sarah, who holds a Bachelor’s degree in Food Science with an option in Fermentation Science from Oregon State University, first became interested in food science while participating in Future For Agriculture (formerly known as Future Farmers of America). Her club took fourth place in the national FFA food science competition, and that experience set the stage for her blossoming interest in all things that ferment.
In college, Sarah originally majored in math, expecting to become an engineer. For fun she joined OSU’s Food Fermentation Club where she and other club members learned to make beer on the college’s two barrel brewing system. “We couldn’t actually ferment the beer to drink on campus,” said Sarah. “So we brought our own personal carboys and filled them with the wort (the liquid produced after grain is steeped in water) and added the yeast at home. It was like home-brewing without the hassle.”
That summer, Sarah started experimenting and creating home-brewed beer on her own. Before long she was hooked and switched her major to Fermentation Science, a degree offered through the OSU Department of Agriculture. Though Sarah is also qualified in wine fermentation, she is a devoted fan of craft beers and prefers working with grain over grapes.
After graduation, Sarah was accepted to the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX), which is a program jointly sponsored by the United States and Germany to provide exposure to career opportunities for young professionals from both nations. The program involves language instruction, academic preparation and on-the-job-training for German and American youth between the ages of 18 and 25, and pays nearly all of the costs involved. “It was an awesome opportunity,” said Sarah.
Sarah lived with German families while learning the language and studying brewing theory at Technical University Munich Weihanstephan, a college that is sponsored by the famed Weihanstephan Brewery, the oldest brewery in the world. She then interned at Isarbrau Brewery, just outside of Munich. “They gave me free lunch every day,” said Sarah, “as well as all the beer I could drink and a free keg at the end of the internship. I threw a going away party with the keg.”
After completing the exchange program, Sarah returned to Paisley hoping to find a job brewing near home or in a small town. But no one was hiring. Sarah was not to be deterred, however. She offered to work for free at a small brewery in McMinnville, and the owner accepted. Shortly afterwards she was offered a paying job as a brewer in Klamath Falls.
In March, 2009, Sarah accepted the position of Assistant Brewer at Fearless Brewing Company, working with owner/brewer Ken Johnson. Her skills were quickly evident, and she was advanced to ‘brewer’ status before long.
“Sarah is really a trooper,” said Johnson. “We were worried that she might find the job too taxing, but she said she could do it, and she does. She hauls those grain sacks around like a professional wrestler. We really enjoy having her here.” “Ken still sets the brewing schedule,” said Sarah, “but at this point I am brewing pretty much on my own.”
Johnson agrees. “As time goes on she will be more and more independent, and that gives me a chance to go out and sell beer. We are very pleased that she is with us.” In the last year Fearless Brewing Company’s market has increased west to Spirit Mountain Casino, east to Bend and south to Eugene. The brewery is best known for its signature Fearless Scottish Ale. “We have new accounts coming on board every day,” said Johnson, “and we plan to start canning beer in the spring.”
Sarah, whose long range plan is to own her own brewpub, likes her new job for all of the learning opportunities it offers. “It is not a big corporation with outside people making the decisions,” said Sarah. “Here everything is controlled by only two owners and they run a pretty tight ship. I get to learn both sides at Fearless, the pub and the brewery, and observe close-up how things are done and how decisions are made.”
When asked if she had any words of wisdom for women who want to pursue a career in brewing, Sarah offered this advice: “Get out there and talk to brewers as much as possible. Ask them if you can come in and help with the brewing. Network and immerse yourself in the beer culture. The college and technical background is good experience to have. Also, join the Pink Boots Society (a national organization of women brewers). And it doesn’t hurt to lift a few weights!”
In the age of liberation and equality, there are few remaining career paths that are ‘women-less’. Yet the art of brewing beverage from grain, yeast and water (beer) is practiced almost exclusively by men. Even in Beervana, otherwise known as Portland, with more breweries than any other city in the world, less than a handful of brewers are women.
Don’t bother telling that fact to Sarah Billick, who recently signed on as brewer at Fearless Brewing Company in Estacada, Oregon. She thinks she has the perfect job. Sarah, a small town girl descended from pioneers who traveled the Oregon Trail, didn’t want to spend her days working at a desk job. Raised in the agricultural and logging community of Paisley, Oregon, Sarah could only see herself in a job that was physically active while providing an outlet for her aptitude in science and math.
“This job offers a lot,” claims Sarah. “It requires mechanical knowledge, math, chemistry, creativity and lots of physical activity. I never get bored.”
Sarah, who holds a Bachelor’s degree in Food Science with an option in Fermentation Science from Oregon State University, first became interested in food science while participating in Future For Agriculture (formerly known as Future Farmers of America). Her club took fourth place in the national FFA food science competition, and that experience set the stage for her blossoming interest in all things that ferment.
In college, Sarah originally majored in math, expecting to become an engineer. For fun she joined OSU’s Food Fermentation Club where she and other club members learned to make beer on the college’s two barrel brewing system. “We couldn’t actually ferment the beer to drink on campus,” said Sarah. “So we brought our own personal carboys and filled them with the wort (the liquid produced after grain is steeped in water) and added the yeast at home. It was like home-brewing without the hassle.”
That summer, Sarah started experimenting and creating home-brewed beer on her own. Before long she was hooked and switched her major to Fermentation Science, a degree offered through the OSU Department of Agriculture. Though Sarah is also qualified in wine fermentation, she is a devoted fan of craft beers and prefers working with grain over grapes.
After graduation, Sarah was accepted to the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX), which is a program jointly sponsored by the United States and Germany to provide exposure to career opportunities for young professionals from both nations. The program involves language instruction, academic preparation and on-the-job-training for German and American youth between the ages of 18 and 25, and pays nearly all of the costs involved. “It was an awesome opportunity,” said Sarah.
Sarah lived with German families while learning the language and studying brewing theory at Technical University Munich Weihanstephan, a college that is sponsored by the famed Weihanstephan Brewery, the oldest brewery in the world. She then interned at Isarbrau Brewery, just outside of Munich. “They gave me free lunch every day,” said Sarah, “as well as all the beer I could drink and a free keg at the end of the internship. I threw a going away party with the keg.”
After completing the exchange program, Sarah returned to Paisley hoping to find a job brewing near home or in a small town. But no one was hiring. Sarah was not to be deterred, however. She offered to work for free at a small brewery in McMinnville, and the owner accepted. Shortly afterwards she was offered a paying job as a brewer in Klamath Falls.
In March, 2009, Sarah accepted the position of Assistant Brewer at Fearless Brewing Company, working with owner/brewer Ken Johnson. Her skills were quickly evident, and she was advanced to ‘brewer’ status before long.
“Sarah is really a trooper,” said Johnson. “We were worried that she might find the job too taxing, but she said she could do it, and she does. She hauls those grain sacks around like a professional wrestler. We really enjoy having her here.” “Ken still sets the brewing schedule,” said Sarah, “but at this point I am brewing pretty much on my own.”
Johnson agrees. “As time goes on she will be more and more independent, and that gives me a chance to go out and sell beer. We are very pleased that she is with us.” In the last year Fearless Brewing Company’s market has increased west to Spirit Mountain Casino, east to Bend and south to Eugene. The brewery is best known for its signature Fearless Scottish Ale. “We have new accounts coming on board every day,” said Johnson, “and we plan to start canning beer in the spring.”
Sarah, whose long range plan is to own her own brewpub, likes her new job for all of the learning opportunities it offers. “It is not a big corporation with outside people making the decisions,” said Sarah. “Here everything is controlled by only two owners and they run a pretty tight ship. I get to learn both sides at Fearless, the pub and the brewery, and observe close-up how things are done and how decisions are made.”
When asked if she had any words of wisdom for women who want to pursue a career in brewing, Sarah offered this advice: “Get out there and talk to brewers as much as possible. Ask them if you can come in and help with the brewing. Network and immerse yourself in the beer culture. The college and technical background is good experience to have. Also, join the Pink Boots Society (a national organization of women brewers). And it doesn’t hurt to lift a few weights!”
Green Dragon Hosts Inaugural Indie Beer Fest
On August 29th from 11:00am to 9:00pm, the city of Portland will close down SE 9th Street between SE Belmont and SE Yamhill for the 1st Annual Oregon Indie Beer Fest. The event will feature 30+ small, independent Oregon-based brewers that brew no-more-than 1000 barrels per year, providing festival goers with exciting, hard-to-find beers. To prepare us for this unique gathering, Green Dragon will be tapping some of these independent brews each day of the week (August 24-28) leading up to the festival.
Attendees will have the opportunity to taste 60+ hard-to-find craft beers and meet their makers during the Indie Beer Fest, and will be able to take their favorites home with them in bottles, growlers and kegs to go. And if the beer is not enough to keep cool, tours of the Green Dragon’s 1,040 square foot, glow-in-the-dark cooler will be held hourly. Other activities include:
12:00 to 5:00 - Dog Wash
12:00 to 4:00 - Washers Tournament
11:00 to 9:00 - Free Pinball
11:00 to 9:00 - Free Shuffleboard
Indie Beer Fest is 100% dog-friendly and owners are encouraged to bring their companions with them. A portion of the proceeds from the Indie Beer Festival will benefit the Portland-based Pixie Project, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing animal adoption in a nurturing environment and affording access to spay and neuter services for everyone.
With a $10.00 paid admission, each attendee will receive 5 taster tickets. Additional tickets will be sold for $1.00 each.
Attendees will have the opportunity to taste 60+ hard-to-find craft beers and meet their makers during the Indie Beer Fest, and will be able to take their favorites home with them in bottles, growlers and kegs to go. And if the beer is not enough to keep cool, tours of the Green Dragon’s 1,040 square foot, glow-in-the-dark cooler will be held hourly. Other activities include:
12:00 to 5:00 - Dog Wash
12:00 to 4:00 - Washers Tournament
11:00 to 9:00 - Free Pinball
11:00 to 9:00 - Free Shuffleboard
Indie Beer Fest is 100% dog-friendly and owners are encouraged to bring their companions with them. A portion of the proceeds from the Indie Beer Festival will benefit the Portland-based Pixie Project, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing animal adoption in a nurturing environment and affording access to spay and neuter services for everyone.
With a $10.00 paid admission, each attendee will receive 5 taster tickets. Additional tickets will be sold for $1.00 each.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Green Dragon Meet The Brewer Event
Green Dragon presents Meet the Brewer TOMORROW, Tuesday August 4th, featuring Alex Ganum of Upright Brewing from 6:00p – 8:00p on the patio!
Featured Beers:
- Reggae Junkie Gruit: Hop-less beer with herbs and spices
- Five: Hoppy farmhouse ale
- Flora Rustica: Yarrow and calendula saison (according to Alex, most of this beer was bottled so there is very little that was put into kegs!)
Come down, grab a beer, and have a chat with Alex!
Oakshire Brewing to Participate in Collaboration Brewing Project
Collaborative Evil returns...with more breweries and a bit of leeway.
In 2008 three brewers decided to create a beer recipe and then brew it at their respective brewhouses. The beer: a Strong Dark Belgian inspired Ale brewed with honey and spices. Each brew had a unique ingredient distinguishing it from the others. This effort was intended to get the beers to the Great American Beer Festival in Denver so that they could be served at the same time under one roof. Two of the three beers managed to get there and be served to the public, the third, alas, was there but not able to be judged or served at the time of the festival. The founding brewers were Zac Triemert of Lucky Bucket Brewing Co. in La Vista, NE, Matt Van Wyk of Flossmoor Station in Flossmoor, IL and Todd Ashman of FiftyFifty Brewing in Truckee, CA.
In 2009 they've brought in six more breweries. The base style for this year is a Belgian inspired Strong Pale. The larger group presented some interesting hurdles and also proved to be what this collaboration is all about.
Each brewer was asked to create a beer based on the style and then make it uniquely their own. One of the things focused on in Collaborative Evil is entering the respective beers in the Great American Beer Festival. Entry guidelines forbid entering the same beer so creating a theme and then allowing each brewer participating in Collaborative Evil to spin-off their own beer is fair game.
The new participants are: Valley Brewing, Stockton, CA. Steve Altimari, Brewmaster, Sacramento Brewing, Sacramento, CA. Peter Hoey, Brewmaster, Fatheads Brewery and Grill, Cleveland, OH, Matt Cole, Brewmaster, Flossmoor Station, Flossmoor, IL, Bryan Shimkos Brewmaster(New Brewmaster), Oakshire Brewing, Eugene, OR Matt Van Wyk Brewmaster, Silver Peak Brewing, Reno, NV Brandon Wright, Brewmaster, Speakeasy Brewing Co., San Francisco, CA. John Gillooly, Brewmaster.
Look for these beers on the festival floor at the 2009 GABF and at the breweries participating. Production breweries may have limited releases check with your favorite for more details...
In 2008 three brewers decided to create a beer recipe and then brew it at their respective brewhouses. The beer: a Strong Dark Belgian inspired Ale brewed with honey and spices. Each brew had a unique ingredient distinguishing it from the others. This effort was intended to get the beers to the Great American Beer Festival in Denver so that they could be served at the same time under one roof. Two of the three beers managed to get there and be served to the public, the third, alas, was there but not able to be judged or served at the time of the festival. The founding brewers were Zac Triemert of Lucky Bucket Brewing Co. in La Vista, NE, Matt Van Wyk of Flossmoor Station in Flossmoor, IL and Todd Ashman of FiftyFifty Brewing in Truckee, CA.
In 2009 they've brought in six more breweries. The base style for this year is a Belgian inspired Strong Pale. The larger group presented some interesting hurdles and also proved to be what this collaboration is all about.
Each brewer was asked to create a beer based on the style and then make it uniquely their own. One of the things focused on in Collaborative Evil is entering the respective beers in the Great American Beer Festival. Entry guidelines forbid entering the same beer so creating a theme and then allowing each brewer participating in Collaborative Evil to spin-off their own beer is fair game.
The new participants are: Valley Brewing, Stockton, CA. Steve Altimari, Brewmaster, Sacramento Brewing, Sacramento, CA. Peter Hoey, Brewmaster, Fatheads Brewery and Grill, Cleveland, OH, Matt Cole, Brewmaster, Flossmoor Station, Flossmoor, IL, Bryan Shimkos Brewmaster(New Brewmaster), Oakshire Brewing, Eugene, OR Matt Van Wyk Brewmaster, Silver Peak Brewing, Reno, NV Brandon Wright, Brewmaster, Speakeasy Brewing Co., San Francisco, CA. John Gillooly, Brewmaster.
Look for these beers on the festival floor at the 2009 GABF and at the breweries participating. Production breweries may have limited releases check with your favorite for more details...
Flying Dog Hosts 2nd Annual Gonzofest
Man, I wish (for just a moment) that I lived in Maryland.
Flying Dog Brewery is pleased to announce its 2nd annual GonzoFest taking place on September 12th at the Flying Dog Brewery in Frederick, MD from 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
The annual throw down will feature live music and host the Hard Times Chili Cook-Off for the Maryland State Championships. In addition to the four bands playing a wide variety of music and samples from the chili competition, attendees will also be able to enjoy award-winning beers from Flying Dog Brewery. Flying Dog will be hosting a Hunter S. Thompson look–a-like contest. Three winners will be chosen and will receive Gonzo gift baskets, including a signed bottle by label artist Ralph Steadman.
“GonzoFest is a chance for the Mid-Atlantic community to come out and celebrate the life of Hunter S. Thompson, drink locally brewed Flying Dog beer, and listen to live music. It is a true representation of what Flying Dog stands for: purposeful, provocative, irreverence,” explains Stephanie Kerchner, Director of Marketing for Flying Dog. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the United Way of Frederick County to help support local poverty initiatives.
Admission to GonzoFest is $20 in advance or $30 at the door. For more information, visit www.flyingdogales.com or call 301-694-7899.
About Flying Dog Brewery
Flying Dog is largest brewery located in Maryland. Their award-winning “litter of ales” are available in 46 states and 27 countries. Flying Dog Brewery is located at 4607 Wedgewood Blvd., off English Muffin Way and MD Hwy 85 in Frederick, MD. Flying Dog’s core values of “purposeful, provocative, irreverence” flow through the veins of the brewery’s founding owners George Stranahan and Richard McIntyre. George and Richard were friends with “Gonzo Journalist” Hunter S. Thompson, who coined the brand’s tagline “Good People Drink Good Beer,” and also with “Gonzo Artist” Ralph Steadman, who illustrated the brand’s packaging. For more information please log on to www.flyingdogales.com.
Flying Dog Brewery is pleased to announce its 2nd annual GonzoFest taking place on September 12th at the Flying Dog Brewery in Frederick, MD from 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
The annual throw down will feature live music and host the Hard Times Chili Cook-Off for the Maryland State Championships. In addition to the four bands playing a wide variety of music and samples from the chili competition, attendees will also be able to enjoy award-winning beers from Flying Dog Brewery. Flying Dog will be hosting a Hunter S. Thompson look–a-like contest. Three winners will be chosen and will receive Gonzo gift baskets, including a signed bottle by label artist Ralph Steadman.
“GonzoFest is a chance for the Mid-Atlantic community to come out and celebrate the life of Hunter S. Thompson, drink locally brewed Flying Dog beer, and listen to live music. It is a true representation of what Flying Dog stands for: purposeful, provocative, irreverence,” explains Stephanie Kerchner, Director of Marketing for Flying Dog. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the United Way of Frederick County to help support local poverty initiatives.
Admission to GonzoFest is $20 in advance or $30 at the door. For more information, visit www.flyingdogales.com or call 301-694-7899.
About Flying Dog Brewery
Flying Dog is largest brewery located in Maryland. Their award-winning “litter of ales” are available in 46 states and 27 countries. Flying Dog Brewery is located at 4607 Wedgewood Blvd., off English Muffin Way and MD Hwy 85 in Frederick, MD. Flying Dog’s core values of “purposeful, provocative, irreverence” flow through the veins of the brewery’s founding owners George Stranahan and Richard McIntyre. George and Richard were friends with “Gonzo Journalist” Hunter S. Thompson, who coined the brand’s tagline “Good People Drink Good Beer,” and also with “Gonzo Artist” Ralph Steadman, who illustrated the brand’s packaging. For more information please log on to www.flyingdogales.com.
OBF Enjoys Increased Sales and Attendance
The staycation - the current buzzword that refers to families staying home and exploring local activities and attractions - helped boost sales for this year’s Oregon Brewers Festival (OBF). Despite warmer than usual conditions, the 22nd annual event witnessed record attendance with 72,500 people, a nearly seven percent increase over last year’s all time high of 68,000. Beer sales followed suit, showing a three percent increase. The four-day event concluded on July 26 at Tom McCall Waterfront Park.
“This is our second consecutive year of record setting attendance and sales, and given the economic situation, I think we can successfully state that beer is recession proof!” exclaimed festival director and founder Art Larrance.
Larrance added that organizers had been concerned about weather reports. “Earlier in the week, forecasters predicted 100 degrees for the weekend, so we really dodged a bullet.”
Temperatures still reached into the nineties, and the festival proactively set up an additional 1,000 chairs under the shade of the tree line; added 300 square feet of shaded canopy on the north end; and installed five mister stations throughout the site. Potable water was available in both beer tents, and festival goers were encouraged to bring in water and stay hydrated.
The event kicked off on July 23 with a one-mile parade by brewers and beer lovers through the streets of downtown, led by Portland Mayor Sam Adams and accompanied by the Transcendental Brass Band. Upon arrival at the venue, Mayor Adams swung a wooden mallet to drive a brass tap into the official first keg of the festival, presented by Full Sail Brewing Co.
The OBF served 81 different craft beers from 15 states across the country. The fruit beers were the top sellers, which is consistent with past years. Beer lovers came from every state in the nation, and many countries around the world, to join in the celebration. The festival annually generates an economic impact of close to $2 million for the state.
Minors and designated drivers received access to the Crater Lake Root Beer Garden, which served up complimentary cups of handcrafted root beer. Donations were accepted on behalf of the Community Transitional School. Staff from the Wallowa Valley Together Project provided education on the potential dangers, risks, and unhealthy community norms associated with underage drinking; they were joined by high-school students of Teens Against Drugs & Alcohol, who promoted their “None before 21” campaign.
The Oregon Brewers Festival was founded in 1988 as an opportunity to expose the public to microbrews at a time when the craft brewing industry was just getting off the ground. Today, that industry has succeeded, especially in Oregon, where 73 brewing companies operate 96 brewing facilities. There are 30 breweries operating within the Portland city limits, more than any other city in the world; the Portland metro area boasts 38 breweries, more than any other metro area in the world.
The Oregon Brewers Festival always takes place the last full weekend in July. The 2010 dates are July 22 through 25. For more information, visit www.oregonbrewfest.com.
“This is our second consecutive year of record setting attendance and sales, and given the economic situation, I think we can successfully state that beer is recession proof!” exclaimed festival director and founder Art Larrance.
Larrance added that organizers had been concerned about weather reports. “Earlier in the week, forecasters predicted 100 degrees for the weekend, so we really dodged a bullet.”
Temperatures still reached into the nineties, and the festival proactively set up an additional 1,000 chairs under the shade of the tree line; added 300 square feet of shaded canopy on the north end; and installed five mister stations throughout the site. Potable water was available in both beer tents, and festival goers were encouraged to bring in water and stay hydrated.
The event kicked off on July 23 with a one-mile parade by brewers and beer lovers through the streets of downtown, led by Portland Mayor Sam Adams and accompanied by the Transcendental Brass Band. Upon arrival at the venue, Mayor Adams swung a wooden mallet to drive a brass tap into the official first keg of the festival, presented by Full Sail Brewing Co.
The OBF served 81 different craft beers from 15 states across the country. The fruit beers were the top sellers, which is consistent with past years. Beer lovers came from every state in the nation, and many countries around the world, to join in the celebration. The festival annually generates an economic impact of close to $2 million for the state.
Minors and designated drivers received access to the Crater Lake Root Beer Garden, which served up complimentary cups of handcrafted root beer. Donations were accepted on behalf of the Community Transitional School. Staff from the Wallowa Valley Together Project provided education on the potential dangers, risks, and unhealthy community norms associated with underage drinking; they were joined by high-school students of Teens Against Drugs & Alcohol, who promoted their “None before 21” campaign.
The Oregon Brewers Festival was founded in 1988 as an opportunity to expose the public to microbrews at a time when the craft brewing industry was just getting off the ground. Today, that industry has succeeded, especially in Oregon, where 73 brewing companies operate 96 brewing facilities. There are 30 breweries operating within the Portland city limits, more than any other city in the world; the Portland metro area boasts 38 breweries, more than any other metro area in the world.
The Oregon Brewers Festival always takes place the last full weekend in July. The 2010 dates are July 22 through 25. For more information, visit www.oregonbrewfest.com.
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