Events for Week of November 15, 2010

Roman's Pub in Milwaukee, WI

My excuse this week. A little thing called San Diego Beer Week. So much more about that to come, on Alpine Brewing, Lost Abbey/Port Brewing, Stone Brewing Co., Allagash Night, Green Flash at Toronado and so much more. 

But now for your week in beer.

Skipping Monday. Sorry!! Re-coup day.

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Smuttynose Rare Beer Night: Greenville, South Carolina

7:00PM-10:00PM @ Barley’s Taproom and Pizzeria

Tonight, some rare Smuttynose beers will be on tap. The list includes:

-Rouge d’Shire (Short Batch #9)
-Vunderbar (Short Batch #11)
-Wheat Wine Ale // 2007
-S’Muttonator Doppelbock // 2008

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Dogfish head and Three Floyds Collab Release: Milwaukee, Wisconsin

8:00PM-10:00PM @ Roman’s Pub

Release of this super rare collaborative brew by Dogfish head and Three Floyds along with special tappings of DH Worldwide Stout ’09, DH Bitch’s Brew and bottle sampling so far. Poppaskull is described as an “Old School, German Brown Ale with Palo Santo Wood and Botanicals.”

Thursday, November 18, 2010

VictoryBrewing Night: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

8:00PM-10:00PM @ The Devil’s Den

Join us as we tap a selection of beers from Victory Brewing Company.

Victory people will be on hand pouring the following -

On Tap:

-Yakima Glory (Black IPA)
-Harvest Ale (Wet Hopped Pale Ale)
-Golden Monkey (Tripel)

On Cask:

-Storm King Stout (Russian Imperial Stout)

Friday, November 19, 2010

Dissedent Release Party: Portland, Oregon

5:00PM-12:00AM @ Deshutes Brewing Co.

Event details were too epic to reiterate.

For those of you who are anxiously awaiting the arrival of our 2010 The Dissident, wait no more! After almost 2 years in isolation our distinctive sour brown ale has finally been bottled. Our only wild yeast beer, brettanomyces and lactobacillus impart its characteristic sour taste. Lavished with whole western Washington cherries – pits and all – It’s our wildest, most extensively pampered beer.
Alcohol By Volume: 10.0%
International Bitterness Units: 25

We have very limited bottles available.

Our Bend and Portland Pubs will begin selling 22oz bottles of The Dissident after 11:00am on 11/19 and there will a 6 bottle limit per person. Check out the special dinner menu with 3 specialty food items paired with different sour brews including The Dissident, our Benderweisse, a sour cherry wheat and a sour cherry porter (Portland Pub sour brews may vary).

Saturday, November 20, 2010

Hair of the Dog’s 17th Anniversary Celebration: Portland, Oregon

10:00AM-8:00PM @ Hair of the Dog Brewing Co.

To celebrate 17 years of brewing, Alan Sprints, owner and head brewer of Hair of the Dog will be having a release party for Batch #2 Matt and the seasonal Doggie Claws. Check out our write up of this event here.

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Alligator and Allagash Beer Dinner: Blue Island, Illinois

2:00PM-6:00PM @ Maple Tree Inn

In honor of this amazing brewery, Allagash and some delicious gator, I present a unique menu and a beer pairing not to be missed.

First course:
Maple Tree Inn’s famous “Swamp” Alligator Soup paired with Allagash White

Second course:
Fried Alligator Po’Boy with Cajun fries paired with Allagash Tripel

Third course:
Alligator & Andouille Sauce Piquante paired with Allagash Black

Tickets on sale now at the Maple Tree Inn — $35 in advance; $40 at the door (if tickets remain). Limited seating only!

If you go to an event, want me to post about an event or just want to tell me a beer related story, email me at jess@beerblotter.com. Cheers!

The Good, The Not So Good and The Awesome from Pumpkin Beer Fest 2010

Pumpkin beers @ Elysian's Great Pumpkin Beer Fest 2010

As soon as I flipped my calendar to October, I immediately began to have thoughts of pumpkin beers. The countdown began to the weekend of October 16 and Elysian Brewing Co.’s Great Pumpkin Beer Fest. High profile names were released a couple of weeks before the event- Russian River, Jolly Pumpkin, Avery and Allagash. I could barely contain myself as thoughts of pumpkins danced in my head.

Pumpkin beers are an interesting breed. I find that people are disappointed when the beer doesn’t ooze pumpkin flavor. Although the juice of this large gourd does tickle my taste buds, I find the balance of spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg and all spice just as tantalizing. Pumpkin beers are experimental and open for innovative interpretation which is why this particular beer fest is one I cannot miss.

Dick Cantwell, head brewer and owner of Elysian Brewing Co. is at the forefront of pumpkin beers. Not only does Dick host this event at his brewery’s Capital Hill location, he brews not one but eight (or more) pumpkin beers for this special weekend.

Elysian Pumpkin beers:

Night Owl Pumpkin Ale, The Great Pumpkin, Dark o’ the Moon Pumpkin Stout, Hansel & Gretel Ginger Pumpkin Pilsner, Kaiser Kurbis Pumpkin Hefeweizen, PK-47 Pumpkin Malt Liquor, Jack-O-Bite and Mr. Yuck Sour Pumpkin Ale

Enough introduction, the time has come and gone. We have enjoyed, tasted and conquered all that is the Great Pumpkin Beer Fest. There were beers to remember, beers that didn’t live up to our expectations, glorious weather and hassles of space. The Good,The Not So Good and The Awesome of Elysian’s 6th Annual Great Pumpkin Beer Fest:

The Good

 

• The event takes place outside and today it was sunny and crisp out. Elysian was decorated with mounds of hay, pumpkins and corn stalks. If this doesn’t put you in a festive autumn mood, then there is something seriously wrong with you. SERIOUSLY.

 

• The taster glass is a 4 oz (glass) snifter with an evil pumpkin face. This creative glassware is coveted by beer fest goers all around Seattle.

 

• Beers from all over the country: California, Michigan, Delaware, Massachusetts, Washington and more!

 

• Silver City’s Punk Rauchen - a pumpkin rauchbier where instead of smoking the barley like a traditional German style rauchbier they smoked pumpkins for 6 hours over apple-wood. This beer tastes like sausage, as most rauchbiers do, but also has an earthy smoothness that I attribute to the pumpkins.

 

• Snipes Mountain Pumpkin Death Stout- first of all, I am really into Snipes Brewing Co. and think they produce only top-notch beers. This is no exception. I always get excited when I see pumpkin infused stouts because I love stouts and I am always curious to see if the brewer is able to bring the pumpkin flavors and spices to the forefront of a style that is already overwhelmed with roasted malt flavors. Pumpkins do not inherently have a lot of flavor and here, in the Pumpkin Death Stout it is minimal. The beer however is very enjoyable, smooth and creamy.

 

• Elysian Brewing Co.’s Jack-O-Bite- we were pleasantly surprised by this beer which is  a pumpkin ale aged in Jack Daniels barrels. This beer had a bite and lived up to its name. It had warming qualities and the spices were reminiscent of a winter ale. Delicious.

 

The Not So Good

 

• Planning  a huge event is no easy task. Debriefing is proactive and there is always room for improvement. We hope that the Great Pumpkin Beer Fest will someday celebrate its 25th Annual fest. The Great Pumpkin Fest has outgrown the parking lot of the brewery. Within 30 minutes of opening the flood gates, there was barely room to stand. Problem solver: expand to all three Elysian venues, although this might complicate the logistics, it would spread the crowd. Another option would be to expand to the park across the street or to some other space that is connected to the brewery.

 

• Long lines-Due to the large number of people, there were very long lines to get your beers. Although these lines moved rather quickly, the lines, no matter what station, were around 30 people deep. A lot of people I spoke to would just get a beer and get back on line for the next one on their list. Problem solver: Instead of having 1 person pouring 2-4 beers, have 2-3 people pouring at each station. People love to volunteer to pour at events- tap into these willing beer lovers.

 

• Confusion about what line led to what station. Due to the small space, lines crossed each other and merged into the masses. I found myself accidentally waiting on line for the wrong station on a couple of occasions. This would be alleviated by the two suggestions above.

 

• No food outside. Now, I understand that it would be too much to staff the outside area.  Problem Solver: Instead of sending wait staff out to take and deliver orders, hire an outside vendor. Something simple will do, such as a sausage stand or roasted corn.  People are there for the beer, not food necessarily. However, it would be nice to stay outside, enjoying the fest while getting something in your stomach, especially because the inside was packed full of people sitting and enjoying their meal.

The Awesome

 

Besides the Good and the few tiny Not So Goods, there are some AWESOMES! Please note: all of the awesomeness are beer related. I did not get to try all of the beers, as I am only human and not all of the beers were pouring during my visit.

• Elysian’s Great Pumpkin- If you recall earlier in this article when I discuss the average beer drinker’s expectations of pumpkin beers having an easily detected pumpkin flavor, well this is the beer that hits it out of the park. One sip and its as though you are drinking pumpkin juice. It isn’t very sweet, it is slightly bitter, thick in texture and pumpkin to the core. No wonder this festival is named after the beer (or vice versa).
  
  

  The beers provided all of the awesome highlights!

 

• Iron Hill’s Bruce Camp Ale- their Imperial Pumpkin Ale aged in bourbon barrels was my introduction to this Pennsylvania brewery and man, am I impressed. Caramel in color with a bubble gum, sweet liquor scent. The thick mouth-feel creates a sensation as if there are sugar crystals are melting into your taste buds. As the flavor profile develops, the bourbon sweetness transitions into a slight funk. As the beer warms, the transition become smoother, just like a stiff bourbon drink.

 

• Russian River’s Pumpkin Sour- As I crossed the threshold into the pouring area, I quickly scanned the signs for Russian River. A quintessential Vinny sour with a citrus scent, it tasted like Temptation infused with spices. The sourness was bold and the spices complemented the citrus tartness.

 

• Jolly Pumpkin’s La Parcela- this sour beer aged in American oak with added coco was more earthy than tart (I generally expect more tartness from a sour ale. The smell was hypnotic with a combination of cinnamon and apples warming my soul. A smooth body with mellow flavors that begin to intensify as the sip develops. A harvest spice paired with earthy flavors followed by a subtle sweetness.

 

What a great day– one that will go down in infamy. There were unexpected breweries that produced exemplary beers, weather was on our side (for once) and the love of beer in the air was palpable.

 

Beer Events: Week of August 9, 2010

Don't Miss Lazy Boy Brewing at Alligator Soul on Thursday

We had a nice little Monday evening, enjoying some of great beer in the process.

One of our good friends received a nice care package complete with about 20 bottles of New Glarus Brewing‘s year-round ales. The Wisconsin brewer makes a couple great beers, and a couple rough ones. We really enjoyed the Moon Man Pale, Cracked Wheat Imperial Weizen (a seasonal) and the Fat Squirrel Nut Brown Ale.

After sucking down a few bottles, we decided to embark on a night of Pink Floyd over at Brouwers Cafe. Apparently, the Seattle beer mecca will be playing concert videos every Monday evening at 10:00 PM. I really enjoyed the show, coupling it with an Ommegang Zuur (a Flemish Brown, very similar to an Oud Bruin) and Mikkeller Frelser (a Triple Bock). Both are excellent beers that you need to try, before they are gone.

By the way, Jessica is over at the Beer Engine in Lakewood, Ohio today. She will be taking notes and letting you all know about it later this week. We are a bit jealous, Beer Engine has Dieu De Ciel Aphrodite, Heavy Seas Loose Cannon, and Founders Cerise on tap!

We are also planning a trip to San Diego for the next beer week. Very excited to attend.

So here are the events for this glorious week…….

 

Monday, August 9, 2010

 

Concert Vids: Seattle, Washington

10:00PM-?? @ Brouwers Cafe

Since we are a day late, I wanted to call attention to Brouwers’ new Monday night feature – music video showings! Brouwers will dim the lights, boost the volume and showcase a different concert/music video each Monday night, starting at 10 PM. Last night’s showing of Pulse by Pink Floyd was epic.

 

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

 

Allagash Brewers Night: Brooklyn, New York

6:00PM-10:00PM @ Bar Great Harry

No cost to join Rob Todd’s festival of ale. Check out this list:

1. Blonde
2. Fluxus
3. Hugh Malone
4. Victor
5. Curieux
6. Black
7. Confluence
8. Odyssey
9. Victoria

Do not miss this if you are in Brooklyn area. The Bar Great Harry is an amazing bar and anyone in the area should certainly become acquainted. What better way to do that – than with a pint of Allagash Curieux.

 

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

 

Blending Night to Benefit the Berkeley Humane Society: Oakland, California

6:00PM-10:00PM @ Beer Revolution

There are actually a few good brewers nights around the country on this Wednesday. But, the combination of charity and a really cool pub in Oakland – make this one the winner.

Beer Revolution is a very cool little spot in Oakland, where you can find about 12 beers on tap and a plethora of bottles. Beer Revolution does an excellent job of attaining little know, and hard to find beers.

Their blending night brings some blending pros over to show you how to make some fine concoctions from you already have in your cellar. They will be working with the following:

Green Flash Trippel
Green Flash West Coast IPA
Bockor Cuvee des Jacobins Rouge
Lost Abbey Serpent’s Stout
Gouden Carolus Hopsinjoor
North Coast Old Stock

Stop by and check this out. You know why – its FREE!

 

Thursday, August 12, 2010

 

Lazy Boy Brewing’s Brewers Night: Everett, Washington

6:00PM-9:00PM @ Alligator Soul

Its a really slow beer night across our great nation. But, if you live in Seattle, like us, there is something great going on close to home.

Lazy Boy Brewing is holding a brewer’s night at Everett’s blossoming Alligator Soul. The Gator has a growing tap list and well-received food. Read this write up, done by Seattle Beer News’ Geoff Kaiser.

This Thursday, LBB‘s Shawn Loring and Timperial Stout will truck on over to the Gator to serve up some of their incredible beers. These days, LBB is showcasing a Nacho Pilsner (made with chillies), a NW Pale (packed with more hops than you typical IPA) and a NW Hefeweizen (for you men who like hops with their light beer). Check them all out – and remember to look for their Imperial IPA at next month’s Fremont Ocktoberfest.

 

Friday, August 13, 2010

 

Alpine Triple Threat: San Diego, California

5:00PM-1:00AM @ O’Brien’s Pub

I cannot express to you all – how damn good this beer tastes. Alpine Beer Company, of Alpine, CA (outside San Diego), is quickly becoming my favorite brewery. I would have no trouble considering them a part of my Top 5 US brewers today, and they are likely gain ground as I get my fill of more from them at San Diego Beer Week in November.

Alpine makes, what I believe to be, the top IPAs in the country. They are abundantly scented, daringly flavorful and perfectly intoxicating. But, I have also had their Barleywine, Flemish Red Sour Ale, and their Irish Red. They all bring tears to my eyes, in a good way.

This is your chance to get a look at 3 of the best of their beers. From the bar’s release:

O’Brien’s Pub will be releasing brand new batches of Alpine Bad Boy, Exponential Hoppiness and O’Brien’s IPA on Friday the 13th. We’ll also have Nelson Rye-IPA, Duet IPA and Tuatara on tap. A great night of rare hoppy beers from Alpine.

Don’t miss this.

 

Saturday, August 14, 2010

 

Great Taste of the Midwest: Madison, Wisconsin

1PM-6PM @ Olin-Turville Park

This might be the most sought-after ticket in all of the Midwest. The Great Taste has become a cult event, showcasing over 100 breweries from the wonderful Midwest, serving over 500 beers.

Tickets were priced at $40.00, but a tweet from Six Point Craft Ales, yesterday, indicated that tickets are going for almost $200.00 on eBay.

You can find the list of specialty beers that were available last year by following this link. Don’t slobber on your keyboard.

Expect to see Three Floyds, Founders, Bells, Great Lakes, New Glarus, Surly and other phenomenal brewers at this party – if you can get in.

 

Sunday, August 15, 2010

 

Strong Beer Festival: Las Vegas, Nevada

5:00PM-??? @ Aces & Ales (also Friday 8/13 and Saturday 8/14)

You never see anything good going down in the City of Sin. So I was very excited to see that a rather impressive beer festival will happen this weekend – and its for charity. In association with Ronnie James Dio’s ’Stand Up & Shout’ cancer fund, the festival will include silent auctions to benefit cancer research.

You can find out more about the event by visiting this link, Aces’ Facebook page.

Aces & Ales will spread the following list over the course of 3 days this weekend:

Dogfish Head:
Burton Baton
Red & White
Olde School Barleywine
Raison D’Etre
Midas Touch
Sah’tea
Theobroma

Stone Brewing:
2007 Old Guardian Barleywine
2010 Old Guardian Barleywine
999 Vertical Ale
13th Anniversary Ale

Noble Aleworks:
IPA
Alpha Red
Dark Sybian IPA

Moylans:
Kilt Lifter Port Barrel
Ryan Sullivan’s Imperial Stout
Old Blarney Barley Wine
Hopsickle Imperial Pale Ale
Moylander Double IPA
Ryan Sullivan’s Imperial Stout
Old Blarney Barley Wine Bourbon Barrel

The Bruery:
Coton
Mischief
Saison Rue
Rugbrod
Autumn Maple

North Coast Brewing Co.:
Old Rasputin
Le Merle
Brother Thelonious

Firestone Walker Brewing Co.:
Union JAck
Parabola
13th Anniversary

Newport Beach Brewing Co:
A Fortnights Journey/14th Ann Barleywine

Tustin Brewery:
Old Town IPA
14th Anniversary Imperial Red

Ballast Point Brewing Co.:
Sculpin IPA

Deschutes Brewery:
Mirror Mirror 2009
 The Abyss 2009 Jubel 2010

Rogue Brewery:
XS Imperial India Pale Ale
Imperial Chocolate Stout
Morimoto Imperial Pilsner
XS Imperial YSB

 

If you attend an event, want us to post about your event, or anything beer event related, please leave a comment or email us at beerblotter@gmail.com. Cheers!

 

Events for Week of March 29, 2010

Firkin of Libertyville, IL

Without further ado and no introduction, drum roll please…..

Monday, March 29, 2010

Southern Tier Pint Night: Pawtucket, Rhode Island

8:00PM-10:00PM @ Doherty’s East Irish Pub

Put your Guiness down and enjoy a pint from NY’s Southern Tier Brewing Co. An amazing brewery with a wide range of styles, you can expect to enjoy the following on tap tonight: Mokah, Unearthly IPA, Choklat, Cherry Saison, Iniquity Black IPA and many more!

Allagash Beer Dinner: South Norwalk, Connecticut

7:00PM- 9:00PM @ The Ginger Man

Tonight, $70.00 will give you an all inclusive beer experience, with 5 courses, 5 pairings, tax and gratuity included.  Come in early for a pint, and then enjoy hors d’oeuvres and a brief introduction to the Allagash Brewing Company when everyone is seated. 4 courses follow, including a cheese plate and dessert.

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Enter the Smutty, An Evening with Smuttynose Brewing Co.: Burlington, Vermont

5:00PM-11:00PM @ American Flatbread Burlington Health

This line up is amazing and since our trip to Ohio, we are huge fans of Smuttynose Brewery. So here goes: Wheat Wine ’08; Big A IPA; Oaked Old Brown Dog CASK; Brett & I and many more.

Beers for Babes: New York, New York

6:30PM-9:30PM @ The Pourhouse

Beer is not just for men, women have sophisticated tastebuds and many enjoy the sweet nectar as much as their male counterparts. So tonight, lets drink to female beers lovers at the Pourhouse for a women only event. Tonight’s themed is flavored beer which includes Bluepoint Blueberry Ale, Ithaca Apricot Wheat, Lindeman’s Pomme, Sam Adams Cherry Wheat, Abita Purple Haze. Light appetizers will also be available.

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Bell’s Oberon Kick Off Party: Atlanta, Georgia

6:00PM-8:00PM @ The Porter Beer Bar

Come and celebrate the beginning of Spring with Bell’s Brewery’s new edition, Oberon.  An American wheat ale brewed with Saaz hops. Spicy and fruity, Oberon is the color and scent of a sunny afternoon.  Get a pint, keep the glass.

Goose Island Beer and Wine Dinner: Rocky River, Ohio

6:30PM- 8:00PM @ The Pub Rocky River

Who said beer and wine lovers can drink in unison?  Join Goose Island‘s Eddie Anderson as well as a Gallo Wine Rep in this very unique event of beer and wine pairings. Goose Island will be featuring Sofie, Matilda, Pere Jacques, 312 & Mild Winter.

Cask Night: Redmond, Washington

5:00PM-10:00PM @ Black Raven Brewing Co AND Malt and Wine Bottle Shop

Every Wednesday, come get a pint of one of Black Raven Brewing Co.’s beers on cask at the brewery of Redmond amazing bottle shop.  This Wednesday, the Saison is featured.

Thursday, April 1, 201o

April is IPA Month: Burlington, Vermont

4:30 PM-11:30PM @ American Flatbread Burlington Hearth

Out with the barleywines and in with the IPAs.  For the ENTIRE month of April, expect to enjoy IPA after IPA. American Flatbread Burlington Hearth’s own Zero Gravity brewery will be offering multiple IPA options in addition to the many exciting selections have been gathered from the top regional and not-so-regional breweries.

Dogfish Head Keg Party and Chili Cook-off: Chicago, Illinois

8:30PM-11:30PM @ Landmark Grill and Lounge

Ok, listen carefully- $20 at the door gets you unlimited chili and $.25 drafts of Dogfish Head India Brown, 90 min IPA, Rasion D’extra and Aprihop all night long. Done and done!

Friday, April 2, 2010

Avery Brewing’s Depuceleuse Release: Boulder, Colorado

5:00PM-8:00PM @ Avery Brewing Co.

After waiting patiently for an entire year, this beer, aged in zinfandel wine barrels , Depuceleuse has matured and is primed to be bottled.  A 100% brettanomyces fermentation gives this brew lots ‘o funk throughout, intertwined with pungent elements of sour cherries, delicate aromas of aged wood and a gentle spice thanks to the zinfandel barrels.  Sounds amazing!

Saturday, April 3, 2010

Stone Barleywine Fest: Libertyville, Illinois

1:00PM-3:00PM @ The Firkin

Try one of 11 Stone Brewing Co. beers on draught including Old Guardian Barleywine from 2007, 2008, 2010! Also featured will be Levitation, I.P.A., Pale Ale, Ruination, Smoked Porter,and Arrogant Bastard. Brewer, Greg Koch will be stopping by during the party as well to say hello! New Old Guardian glasses will be yours to keep. Exciting!

Philadelphia Breweries During Prohibition: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

2:00PM -3:00PM @ Philadelphia Brewing Co.

Celebrate the 77th Anniversary of the Repeal of Prohibition which occurred April 7, 1933 when 3.2% beer was made legal. Find out how Philadelphia breweries coped during 13 long “dry years” some of which weren’t all that dry.

Sunday, April 4, 2010

Easter At Stone: Escondido, California

9:30AM-11:30 AM @ Stone Brewing Co.

Egg hunt for kids, beer for adults. Happy Easter to you.

Easter, Avery Brewing’s release of a sour cherry beer, educational opportunities for woman and wine lovers, and the beginning of Spring. Life is good, so drink up- cheers!