Archive
Events for Week of July 12, 2010
Avenue Pub- Stop here on the tour with Mellow Mushroom out of Covington, LA.
IM LATE with events! So Im skipping the intro!
Monday, July 12, 2010
Founders Tapping: Bloomington, Indiana
5:00PM-12:00AM @ Yogi’s Grill and Bar
Tonight, Yogi’s is tapping Founders Brewing Co.‘s Devil Dancer, Canadian Breakfast Stout, Cerise and Dirty Bastard. Get there early.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
LaTrappe Re-Launch: Chicago, Illinois
7:00PM-11:00PM @ Fountainhead
Beeradvocate.com said it best and it includes a fun fact about the only trappist brewery outside of Belgium:
Koningshoeven, the only Trappist brewery in The Netherlands, has featured “La Trappe” on its labels around the world for some time, virtually everywhere except here in the U.S. and Canada. So, come help us welcome back La Trappe under its true name.
The legal issues with a monastic community in Iowa known as La Trappe, who make coffins, not beer, have been cleared up with the monks of the only monastic brewery outside of Belgium, so La Trappe is back!!!!
We’ll be giving away some glassware (while it lasts), Chef Robyn will serve up some pairings for La Trappe Witte, Double & Quad.
Oh…. As if thats not enough, profits from La Trappe beer sales go to maintaining their brother abbeys in Indonesia and Uganda.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Mikkeller Single Hop Night: New York, New York
7:00PM-12:00AM @ The Double Windsor
Mikkel is a gypsy-brewer, from Denmark who brews at different breweries in Denmark, around Europe and the United States. Tonight features four Mikkeller beers from his single hop series: Cascade, Centennial, Nugget and Chinook. Such good brews!
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Lagunitas Brewing Co. Beer Dinner: Phoenix, Arizona
7:00PM-9:00PM @ Whole Foods Market- Scottsdale
Join Whole Foods Market for a 5 course Lagunitas beer pairing dinner that will please both beer geek and foodie alike. Space is limited. Please register in advance by emailing sp.sct.marketing@wholefoods.com. The cost of the dinner is $29.00.
Friday, July 16, 2010
2010 Portland International BEERFEST: Portland, Oregon
4:00PM-10:00PM @ NW 8th and NW Davis (outside)
Portland International Beerfest (PIB) is a summertime specialty beer festival. Each year over more than 130 hard-to-find rare & exotic beers from breweries near & far are featured during this festival. These include some of the most highly-rated beers in the world, and many are nearly impossible to get. For more information, visit the website here.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Mellow Mushroom Bus to NOLA Brewing Co.: Covington, Louisiana
1:00PM-8:00PM @ Mellow Mushroom
Now you know how bb.com feels about New Orleans! Enjoy a pizza buffet at Mellow Mushroom from 12-1pm. Bus departs at 1 and will arrive at NOLA Brewery around 1:45pm. Private tour of the brewery by Kirk Coco. Afterward, stop at Avenue Pub (FAVORITE BAR IN NEW ORLEANS- open 24/7 365) for lunch and a brew (or 5). Reservations, call (985) 327.5407. This event is $27.50 per person.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Pints and Pancakes to Christmas in July: Ellicott, Maryland
10:00AM – 5:00PM@ T*Bonz Grille and Pub
2 Live Bands All Day, Free Pancakes and an Awesome breakfast menu. This Sunday features Christmas and Breakfast Style Beers including Smuttynose Shortbatch #9, Weyerbacher Merry Monks and Flying Dog Coffee Stout.
If you have an event that you went to, want us to post about or want to add something, please leave a comment or email us beerblotter@gmail.com. Cheers!
52 Weeks: ‘t Arendsnest
Translation: The Eagle's Nest
Week 16 of 52
Herengracht 90
1015BS Amsterdam
(020) 421 20 57
Rating: 4.5/5
Dutch Beer Bar
BEERS ON TAP (at time of visit) —>
BOTTLE: We didn’t take note of everything, but the list was vast and had a large number of De Molen offerings.
FOOD OPTIONS: No food.
BAR OPINION: In the months preceding the Beer Blotter Euro-trip, a lot of research was done. A lot. I’m sure this doesn’t come as a surprise. Anyone about to embark on a journey to a far off land would do the same. What did we research? Well, we have been very vocal about our priorities on this trip, so I will only rehash them briefly…beer, food, art/culture…well that’s about all that really matters right?
On tap at 't Erendsnest
The Amsterdam portion of our trip was at the very end. By the time we had reached the ‘Dam we had already hit Antwerp, Brugge, Gent, Brussels, various locations in West Flanders, Esquelbecq (France, Brasserie Thierez), Dusseldorf, Leverkusen (Germany, Bayer Leverkusen soccer match), Cologne, Paris, Bodegraven (Netherlands, Brouwerij De Molen), and many places in between. Moral of the story…by the time we got to the ‘Dam we were nearly spent, and believe me, it pained us severely. We had all been really excited about Amsterdam, especially since we had chosen ahead of time to forgo any cultural aspects that she may offer. Not that they weren’t worthy, but the ‘Dam seemed like a place for extreme partying, and that is what we planned to do there (I guess that in itself is a part of the culture, but you know what I mean).
I repeat, “planned”. Planned way in advance, without thought of how we would feel after staying up late every night drinking and waking up early every morning to exercise and get a start on the new day’s travels. Bottom line, our trip was grueling. It had to be. There was no way around it. One’s opportunity to travel to Europe is very limited, thus one must pack many things in. I doubt this truly needs explaining. In a nutshell, I…we need to go back. I get teary-eyed just thinking about the prospect of returning. Our experiences have taught us many things, and would surely yield much in a second journey, especially in Amsterdam, where I feel we failed to completely engross ourselves in what it offered.
Never-the-less, there was not a single beer related establishment that I had on my “must visit” list that we missed. How was this list conjured? You will surely not be surprised to hear that ratebeer had a hand, as well as the great Amsterdam Top Ten site. Number 1 on all of our lists? You guessed it, ‘t Arendsnest! Why? Check out the description on the Amsterdam Top Ten site:
One of the very few bars that [s]erve only beer from Dutch breweries. 350 different beers, not counting approximately 250 seasonal beers such as Bokbier, brewed by more than 50 breweries in different parts of the Netherlands. The owner is very knowledgeable and together with his enthusiastic staff is more than happy to provide his customers with information and recommendations.
We knew that this place would provide us with an ample selection of beers that we had never heard of and could never get in America. A true Dutch experience to say the least, just what we were after.
Just prior to arriving in Amsterdam we stopped for dinner at De Molen. This was after a very long drive from Paris, so not only was it late but we were tired, full, and a little buzzed. We decided that we would keep this first night a bit low key, which meant a trip to the number one on the list (which luckily was just a few blocks from our hotel) and a trip to one of the other non-beer related things that you have to do in Amsterdam: a weed cafe. You know…because it’s legal there.
Anyway, we write about beer so we will concentrate on that vice. After sifting through the rainy evening air, along gorgeous shop lined alley-ways and down streets that flank the many canals that bisect the city, we came to stand before ‘t Arendsnest. Finally, we had arrived. Once entering, any and all stresses were lifted from our shoulders. Not only was it dry, warm and bright inside, but it was invitingly cozy and bustling with the soothing din of the local clientele. The lighting, the design, the decor, all aspects of The Eagles Nest fit in just right with what we needed at that moment.
As you can see from the draught list above, our hopes of finding “strange” Dutch brews were realized here, just as we had hoped. Other than the only Dutch Trappist brewery La Trappe (Koningshoeven), Urthel, and the De Molen/Mikkeller collaboration brew Mikkel & Menno that we had discovered just prior to arriving, everything on the list was foreign to us. Though the bartender, like almost everyone in Amsterdam, spoke near perfect English, the place was pretty packed so we didn’t have much time to inquire about many of them. We ordered mostly blind (remember, the use of American iphones is pretty much negated in Europe). This is probably for the better. Sometimes going blind, being spontaneous, is more fun.
How do you say "ambiance" in Dutch?
The Jopen Hoppen and Extra Stout were both procured. A quick word on the Hoppen – almost any time the word “hop” is alluded to in Europe, Americans need to proceed with an open mind (Alvinne is a clear exception). Something what may be considered extremely hoppy in Europe would be considered a weak pale ale at best to us. The Hoppen fit that mold. The Extra Stout on the other hand was really thick and delicious and would stand up against any American stout.
The Hertog Jan Grand Prestige, a big 10% ale was sampled, along with the Jubel Joop III Tripel, also made by Jopen. One of the favorites of the night was the Emelisse Espresso Stout which had a huge mocha colored head with massive bubbles. Oh I wish I could indulge in one right now! A few De Molen bottles were enjoyed as well such as t ‘Ooievaartje – a fruit lambic and, quite possibly the gem of our visit – Bloed, Zweet & Tranen, or Blood, Sweat & Tears. B, Z & T is a dark concoction that uses smoked malts and minimal hops. It can, quite deservedly, be found in the Netherlands top 50 beers on ratebeer.com.
In conclusion, ‘t Arendsnest was a must visit for Beer Blotter in Amsterdam, and should be a must visit for all beer lovers.
Events for Week of March 1, 2010
Bert's Better Beers in Hookett, NH- No, we don't know where that is, but its worth going to!
A week in the life of a beer drinker:
Monday, March 1, 2010
7th Annual Barleywine Bacchanal: Seattle, Washington
3:00PM- 2:00AM @ Beveridge Place Pub
The madness continues all week with events almost every day. Many of these barleywines were aged by Beveridge Place. Check out Beer Blotter’s guide to the Bacchanal by clicking HERE!
Monk’s Mad Monday: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
11:30AM-11:30PM @ Monk’s Cafe
A special Russian River event featuring six of their beers on tap. There will be three IPAs and three ‘Tions on tap. Check it– Pliny The Younger, Pliny The Elder, Blind Pig, Damnation, Consecration and (sweet, sweet) Supplication.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Unibroue Tasting: Hooksett, New Hampshire
5:00PM-7:30PM @ Bert’s Better Beers
Join Richard Delmonico as he pours Canadian brewery, Unibroue beers-Quelque Chose (enjoy warm and/or on ice), Maudite, Terrible, Don de Dieu, La Fin du Monde, Blanche de Chambly, Chambly Noire, Trois Pistoles and Ephemere. Cheese and chocolate will be paired.
Sour Beer Night: New York, New York
7:30PM-9:30PM @ Jimmy’s No. 43
For $10.00 a person, you can come sample amazing sour beers from Jolly Pumpkin, Cantillon and others from the Shelton Brothers portfolio.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Meet the Brewers: Escondido, California
6:00PM-8:00PM @ Stone Brewing Co.
Brewers from the East head West- Sam Calagione of Dogfish Head and Victory Brewing Co.’s Bill Covaleski. Join them at the Bistro’s outside bar with Stone’s own Greg Koch to celebrate their collective achievement. Have a pint with Sam, Bill, and Greg and congratulate them on a job well done! Special taps of Dogfish Head and Victory rarities, including World Wide Stout, will be poured outside.
Ninkasi Beer Dinner: San Francisco, California
5:45 PM- 9:45 PM @The Monk’s Kettle
Ninkasi brews such as Total Domination IPA, Tricerahops Double IPA, Believer Double Red Ale and OATIS Oatmeal Stout will be paired with a delicious 5 course meal. Menu items include a Portobello mushroom soup, a coconut curry shrimp dish, pork tenderloin, a special pallet cleanser and a dessert that will make you feel right at home.
New Belgium Tasting: Portland, Oregon
4:00PM-6:00PM @ The Beermongers
New Belgium Brewery will in the store providing samples of several of their more unique beers including two from their Lips of Faith series Biere de Mars and Transatlantique Kriek, Ranger IPA, certified organic Mothership Wit and Trip IV on draft a collaboration between Elysian Brewing Co. (Seattle) and New Belgium. This event is free.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Great Lakes Happy Hour: Akron, Ohio
7:00PM-9:00PM @ Johnny Malloys
Come and sample 6 differtent Great Lakes Brewing Co. beers on tap/bottles available to everyone. For those interested, there will also be a limited beer and cheese tasting featuring a couple brewery exclusives that are only available for the tasting. The tasting fee is $10 and includes 5 samples of beer and 5 cheese samples. A few people from the brewery will be there giving out glassware and other Great Lakes memorabilia.
Friday, March 5, 2010
Beer without Hops: The Illegal Brews: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
7:30PM- 9:30PM @ The Beer School of Philadelphia
This is an appropriate venue for this event. Not only do you get to sample fine beers, you get to learn a bit about beer history. These beers do not contain hops, therefore at one point in beer past, they were not considered beer. Due to this concept, they have become rather rare. Well, these “illegal” beers (gruits) are making a comeback, so stop by, taste and learn all about these amazing brews.
Jolly Pumpkin Beer Tasting: Ann Arbor, Michigan
5:00PM-7:00PM @ Whole Foods Market
Join Vice President of Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales Michael Turriff at the Fine Wine and Craft Beer Bar. Michael is there to enjoy the JP brews, discuss beer and answer all of your questions.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Let’s try some Belgiums!: Naperville, Illinois
3:00PM-5:00PM @ Malloy’s Fine Wines and Spirits
This tasting is FREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE. So you have no excuse to head out on the town in Naperville and try some amazing Belgium brews. What will you be sampling? Triple Karmeliet, Maredsous 10 Triple, Gouden Carolus, and Pauwel Kwak- among others. Get out, get cultured.
Lucky Lab’s Barleywine & Big Beer Fest: Portland, Oregon
12:00PM- 10:00PM @ Lucky Labrador Brewing Co. (NW Quimby Beer Hall)
More than 35 barleywines and big beers (stouts, warmers, old ales and more) on tap! Some are recent releases but many are aged vintages. Just to name a few, as the list is very very long (check it here): ’07 Great Divide’s Old Ruffian; ’08 Speakeasy’s Old Godfather; ’09 Fish Tail’s Leviathan and ’09 Lucky Lab’s BBL-Aged Son of Old Yeller.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
11th Split the Brooklyn Skull Festival: Brooklyn, New York
11:00 AM-11:00PM @ Mugs Ale House
Interesting name, but what does it entail? Tis the time for barleywines and strong ales, so you guessed it! Come to Mugs and enjoy beers, most of which are over 8%. For the full list click here, but for a sample, you came to the right place: Speakeasy Old Godfather Reserve 10%; Left hand Widdershins 10%; Nogne O #100 Barleywine 10.0%; Goose Island Brown Goose 9% and Weyerbacher Old Heathen Imperial Stout 2008 8.0%.
Nikki’s Second Annual Beer Dinner: Providence, Rhode Island
6:00 PM-10:00 PM @ Julians
We will leave the food a mystery, but check out the featured beers, mainly all Trappist. We like their style! La Trappe Isid’or; Achel Blond; Westmalle Trappist Dubbel; Orval Trappist Ale; Chimay Grande Reserve (blue); Westmalle Trappist Tripel and with the dessert course, you get all three Rochefort beer (6, 8, 10)!!
Oh man…that is it. But of course, there is so much more. So if you have an event you want us to add, have a comment about an event you went to, or just want to tell us how much you love beer, leave a comment or email us at beerblotter@gmail.com. Thanks for reading! Cheers to another week!
