Events for Week of October 25, 2010

photo creds: yoursforgoodfermentables.com

This weekend was pretty low key. We were able to swing by Naked City Taphouse for their 2nd Anniversary Party. They had so many of their own beers on tap, it was hard to choose. I ended up getting the Tay Yay Barrel Aged Sour- so good. We ended the night with an Imperial IPA homebrew. But now for your week in beer.

Monday, October 25, 2010

 

Jolly Pumpkin Beer Week: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

11:00AM-8:00PM @ The Coffee Bar

Jolly Pumpkin, an amazing brewery out of Ann Arbor, MI arrives in Philly to showcase their amazing Belgium styled beers.

We will be pouring Jolly Pumpkin’s BAM BIERE on draft as well as bottles of LA ROJA, with another release to be determined!

And despite their name, there is no pumpkin in these beers. But we will be pouring Rock Art’s Imperial Pumpkin Spruce Stout, a unique interpretation of the seasonal pumpkin ale, to help fill your pumpkin needs.

We will also be serving hot turkey and stuffing sandwiches all week as well as pumpkin pie.

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

 

Oxymoron Night with Left Hand Brewing: Arlington, Virginia

6:30PM-10:30PM @ Galaxy Hut

Left Hand Brewing teams up with Terrapin to release Oxymoron, an IPA, is the third in a series of one-time releases between these two breweries. Tonight celebrate the release and enjoy brews from both breweries: Oxymoron, Terrapin Hopzilla, Terrapin So Fresh and So Green, Green, Left Hand Warrior IPA and Left Hand Twin Sisters.

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

 

Hop Harvest 2010: Greenville, South Carolina

6:00PM-10:00PM @ Barley’s Taproom and Pizzeria

This is Barley’s 4th Annual Hopfest and they are bringing the fury:
-Great Divide Fresh Hop
-Harpoon Glacier Harvest
-Sierra Nevada Estate Homegrown Ale
-Sierra Nevada Northern Hemisphere Harvest
-Sierra Nevada Southern Hemisphere Harvest
-Southern Tier Harvest
-Terrapin So Fresh & So Green, Green
-Victory Braumeister Harvest Ale
-Victory Braumeister Harvest Pils
-Weyerbacher Harvest

Plus these hoptastic bonus brews…
-Bell’s Hopslam Ale
-Mikkeller Green Gold IPA
-Stone San Diego County Session Ale
-“Randal the Enamel Animal”: Fresh-Citra-Hopped Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA

Thursday, October 28, 2010

 

Pumpkin Beer Tasting: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

6:30PM-8:30PM @ Hudson Beach Glass

Art and Beer together for one night.

Hudson Beach Glass presents an exciting evening of beer tasting and glass making. Coordinated with Triumph Brewing, pumpkin ales and appetizers will abound. All guests will be using their own crafted pint glasses (with a new pumpkin stamp) to try the delicious brews. Also, Sean will be in the studio showing how the Pint Glasses are made and everyone gets to take one home at the end of the night!

Friday, October 29, 2010

 

Flying Dog’s Halloween Bash and Smash: Frederick, Maryland

7:00PM-11:00PM @ Flying Dog Brewery

Are you looking for something to do this weekend for Halloween? Do you want to drink tasty brews while doing it? I suggest stopping by Flying Dog Brewing Co. to celebrate the pagan holiday. 12 Flying Dog brews will be on tap. Get to work on your costume, as there is a $500 cash prize for the best costume.

Saturday, October 30, 2010

Halloween Ale Fest: Grand Rapids, Michigan

1:00PM-1:00AM @ HopCat

Enjoy the best of Halloween with seasonal ales such as Nosferatu, Hobgoblin, Wild Devil & Screaming Pumpkin! Prepare for a costume contest.

Sunday, October 31, 2010

 

De Dolle Beer Tasting: Louisville, Kentucky

De Dolle, a small brewery from Essen Belgium is a personal favorite. Today, for $12, you get to taste several beers from De Dolle.

Beers to be tasted:
De Dolle Dulle Teve 10
De Dolle Extra Export Stout
De Dolle Oerbier
De Dolle Arabier
De Dolle Boskeun

If you have an event that you went to, want us to post an event or just speak your mind, then leave a comment or email me at jess@beerblotter.com. Cheers!

 

Events for Week of July 19, 2010

The Busy Bee Cafe: Home to many great beers and beer events!

This was a good beer weekend.

A trip to Portland entailed Stone, Dogfish Head, Victory collaboration Saison Du Boef; Avery Maraja; Hair of the Dog Fred; Russian River Consecration; Double Mountain Saison and so much more! A trip to a new beer bar Apex was top notch (see our 52 weeks article later) and bottle shop, Beermongers was still impressive and reasonable priced!

As if that wasnt enough, we partook in an impromptu beer tour of Southern Washington up through Tacoma. With a Dogfish Head Sah’ Tea at Parkplace Tavern in Tacoma and a Lagunitas Lil’ Sumin’ Wild in Olympia, letting go of the weekend was very difficult. But there is a whole week ahead of us and plenty of beer events.

Monday, July 19, 2010

Captain Lawrence Imperial Porter and 2 Casks tonight!: Peekskill, New York

6:00PM-10:00PM @ Birdsall

Tonight a keg of Captain Lawrence’s new Imperial Porter will be tapped along with two exclusive CL gravity casks: Kolsch & Freshchester(dry hopped with Cascade hops). Dont miss out on this full Captain Lawrence line up, including a couple of new draught additions.

Tuesday, July, 20, 2010

Deschutes Night: Seattle, Washington

6:00PM-9:00PM @ Naked City Brewery and Taphouse

Tonight, Naked City features Bend, Oregon brewery, Deschutes. Known for amazing beers such as Abyss, the tap list includes Miss Spelt, Hop in the Dark, Jubel 2010 and Greenlakes Organic Ale. Enjoy!

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Hoppin’ Frog Tasting: Shawnee, Kansas

7:00PM-9:00PM @ Barley’s Brewhouse

I am really happy to see Hoppin’ Frog, this Ohio based brewery get some love outside of its home state. Tonight, for $20.00 you can taste the following (they are all o’ so good) with some delicious food pairings: Wild Frog Wheat, B.O.R.R.I.S the Crusher Stout Paired with Teriyiaki glazed Wings, Mean Manalishi, paired with Fish and Chips, Silk Porter paired with our Chocolate Tort and Hoppin’ to Heaven IPA.

Thursday, July 22, 2010

25 Tap Bells Night: Grand Rapids, Michigan

6:00PM-2:00AM @ HopCat

I know we have posted a couple of events similar to this one, but it is so amazing. 25 taps of Bell’s Brewery beers tonight including: Two Hearted Ale (poured from a tap and from a firkin), the Cherry Stout and an ’08 Expedition Stout. SO good….so good.

Friday, July 23, 2010

Meet the Brewer of Brooklyn Brewing Co.: New Orleans, Louisiana

10:00PM- 12:00AM @ The Avenue Pub

We all know how much we love this place. So lets take this place in all of its glory and throw some Brooklyn Brewing beers on tap. Sold! Tonight, for $12.00, meet Garrett Oliver, head brewer and taste a sample of 5 amazing brews.

Saturday, July 24, 2010

Barleywine Fest: Largo, Florida

5:00PM-11:00:M @ Willard’s Tap House

Granted its not barleywine season. Its summer after all. However, stop by Willard’s tonight and sample some flavorful beers including: Sierra Nevada Bigfoot, Weyerbacher Blithering Idiot, Southern Tier Back Burnner and Avery Hog Heaven (a hoppy barleywine).

Sunday, July 25, 2010

Rooftop Summer Wheat beer Dinner: Raleigh, North Carolina

7:00PM-9:00PM @ the Busy Bee Cafe

Now, sometime deliciously appropriate for the summer months, a wheat beer celebration. It’ll be a little more laid back than Busy Bee’s usual beer dinner and is only $35 per person. Enjoy Blanche de Bruxelles, Schneider Weiss, Great Divide Dunkel Weiss, and Terrapin Gamma Ray all on draft for this 4 course dinner! Email info@busybeeraleigh.com for tickets or more info.

Whats in stock for your beer future? Plan on attending an event? Want us to post an event? Then please leave a comment or email us at beerblotter@gmail.com! Cheers!

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!

Events for Week of May 17, 2010

Grab some sour beers by Cascade Brewing Co. @ uber on May 17!

Seattle Beer Week continues with everything a beer lover could dream of: Cascade Brewing Night, Dogfish Head dinners, vertical tastings and bottle releases.  BB.com heads to DC on Thursday and we are so excited to stop by the beer bars of our nation’s capital.

Monday, May 17, 2010

Cascade Night: Seattle, Washington

6:00PM @ Uber Tavern

Come to Uber and enjoy some of Cascade Brewing Co.’s incredible sour beers: Cascade Apricot Ale; Cascade Kriek 2009; Cascade Noyeaux and Cascade The Vine 2009. These beers are top-notch. Cheese and meats will be served and are complimentary!

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

East Meets West: Seattle, Washington

6:00PM-12:00AM @ Brouwer’s Cafe

I see beers and burgers in your Tuesday night plans. Brouwers is hosting Tomme Arthur of Lost Abbey, Sam Calagione of Dogfish Head, Dick Cantwell of Elysian Brewing, Christian Ettinger of Hopworks Brewing Co. and Rob Todd of Allagash, each bringing along a list of beers and a signature burger. Check out the burger options and beer lists here!

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Weyerbacher Release of Verboten: Warren, New Jersey

5:00PM-7:00PM @ Tap Room at Somerset Hills Hotel

If you have yet to visit Warren NJ, now is as good a time as any for the release of Weyerbacher’s Verboten, a Belgium style pale ale. Cheers!

Thursday, May 20, 2010

SOUR BEER FEST: Seattle, Washington

3:00PM-11:00PM @ Brouwer’s Cafe

This is my favorite of all the festivals…thats really all I have to say, except check back later this week for Timperial Stout’s review of the sour beer line up.

Friday, May 21, 2010

AHA Rally: Portland, Maine

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

In the name of homebrewing and how awesome it is, you should 1. homebrew and 2. become a member of the AHA and 3. attend this event.

American Homebrewers Association Rally open to members of the AHA and those interested in joining. Non-members attending will pay $33, receive entry and will become an AHA member, the event is free to members. We will be hosting brewery tours throughout the evening. Light appetizers will be provided along with a raffle and door prizes!- http://www.beeradvocate.com

Saturday, May 21, 2010

Iron Horse Night: Seattle, Washington

5:00PM-7:00PM @ Bottleworks

Join the brewers from Iron Horse Brewing Co., located in Ellensburg, Washington and a local fav. Iron Horse brews beers across the board ranging from Black IPAs, Coffee Stouts, Red Ales and Dry Irish Stouts.

Sunday, May 22, 2010

Closing Ceremony for Seattle Beer Week: Seattle, Washington

12:00PM-6:00PM @ Hales Brewing Co.

Finish Seattle Beer Week with 21 of Washington’s finest Breweries at Hale’s Palladium. Admission is $25 and includes 6 beer tastings. Ok, this beer sounds amazing: Port Townsend Brewing Co. (Seattle, WA), Luciferous Belgian Whiskey Sour. Try that.

So long Seattle Beer Week, until next year…

If you have an event you want us to post about or you went to an event and want to report back, leave a comment or email us at beerblotter@gmail.com. Also, any more suggestions about places to go and beers to drink in the DC area are welcome!

Events for Week of April 26, 2010

Happy Birthday to Washington's Black Raven!

I always begin with a blurb about the weather. NOT this time. Although now I am at a loss. Had Bell’s Rye Stout this weekend. It was creamy, robust and a really great beer. Events…here they are.

Monday, April 26, 2010

Women’s Only Sour Beer Tasting: Escondido, California

7:00PM-9:00PM @ Stone Brewing Co.

Sour beers are up there with my favorite styles of beers. Unique flavors, unique history and a style originated in Belgium. Done, done and done.

If you’ve never tried a sour brew before, now’s your chance to explore this tart and delicious beer style. You’ll learn about what makes a sour beer sour while you try outstanding examples from several different breweries.  Tickets are $20 and are available in the Stone Company Store or online here:
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/105419

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Founder’s Brewing Kentucky Breakfast Stout Tasting: Mount Holly, New Jersey

7:00PM-10:00PM @ High Street Grill

Founders Brewing Co. makes damn good beer. (hello Double Trouble, Centennial IPA and their other Breakfast Stout).  From their website

“…brewed with a massive amount of coffee and chocolates then cave-aged in oak bourbon barrels for an entire year, to make sure wonderful bourbon undertones come through in the finish. Make your taste buds squeal with delight.”

Live Irish Tunes from 7 pm and all you can eat mussels in beer for just $10 pp! Also on tap, 15 other great craft beers and Founders Reds Rye too!

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Weyerbacher Beer Dinner: Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

6:00PM-8:00PM @ Sands Casino Resort

On deck are Weyerbacher’s Blitering Idiot, Fireside Ale, Merry Monk, and the Blanche paired with amazing dishes such as Pepper Crusted Roasted Strip Loin served on oyster mushrooms, roasted garlic spaetzle, caramelized onion puree, Cippolini onion and herb jus.

This 4 course dinner is $50.00/person. To make reservations call 877-SANDS77. Please note: Beer Dinners include tax and gratuity.

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Southern Tier Take Over: Cumberland, Rhode Island

7:00PM-9:00PM @ Pitcher’s Pub

The good stuff from Southern Tier Brewing is on tap tonight this is an amaaaaaaaaaaaaaaazing event. Mokah, Choklat, Oak Aged Unearthly IPA, Iniquity (Black Ale) and many more. This brewery can’t go wrong, so go here tonight.

Friday, April 30, 2010

Lagunitas Tasting: Amesbury, Massachusetts

5:00PM-8:00PM @ Carriagetown Wine and Spirits

There will be a Lagunitas tasting from 5pm-8pm on Friday April 30th. The full line up of year round offerings and current seasonals will be sampled.

Saturday, May 1, 2010

Black Raven Anniversary Party: Redmond, Washington

12:00PM-10:00PM @ Black Raven Brewing Co.

21 and Over only Event- so if you are of age, come enjoy, live music all day, food kiosks (grilled food and pizza, Rare BRBC beers, 2 beer gardens and………………….Live goats! AND live music stage with headliners and Seattle Reggae band, Dub Lounge International.

Sunday, May 2, 2010

The Bruery Seasonal Tasting: Portand, Oregon

3:00PM-5:00PM @ Saraveza Bottle Shop

Try all four seasons of The Bruery at this free sampling. And lucky for you, they will be pouring both Partridge in a Pear Tree (’08) AND Two Turtle Doves (’09). If you are super lucky, you’ll get a sample of Black Tuesday (first come, first served!).

Nice way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

If you have any events that you would like us to post – please email us at beerblotter@gmail.com or leave a comment on this page.

52 Weeks: Stairway to Belgium, Sarasota, FL

 

Stairway to Belgium: Sarasota, FL

Week 13 of 52

Stairway to Belgium

1359 Main Street

Sarasota, FL

Rank: #6 of 12

Beer Bar/Restaurant

BEERS ON TAP (at time of visit) —>

St. Bernardus Abt 12

Dogfish Head 90 min

Stella Artois

Smuttynose Old Brown Dog

and others…

BOTTLE OPTIONS: Oh so many…check out their bottle list here. We indulged in Saint Somewhere, Smuttynose, Weyerbacher….

FOOD OPTIONS:  Amazing food. This menu covers a lot. You have Belgium dishes such as Mussels and frites and stew, plus down home country food like AMAZING ribs and mac and cheese to salads, grilled wings and sandwiches. It doesn’t stop there with waffles as their main dessert option. So many different types of food to pair with the long list of beers. We may not be in Belgium, but we are in heaven.

BAR OPINION:

In order to access the restaurant, you walk up a flight of stairs and as you approach the top of the stairs, glowing in the background, is a large refrigerator full of bottles. To my left a row of about 10 taps.

The space itself is large and poorly decorated. I felt like I was in a cheap Italian restaurant as opposed to holding the cozy, humble qualities that I loved so dearly in Belgium beer bars.  Now, we know we are not in Belgium, and that this place has only been open 7 weeks, but with several amazing restaurants in the immediate area, its time to decorate.

Beer time. A 750 ml of Saint Somewhere Lectio Divina was shared. A farmhouse ale brewed by a Florida brewery, it was darker in color than expected, but funky and full of flavor. We had tried a bottle of Saint Somewhere’s Pays Du Soleil a few months back when it first hit shelves in Seattle. We were incredibly impressed and decided to jump on a Lectio Divina in the brewery’s home state. We weren’t disappointed with the beer, but we weren’t flattened by its finish. A little crisp for a true farmhouse ale.

Dogfish Head 90 min was enjoyed by half of the table, as this well balanced IPA was straight from the tap. We started some beer rookies out with this beer, and they loved it. Dogfish Head’s ales reach the widest spectrum of the beer drinking public. Flavor seems to be key.

Weyerbacher’s Blithering Idiot, a barleywine and Smuttynose IPA cured our longing for Midwestern/Eastern beers. Blithering Idiot resembles more of a strong Belgian bruin ale, as opposed to an English Barleywine – which is why I reached for this beer on Belgium night. At 11.5% – it will take you places – but without an extreme sugary flavor.

During our visit, we were hosted by a very friendly and seemingly knowledgeable waitress named Mischa. Mischa did much to ensure that we enjoyed our time at the restaurant.

She directed us to some wonderful food, including the pound of char-grilled chicken wings that I split between the Beer Garlic and Inferno sauces. I loved these wings. Over time, I have come to believe that a grilled wing is vastly superior to the fryer. Their inferno sauce is the better of the two.

We also enjoyed some flemish stew, frites, mac and cheese and florida ribs. All of the food was very good. We were most impressed with the frites, which were traditionally double fried, heavily salted and accompanied with a spicy aoli. Get them.

In the end, our waitress was pleasant, the beer selection keeps you preoccupied, and the food was above average.  Its a win.

Pointer: Sit by the window, it will distract you from the poor decor. Recommended. Go there.

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!

Events for Week of February 1, 2010

Toronado: Legendary Beer Bar in San Fransisco

Its the first of the month, its still winter, its still cold. Let beer warm your soul.  Here are your events for the first week of February.

Monday, February 1, 2010

IPAlooza 2010: Willoughby, Ohio

4:30PM- 4:30 AM @ Ballantine

Today marks the first day of 28 days of rare IPAs.  28 IPA will be on tap for the entire month of February. Those who manage to try all 28 by the end of the month will be invited to the “wrap-up party” in March.  Rare IPA’s include: Stone Sublimely Self Righteous, Urthel Hop-it, Founder’s Double Trouble, Stone/Brewdog Bashah, Brooklyn Blast and more.

Lagunitas Beer Dinner: Jacksonville, Florida

6:30PM – 10:30 PM @ Kickbacks Gastropub

8 courses of food and 21, yes 21, beer pairings from Lagunitas Brewery. $49.00 per person plus 20% gratuity and tax will leave you satisfied and a little tipsy (or even drunk).  Some of the tap beers featured include: Cappuccino Stout, 2007, 2008, 2010 Old Gnarleywine and Dogtown Pale Ale. Vintage bottles will also be served during the dinner. Call 904-388-9551 and pay with credit card over the phone or pay with cash upon arrival.

Tuesday, February 2 2010

Beer Appreciation Night-Belgium Winter Warmers: Brea, Caifornia

7:00PM-9:00PM@ BJ’s Restaurant and Brewery

This is going to kick off one of many Beer Appreciation Nights for 2010.  Tonight, the Belgium Winters will include:  Fantome de Noel, St. Bernardus Christmas Ale, ‘t Smisje Kerst, Corsendonk Christmas Ale, and any more. Plus,  some of the last of BJ’s Annual Grand Cru will be poured for this tasting!

Founder’s Brewing Co. Tasting: Dayton, Ohio

4:00PM-10:00PM @ South Park Tavern

Come and enjoy all this amazing brewery has to offer.  You can’t go wrong with, Double Trouble IPA, Red’s Rye, Dirty Bastard, and more!

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Meet the Brewer- Weyerbacher Brewing Co.: Quakertown, Pennsylvania

7:00PM-9:ooPM @ Spinnerstown Hotel

Enjoy four beers from Weyerbacher Brewing Co. paired with opulent culinary creations prepared by Chef Karl. $40.00 per person. For more details on what beers will be poured, call (215) 536-7242.

Brewdog Tasting: New Haven, Connecticut

7:00PM-8:00PM @ Prime 16

Brewdog is an innovative brewery out Scotland. Brewdog beer will be available both on draft and cask. Expect to see Dogma, Punk, and Hardcore to try and buy. Many more will be rotating throughout the rest of the month.

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Meet the Brewer of New Old Lompoc Portland, Oregon

6:00PM-8:00PM @ Belmont Station

Meet New Old Lompoc Brewers Dave “Chowdah” Fleming and Zach Beckwith and get a sneak taste of the Bourbon Barrel aged LSD (LSD was brewed in May of last year then aged in Bourbon barrels for five months and cellared for an additional three. It has a malty body with slight raisin and vanilla flavors), as well as Barrel aged Doppelbock, LSD, Proletariat Red, and C-note IPA. Imperial Coffee Stout will be on draft.

Clipper City Holy Sheet Cask: Leesburg, Virginia

5:00PM- 9:00 PM @ Fireworks Pizza

Come grab some tasty pizza and drink Clipper City’s Abbey Ale on cask. Holy Sheet is only available during February and March, so it is VERY limited!

Friday, February 5, 2010

Pliny the Younger Release Day: Santa Rosa, California

11:00 AM – 11:45 PM @ Russian River Brewing Co.

ITS HERE!! ITS HERE!! ITS REALLY REALLY HERE!!!  Pliny the Younger’s 2010 release at RR!  Check out our article about the release details HERE. Get it while it lasts!!

Collaboration Not Litigation Ale- Tapping Party & Vertical Tasting Party: Boulder, Colorado

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

Today will mark the release of Batch #4 of Collaboration Not Litigation. Come celebrate the fruitful relationship between Avery Brewing and Russian River Brewing. Rob Rosser will be on hand serving his famous fish tacos at $4.00 a piece.  Be the first to experience this batch and if you do, please email us at beerblotter@gmail.com!

Saturday, February 6, 2010

Chocolate and Beer Festival: Richmond, California

2:00PM-6:00PM @ The Craneway Pavillion

6 chocolatiers and 6 local breweries will present multiple product samplings with live entertainment and raffle prizes. Advance tickets are $18.00 and $25.00 at the door with $5.00 parking. Click here to purchase tickets.

A Celebration of All Things Coffee, Chocolate and Things Aged in Barrels: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

2:00PM-2:00AM @ The Institute

What an amazing combination of items! The Institute’s chef will cook up some spectacular specials including sweet and savory items along with some vegetarian items.  Aged beers will include, Wyerbacher Barrel Aged Heresy, Founders Backwoods Bastard, Allagash Curieux and Bells Java Stout (among others).

Sunday, February 6, 2010

Beer Appreciation 101: San Jose, California

5:00PM-7:00PM @ Wine Affairs

Learning about beer and the different styles will increase your appreciation of the many micro brews around the world.  Expect a general overview of the brewing process and how the basic ingredients used in brewing affect a beer’s flavor. Develop your beer vocabulary while tasting beers that exemplify certain characteristics of each basic ingredient.  Contact Wine Affairs at 408-977-0111 to make your reservation today!

Lost Abbey and Port Brewing Night: San Fransisco, California

6:00PM-2:00AM @ Toronado

Stop by this legendary beer bar for specials on Lost Abbey and Port Brewing beers. There is no charge to partake in this event!  Sounds like a deal to us!

So that’s that. Whats done is done. Oh and GO SAINTS!!!!

As always, if you go to an event, want to go to an event, want to promote an event or discuss a beer you had at an event, leave a comment or email us at beerblotter@gmail.com. Cheers!

La Cave du Vin: 4 of 52

La Cave du Vin: Cleveland, Ohio

4 of 52

La Cave du Vin

2785 Euclid Heights Blvd

Cleveland, OH

Rank: #1 of 4

Type of Establishment: Wine shop, Tasting Room, Beer Bar, Bottle Shop

BEERS ON TAP (at time of visit) —>

Smuttynose Wheat Wine

Stone Brewing Oaked Arrogant Bastard Ale

Weyerbacher Hotel Poter

Stoudt’s Pilsner

Flying Dog Raging Bitch Belgium Style IPA

Tommy Knocker Black Powder Nitro Stout

FOOD OPTIONS: Small plates such as varying cheeses, cured meats, olives, breads and spreadable dips.

STAFF OPINION: Knowledgeable about beer, passionate about the establishment and craft brewing.

La Cave du Vin has an amazing ambiance.  As we walked down the street, every breath a struggle against the cold wind, we scurried down the stairs to La Cave.  Low lighting, small cafe tables, an entire wall of wines and the glowing refrigerator of beers make this place comfortable and worth a stop. As we walk toward the refrigerator, our excitement builds. We are afterall in the mid-west, beers that are “foreign” to us back West are in abundance. Weyerbacher, Founders, Jolly Pumpkin, Bell’s….

They do have approximately 5 beers on tap at any given time and the waitress/bartender was very attentive and willing to explain each beer to us.  However, we decided on bottles. You pick your bottle and the bartender will open it for you and provide glassware. Generally, you can buy the beer “to-go.”  For all you visitors, the state of Ohio does not permit beer sales on Sunday. What day did we go? Sunday, as that bottle of Bell’s Hopslam stared mockingly at us. Luckily we had the chance to have Hopslam on tap earlier in the day. Just a heads up, the prices on the bottle selection are on the high side if you are looking to enjoy it in the comfort of your own home.

We had three bottles: Founder’s Double Trouble IPA; Founder’s Red Rye and Jolly Pumpkin’s BAM Noire.  All were beyond amazing. The Double Trouble, a double IPA had a hoppy, sweet aroma and was exceuted to perfection. The balance was perfect, but there was still a bite to it. This beer began with a punch and ended with a smooth, comforting finish.  One of the best IPA’s to date.  The Red Rye was surprisingly hoppy and bitter. However, there was a grainy aftertaste and malt balance. JP’s BAM Noire, a Saison/Farmhouse Ale had that familiar funk to it, but rounded out with a sour finish with some citrus notes. Enjoyable from start to finish.

La Cave’s bottle selection alone is worth the visit. However, the ambiance, the staff and the small treats will keep you coming back.

Events for Week of January 25, 2010

BEEF & BEER @ The South Philadelphia Tap Room

Another Monday, another week, another set of weekly events. Read on, pencil these dates in and have fun!

Monday, January 25, 2010

Monday Night FREE Tasting: Portland, Oregon

5:00PM-7:00PM@ The Beermongers

Blue Mountain Cider Company from Milton-Freewater Oregon will be providing the samples.  They make great cider from whole apples grown here is the Pacific Northwest.  Beermongers will have their unfiltered cider on draft, free samples and we will be making cider “cocktails” (such as Red Skies at Night: 8oz of Cherry Cider & 8oz stout beer!).  Join the Beermongers and Andy from Blue Mountain for an evening of cider tasting and education about the proper way to make cider.

Ommegang Beer Dinner: Washington D.C.

6:30PM-10:30PM @ Birreria Paradiso/Pizzeria Paradiso Georgetown

Four delectable courses complemented by 6 beer pairings, come indulge on a Monday evening with the head brewer of Brewery Ommegang at Birreria Paradiso. 6:30 & 9:00 PM seatings. Call for reservations:202-337-4936!

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Hitachino Brewery Night: Brooklyn, New York

6:00 PM until close @ Bar Great Harry

Visit one of the best beer bars in all of Brooklyn and sample beers from Japanese brewery, Hitachino Nest. This is a unique brewery with top notch beers, such as their Espresso Stout (personal favorite), Real Ginger Brew, White Ale, the XH (matured in sake casks) and the Red Rice Ale.  Try them all!!! Oh and FREE meats and cheeses!

Highland Brewery Night: Sarasota, Florida

4:00PM-12:00AM @ World of Beer

Highland Brewing Co. out of Asheville, NC will feature their 15th Anniv.auld Ahshevile Ale, Black Mocha Stout, Gaelic Ale, Kashmir IPA, Oatmeal Porter, St.Terese’s Pale Ale and their Tasgall Ale.  World of Beer is a family friendly establishment until 7:00PM and there will be specials on draft sampler platters and givaways.

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Weyerbacher Tasting Night: New Haven, Connecticut

7:00PM-9:00PM @ Prime 16

Get here early if you want a seat and want to beat the crowd, as there will only be two hours to drink as many Weyerbacher beers as humanly possible.  Every Wednesday, Prime 16 hosts FREE beer tastings.  What a great idea!!!

Brewer’s Night with Elysian Brewing Co.: Bellingham, Washington

6:00PM-9:00PM @ Green Frog Cafe

Elysian Brewing Company out of Seattle, Washington is taking the trip North to Green Frog Cafe to taste a bunch of tasty beer with some surprises. Elysian Brewing Company is known for innovation, collaborations and some damn good IPA.  For those that are attending this event, look for Trip IV, an interesting brew from Elysian and New Belgium!

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Lagunitas Hopstoopid & Cask Hairy Eyeball Tapping: Chicago, Illinois

7:00PM- 11:00PM @ Sheffield’s Wine and Beer Garden

Lagunitas Brewing Co. is the feature brewery for the month of January at Sheffield’s Wine and Beer Garden, so tonight all 6 taps will be Lagunitas beers: Pilsner, Pale Ale, IPA, Hopstoopid IPA, Cappuccino Stout & a very special keg of Cask Hairy Eyeball!! All pints will be $4.00 each.

Stout Tasting: Mt. Pleasent, South Carolina

5:30PM-7:30PM @ Wine a While

Sample several different styles of stouts from the classic to newer interpretations. All tasted beers will be on special with a $5 fee! Call 843 881-3155 to find out what beers will be featured!

Friday, January, 29, 2010

Founders Brewing Co. Tasting Event: Ann Arbor, Michigan

5:00PM-7:00PM @ Whole Foods Market

Come meet the folks from Founders and enjoy $3 pints of three different Founders brews served at the Wine and Craft Beer Bar. This event is free to attend! Want to know what will be on tap? Call (734) 997-7500.

Winter Ale Night: San Diego, California

5:00PM- 12:00AM @ Downtown Johnny Brown’s

Only….51 days of winter left, keep on enjoying those winter brews!  There will be a complimentary pot of Carbonnade a la flamande and a selection of cheese from Taste in Hillcrest. Our usual Friday happy hour fare will also be available. And the beers (this is not a complete list): Mikkeller’s Santa’s Little Helper, Deschutes Abyss, Port Brewing Santa’s Little Helper, Lost Abbey Angel’s Share and Ale Smith’s Yulesmith.

Saturday, January 30, 2010

Strange brewFest: Port Townsend, Washington

1:00PM-9:00PM @ Waterstreet Brewing and Ale House

One of Beer Blotter’s favorite spots in the state of Washington, Waterstreet Brewing and Ale House is hosting the 6th Annual Strange brewFest.  What to expect? ● Over 30 Northwest Breweries ● Live Music ALL Week-end ● Chainsaw Carving ALL Week-end ● Costume Contest- theme is Wild Things ● Zany Games & Entertainment ●(Saturday afternoon) Fusion Belly Dance Show,fire dancers, jugglers, and much much more.  $25.00 Entry Fee (at the door).  Be prepared to wait on a long line!  It will be well worth it!  Strange brew Fest continues on Sunday, January 31st from 1:00PM-6:00PM.

New Belgium Ranger IPA Release Party: Chicago, Illinois

8:00PM-3:00AM @ Will’s Northwoods Inn

Tonight is the pre-release party for New Belgium’s Ranger IPA. With the nation-wide release date is February 1st, those in attendance will be envied by all!  There is no cover charge and no need to RSVP to this event.  The commercial description of this IPA reads as: This clear amber beauty bursts at the starting gate with an abundance of hops: Cascade (citrus), Chinook (floral/citrus), and Simcoe (fruity) lead off the beer, with Cascade added again for an intense dry hop flavor. Brewed with pale and dark caramel malts that harmonize the hop flavor from start to finish…

Sunday, January 31, 2010

Beef & Beer: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

5:00PM-9:00PM @ South Philadelphia Tap Room

Tickets are $50 per person for this all you can eat & drink event.

BEEF AND BEER—> what a way to end the week right!  All you can eat hormone-free prime rib, marinated mushrooms, house-smoked brisket tacos and beef tartar, all made from local, grass-fed cows, plus  all you can drink firkins from your favorite local breweries. Featured beer will include firkins of Tröegs Nugget Nectar, Weyerbacher Hops Infusion, Sly Fox Chester County Bitter and Philadelphia Brewing Company’s newest seasonal, a Scotch Ale – in addition to a few surprises. Tickets are available for purchase on location,  over the phone at 215.271.7787, or on the venue’s website.

Stout Fest: Chicago, Illinois

11:00 AM until close @ Quenchers Saloon

LAST DAY FOR STOUT FEST. Spend the last day of January among many amazing stouts. Here are a few examples of the amazing beers on tap: Founder’s Breakfast Stout, Avery’s Out of Bounds Stout, Hitachino Espresso Stout and Left Hand Oak Aged Imp Stout. Stouts are great on Sundays…and any day for that matter.

See everyone next week for events in February! If anyone attends an event, wants us to add an event or tried a beer at an event, please leave a comment or email us at beerblotter@gmail.com!  Cheers!