Beer festival success sparks annual plans - Entertainment - Jamaica Gleaner - Monday | May 26, 2014
Most of those stories involve an a-ha moment when they realized that homebrew could be both delicious and easy to make. Its part of what Chris Booth of Dans Homebrewing Supplies calls a snowball effect. Theres people that make homebrew, and then people drink their homebrew and theyre like, Really? You made this? And then they come in and they start making stuff, says Booth, co-owner and manager of the East Hastings store thats long been a hub for homebrewing in the Lower Mainland. Started by Dan Small, a legendary figure in local homebrewing circles who passed away last year, Dans Homebrewing has seen business boom over the past few years. Yet despite this chain reaction and the diversity of people who take to homebrewing, it takes a certain type to make good beer. Essential traits include attention to detail (measurements and timing can be crucial the length of the boil, when ingredients are added, for example); patience (conditioning beer, particularly lager, can take weeks); and cleanliness (the smallest contamination can spoil a whole batch, though this can also lead to some serendipitously delicious creations). Booth says a good brewer shares many attributes with a good chef. Someone thats got a good palate and balance. You dont need to be a rocket science, but if you know the science it definitely helps. A good sense of taste and judgment and creativity, says Booth, an experienced homebrewer himself. Overall, theres a particular mix of art and science, theory and practice to the process. You need to know some science behind the whole brewing process but then you have a lot of space for flexibility and creativity, says David Bowkett, a homebrewer who went on to set up Powell Street Craft Brewery in East Vancouver. Ive always liked doing things myself and being hands on. David Bowkett at Powell Street Craft Brewery in Vancouver. Im an engineer originally and I find it does tend to attract a lot of those types, says Chad McCarthy, another long-term homebrewer. theyre very much do-it-yourselfers, inventors that like to build equipment. This surge in interest in amateur brewing has resulted in an interesting mix of people that gather for the monthly meetings of VanBrewers , Vancouvers homebrewing society. Co-founded by Graham With in 2010, VanBrewers quickly gathered more than 100 members. A huge amount of homebrewers came out of the woodwork, recalls McCarthy. Tons of people like me brewing in their basements not knowing anyone else existed. VanBrewers quickly became known as a place to get inspiration and education. We offer quite the resource for people to improve, says Scott Butchart, who took over as VanBrewers president after With stepped down to focus on his job. Obviously when most people start out theyre not so great and they struggle a bit. People say they come to our meetings and they leave with 100 per cent more knowledge than they came with we have a really well rounded, well experienced group that can help you. VanBrewers president Scott Butchart with a sleeve of his homebrewed brown porter. That help comes from the collective knowledge of the many and variously skilled people who attend VanBrewers meetings. Such as the web designer with the award-winning barley wine; the opthalmologist who some say makes the best lagers in Canada; or McCarthy, an electrical engineer-turned lawyer whos a certified cicerone a beer expert on par with a wine sommelier as well as a national-rank beer judge. Im not as accomplished as a brewer but Im interested in the science of it and the judging aspect of it, training yourself to know what a beer should taste like and if it doesnt taste right, what might be wrong and provide advice to people, McCarthy says. (Theres) a little bit of an art to it as well as a science. Electrical engineer-turned lawyer Chad McCarthy is also a long-time homebrewer, member of VanBrewers, certified cicerone and beer judge. Hes pictured at an educational off-flavours class he taught last year. * * * With all this focused intensity among a tight-knit group of skilled crafters, itll come as little surprise to learn that some homebrewers can become obsessed. A phrase that seems to be in common use in brewing circles is going down the rabbit hole. And indeed, homebrewing offers a Wonderland of possibilities thats only limited by the crafters imagination and availability of ingredients. Tak Guenette left the rabbit hole for a brewing job at Steamworks in 2012, but he still burrows back into it several nights a week. Not content with his full-time position at the Vancouver brewpub, Guenette finds the time to brew up to four batches a week in the den of his apartment. I do have a bit more of a creative freedom to do odd things, Guenette says of his homebrewing.I can brew something exactly the way I want it, something with my tastes in mind. Steamworks brewer Tak Guenette with his homebrewing setup at his Vancouver apartment. Guenette says he began homebrewing because he simply couldnt find the styles he wanted to drink. Since then, hes become a local expert in lesser-seen English stylessuch as mild ale, which he often conditions in a traditional cask. He does admit his double brewing duty is slightly excessive. His fiancee, with whom he shares his apartment, likely agrees. We made an agreement when we moved in to a larger place, a one-bedroom plus den, that I put everything into that one small room so she can close the door and not look at it. And I think were both happy with that, he says. Guenette and With are just two of several homebrewers who have made the transition to commercial brewing. They got in when they were young, eager and looking for work. For established professionals in other fields such as Butchart and McCarthy, the idea of brewing full-time appeals, but its maybe not quite so practical. The hours are long, the pay is modest and theres concern that the aura of brewing would lose its lustre. I would like to be a professional brewer but I have a job that pays me well so its kind of hard to justify, says Butchart, 32, a purchaser/planner for an aerospace tooling company. Also, Id like to keep it my hobby and not make it work, a necessity to get paid. McCarthy, 41, did give some serious thought to putting his beer qualifications to work when he was between careers. For me personally, given how expensive Vancouver is to live in and that I would be starting at square one in a lot of ways, it didnt look realistic to me, he says. But, you know, my eyes are open. Stay tuned for part three
Souce http://blogs.theprovince.com/2014/05/26/craft-beer-starts-at-home-how-homebrewers-are-fuelling-the-b-c-beer-boom-part-2/
Top 10 craft beer pubs in Bristol | Travel | theguardian.com
With the promise of bringing the country's best beer brands together, along with some European heavyweights, it was lining up to be what fans had been waiting for. The venue for the three-day festival was the newly renovated Barbican Beach Bar. The main area was buzzing and bustling with the music turned up and a good crowd of people perusing the various beer brand tents. Others played FIFA games and participated in mini football matches in the sand. With each patron given five vouchers to sample Red Stripe's new flavours, bartenders were kept busy for the entire festival. While some patrons enjoyed the new red apple and tropical pineapple flavours, others remained loyal to Heineken, Smirnoff Ice, Tallawah and Guinness. The newly introduced one-litre Guinness and Red Stripe bottles were also a huge hit with patrons. The DJ pumped out tunes for attendees to get their groove on, and patrons milled around food tents, including one from Fish Pot, and another from CB Chicken. As it neared evening, more patrons began to file in, signalling the start of the night's entertainment package. Last Friday night had featured performances from Kabaka Pyramid and Mystical Revolution. Last Saturday followed the same reggae theme, with artistes such as CK, Black As Cole, Keznamdi, Kelissa and No-Maddz. Up-and-coming artiste CK was up first, thrilling the audience with True Colours and I Found Me. She made way for the Black As Cole band, which also enjoyed good feedback from the audience. Keznamdi encouraged patrons to drink responsibly and once again called for the legalisation of marijuana. He delivered songs such as She Says and Bob Marley's Play I Some Music, before inviting sister Kelissa on stage for In The Gideon. UNIQUE NO-MADDZ The final performance of the night came from No-Maddz. With their unique musical style and their unconventional style of dress, No-Maddz captivated the audience with witty and profound lyrics. Kamal Powell, brand public relations manager at Red Stripe, told The Gleaner the inaugural Red Stripe Beer Festival was a success. "The Friday night went well. Hundreds came out to support the inaugural beer festival. Patrons were really excited about the samples and also the international beers that were here. There was a lot of entertainment from the different beer booths. Consumers were engaged with the prizes and giveaways, and the interaction with the crowd was awesome," he said. He added that this will become an annual event. "Everybody is excited about the overall beer festival package, so it's something we are looking forward to for next year. The vision we have for beer festival is that it will become a new destination for beer lovers. From a national perspective, we have been looking to rebuild Kingston as a tourist destination and the Red Stripe Beer Festival will be one of those activities in Kingston that will definitely drive consumers from around the world to experience the festival," said Powell.
Souce http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20140526/ent/ent2.html
Underground eCool chills your beer with a dirt nap - CNET
In its third year, the week focuses attention on locally and regionally brewed beers and the brewers that craft them. Because events are being added on the fly, the below list is only some of the great events you can attend this week. Follow my Facebook and Twitter feeds for information on events as they are announced. Go to http://www.JaxBeerGuy.com to follow my social media feeds. Sunday, May 25 Mellow Mushroom Southside Local craft beer lovers know that the Mellow Mushroom restaurants around town all have outstanding tap selections. The owners are also huge supporters of the local craft beer scene. It is fitting then that the pizza joint is hosting the kick-off event for Jax Beer Week. Beers from local breweries will be paired with delicious dishes during the event that also includes Mellow Mushroom breakfast pizzas. 11:00 a.m. 2:00 p.m. Engine 15 Brewing Company Bloody Battle Axes with Black Peppered Bacon, Pickled Okra & Asparagus and special Bloody Mary mix Mile Marker Brewing Datil Pepper Sausage Ale Green Room Brewing Dawn Patrol Breakfast Stout Intuition Ale Works Low Down Porter (w/ coffee, vanilla & cinnamon) and Blueberry Coffee Cake Jon Boat Aardwolf Brewery Early Bird Special Breakfast Stout (w/coffee, vanilla and cinnamon) and Hasslehoffenweiss Beer-mosas Bold City Brewing Fritz Beer-mosas Pinglehead Brewing Company Banana Pancakes Ale Monday, May 26 Pinglehead Brewing Company/Brewer Pizza Orange Park seems a long way from the more beer-centric city center and beaches, but that does not mean that there is no craft beer there. On the contrary, Pinglehead Brewing Company, nestled inside of Brewers Pizza on Blanding Boulevard has been cranking out awesome brews for several years now including what may be the best Imperial Red in the country. For craft beer week they have enlisted the help of the rest of the local breweries and will feature a beer from each on their taps. The first beer to be tapped is listed below. Look for the daily special tapping in the listings for the days below. Engine 15 Brewing Company Ales for undies Undie Monday with Dignity you wear. M Shack Matthew Medure is known throughout the metro Jacksonville area for his fine dining restaurant Matthews, but he is also the genius behind M Shack in Neptune Beach and St. Johns Town Center. At M Shack, Medure taps into his gourmet cooking experience and applies it to the humble hamburger. But, given the Medure treatment, burgers at his joint are anything but humble. They are juicy, tasty, and absolutely heavenly. As a tip-of-the-chefs-hat to Jax Beer Week, M Shack has teamed with Engine 15 Brewing Company to offer a special price on M Burgers when you purchase a pint of Nut Sack, Russian Imperial, Old Battle Axe, or (904) Weissguy. The special deal is offered at the Town Center location only from 2:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 27 Green Room Brewing Company Beaches area beer-lovers have been flocking to Green Room Brewing Company since surfer-turned-brewer Eric Lumen opened the doors. His inviting and comfortable tap room is always full of lively conversation whether the surf is up or not. And then there is the beer, Green Room is home to a number of innovative brews that are sure to please the palates of the most discriminating beer aficionado. For Jax Beer Week, Green Room will tap two special brews. The first of the two is Dawn Patrol, a breakfast stout with lactose, oats, vanilla, coffee, and cocoa nibs. Intuition Ale Works Tucked away in a building that bares more than a passing resemblance to a grey and foreboding prison, Intuition Ale Works has been creating beer alchemy for over three years. Owner and brewer Ben Davis has a fanatic following that is as passionate about beer as it is about supporting the community. A trait that is common to all of the local Jacksonville breweries but, due to the efforts of Davis and his general manager Cari Sanchez-Potter, Florida politicians are kept on their toes and local charities know they have a partner. For Jax Beer Week the King Street Beer District anchor has decided to release a different one-off, or one time release beer, per day. The first is listed below, look for the rest listed on the day of the week they will be released. Tap Room Release Hopped-Up Saison Pinglehead Brewing Company/Brewers Pizza Taproom release Pinglehead Banana Pancakes ale. The Blind Fig Gastropub A relative new-comer to the King Street Beer District, The Blind Fig has been wowing taste buds since their beginnings as a popular local food truck. Now, with a premier spot on the corner of King Street and College Street, the gastronomical wizards at the eatery are planning a Cigar City Brewing Company beer cocktail for happy hour. European Street Cafe Park Street A Riverside, Park Street tradition for years, the European Street Cafe is also the go-to place for excellent craft and import beers. Under the watchful eye of Andy Zarka, E-Street serves a wide variety of German, Belgian and other import beers along with some of the best American craft beers. And, with a happy hour that runs from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily even on the weekends that features two-for-one brews, how can you go wrong? For Jax Beer Week, E-Street will be tapping White Oak Aged Jai Alai from Cigar City at approximately 6:00 p.m. Stop by and visit with the folks from Cigar City, enjoy a pint and keep the glass! The Silver Cow The newest addition to the King Street Beer District is the love child of fellow beer blogger Regina Heffington, a.k.a. The Jax Brew Bitch. With a classy, yet approachable feel, this new lounge features approximately 20 taps of nothing but the best craft beers and hard ciders. But, on a street full of beer bars what is the main draw for this soon-to-expand hideaway? Some would say the Heffingtons infectious and somewhat raucous laugh, others might say the Cajun-infused small plates she serves from the tiny kitchen in the back. Whatever your reason, be sure to swing by to experience her place and make your own decision. The Cow will feature a Cigar City Tap Takeover starting at 6:00 p.m. offering several brews from the Tampa brewery that have never been available in Jacksonville before. Wednesday, May 28 The Blind Fig Remember the gastronimical excellence we mentioned above when discussing The Blind Fig? Well, here is your opportunity to get in on some of that yummy food goodness. The Blind Fig teams up with Engine 15 for a beer dinner featuring tasty pairings and loads of fun. The dinner will feature four delicious courses and five outstanding brews. Tickets to the event are $50 per person and can be purchased in advance by calling the restaurant at (904) 337-0146 or at the door. The reception beer will be served beginning at 6:30 p.m. Pinglehead Brewing Company/Brewers Pizza Taproom release Green Room Brewing Company Thin Mint Stout Intuition Ale Works Taproom release Tequila Barrel-Aged House Boat with Lime & Salt Black Sheep Restaurant If there is one thing you need to know about this restaraurant housed in the eye-catching wedge-shaped building just outside of the Five Points area of Riverside, it is that you must try the poutine. The dish French fries mixed with cheddar cheese curds and covered in rich, beef short-rib gravy is so good that many guests go just for a fix of it. But, poutine is far from the end of the list of reasons to visit the eatery. Another good reason is the views from one of the only roof-top restaurant seating areas in Jacksonville. And, then there is the craft beer they keep on tap. To celebrate Jax Beer Week, stop in as the Blk Shp crew taps a special Cigar City keg. Grape & Grain Exchange Speakeasies were once the only place for a thirsty person to get a potent potable. But, since the abolition of prohibition, the often glamorous hidden gems have gone by the wayside. But, if you are in the know, you can gain access to one of these backroom bars in San Marco right on the Square. Grape & Grain Exchange offers a self-service style beer cooler and signature mixed drinks in its front room but, behind the bookshelf is a cozy, swanky hideaway the harkens back to the flapper era. Join the in-the-know crowd for a Cigar City cheese and beer pairing at G&GX for Jax Beer Week. But, be sure to get there early as seating is very limited. Thursday, May 29 Green Room Taproom release Mayor Bee, an American Blonde Ale brewed with Green Room harvested honey and Katherine, a white IPA brewed with New Zealand hops. Katherine is named for a great white shark that was swimming off Jacksonville Beach recently. Pinglehead Brewing Company/Brewers Pizza Taproom release Intuition Belgian Hoppy Blonde Intuition Ale Works Taproom release Bay & Rosemary Jon Boat Moxie Kitchen + Cocktails Last year, Chef Tom Grey left Bistro Aix, the San Marco restaurant he helped turn into a Jacksonville must-visit eatery to concentrate on a new venture. The result of his creative juices is the sparkling new Moxie Kitchen + Cocktails in the St. Johns Town Center. Greys new foodery is dedicated to taking American comfort foods and giving them a gourmet twist. By all accounts he has succeeded masterfully. A strong advocate of craft beer, Grey will be featuring a special Cigar City happy hour for Jax Beer Week. Zeta Brewing Company Coming soon to Jacksonville Beach, Zeta Brewing Company is in the midst of installing their brewing equipment. Brewer Chris Prevatt has been hard at work converting part of the current Zeta restaurant to a full-fledged brewery. Get a look at what is happening at Zeta and enjoy more Cigar City Brewing Company fun for Jax Beer Week. Friday, May 30 Pinglehead Brewing Company/Brewers Pizza Taproom release Bold City Brewing Company Abbeys Ale Intuition Ale Works Taproom release Barrel Aged Anniversary IPA Saturday, May 31
Souce http://www.examiner.com/article/jax-beer-week-offers-something-for-every-beer-lover
Jax Beer Week offers something for every beer-lover - Jacksonville Craft Beer | Examiner.com
Up until now, there has never been an officially-licensed, real-life Duff Beer brand due to Simpsons creator Matt Groening s fear that a beer named after his fictional creation might encourage children to drink. But, it seems that those fears have been allayed and Duff Beer has become a reality and official according to a press release from PR firm Rogers & Cowan. Several attempts to bring the iconic brew to fruition have been made in the past, but most have been fought by 20th Century Fox, the production company responsible for The Simpsons television program. In the mid-1990s, Lion Nathan made an attempt to make and distribute Duff in Australia, but Fox emerged victorious from the legal battle that ensued and was able to have the product removed from store shelves and destroyed. A few years later, in 1999, a German brewery successfully registered a trade mark and has produced the beer under it since. Another German brewer began producing its own version of the beer in 2007 under the Duff Beer UG corporate banner. In Mexico, Duff Beer has been produced since 2006 with packaging identical to that on the television program. All of these enterprises have been, or in the process of being, challenged by Fox for trade mark infringement. Officially, the first version of Duff Beer to be sanctioned by the powers that be at Fox and creator Gruening has been served at the recently-opened reproduction of Homer Simpsons hometown of Springfield at Universal Studios in Orlando, Fla. Allegedly brewed by Florida Brewing Company in Melbourne, Fla., there are three variations of the brew available to theme park visitors: Duff, Duff Light and Duff Dry. The beer is reportedly comparable to Budweiser or Keystone Light. But, there has been no official, wide-spread release of the beer. On May 28, that changes, at least for beer-drinkers down under in Australia. According to the press release, The official Duff Beer is set to become available at BWS and Dan Murphys liquor stores from the 28th May. Ahead of its highly anticipated arrival in store, a pop-up of the iconic Moes Tavern will open to the public at the Woolloomooloo Bay Hotel from the 23rd 30th May. The press release describes the new beer as, a true premium lager that holds a clean, crisp and refreshing taste along with its iconic packaging. A superbly crafted lager, Duff Beer is a high quality, traditional beer with a perfect balance of flavour and refreshment featuring a deep golden colour with caramel aromatics and a hint of fruit. For those in Australia that would like to be first to sample the new beer in an authentic setting, Moes Tavern will be taking residence on the 1st floor of the Woolloomooloo Bay Hotel in Sydney for a limited time. Open to the public from the 23rd May 30th May, the pop-up will be a true representation of the legendary Moes Tavern of Springfield fame. With Duff Beer exclusively on tap, Moes Tavern will also be serving up a host of Springfields finest food including; Krusty Burgers, Duffalo Wings and Lard Lad donuts.
Souce http://www.examiner.com/article/official-duff-beer-coming-to-australia
The emergence of three quality craft beer pubs in this area (Small Bar, the Beer Emporium and the recently refurbished Famous Royal Navy Volunteer ) has led to this end of King Street being dubbed Bristol's "Beermuda Triangle". 31 King St, smallbarbristol.com The Three Tuns Away from the more contemporary craft beer pubs in the city centre, the Three Tuns in Hotwells with its stunted bar, decorative dried hops, rickety chairs, impromptu musical jams, and steamed-up sash windows is refreshingly old-fashioned. Beneath the chalkboard declaration that "good people drink good beer" above the bar, are the half-dozen Arbor Ales pumps that make the Tuns such a welcoming drinking hole for a true lover of craft brews. From the golden hues and citrus hints of the Arbor Single Hop Motueka, to the dark, nutty character of the Arbor Mild West, this pub has a beer for everyone and the timeworn charm to match. 78 St George's Rd, threetunsbristol.co.uk Grain Barge Moored in the historic and picturesque Bristol Harbour, the Grain Barge is a lively converted barge, once used to transport wheat across the Severn river. Exceptionally popular in the summer months and owned and supplied by the award-winning Bristol Beer Factory brewery, the Grain Barge serves an impressive variety of reasonably priced, local craft beers as well as a selection from Devon and Cornwall (enjoy the Beer Factory's own Sunrise golden ale at 3.20 a pint), not to mention a healthy dose of the staple Somerset cider. With panoramic views stretching from the nearby SS Great Britain right down to Ashton Court, there aren't many better locations for a well-deserved drink than the top deck of this vessel. Sunshine preferable. Hotwell Rd, grainbarge.co.uk The Steam Crane Situated at the eastern end of vibrant North Street in Bedminster, the Steam Crane (named after the renowned Fairbairn crane in Bristol Docks) is a newly opened alehouse and kitchen which offers more than just beer. The pub currently has around eight craft beers (including Greene King's hoppy Noble craft lager at 3.70 a pint), six real ales, and a range of ciders and cocktails in addition to a well thought-out food menu with lots of light bites and some more hearty main dishes - the tasty house ale-battered haddock and chips is available as a small or large portion for 5 or 9. The Steam Crane is a great addition to an area that already boasts a sterling traditional tavern ( The Hare ) and the trendiest local in Bristol ( The Old Bookshop ). Look out for the upcoming independent beer events planned by the three pubs. 4-6 North St, thesteamcrane.co.uk Copper Jacks Crafthouse An evening in the city centre's club-heavy Corn Street area would not usually be an opportunity to appreciate anything other than drunken dancing in the company of stag and hen parties. But the recently opened Copper Jacks Crafthouse in a building once occupied by a bank, and later a strip club - may offer a classier alternative. With a great selection of local beers including Hefe (from the Bristol Beer Factory), Copper Jacks has a warm and lively atmosphere where you can relax on the leather sofas under dim lighting or get toe-tapping, or even dancing, on the live jazz music nights. 30 Clare St Zerodegrees Visible from the outside as well as in, the mechanical construction of Zerodegrees' microbrewery is perfect for any visitor with a yearning for a drink out in the sun. The microbrewery/restaurant's central location and futuristic appearance aren't its only appeal. The selection of beer offers a satisfying deviation in taste from your traditional bitter. Particularly palatable are the Zerodegrees Pilsner, with its fresh lime flavour, and the American Wheat with Mango, both 3.95. A commitment to seasonal and speciality ales, consistent with innovation and authentic rarities, increases Zerodegrees' allure and places it among Bristol's uppermost craft breweries. 53 Colston St, zerodegrees.co.uk Aviator Bar, Redland As you enter the newly opened Aviator Bar, you're struck by the stylish decor - the place is adorned with plane memorabilia and, though petite, it has a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The array of craft ales on offer protrude from the tiled wall behind the counter, with a brief description of the beers scrawled around the taps. They offer an eclectic choice of cask ales, craft lagers and bottled beauties from around the world. A favourite of the staff here is Marston's citrus-infused Revisionist Craft Lager (3.50 a pint). If you're winging it around Bristol, it's a great place to stop for a pint and to cool your jets. 2B Chandos Rd, aviatorbar.co.uk The Urban Standard The stripped-back, raw and industrial design of The Urban Standard would provide an intriguing backdrop to any social occasion. Tiles that have survived from a 1930s convenience store sit alongside graffiti, a hallmark of Bristolian culture, in a complementary blend of old and new. Despite this chic design however, there is great warmth to the bar, with a friendly and informal atmosphere.
Souce http://www.theguardian.com/travel/2014/may/26/top-10-craft-beer-pubs-bristol
Shandy, beer drinkers' summer fling, returns - Yahoo Finance
It just requires digging a deep hole into the ground. presented by A rendering of the eCool in the ground. eCool At CES earlier this year, I checked out a solar-powered cooler . I never expected to one day discover its mirror-universe twin: a dirt-powered cooler. The eCool beer cooler harnesses a very old concept. Cellars, dug into the earth, have been used to keep food cool for centuries. That same idea drives the eCool, a compact, crank-operated cellar that keeps beer underground, but makes it easily accessible for consumption. The entire contraption is nearly 4 feet (1.2 meters) tall. It can hold 24 cans and is designed to live in the ground all year long. The eCool creators suggest using a garden drill to make room to install it, unless you're a total shovel champion. The top pops up and a hand-crank moves the cans up so you can grab a cold one or lower some fresh cans down into the ground. Related Stories Sonic Foamer blasts bubbles into your beer for flavor The eCool will keep your beers as cold as the surrounding ground. That should make for some pretty cool beers in a lot of climates. It would be interesting to test the gadget in a hot desert climate to see what temperature you're able to get down to. It would definitely be better than letting your craft brews just sit out in the sun. The eCool is up for sale for about $300 (roughly 178, AU$324). That would buy you a lot of electricity to chill your beers in a regular refrigerator. However, the eCool could be handy for people who are concerned about power outages (Oh no! Warm beer!) or for cabins with no electric service. Of course, you're not restricted to alcoholic beverages it could work just as well for your soda or sparkling water cans. If you do buy and install one of these, be sure to ask your party guests, "Would you like me to crank you up a beer from the depths of the cold, dark earth?" The eCool in action. eCool Tags:
Souce http://www.cnet.com/news/underground-ecool-chills-your-beer-with-a-dirt-nap/
Liquor On The Mountain: How To Taste Beer | Autostraddle
Right now, Im on a mountain with a bazillion other beautiful shining faces. And 20 of those shining faces are drinking beer with me. Weve historically done a whiskey tasting at A-Camp, and since that was so successful we did a wine tasting last A-Camp. This time around, were learning how to taste craft beer with the help of a new generous sponsor, Hillcrest Brewing Company (theyre listed as Mos Universe on all our material, because theyve got a bunch of different businesses including a restaurant called Gossip Grill which might have the best name ever). Hillcrest is a gay-owned brewing company with very punny names. One beer in particular stood out to me: When I saw that, I thought to myself (in the voice I use when Im speaking on behalf of my cats), We need dis. So I called up Hillcrest and, being made up of gorgeous weirdo queermos themselves, they heartily agreed to a kick-butt partnership. Now were besties. Anywho. Heres how I taste beer, and how were tasting beer on the mountain. See We wont be drinking beer from a bottle on the mountain, no sirrreeee. Part of the enjoyment of beer is marveling at the gorgeous color, which you cant see from inside a bottle. While we cant have my snobby glassware on the mountain (no glass outside!), we can make sure that were drinking from clear cups even if theyre not the proper shape or style of glass for the beer. You, though, reader youre at home, so you can make sure that your glass suits your beer in a way that we roughing-it-on-the-mountain-people cannot. via Shutterstock This, of course, begs the question: how to we properly get the beer from the bottle into your glass? Pouring beer is, itself, an art. Lets all watch this bearded gentleman from Chow tell us how: Youll notice that hes mentioning aroma, and how a bad pour can fuck it up. That brings us to our next step via Shutterstock A good portion of taste, and therefore of enjoyment, is smell. Getting your nose in the glass before you sip will increase your enjoyment of beer ya know how some people say stop and smell the roses? Well I say stop and smell the beer. And then you get the added pleasure of beer. Before we sniff it, though, were going to agitate the beer. Thats when you swirl it around in the glass. It might seem like a pretentious thing to do, or you might think it really only has a place in the wine tasting world, but youd be wrong! It actually does serve a purpose aside from signifying that you know what youre doing, and it serves a purpose for beer too. Agitating beer brings out the aroma and lets you smell more nuance than just this smells like beer. It also stimulates the carbonation a bit, which youll enjoy when you put this beer in your mouth. Try breathing in just through your nose, just through your mouth and then through your nose and mouth while smelling your beer. You may look a little silly, but the smell changes depending and thats kind of cool to experience. Now it is time. via Shutterstock The best part! Sip your beer, but dont swallow immediately. Let the beer touch all the parts of your mouth and let your mouth get used to it and really experience it. Start thinking about comparisons is the beer salty, sweet, bitter? What are those tastes similar to in the food world? What metaphors can you use to describe them that have nothing to do with taste or food? Can you write a haiku about it? A limerick? Is your beer poetry or is it a WWE wrestling match? After youve gone through the taste parts of it, dont forget to talk about the mouthfeel. Literally, how it feels in your mouth. This can be a lot of fun to describe. Also, how does it finish? How did it feel to swallow and what was it like just after you swallowed? Did it have a lingering taste or sensation? All things to consider and verbalize. You might be asking right now, whats the point of all of this? Well, other than it being smashing good fun, it helps you determine what you like about beer. For instance, when its summer I tend to go for beers that I have described as crisp, refreshing in the past. If its really hot, I want something with an aroma Ive taken note of as having notes of citrus, specifically orange. Whereas in the winter, Im more likely to pick something with notes of chocolate or feels like Im rolling a smooth stone around in my mouth. Articulating the taste of the beer means you not only know what beer you like, but what you like about beer. And that can help guide your choices in the future. via Brewable Somehow you want to make sure you remember all this information youre learning about beer and yourself, and the best way to do it is to write it down. So whether youre using a plain Field Notes or something specific and guided like 33 Book Co. , make sure youre jotting things down. Id also be a bad tech writer if I didnt mention Untappd, an app for keeping track of your tastes and sharing them with friends. You can also learn badges like a girl scout except re: beer, and Im a sucker for badges. You can basically check into beers like youd check into locations on Foursquare. So is everyone ready? Pour yourself a proper glass properly, see, swirl, sniff and sip! Then post your observations here. I expect some kick-ass metaphor up in here. In a semi-regular segment entitled Liquor In The ______ , Im going to write to you about all the different ways you can liquor. I recognize that its weird, especially for those of you who have actually had a drink with me, because I am what the frat boys would call a two-beer queer (what I would call a no-beer queer, as Im gay all the live long day). But I get drunk very easily, is the point. Still, I really really like beer, wine and liquor and want to share that love for the artistry of alcohol with you all, my favorite queers. Lets lift a pint to alcohol and our Autostraddle community they go together like wine and soft cheese.
Souce http://www.autostraddle.com/liquor-on-the-mountain-how-to-taste-beer-236831/
"Official" Duff beer coming to Australia - Jacksonville Craft Beer | Examiner.com
Please enter a valid phone number. Please enter your Phone Number. Send Thanks! A link has been sent. Done Macaulay Culkins Band Booed Off Stage, Doused With Beer at British Music Festival By Alex Stedman 1 hour ago 0 shares . It looks like free pizza wasnt enough to win one audience over. Macaulay Culkin and his comedy cover band The Pizza Underground was booed off stage and pelted with beer over the weekend while performing at British music festival Dot to Dot in Nottingham, England, according to English newspaper the Nottingham Post. The newspaper reports that, after just one song, the audience began booing and throwing pints of beer at the Home Alone stars band, despite the fact that they handed out free pizza and sang a cover of Lou Reeds Its a Perfect Day called Its a Pizza Day. Why are you throwing those? Id rather drink them, the 33-year-old Culkin reportedly yelled as security guards tried to remove perpetrators.
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Macaulay Culkin's Band Booed Off Stage, Doused With Beer at British Music Festival - Yahoo Movies
numbers are accepted. Text messaging rates may apply. Please enter a valid phone number. Please enter your Phone Number. Send Thanks! A link has been sent. Done Shandy, beer drinkers' summer fling, returns By Tom Rotunno May 25, 2014 6:00 AM 0 shares Leinenkugel: A beer drinker's favorite tongue-twister Brace yourselves beer drinkers: The summer of 2014 is shaping up for shandy-monium. Shandy, a mixture of lager beer and lemon soda, is a long-time staple in Europe, but until recently, it was largely unknown in the United States. Now a growing number of U.S. brewers are finding success experimenting with the style-a result of many beer drinkers continuing to seek out new flavors. Leading the shandy charge was Wisconsin-based Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing, which introduced its Summer Shandy in 2007. After many years of steady growth, 2012 was a breakout year for the brand after it achieved nationwide distribution and the support of national ad campaign from its parent company MillerCoors (NYSE: TAP - News ). Read More Leinenkugel seeks 'halo effect' from shandy sales Summer Shandy now accounts for 50 percent of Leinenkugel's total business and the brewery is looking to keep the shandy momentum going. "We're just now seeing shandies in the United States starting to blossom because probably half of all beer drinkers still don't know what a shandy is," said Jake Leinenkugel, president of Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing. "We're at a point where the shandy still has nothing but upside." But it's becoming a more crowded category. Traveler Beer, which is part of Burlington, Vermont-based Alchemy & Science, a unit of Boston Beer (NYSE: SAM - News ), is also betting big on shandy. Founded in 2012, as the House of Shandy, the company's stated mission is to "combine the European Shandy tradition with American ingenuity." Alan Newman, its president and founder of Magic Hat Brewing, acknowledges there is still plenty of work to be done in introducing the shandy to the American consumer. "We recently hired an online survey company to ask Americans 'What is a shandy?'," he said. "Eighty-nine percent missed it completely. I think, maybe 7 percent figured it was a beer. So the understanding of the category still has a way to go." While still small, the category remains a bright spot at a time when overall beer sales are stagnant. Off-premise sales of the major shandy brands in multi-outlet channels, which include supermarkets, drugstores, Target (NYSE: TGT - News ) and Wal-Mart (NYSE: WMT - News ), totaled $67 million in 2013, up 227 percent versus the year before, according to Daniel Wandel, senior vice president, Beverage Alcohol Market Insights Group for IRI, a Chicago-based market research firm. Source: The Traveler Beer Company Wandel likens the current state of the shandy segment to another recent high-growth area. "When I look at shandies now, the thing that comes to top of mind is cider, 10 years ago, when ciders weren't even a blip on the radar," he said. "Yet ciders continued year after year to have high double-digit growth increases, albeit off a small base, much like we're seeing with shandy, but over the last several years ciders have exploded." Read More Roll out the barrel! Craft beer growth jumps again It's that type of room to grow that has Leinenkugel's pursuing an aggressive growth strategy for the Summer Shandy brand. "We feel wherever there is a Sam Adams placement there should be a Leinenkugel Summer Shandy placement. We're still below that line, but we're building and I would say we're at least one-and-half times better off on distribution than we were at this time last year," said Jake Leinenkugel. As the shandy audience expands, so too does the competition, as brewers both large and small look to capture a piece of the pie. Larger players like Anheuser Busch (Euronext Brussels: ABI-BE), with its Shock Top Lemon Shandy, and Mike's Hard Lemonade have already entered the space. But smaller players like Rhode Island-based Narragansett Beer, are also finding success. The brewery released its first shandy this year, made with New England favorite Del's Lemonade, and President and CEO Mark Hellendrung told beer industry trade site Brewbound.com that it can't keep the new shandy in stock, saying sales are "out of control." Even brewers like Boston's Harpoon Brewing, which built its business on the back of the hoppier and bolder flavors of the popular IPA style, are offering shandys for the first time this year. Its UFO Big Squeeze shandy has a grapefruit flavor. Read More How this ale became craft's most popular brew Reflecting on the competition, Jake Leinenkugel said where he once saw confusion, if not outright derision, from fellow brewers, he now sees imitation. "Some of the same brewers that were making fun of it seven years ago are now starting to get into it and I think it's a nice form of flattery," he said. "It's opened up some eyes and people are admitting it's a lot bigger than they'd ever thought it would be and it's bringing in new beer drinkers." While shandy may be bringing new drinkers into the beer category, for most consumers, shandy has all the attributes of a classic summer romance: exciting and refreshing in June, but over by September. Both Leinenkugel and Newman admit they see shandy sales drop off substantially after the Labor Day holiday weekend. Newman said part of the seasonality problem stems from the way category leader, Leinenkugel, has trained people to view the shandy as solely a summer drink. "There's no question that Leinenkugel is putting shandy on the map, and you know that's helping us as well," he said. "On the other hand, they've also done a great disservice by calling their beer Summer Shandy." Newman said he expects that if Leinenkugel did not have "Summer" as part of its flagship shandy's title, the issue of seasonality would be diminished. He points to the success of brands like Blue Moon Brewing's Belgian White and Magic Hat's Number #9 as example of beers once perceived largely as summer staples that have crossed over to become successful year-round brands. "Over time you'll see (shandy) stick around longer and it will eventually go year round," said Newman. "But I'm not gonna lie. I think the idea of a straight-ahead Shandy outside the summer season at this point is gonna be difficult." Read More The BMW of beer: Brewery crafts luxury approach Both companies are hoping a lineup of seasonal flavors can keep the shandy party going a little longer. Last year, Traveler introduced the first pumpkin shandy and it also offers a seasonal strawberry shandy. Leinenkugel plans to roll out an Autumn Sampler shandy variety pack this fall with three new flavors: Pumpkin Harvest, Cranberry Ginger and Old Fashioned Shandy, inspired by the classic cocktail. Despite the high hopes for seasonal offerings, shandy, like the rest of the beer business, will always rely on summer as the key selling season. It's this reality that has Jake Leinenkugel happy to have "summer" in the title of his brewery's flagship shandy offering. "The one thing it's done is made us the 'rite of summer' beer for a lot of people," he said. "Our distributors have told us don't change the Summer Shandy name, because we own the summer space now." -By CNBC's Tom Rotunno
Souce http://finance.yahoo.com/news/shandy-beer-drinkers-summer-fling-returns-100000543.html
via Shutterstock The best part! Sip your beer, but dont swallow immediately. Let the beer touch all the parts of your mouth and let your mouth get used to it and really experience it. Start thinking about comparisons is the beer salty, sweet, bitter? What are those tastes similar to in the food world? What metaphors can you use to describe them that have nothing to do with taste or food? Can you write a haiku about it? A limerick? Is your beer poetry or is it a WWE wrestling match? After youve gone through the taste parts of it, dont forget to talk about the mouthfeel. Literally, how it feels in your mouth. This can be a lot of fun to describe. Also, how does it finish? How did it feel to swallow and what was it like just after you swallowed? Did it have a lingering taste or sensation? All things to consider and verbalize. You might be asking right now, whats the point of all of this? Well, other than it being smashing good fun, it helps you determine what you like about beer. For instance, when its summer I tend to go for beers that I have described as crisp, refreshing in the past. If its really hot, I want something with an aroma Ive taken note of as having notes of citrus, specifically orange. Whereas in the winter, Im more likely to pick something with notes of chocolate or feels like Im rolling a smooth stone around in my mouth. Articulating the taste of the beer means you not only know what beer you like, but what you like about beer. And that can help guide your choices in the future. via Brewable Somehow you want to make sure you remember all this information youre learning about beer and yourself, and the best way to do it is to write it down. So whether youre using a plain Field Notes or something specific and guided like 33 Book Co. , make sure youre jotting things down. Id also be a bad tech writer if I didnt mention Untappd, an app for keeping track of your tastes and sharing them with friends. You can also learn badges like a girl scout except re: beer, and Im a sucker for badges. You can basically check into beers like youd check into locations on Foursquare. So is everyone ready? Pour yourself a proper glass properly, see, swirl, sniff and sip! Then post your observations here. 
Look for the daily special tapping in the listings for the days below. Engine 15 Brewing Company Ales for undies Undie Monday with Dignity you wear. M Shack Matthew Medure is known throughout the metro Jacksonville area for his fine dining restaurant Matthews, but he is also the genius behind M Shack in Neptune Beach and St. Johns Town Center. At M Shack, Medure taps into his gourmet cooking experience and applies it to the humble hamburger. But, given the Medure treatment, burgers at his joint are anything but humble. They are juicy, tasty, and absolutely heavenly. As a tip-of-the-chefs-hat to Jax Beer Week, M Shack has teamed with Engine 15 Brewing Company to offer a special price on M Burgers when you purchase a pint of Nut Sack, Russian Imperial, Old Battle Axe, or (904) Weissguy. The special deal is offered at the Town Center location only from 2:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 27 Green Room Brewing Company Beaches area beer-lovers have been flocking to Green Room Brewing Company since surfer-turned-brewer Eric Lumen opened the doors. His inviting and comfortable tap room is always full of lively conversation whether the surf is up or not. And then there is the beer, Green Room is home to a number of innovative brews that are sure to please the palates of the most discriminating beer aficionado. For Jax Beer Week, Green Room will tap two special brews. The first of the two is Dawn Patrol, a breakfast stout with lactose, oats, vanilla, coffee, and cocoa nibs. Intuition Ale Works Tucked away in a building that bares more than a passing resemblance to a grey and foreboding prison, Intuition Ale Works has been creating beer alchemy for over three years. Owner and brewer Ben Davis has a fanatic following that is as passionate about beer as it is about supporting the community. A trait that is common to all of the local Jacksonville breweries but, due to the efforts of Davis and his general manager Cari Sanchez-Potter, Florida politicians are kept on their toes and local charities know they have a partner. For Jax Beer Week the King Street Beer District anchor has decided to release a different one-off, or one time release beer, per day. The first is listed below, look for the rest listed on the day of the week they will be released. Tap Room Release Hopped-Up Saison Pinglehead Brewing Company/Brewers Pizza Taproom release Pinglehead Banana Pancakes ale. The Blind Fig Gastropub A relative new-comer to the King Street Beer District, The Blind Fig has been wowing taste buds since their beginnings as a popular local food truck. Now, with a premier spot on the corner of King Street and College Street, the gastronomical wizards at the eatery are planning a Cigar City Brewing Company beer cocktail for happy hour. European Street Cafe Park Street A Riverside, Park Street tradition for years, the European Street Cafe is also the go-to place for excellent craft and import beers. Under the watchful eye of Andy Zarka, E-Street serves a wide variety of German, Belgian and other import beers along with some of the best American craft beers. And, with a happy hour that runs from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily even on the weekends that features two-for-one brews, how can you go wrong? For Jax Beer Week, E-Street will be tapping White Oak Aged Jai Alai from Cigar City at approximately 6:00 p.m. Stop by and visit with the folks from Cigar City, enjoy a pint and keep the glass! The Silver Cow The newest addition to the King Street Beer District is the love child of fellow beer blogger Regina Heffington, a.k.a. The Jax Brew Bitch. With a classy, yet approachable feel, this new lounge features approximately 20 taps of nothing but the best craft beers and hard ciders. But, on a street full of beer bars what is the main draw for this soon-to-expand hideaway? Some would say the Heffingtons infectious and somewhat raucous laugh, others might say the Cajun-infused small plates she serves from the tiny kitchen in the back. Whatever your reason, be sure to swing by to experience her place and make your own decision. The Cow will feature a Cigar City Tap Takeover starting at 6:00 p.m. offering several brews from the Tampa brewery that have never been available in Jacksonville before. Wednesday, May 28 The Blind Fig Remember the gastronimical excellence we mentioned above when discussing The Blind Fig? Well, here is your opportunity to get in on some of that yummy food goodness. The Blind Fig teams up with Engine 15 for a beer dinner featuring tasty pairings and loads of fun. The dinner will feature four delicious courses and five outstanding brews. Tickets to the event are $50 per person and can be purchased in advance by calling the restaurant at (904) 337-0146 or at the door. The reception beer will be served beginning at 6:30 p.m. Pinglehead Brewing Company/Brewers Pizza Taproom release Green Room Brewing Company Thin Mint Stout Intuition Ale Works Taproom release Tequila Barrel-Aged House Boat with Lime & Salt Black Sheep Restaurant If there is one thing you need to know about this restaraurant housed in the eye-catching wedge-shaped building just outside of the Five Points area of Riverside, it is that you must try the poutine. The dish French fries mixed with cheddar cheese curds and covered in rich, beef short-rib gravy is so good that many guests go just for a fix of it. But, poutine is far from the end of the list of reasons to visit the eatery. Another good reason is the views from one of the only roof-top restaurant seating areas in Jacksonville. And, then there is the craft beer they keep on tap. To celebrate Jax Beer Week, stop in as the Blk Shp crew taps a special Cigar City keg. Grape & Grain Exchange Speakeasies were once the only place for a thirsty person to get a potent potable. But, since the abolition of prohibition, the often glamorous hidden gems have gone by the wayside. 
numbers are accepted. Text messaging rates may apply. Please enter a valid phone number. Please enter your Phone Number. Send Thanks! A link has been sent. Done Philadelphia beer vendor unknowingly catches foul ball in bucket By Mark Townsend May 24, 2014 10:45 PM Content preferences Done Philadelphia sports fans are always a tough crowd to please, but one beer vendor at Citizens Bank Park on Saturday afternoon brought them to their feet collectively with literally no effort at all. No, we don't mean to suggest he wasn't doing his job. He was actually doing it quite well, which is why he was making every effort to get out of the way when he heard a foul ball off the bat of Carlos Ruiz was coming toward his section. With his back turned to the field, he literally had no idea where the ball was or which direction he should move to avoid being hit. Then, just as he turned around, the ball found him, or, more specifically, it found his beer bucket. A perfect landing that probably couldn't be repeated if he stood in that spot for another 5,000 foul balls hit to that section. The vendor, whose name is Earl Chaney, later confirmed to the Phillies broadcast team that he never saw the baseball and didn't intend to catch it in his bucket. It was just there. It's a first for him, though he says he was hit by a foul ball one time before. "I've already been hit once; I didn't want to get hit again," he said. We don't blame him. Chaney says he's been employed at Citizens Bank Pank since it opened in 2004. That's a lot of baseball games and a lot of opportunities to be in the right place at the wrong time, but so far he's been quite lucky. And now, he might even become a ballpark celebrity. The response from the crowd was awesome, and the TV time won't hurt either. People will remember Earl Chaney when they see him at the ballpark, and they'll also want to buy a beer from him. That's good for business! More MLB coverage from Yahoo Sports: - - - - - - - Mark Townsend is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at bigleaguestew@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Townie813 Sports & Recreation 
Ive always liked doing things myself and being hands on. David Bowkett at Powell Street Craft Brewery in Vancouver. Im an engineer originally and I find it does tend to attract a lot of those types, says Chad McCarthy, another long-term homebrewer. theyre very much do-it-yourselfers, inventors that like to build equipment. This surge in interest in amateur brewing has resulted in an interesting mix of people that gather for the monthly meetings of VanBrewers , Vancouvers homebrewing society. Co-founded by Graham With in 2010, VanBrewers quickly gathered more than 100 members. A huge amount of homebrewers came out of the woodwork, recalls McCarthy. Tons of people like me brewing in their basements not knowing anyone else existed. VanBrewers quickly became known as a place to get inspiration and education. We offer quite the resource for people to improve, says Scott Butchart, who took over as VanBrewers president after With stepped down to focus on his job. Obviously when most people start out theyre not so great and they struggle a bit. People say they come to our meetings and they leave with 100 per cent more knowledge than they came with we have a really well rounded, well experienced group that can help you. VanBrewers president Scott Butchart with a sleeve of his homebrewed brown porter. That help comes from the collective knowledge of the many and variously skilled people who attend VanBrewers meetings. Such as the web designer with the award-winning barley wine; the opthalmologist who some say makes the best lagers in Canada; or McCarthy, an electrical engineer-turned lawyer whos a certified cicerone a beer expert on par with a wine sommelier as well as a national-rank beer judge. Im not as accomplished as a brewer but Im interested in the science of it and the judging aspect of it, training yourself to know what a beer should taste like and if it doesnt taste right, what might be wrong and provide advice to people, McCarthy says. (Theres) a little bit of an art to it as well as a science. Electrical engineer-turned lawyer Chad McCarthy is also a long-time homebrewer, member of VanBrewers, certified cicerone and beer judge. 
