Lame

Travis Poling pointed this out on twitter.

Some good stuff at the Saucer

Dogfish Head Immort Ale




Left Hand 400 Lb Monkey IPA

Get em today, they won't last long.

I Want This

13 Years of the Sticky Icky

Stone again. I know. For a brewery I don't like much, I seem to blog about them all the time. Well, actually, I don’t dislike them. But there are much better breweries out there, yet Stone gets so much adoration. Anyway, back to the issue at hand. Their 13th anniversary ale is soon to be released. It is going to be a double red, which is a style I love. Have you had Draught House’s Double Red? It’s fantastic. Obviously, I would like to try Stone’s version, which seems to be INSANELY hopped. So EXTREME!

Is it coming to Texas?

Two Beerish Bits from the NY Times

1. Beer and Pig, mmmmmm. Publican beer list. Book me a flight to Chicago!





2. A beer made especially for El Bulli. In the article there is a quote from Ferran Adrià:

“The idea was to make a beer to drink with food, from a wineglass”

Hello, the Belgians have been doing that for centuries. How can such a genius chef say such a dumb thing. Seriously. This guy is the top of the top. Is he really oblivious to the world of good beer? Or did he just want something unique for his restaurant?


The review on BeerAdvocate are mixed. I think that is a good thing. Still, an average beer, for what has been the "world's best restaurant" for years.

(shaking my head)

The Bad and the Good

First the bad:

As I "reported" (ha) earlier. It looks like Local 2 is not coming to Texas. Well not yet at least. Stay tuned, I guess.

And now the good:



From Josh at Draught House,

This week we will tap a cask of Stone Ruination at around 3pm, Friday. It was dry hopped with Chinook and Simcoe in the cask.

To be honest, I have not been entirely happy with the Firkin Friday offerings at Draught House. They have all seemed to be "off" in some way. Last week's Oaked Arrogant Bastard was almost decent, but it had a strange rubber flavor that I could not figure out. Luckily I got used to it half way thought the glass and was able to ignore it.

Luckily Firkin Friday has given me a good argument for stopping in every Friday evening after dinner. "But Sofia, this is a special cask. It's the ONLY one in Austin. Probably the only one in ALL of Texas." Sometimes this works, sometimes not so much. Now as we approach 40 weeks of pregnancy, I just don't see it working all that well. Oh well, Ruination is overrated anyway.

Forgive Me

It happens to all of us sometimes. I've been drinking Lone Star two days straight. I feel I have no "Craft" cred right now. See you in a bit, I gotta finish of this Lone Star.

Circle Brewing

Month old rumblings from the guys at Circle brewing:

As of today, we are 37 shares away from breaking ground! While that is not the total number of shares remaining, it is the threshold needed to proceed. We are close and getting closer to bringing Circle Brewing Company to market.

We will see what the future holds. Can Austin support another brewery? I'll do my part, drinking-wise. Personally, if I were to start a brewery (I've never brewed a drop in my life) in TX right now, I would go in a direction not seen yet by TX breweries. All Belgian styles, most likely. Amber, Hefe, Blonde, those have been done over and over here.

Good News for Alabama

http://beeradvocate.com/forum/read/2051204

http://www.freethehops.org/

Good work!

Flashback:



And you thought we had it bad.

2009 Craft Brewer's Convention Keynote

2009 Craft Brewer's Convention Keynote from I Am A Craft Brewer on Vimeo.

For those interested.

Smokey Smokerson

Please be good. Please be good. Please be good. Please be good.

A good mantra to repeat before trying any Shiner beer. I always want them to be good. I always want to like them. And on both acccounts I hardly ever do. But I feel like this one could be different (I say this everytime too). This is the one.

Thirsty Thursday #25

Longshot Cranberry Wit
by Boston Beer Company (Samuel Adams), Boston, MA
Style: Witbier
ABV: 5%

I hate cranberries. Put 'em in beer...I love 'em. The same formula probably would not work with brussel sprouts. But I guess you never know, until you try it.

This beer is part of Samuel Adam's Longshot Series, a national homebrew competition. This year's six pack contained three different styles. This was my least favorite, but still very tasty. Perfect for grilling in the warmth of a Texas evening.

From the brewery:

The third brew in the Longshot package will be a Cranberry Wit created by Carissa Sweigart, winner of the Samuel Adams employee homebrew competition. Carissa’s beer was chosen by over 1,111 beer lovers at the 2008 Great American Beer Festival™ from among the 3 employee homebrew finalist. Congratulations Carissa!

A Cold Can of .... Saison?

I'll take it!

From Southern Star's news section:

The results are in from our first annual Pro-am competition. We had 43 entries, some of which were REALLY good. We had a tough time choosing, but after about 1½ hours of deliberation, we chose a Saison brewed by Mark Kizer and Scott Wells of Austin. An Imperial IPA brewed by Chris Jones and Ben Ronck gave this beer a
serious run for its money. Honorable mention goes to Eric Lowe for his Tejas Wit. That was also an outstanding beer. We had many great beers to choose from, 12 of 43 got pushed to the second round for serious consideration.

I want to thank everyone that entered this competition, as well as all of the judges that helped with this competition. We are really looking forward to making this Saison. Unless I am mistaken, this will be the first farmhouse style ale brewed by a production brewery in Texas. We are looking into getting some blank cans and a labeler. If we can make those arrangements, this will be the first canned Saison in the world. We plan on brewing this beer in June or July with it’s release expected about a month after brewing. We are already looking forward to next year’s competition!

A Texas Saison. In a can. With a recipe from Austin. That is badass. Who needs another Double IPA, seriously. Enough already.

Saint Arnold is Fifteen

Ah, teenagers. There are few times when I wish I lived in Houston. This is one of them. From Saint Arnold's:

Saint Arnold is turning 15 next month! To celebrate, we will be having our anniversary party including a special glass, goode barbecue, the Saint Arnold Olympics and other surprises on tap.

Here are the party details:What: 15th Anniversary Party
When: Sunday, June 7
Time: 1 PM to 4 PM
Cost: $34
Includes: Barbecue lunch, special glass and the spectacle of the Saint Arnold
Olympics

For reservations, please call or email Ann (713-686-9494 or ann@saintarnold.com). She will need a credit card number, cash or check in order to hold the reservation. If you would like a chance to be a participant in the Saint Arnold Olympics (there will
be no beer chugging), here are the details:

Participants will be teams of two people.Let us know you are interested when making your reservation and who the team will be.We will draw 8 teams out of a hat the week before the Anniversary Party and alert the winners. Competitors will want to bring clothes that they don't mind getting a little messy.

SA Divine Reserve #8

From dpkpr:

Still trying to get someone to give me tasting notes on the winning beer from the Big Batch Brew Bash held yesterday. But here's what I do know...

A Strong Scotch Ale from a Houston homebrewer was judged the best of the best from the 90 entries in this year's Big Batch Brew Bash (the 14th annual) held over the weekend. Phillip Kaufman of the Kuykendahl Gran Brewers homebrew club will now be welcomed to Saint Arnold as "Brewer For A Day." He will assist in brewing Divine Reserve No. 8, which will be based on his winning recipe. If all goes well, Saint Arnold intends to enter the beer in the Pro-Am competition of the Great American Beer Festival later this year.

For the past two years, the winner of the Big Batch Brew Bash served as the inspiration for Divine Reserve. Last year's winner, a Weizenbock, inspired Saint Arnold Divine Reserve No. 7. The 2007 winner, a Russian Imperial Stout, inspired Saint Arnold Divine Reserve No. 5, which was listed among the best beers of 2007 by Beer Advocate.

The Big Batch Brew Bash is the biggest single-style homebrew competition in the world.

Zax Belgian wrap-up

I did not go. I was too busy hiding from possible hail damage. But Patrick Beach went and you can read about it.

Wild Devil

Someone spilled geuze into my Hop Devil and I loved it.

Thirsty Thursday #24 - LATE EDITION

Duvel
by Brouwerij Duvel Moortgat NV, Breendonk-Puurs, Belgium
Style: Belgian Strong Pale Ale / Belgian Golden Ale
ABV: 8.5%

My idea was to have Duvel, in lieu of champagne, to celebrate the birth of our first child. Duvel, how could you go wrong? Sofia asked if her parents or anyone else in attendance would enjoy it as well. I don't usually need an excuse to drink, but this was a good one. Thanks Sofi. I picked up a small bottle of it last night to test its compatibility with beer philistines.

Spicy. Bitter...no sweet...no bitter. Just good. Crisp and refreshing.

I am thinking this is a go for baby day! How much is a magnum of this?

Two Bits

1. A keg of Stone Imperial Russian Stout is being tapped at the Flying Saucer on June 11. This should be right about the time I slip out the door to give my wife and then (hopefully) newborn child a nice, quiet nap.




2. Draught House will have a cask of Live Oak IPA tonight for Firkin Friday. Not a fan of the LO IPA, but everyone else seems to like it.

New Beer

This is out again:

And it's pouring at Flying Saucer according to their website. This one too:

And you know what is available at Whole Foods Downtown now? This:

Not Thirsty Thursday **update below**

No Thirsty Thursday. But I did have two of the Sam Adams' Longshots this week and they would have made fine additions. Possibly next week. Or I'll just do one later, maybe with Victory Wild Devil, which is available now reportedly.

**UPDATE: wiggy's on sixth has it for around 10.50

RIP-ped

From Beer, TX

Small-brewery bill is dead for 2009

HB 2094, state Rep. Jessica Farrar's longshot bid to help small brewers by letting them provide a small amount of beer on premises, directly to consumers, is dead for this legislative session.

G-Man

As I mentioned yesterday, I visited Ginger Man's newish location. At first, it did not feel like Ginger Man. Then I paid for my first beer and realized, yup this is it. Almost no music playing, one song here and there would come on, weird. No music, but plenty of loud, shrieks coming over the speakers about food being ready. Annoying. Turn that thing down. I barely noticed that in the old location. The "garage" living room area is nice. It seemed to be where the computers assembled. Overall, a cozier Ginger Man and that is not a bad thing. The outside area was nice with no direct sun. New tables, with some Umbrellas. They need to cover that black asphalt with a wood deck, otherwise it will be hell come June.

photo: Ginger Man

Finally making it to the new Ginger Man location tonight. I'll let you know what I think of it later. Maybe. No promises.

American Craft Beer Week at Flying Saucer

Flying Saucer Calender





I am definitely going to the Brooklyn Brewery night. Maybe some Local 2. Maybe...

Shiner Smokehaus - June 1

Via TEXAS BEER:

Spoetzl finally announced the release of their newest beer, Shiner Smokehaus, via their Facebook page on Monday, May 4th. The Smokehaus will be a German helles style brewed with mesquite-smoked malt.

Shiner Smokehaus should be available as a summer seasonal in six-packs starting June 1st.

3rd Annual Great Austin Belgian Beer Festival

Saturday May 16 • 2-7pm
Zax Pints and Plates
312 Barton Springs Rd.,
Austin, TX

Tickets now available$22adv/$25 at the door(advance tickets available only at Zax) Entitles you to a tasting glass and your first six 4-oz. samples of over 30 of the most amazing, remarkable and historical beers in the world. Additional samples will be available for purchase for $3 each.

Premier level ticketing is available for $40 per person, and includes access to a VIP tasting of exclusive Belgian Ales at 1:00pm, and unlimited tasting at the festival.

Food is not included, but our normal menu will be available.

Partial List of Beers (Subject to availability):
Tripel Karmeliet
Kwak
Deus
Duchesse de Bourgogne (Flemish Red Sour)
Urthel Hop It
St. Feuillien
Dubuisson Scaldis
St. Bernardus Abt 12
Chimay White
Chimay Blue
D'Achouffe Houblon Chouffe
Duvel
Liefmans' Kriek
Orval
Westmalle Dubble
Westmalle Triple

I could be wrong, but aren't all of these beers available in Austin? So why the hell would I spend $22/25 to sample them. Correct me if I am wrong. I like Zax. There food is tasty. They always have a fairly decent tap selection. But this is lame. I remember last year's list of beers being better. I was hoping for more. Something special, even rare.

NXNW Benefit

From franktex:

The fiance of NXNW head brewer Ty Phelps, Ericka Tornquist, suffered a brain hemorrhage and stroke on April 15th, two weeks before their planned wedding. After emergency surgery, a couple wks, in ICU, she is now going through neurological rehabilitaion.

There is a benefit/silent auction at NXNW on May 24th from 5-9 PM for her, and I'm guessing there will be some pretty cool beer swag available, as well as other goodies, so please come by and help out one of Austin's brewing community.

Thirsty Thursday #23

Stone Imperial Russian Stout
by Stone Brewing Company, Escondido, CA
Style: Russian Imperial Stout
ABV: 10.8%

I got this in a trade as an extra. I traded La Folie for Cantillon Lou Pepe Kriek, for Sofia's first beer after her pregnancy, and this came along with it. I was please to say the least, since this is not available in Texas and I had never drank it before.

It is good. It stands out among the throng of other R. Imp. Stouts out there. It's quite boozy and has a nice anise flavor as well. I still think Yeti and Samuel Smith's are a better, but if this became available in TX I would be happy try again.

La Folie Again

photo: jcnkc

Ok, last post on La Folie. There are still some bottles available at the Hancock HEB. More will be available in the coming months, but these are the last of the cage-and-corked bottles. From here on out, La Folie will be produced in capped 22oz bombers. Say goodbye to the 750s.

Fear of the taste of alcohol

"Golly, It don't even taste like vodka." What is the bloody point? Getting wasted I guess. I am sure someday someone will produce a beer that tastes like sweet tea.

A couple of videos of Brock showing you around the new Saint Arnold Brewery.





See more here.

May BA Tasting

Yesterday we had our monthly BeerAdvocate meetup/tasting. Some tasty brews were sampled. To me Boulevard's Bourbon Barrel Quad was the standout. Maybe not, but I think that is what I remember. Also, we had three beers from Tampa's Cigar City Brewing. The IPA was fantastic.

I think I'd get more excited about the shoes.

hatip: Javier

Allagash Hugh Malone

(photo from blogs.creativeloafing.com, I think)

It was on tap at Flying Saucer last night. I did not go. But it was tempting. They may still have some. I'll swing in after work for a peak.

WHAT A POST!