It's More Than a Beer — It's a Moment

THE SESSION #118— BEER BLOGGING FRIDAY The Session, a.k.a. Beer Blogging Friday, is an opportunity once a month for beer bloggers from around the world to get together and write from their own unique perspective on a single topic. Each month, a different beer blogger hosts the Session, chooses a topic and creates a round-up listing all of the participants, along with a short pithy critique of each entry. 

The December 2016, edition The Session No. 118 was hosted by Stan Hieronymus at Appellation Beer. The theme directions were simple and yet wide open, Four Guests Four Beers.

“If you could invite four people dead or alive to a beer dinner who would they be? What four beers would you serve?”

— Stan Hieronymus - Appellation Beer

When I first read the theme my mind went to historical men and women that I have wanted to meet and perhaps share a beer such as Theodore Roosevelt, Abraham Lincoln or Benjamin Franklin. Or more contemporary heroes like Paul McCartney or Ronald Reagan. And then my mind drifted even further and I thought about the story A Christmas Carol and I could meet and share beers with the ghosts of Beery Past, Present and Yet to Come (I'd have to make up the forth ghost, perhaps the ghost that could have been). The more I thought about it, the more personal it became.

A Beer With My Father

The first of my four people and beer choices was quite easy. My father passed away at the age of 72. He died from complications due to Alzheimer's disease. He had been battling with that disease for about 10 years before it took him. I had always wanted — hoped — to have a relationship with my father where we could sit down and have a beer together and talk about life, life's lessons, joys, hopes and disappointments, growing up, just having a lasting adult relationship with him. But suddenly and totally unexpectedly he started to lose his mind. And before you know it he was gone. 

I've often said, or at least thought, I just wanted to sit down and have a beer with him. Because that's kind of what a beer has become for me now. It’s more than a beer, its a moment. It's a pause to reflect, to think, to celebrate, to share, just to enjoy some peaceful time, and if its with others so much the better. And I never had that time, that relationship with my father. Alzheimer's stole that from me, from us. So, if somehow I could make a wish and could have a beer with someone, that would be an easy choice — with my father.

Many times I would see him over the course of the weekend drinking Pabst Blue Ribbon, always from a can. Now I don't think a whole lot of Pabst beer these days, I don't drink it. But what it symbolizes is far, far greater than any mere taste of beer. It symbolizes an important relationship, an innocent time in my life. The time that was stolen from us. The time that I'd always wanted to spend with him. And to drink that beer.

A Beer With My Son

That beer that I wanted to have with my father and never did I can now play forward and enjoy it with my son. As I'm writing this, he is 25. Earlier this year he married his high school sweetheart. That day was one of the best of my life. And now, I love watching the two of them together. I hopefully have taught him some things about life and beer, and now he is teaching me about his passions. 

He loves good German beer and his favorite is Weihenstephaner Hefeweissbier. He knew to buy the proper weissbier glasses. I told you he was smart (and good looking). We occasionally have that beer and I enjoy every moment, every sip we have together. Prost! Zum wohl!

A Beer With Lost Friends

Chris Holmes was a friend of mine. We spent some good times together. But more than a person, I am sorry to say, Chris is a symbol of friendship lost. A friendship that never fully developed, but I had hoped someday would. Chris passed away this year, suddenly, from a brain tumor. He was a man full of life, fully enjoyed his family and friends and life's experiences. And I wish I had known Chris deeper and more thoroughly. I wrote on his online journal when I had learned of his passing that my mind was fixed on a quote from a James Taylor song, "I always thought that I would see you again".

And so this third beer is for Chris and Bob and Joe and Tom, all of those friends that you wanted to develop a more meaningful relationship with, but you keep putting off, because life happens — but then one day it doesn't. And this is the toast to all of my friends that I have lost far too early, that I wanted so much to have a deeper relationship.  In the hope that I will keep Chris in my mind when I'm thinking about the friends before me. That I will not put off time with them. Because life is short, time is fleeting, and friendships are far too important to put off till tomorrow.

So what beer would I have with Chris or Joe? I think, it would have to be Samuel Smith's Nut Brown Ale. That was a beer that has been special in my life, that really opened my eyes to how good a beer can be. And I’d like to share one, no two, maybe even three, with these friends. I'm older now, and have learned that we should not take moments or friends for granted.

A Beer With Myself

I've often heard of interview questions were someone asks what advice would you give to your 30-year-old self. I thought 22 might be a good age to have that talk, but at that time my life I had just graduated college, didn't have many cares or worries, I was bright and shiny and ready to take on the world.

But by the time I turned 30, some of the shininess had started to tarnish a bit. I’d been in some some relationships that didn't work out and was wondering if I'd ever find the right person, if I'd ever marry and have children. 

I would like to tell my 30-year-old self to just be patient, in about another year you'll meet the love of your life. You will have two beautiful children together and they will grow into wonderful people. Yes, they'll be ups and downs but life in general is really very good. As for the beer, you're going to have to settle for industrial lager for a while. But try this, it's a Goose Island Bourbon County Stout. You'll have to wait a few years to have it again but it will be worth it. And oh, put more money into savings, you're going to need it.

Finale

A beer is not just a drink, it is a moment — a celebration of sorts. Whether its just you, a dear friend, or a group of people you just met. There you are — enjoy the moment, enjoy the beer, enjoy your life. And never take the moment for granted — it is a gift. And with the famous words of Tiny Tim, "God bless us, every one!"

---

Jack Perdue is a regular beer blogger at DeepBeer.com and contributor to beer-related adventures on Twitter @DeepBeer. He is a Cicerone Certified Beer Server and studying for the next level of certification. He has worked at a prime bottle shop on Maryland’s Eastern Shore for over 8 years and has toured many fine beer locations around the world, with more lined up on his bucket list.

Thanksgiving Beers for 2016

Whether you are hosting Thanksgiving this year or going to a family or friends house, if you are a beer lover, you probably will want to share some interesting beverages to help make the day even more memorable. To some, the first thought may be wine, but really, beer goes very well with any aspect of the day’s meals. I know at our family gathering, there is an early part of the day leading up to the main course where people are arriving, food is being prepared in the kitchen or even the backyard (my brother cooks a turkey in the fryer and I bring the oysters for grilling and shucking). Tradition! You may want to bring some interesting beer just for this time. 

An aperitif is an alcoholic drink offered before a meal to stimulate the appetite (or even the mind - my addition). It should prepare you for the main course, setting a proper frame of mind and preparing your gastro visions of the feast to come.

Of course, the usual main course which may offer the traditional turkey and all the fixings. There are many great beers that will compliment the main course enhancing both the array of foods and the lively conversations around the table.

And what would Thanksgiving be without the desserts. Some may not consider beer as a component of the dessert menu, but some beers can enhance the desserts or if you have real beer lovers in the group, can even stand along as a dessert. Let’s take a look at some considerations.

Aperitif

Allagash Curieux - This is a beer that can provide a very interesting opening round. It could be served with the main course or even as dessert, but I offer it here as an aperitif. First, this is a Belgian-style tripel ale that has been aged in Jim Beam bourbon barrelsfor eight weeks. The combination of the bourbon and oak and spicy yeasts make for not only an stimulating drink but good conversation. It is rated at 94 points on BeerAdvocate. About $20 / 750ml

Dogfish Head Pennsylvania Tuxedo -  This is a beer you may want to consider just for the wow factor.  This seasonal beer is brewed with spruce tips. If you have not had a beer with spruce as an ingredient you are in for a treat. It is like nibbling on a Christmas tree, so it will certainly get everyone in the mood for the next big holiday coming in about one month. About $11 / 4-pack

Main Course

Unibroue La Fin du Monde -  This is perhaps one of my favorite beers and for the money, can't be beat. Brewed in Canada using an authentic Belgian style, is a perfect pairing with a turkey dinner or any time of the year. Thanksgiving will not be the end of the world if you offer this beer (see translation of the name). About $9 / 750ml

Founders PC Pils - Full of effervescence and a slight hoppy spiciness. A good choice for those that love classic clean, crisp pilsner beer. About $12 / 6-pack

Ommegang Rare Vos Amber Ale - Ommegang does beer well—pick a style. Amber beers simply offer themselves well with lighter foods. This one adds a note of caramel with a touch of sweetness and a spicy finish. About $13 / 6-pack

Devils Backbone Vienna Lager - No hops here, just a touch of sweet malt and caramel. This beer style will pair well with your main meal and this beer is a great example of the style. About $11 / 6-pack

Allagash White - This a traditional Belgian-style wheat beer spiced with coriander and Curacao orange peel. It is fruity, refreshing and slightly cloudy in appearance. A classic food beer and always a safe choice if thinking about what to drink with a great meal. About $11 / 4-pack

Chimay Première Ale (red) - You could choose from any of these classic Trappist ales and do well. This one is in the middle, you can choose to go higher (blue) or lower (white). Simply put, Belgian beers are a perfect and easy choice with most meals, especially Thanksgiving. About $12 / 750ml

Dessert

Lindemans Lambic Kriek -  This is a classic Belgian lambic, full of effervescence, cherry and sweetness. Offer a sample to the person who says they don’t like beer. It also comes in a raspberry (Framboise) or peach (Pêche). About $11 / 750ml

The Bruery Autumn Maple - This is what my favorite beers of autumn and Thanksgiving. Knowing is is brewed with yams, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, vanilla, molasses and maple syrup, it’s easy to see that this beer was made for Thanksgiving dinner. About $13 / 750ml

Ballast Point Victory At Sea Imperial Porter - Full of roasted barley notes, brewed with cold brewed coffee and whole vanilla beans, plus with the added coffee it may just delay that “help-me-find-the-couch” feeling. About $17 / 6-pack

Stone Coffee Milk Stout - Milk stouts offer a touch of sweetness and smoothness to beer.  Great with many sweet desserts or as a dessert on its own. About $12 / 6-pack

Conclusion

Be a Thanksgiving hero to all of your beer lover family and friends. Show off you beer prowess by sharing one or more these excellent beer choices—or better yet, one from each category. Thanksgiving is about spending some comfortable time with loved ones, recalling and sharing blessings and lots of great food. And beer certainly pairs oh so well with all of that! Cheers!

Jack Perdue is a regular beer blogger at DeepBeer.com and contributor to beer-related adventures on Twitter @DeepBeer. He is a Cicerone Certified Beer Server and studying for the next level of certification. He has worked at a prime bottle shop on Maryland’s Eastern Shore for over 8 years and has toured many fine beer locations around the world, with more lined up on his bucket list.

Less Room in the Inn AKA More Competition

THE SESSION #117— BEER BLOGGING FRIDAY The Session, a.k.a. Beer Blogging Friday, is an opportunity once a month for beer bloggers from around the world to get together and write from their own unique perspective on a single topic. Each month, a different beer blogger hosts the Session, chooses a topic and creates a round-up listing all of the participants, along with a short pithy critique of each entry. 

The November 2016, edition The Session No. 117 was hosted by Csaba Babak at Beer Means Business. The theme directions were simple and wide open, consider the future of beer and “capture ONE thing you think we will see MORE of with an explanation of the idea.”

Less Room in the Inn 

This is an interesting question — more what — and the answer, as desired, can go in any direction. The one thing that has been on my mind is the pending beer bubble burst. There have been many pundits that tell us there is plenty of room in the beer business, that there is no looming bubble. But there are some very basic things we must be on our minds.

I've been working with a very nice bottle shop — The Winery — for almost nine years. During that time, a lot has changed in the beer business and culture. More breweries, better beer, more sophisticated beer drinkers. And with all of that, more beer trying to push its way onto pub tap handles and bottle shop shelves. And what about those tap handles and beer shelves. My observation is that they haven't expanded all that much to accept the deluge of beer coming on the market each week. The creation of new beers is one thing, expanded distribution adds a whole other dimension. Just in the last year some excellent, long standing breweries have begun distribution to my state of Maryland, including Bell’s, Founders, SweetWater.

So what does that do to the beer from Stone, Lagunitas and Dogfish Head. Rather than go with the great beer we’ve come to know from these breweries, many curious beer drinkers want to try the beer they may only have heard about.

I attended the Backyard Symposium event at Flying Dog in Frederick MD leading up to Savor in Washington DC this year — an event they hold this time of year. Ryan Glenn,  Ballast Point VP of Operations was asked about the Grapefruit Sculpin and how that came into being. He said that they must produce their regular lineup of expected beers, for example Sculpin, but that there is a segment of the customer base that wants to try the new thing and that they have to be there with those beers e.g. Grapefruit Sculpin. In other words, they have to keep pushing more beer onto the market to stay relevant. 

Local Preferences

As an observation of people making beer choices, I've noticed a preference for beer from local breweries. Some have even voiced their opinions of this preference. Some of this is an effort to support locals businesses. Some may be from an effort of limiting decision exhaustion — too many choices causes people to decide with with what they know.

Good Beer Hunting in a July 2016 article mentioned that, “In a 2015 survey by market research firm Nielsen, 45% of respondents said “local” is important to their beer purchasing decisions. The number rose to 53% for 21-34-year-olds, the most important potential consumer demographic in American beer.”

Again, this makes pulling the Stone beers from the shelf to make your next beer that much less likely. Speaking of Stone...

Stone Layoffs

The recent announcement from Stone Brewing says a lot about the current state of the brewing industry. The mature breweries are feeling the pinch from macro beer, but also from the new comer local breweries.

“Due to an unforeseen slowdown in our consistent growth and changes in the craft beer landscape, we have had to make the difficult decision to restructure our staff. Unfortunately, this comes despite a year that includes the incredible accomplishments of opening two new breweries, which are ultimately expanding the availability of Stone beers and boosting the reputation of American craft beer in Europe.

“More recently however, the larger independent craft segment has developed tremendous pressures. Specifically, the onset of greater pressures from Big Beer as a result of their acquisition strategies, and the further proliferation of small, hyper-local breweries has slowed growth. With business and the market now less predictable, we must restructure to preserve a healthy future for our company. Even given this unfortunate circumstance, we will continue to be fiercely independent and, importantly, Stone remains one of the largest – if not the largest – employers in the craft brewing segment.

Less Jovial Brethren

The word has been that the craft beer business is a friendly sort, that craft breweries all get along great and help each other, brewing beers through collaborations, sharing excess hops with needy smaller breweries. And I'm sure that is mostly true. But there is increasing news about law suits over marketing infringements and the such. Its getting crowded in here, give me some room. Industrial macro beer is the common enemy of craft beer, right?

But business is business when survival is on the line. I've been reading Sam Calagione’s new book Off-Centered Leadership. It's a great read about the throws of building a business from scratch and directing it through the maze of growth and higher expectations. 

One particular passage caught my attention on the subject of increased competition within the craft beer business.

“I saw our industry becoming more complicated and competitive is less of jovial, familial club on like-minded entrepreneurs”

— Sam Calagione - Off-Centered Leadership

“I began considering bringing in new external resource in 2014 I saw our industry becoming more complicated and competitive is less of jovial, familial clubon like-minded entrepreneurs. Don’t get me wrong, most of the 4,000 indie craft breweries in the country still recognized each other as compatriots. But the landscape where the large breweries operate this change more rapidly in the last two years. Having the previous 18 years our company has been in business. More and more breweries that were once and for my craft brewer founders are now controlled by publicly traded international brewing conglomerates or financial enterprises— yet compete with craft brewers because they have acquired craft breweries. To ensure we remain competitive and continue to reach a bigger market, we needed to invest in the business. Before we could consider bringing in outside investors, who have their own opinions about what dogfish should be focused on, however, I wanted to make sure our internal leadership team is ready to work with the greater harmony priorities.”

Too Many Beers Out There

In a Thrillist article Why Craft Brewing Is About To Go To War With Itself again the finger gets pointed to the new competition is from inside the craft beer industry. 

Craft beer’s competition isn’t the Anheuser-Busch boogeyman anymore. “We’re definitely not getting pushed around by the macros [like we were] when Sierra Nevada and Bell’s were coming around,” says John Laffler, co-founder and brewmaster at Chicago’s Off Color and the former “innovation brewer” at Goose Island. Nope, these days, it’s the brewer next door that poses the threat. Across the country, craft brewers are crowding in. The neighborly smiles are starting to strain.

Serious Eats stated in a 2014 article stating that the breweries are simply out pacing the expanded beer drinking base. That was 2014, how about now in 2016 when there are a record number of breweries in the US.

““We all talk about the camaraderie in the industry, but at some point competition is a very real issue: the number of breweries outpacing the growth of the consumer base, outpacing the growth of available tap handle space, available grocery store space,” says Tom Nickel, co-founder of Nickel Beer Company in Julian, California and co-owner of O’Brien’s Pub and West Coast Barbecue & Brew.”

— Serious Eats — Feb 2012

CONCLUSION

As craft beer drinkers we have a lot to be thankful for. The selection of beer has never been better. Not only has the quality gotten better, the range of style and hybrids has certainly kept it interesting. But the physical reality is that there is only so much space on bottle shop shelves and only so many tap handles to compete for. When the pressure increases, business survival becomes even more front and center. It’s a big room, right? Perhaps from a beer drinkers perspective, but not as big as it use to be for craft brewers.

Beer or Shakes

I was listening to an audiobook — in the flow — when suddenly the author described the condition of an author of the 1927 era who had suffered from delirium tremens. Whoa! — sound of a needle dragging across a vinyl record. Stop! Now I know that beer but not the “condition”. 

A quick trip to Wikipedia was required and thus resulted in my continuing education. That condition the author had described — delirium tremens — is what I've always known as the DTs. 

So what is the connection? Is there one? Of course there is!

About the Condition

The DTs is the shaking withdrawal one experiences after stopping a drinking binge.  I have been there once, but that story is for another time. And one of its nicknames is elephants. A sad joke or cleaver beer name — you decide. Here is some further information if you should want to know. 

The name delirium tremens was first used in 1813; however, the symptoms were well described since the 1700s. The word "delirium" is Latin for "going off the furrow," a plowing metaphor. It is also called shaking frenzy and Saunders-Sutton syndrome. Nicknames also include barrel-fever, blue horrors, bottleache, bats, drunken horrors, elephants, gallon distemper, quart mania, pink spiders, among others.

About the Beer

As mentioned, I've only known Delirium Tremens as a superb Belgian beer. Or so I thought. It's label is distinguished by bright blue background with dancing pink elephants. Someone once mentioned to me they'd never bought the beer because they thought it was a "girly" beer because of those pink elephants. Just to assure you in case you are unsure, it is an excellent beer choice for all boys and girls. 

Huyghe Brewery is the Dutch brewery founded in 1906 by Leon Huyghe in city of Melle in East Flanders, Belgium. Its "flagship" beer is the Delirium Tremens, a golden ale often rated as one of the best beers in the world. The brewery does produce other fine beers that you can find on good beer store shelves, the dark Delirium Nocturnum, the seasonal Delirium Christmas, the Delirium Red fruit beer and Deliria, but Delirium Tremens is the most common.

Perhaps the beginning of its global fame, Delirium Tremens was named as "Best Beer in the World" in 2008 at the World Beer Championships in Chicago, Illinois. Plus, Stuart Kallen gives it the number one spot in his book, The 50 Greatest Beers in the World.

The fine people at Beer Tourism offer a nice write up of this beer, its genesis and ingredients. 

The Delirium Tremens was born in 1988 at the request of an Italian client. This beer is an outsider. Its white bottle is reminiscent of Cologne pottery ware.

On the label you will see pink elephants, crocodiles and dragons depicting the various stages of inebriation you might expect to go through after a few glasses. The name was invented by a tax inspector, of all people, as he became aware of slowly-approaching intoxication. Delirium Tremens hits the spot as far as many beer lovers are concerned. Its production alone represents almost a third of the brewery’s total volume.

Conclusion

So, try some pink elephant beer and I assure you that you won't regret it. And my hope is that you never suffer the other Delirium Tremens. 

The Role of Beer Books

THE SESSION #115— BEER BLOGGING FRIDAY
The Session, a.k.a. Beer Blogging Friday, is an opportunity once a month for beer bloggers from around the world to get together and write from their own unique perspective on a single topic. Each month, a different beer blogger hosts the Session, chooses a topic and creates a round-up listing all of the participants, along with a short pithy critique of each entry. 

Date: September 2, 2016
Host: Joan Villar-i-Martí at Birraire Blog
Topic: The Role of Beer Books

The Beer Geek Handbook

The Beer Geek Handbook: Living a Life Ruled By Beer. This was a book with many great gems if you whether you are already a full-fledged beer geek or someone just getting started on that path. Wherever you are on the path of beer geekdom, this is a fun and clever road map. It is full of pithy life lessons, beery vocabulary, and warnings of pitfalls that anyone who chooses to walk this path will benefit from.

I first discovered Patrick Dawson from my desire to learn more about aging beer. His book Vintage Beer: A Taster's Guide to Brews That Improve Over Time is highly rated on Amazon and I've purchased the paperback as well as the digital versions. I then discovered from engaging him personally that his second book would be released later in the year, so I preordered it.

Six Chapters

Without going into the details of the book, I offer a glimpse inside. Here are the six chapters:

1. Beer Geeks: An Introduction
2. Beer: The Root of All Beer Geekery
3. Breweries: The Exclusive Club
4. Procurement: The Beer and Other Geeky Goods
5. Drinking: Where & How
6. The Beercation: Seeking the Source

“It is for this sole reason that the beer guy must be befriended, because after all, he holds the key to the elusive beery castle.”

— The Beer Geek Handbook, Patrick Dawson

As I was reading through the book, I couldn't help but place myself somewhere on the beer geek continuum—how do I rank? As I think you will find, on some subjects I think I would rank well, on some others I have some ways to go. One of the things the book did help me with was to answer some of the questions I've had (like all of us) but were afraid to ask. I mean, no one wants to expose himself/herself as not knowing something that you secretly think everyone else knows. Here was one of my favorite parts of the book, the beer guy.

Liquor Stores and Beer Guys — In this chapter, Patrick goes into his explanation of the various types of guys you may encounter when you visit a beer shop. I read this section with special attention because for the past eight years, that has been me. I have my own opinions of the "beer guy" from both sides of the counter. Its funny because I used that term to describe myself before reading this book. It just seems to fit. According to the author, here are five things every good "beer guy" should know:

• Anything and everything about every beer on the shelves
• New breweries arriving on the scene
• What the upcoming limited releases are
• How many cases of each offering are coming in
• How quickly a particular beer will sell

Summary

This is a fun and engaging read. I took my time, first reading through some of what I thought would be the most interesting sections, then going back from the beginning taking it all in. Sometimes I would laugh out loud, then others scream about something I would disagree with. Anyway, if you are a beer geek, you'll find the book enjoyable. If you are just wondering into the beer geek world, then it is a must read. Hey, you're likely to save yourself from some beer brotherhood/sisterhood embarrassment and you may even win friends and influence people with your new found beer knowledge.

Beer on the Road: Harrisonburg VA

 

Harrisonburg VA is in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley. It is a beautiful community that I have come to enjoy and visit over the last few decades. During that time the beer scene has grown there as it has just about everywhere. Harrisonburg now has three breweries or at least an outpost — Pale Fire Brewing, Three Notch'd Brewing and Brothers Brewing. Three Notch'd has a taproom in Harrisonburg VA with the brewery in Charlottesville VA. As I travel there, I'm able to take in a bit more each time. Last year I wondered over the the Brothers Brewing taproom and sampled some of their offerings. This year, while I didn't have time to visit another of the breweries, I did have time to stop by the Midtowne Bottle Shop.

I like a place that recognizes itself as a bottle shop. It is concise, simple and you have a good idea what you're getting.

THE TAKE-AWAY ON MIDTOWNE

If you are a local or James Madison University student (of age) this is probably the place you will want to go to pick up beer. That is, of course, unless you go directly to one of the three breweries already mentions. If you are a visitor to the area and looking for some good local beers, this is a one-stop-shop to get some of the Harrisonburg beer but also some of the other regional beer that doesn't have a supply chain that reaches to your neck of the woods. Some that I brought home were from Hardywood Brewing (Richmond VA), Adroit Theory (Purcellville VA) and Champion Brewing (Charlottesville VA).

Midtowne Bottle Shop, Harrisonburg VA

THE DEPOT

The Depot Beer Menu

That evening we had a great dinner in Staunton VA at The Depot. The food was great and the beer selection was good with a healthy mix of local, regional and nationally distributed craft beers. I tried the Goodwood Brewing Bourbon Barrel Stout. The menu was one that required reading a few times to decide what you were going to have. One of the specials that caught my eye was the Polyface Farm burger. I'm not one to usually order a burger, more like seafood or something chicken. I'd read Michael Pollen's book, The Omnivore's Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals a few years ago and the Polyface Farm was highlighted. It was delicious and I had accomplished my burger goal for the year.

“Set amidst the stunning Shenandoah Valley in northern Virginia, ‘Polyface Farm’ is led by the “the world’s most innovative farmer” (TIME) and uses no chemicals and feeds over 6,000 families and many restaurants and food outlets within a 3 hour ‘foodshed’ of their farm.”

— Polyface Farm

Holy Beer

“If Jesus had been born in Germany, he likely would have turned the water into doppelbock.”

— Some wise guy

Seek-A-Brew

When I travel I always like to seek out beer that is not available to my favorite local bottle shops. One tool that I've found to be helpful is the Seek-A-Brew website.

“SeekABrew is powered by a community-maintained distribution spreadsheet of US craft beer. The distribution map page lets you see which states your favorite breweries distribute to. The compare distribution page lets you compare the breweries that distribute to any two states. Next time you are on vacation or a road trip, use this tool to figure out what breweries to look for.”

— Seek A Brew

From the main page, if you click on the Beer Distribution Map, at the top of the map you will notice Display brewery on map: Select a brewery. Click the pulldown menu, find a brewery, and the states this brewery ships to will be highlighted on the map. For example, I will be traveling to Arizona soon and now know that AleSmith, Lost Abbey and Crooked Stave do ship there. And Hair of the Dog, Wicked Weed and Hill Farmstead to not.

If you click on a state on the map, a list of all the breweries that ship there will appear. The list can be sorted either alphabetically or by the number of states they distribute to (ascending). This could be helpful to see the most limited distribution to a state.

Note: A brewery may not be displayed if shipping is limited to a state, for example Maine Beer Co does ship to Maryland but only some of their offerings, and thus does not display on the Beer Distribution Map.

Beer on the Road: St Louis to Rolla

I have the pleasure of traveling to various cities around the country a few times a year. And as a dedicated beer geek, I take the opportunity to research, explore and experience the local beer scene as much as my discretionary time will allow. As a result of some of these adventures, I document these trips in a series I call Beer on the Road.

Savor 2016: A Premier Event

Just before my June 2016 trip to Missouri I had attended Savor 2016 in Washington DC. For those that may not know, this is a major beer and food event hosted by the Brewers Association. I attended Savor 2015 and was able to seek out breweries in regions I would be traveling to later in the year. Last year those designations included Seattle and New Orleans. At Savor I was sure to taste and talk to the guys at the breweries from those towns — those included the NOLA Brewing. While in NO I was able to take an Uber to the NOLA Brewing Co taproom to expand my tasting experience first hand.

Note: An excellent way to learn more about all things craft beer is to attend one of the Savor salons. Since you can't attend all of them, the Brewer’s Association makes it easy for us by recording and making them available for downloading and leisurely listening. 

Urban Chestnut, Savor 2016

This year at Savor I stopped by the Urban Chestnut Brewing (among many others) table knowing that in a few days I would be in their town of St Louis. I certainly was impressed with their beer. I didn't know anything about their beer or operations as they don't ship to Maryland. I'd mentioned to the fellow pouring that I would be traveling to his fine city in just three days. He informed me that they have two breweries not far from the St Louis airport and have restaurants at each. I knew where I'd be having lunch soon after my arrival

Urban Chestnut Brewing - The Grove

I had an unusual occurrence during a recent trip to Missouri, besides the flight into St Louis, I had a free day to explore. 

After gathering my bags and rental car, poking the Urban Chestnut info into my navigation app. I wasn't sure which of the two Urban Chestnut locations I should visit, knowing I only had time for one. The Midtown location was their original and according to their website, has only a limited food menu. The Grove location is a former paper company built in the 1920s, with more food options. I choose The Grove.

Urban Chestnut The Grove, St Louis MO

Upon arrival to The Grove neighborhood of St Louis I soon became aware that I would be opening the place having arrived just before 11am — but noon according to my body. I was their first customer of the day. Walking up the stairs I was faced with a huge, bright and empty bierhall (beer hall). It was filled with brewery banners and large wooden benches for patrons to enjoy their food, beer and good company. Even at first glance, I liked this place.

Urban Chestnut, The Grove, St Louis MO

I noticed the kitchen opening in the corner and asked the gentleman how their setup worked — really, it wasn't obvious. He informed me to start a tab at the bar and then come back to order my food. Done! Being that it was early and I had a some stops to make before continuing on my travels, while the heavy German beer styles certainly looked appealing, I decided some of the lighter beers may be more appropriate and choose the witbier that was recommended by the barkeep.

Now back to the food. The menu was simple and to the point, mostly German meals (e.g. German port sandwich or Schnitzel) to accompany the beer styles. I have to say I'm a sucker for anything with a fried egg laid on top of it and opted for the Strammer Max — Smoking Goose City Ham, Gruyère de Comté (unpasteurized cow cheese) & farm egg with onion jam on rye toast. And it was delicious! And with the witbier, it was awesome.

Strammer Max at The Urban Chestnut

Unfortunately, my stay here had to be short. This is a place that if I ever find my way back to St Louis I will drink in as much as I can — literally. One more thing, where can I find an excellent bottle shop to find good local beers to share with my colleagues later in the week, but also to take back home to explore in more leisurely settings. I'd discovered two shops highly recommended on the Beer Advocate website for St Louis. The bartender recommended one of these and that it was a short drive away. He also was quick the recommend some excellent local breweries. Off to the Craft Beer Cellar in the Clayton part of town.

Craft Beer Cellar

The Craft Beer Cellar is in Clayton, a posh section of town. CBC was full of local beers and others that don't ship my way. I picked up three bombers (Katy an American brett saison, Cat Spit Stout, Brew Cocky double IPA) from 2nd Shift Brewing (a STL micro brewery) and Two Frenchmen, a Biere De Garde (a beer style I've learned to love) from Heavy Riff Brewing. I always travel with six padded and sealed wine bottle bags for just such occasions. You’ll have to check in to my Untappd account to learn the results.

Schafly Bottleworks

Schlafly Bottleworks, St Louis MO

Schafly is a brewing company that ships back east and I've come to enjoy a variety of their beers. The Schafly Bottleworks was a few minutes drive and I had some time before getting on the road to Rolla.

Schlafly Bottleworks, St Louis MO

This was a production brewery, with all the stainless steel and t-shirts to prove it. They offered a compelling 5 x 5 flight (5, 5oz beer samples). So I lingered for a few moments more. They do serve food there and have a beer garden just outside the facility. There was some bustle but I had plenty of room to spread out. The beers were good and I tested some that I hadn’t had before or simply caught my attention, like an IPA with an experimental hop variety. 

Time to hit the road to Rolla.

The Road to Rolla

Rolla is about a two-hour drive to the Southwest from St Louis. Green, leisurely and mostly straight. Upon arrival, our local host had already prepared the hospitality suite with a couple coolers of excellent local beer — one was dedicated to only IPAs. I knew I'd never be able to sample all of what was available, but I was going to enjoy the task of learning some new breweries and some local offers of some familiar ones. Boulevard, Schafly, Urban Chestnut, Perennial Artisan Ales, 4 Hands, Piney River, 2nd Shift  — St Louis brews some awesome beer. And I has a chance to try a bunch over the week.

The Public House Brewing, Rolla MO

Public House Brewing Company was the site for one of our dinners that week. I have to admit, I ate at a Buffalo Wild Wings. When in Rolla MO after 9pm you don't have many choices. I learned something that evening. While you may think of this restaurant chain with multiple options for standard light American lager, they also like to bring attention to some good local beers. Knowing I would be going to Public House in a couple of days, I decided to do some early recon work. The Revelation Stout was very good.

A friendly greeting - The Public House Brewing, Rolla MO

The Public House Brewing is a great stop if you're in the area and need some relaxation, good food and beer. We had a buffet setup for us so I can't attest to the rest of the menu but what I had was good eating. The brewery is also associated with the St James Winery which sits just next door. You can sit in The Garden and enjoy beer, wine or any cocktail of choice while playing bocce. The atmosphere that evening was beautiful and the beer matched the mood.

Bar decor - The Public House Brewing, Rolla MO

I had already had their stout so wanted to very the range by having a Rod's Cream Ale and the Elusive IPA. Their other choice was the Hide and Seek Hefeweizen. I love a good hefeweizen but typically find the American versions short of their German cousins. Just my opinion.

The Beer Geek Suitcase

I travel to other states on average ten times a year. This includes personal trips to neighboring states and regional business trips. As a self-proclaimed beer geek, I make it a habit to seek out places to eat that have good beer selections (local selections are preferred), brewpubs, and premier bottle shops. So I usually do my homework with the help of BeerAdvocate, RateBeer, BreweryMap and Untappd.

The other thing I've learned, and it seems obvious to me but from conversations I gather not so much, is to carry the proper tools of a semi-pro beer geek. That would include a bottle opener, which is really a small item to include in your toiletry bag or hang from your backpack. This has come in handy on more than one occasion.

The other item I keep in my suitcase are wine bottle protectors. These form fitting bags are shaped to hold wine bottles (or 22 oz bombers) with bubble padding and a ziplock seal at the opening. They are available on Amazon for about $16.50 for a two-pack. I carry six. 

I have brought back as many as ten bottles in my suitcase, some in these bags and some wrapped in dirty jeans. I have never had a bottle break or leak either way, but I definitely feel better knowing that bottles in one of these bags have a better chance of protecting my clothes from spilled liquid and the embarrassment of pulling a suitcase from the airport luggage carousel reeking of beer.

One other note, I normally only travel with bottles because cans seem less secure to me. However, during this trip I orchestrated a bottle swap with a colleague and he brought cans. I did secure the cans in the wine bags and had no problem at all.

Bottle Swap

As I have written about before, beer geeks have a way of finding each other out. Inevitability, any conversation will eventually circle around to beer and usually stay there for some time. Some people will connect, some will not. Those that do, you will know, share the beery passion with you.

As mentioned, I am able to travel the country to participate in several regional committees each year. Beer geeks doing what they do, are always looking from elusive beer that doesn't ship to our local.  My colleague from New Hampshire was more than willing to bring some fine beers from New Hampshire and Vermont. In return, I carried the Hoplar Imperial IPA bomber (90 pt BA) from Hardywood Park Craft Brewery in Richmond VA and a Chardonnay Barrel Belgian Ale Fall Migration (89 pts BA) from Evolution Craft Brewing in Salisbury MD. I discovered Hardywood while having lunch in Washington DC not long ago. And since they do not ship to Maryland, I went looking for the closest outlet and found a shop in DC that did carry them while on my way to the Savor event. Okay, I got two, one for the swap and one for myself. Hey, a beer geek, remember!

Beer Geek on the Road

A true beer aficionado (geek) on the road will most likely not just looking for more than just breweries to visit, included in an itinerary could include well be iconic beer bars, think Max’s Taphouse in Baltimore or Monk’s in Philly, and even premium bottle shops that could hold bottled treasures to bring back to share and cellar.

To drink or not to drink (beer)

“When I read about the evils of drinking, I gave up reading.”

— Henny Youngman

Belgians vs Belgian Beer

“Ask a non-Belgian to name three famous Belgians and, even though the list is long, there will probably be a painful pause. Ask them to name three Belgian beers and their performance is likely to improve dramatically. ”

— Michael Jackson