News May 8 - 20

Alright, after a longer hiatus than expected, here are some links I found interesting. Hopefully I'll get some beer "reviews" up in the next few days. I've got quite a few to post.

Onto the news:

• Beer for dogs - even man's best friend needs a good beer every now and then.
  
• Looks like Miller has announced price increases for the next two years. I'm sure this is a sign of things to come from other brewers as well - raising input prices = more expensive beer.
• Here's an article out of Cleveland regarding the popularity of bock beers this time of year. Anyone have any favorites they'd like to recommend?
  
• Looks like the folks to the north, in Canada, are getting pretty excited about American craft beer. When they can't get their fix, they travel to Buffalo to buy hundreds of dollars worth of beer.
  
• Will Three Floyds follow the lead of other craft brewers and start distilling liquor? Has anyone had the Rouge Gin?
  
• Will PA finally end their sales by the case law? Here's an editorial regarding the lawsuit.
• Anyone in Chicago enough of an insider to get invited to the Glunz Global Beer Expo? Sounds like a pretty interesting event.
• Looks like Diaego won't close the Guinness brewery after all - here's an update.
• A former head brewer at Great Lakes Brewery is now heading up brewing operations at a new brewpub in Akron, OH.
• Even Wired magazine is reporting on the increase in prices related to brewing beer. They talk a bit about how folks are changing their recipes to cope with the price spikes.
• Here's a great article about the history of beer in Cincinnati and the reintroduction of Morelein beer. Looks like it will hit Indy soon - I'm interested in trying the "discovery" pack. Anyone see it on the shelves?
• Memorial Day weekend is the 2nd biggest weekend for beer sales - an estimated 21 million cases will be sold. Who knew that 50% of all beer sold during the summer is "premium" beer. I'd be interested in finding out the definition of premium, as Nielsen defines it.
• Miller says their cheaper beers are seeing a growth in sales at the expense of their middle of the road, flagship products.
• Is vintage beer the next big thing? Looks like Newsweek tried a few at Gramercy Tavern in NYC.
• Another Newsweek article about craft beer - this time about it's growth and the influence they're getting in DC.
• Coors is having significant growth, especially compared to the other macros. Is it all about the brand?

Beer News & Blog Roundup - May 5-8

Any good Cinco de Mayo stories out there? Last year we were on a cruise at this time and we were Cozumel for 5/5 - I shouldn't have been too surprised that no one in Cozumel seemed to care that it was 5/5 other than one bar that was right by the port for the cruise ship. In fact I had forgotten about it until as we were getting ready to get back on the ship and we passed a group of folks (fellow cruise ship passengers) with about 20 empty Corona bottles on the ground and one of them was shouting something like "Cinco de Mayo - whoooo!!!!" Ahhh, good times, good times.

I'll be out of town on a fishing trip until next weekend, so this will probably be my last post until 5/17.

Here's some news from the last few days:

• Looks like one of the drivers behind the Pyramid - Magic Hat merger was the costs associated with being a public company.
• Here's an article about rising hop prices (yes, another one) and some brewers tweaking their recipes.
• Looks like most of the original Guinness brewery will be sold (except, of course, the store that attracts all the tourists).
  
• "Obama Beer" in Kenya, isn't quite the same as Kennedy milk, in a lot of ways.
• Here's a referendum I can get behind - one to repeal taxes in Maine on beer, wine and soda.
• Is beer the new wine? They think so in NC. I say it's better and more complex than wine, but that's just me.
• Will we start seeing more organic beer in the marketplace? If Bison's IPA was any indicator, I wouldn't mind.
• Will Australia raise wine and beer taxes 300%?
• Now this guy has one helluva beer can collection - over 2600 empty cans.
• Anyone had a "black velvet"? Here's a NYT article on the drink (a mix of Guinness and champagne. I might need to try one. Thanks to Joey P for the head's up on this.

Here's a roundup of blog posts I've enjoyed this week:

• The stale beer ethanol home pump is now available for only $10,000. You know, for those of you who have more $$ than sense.
• Generik has a post about a beer brand I'm not familiar with (but would like to be) - Long Trail.
• Another post from Generik about new brew pubs in and around Indy. I couldn't agree more about his west side comment (as a north-west sider).
• Brookston Beer Bulletin has posted a list of the 10 worst beers in the world (from the Tampa Bay Times) - clever. I've only had the Beast (#9) .
  
• Brew Blog has a roundup of earnings reports and beer releases and some other tidbits about some of the macros.
• Looks like the folks at HBG have mixed feelings about the Three Floyds beer dinner at R Bistro. Here's the first post. Here's the second.
• Looks like Flying Dog is growing their own hops, partly to offset the hop shortage?
• DIG-B has some local tap updates.
• Might AB be acquired? Via the Brew Blog.
• Anyone been to Fireside on the south side yet? In addition to hearing about it on Matt's Beer Blog, my barber was telling me about it (she kinda, sorta knows the owner). All indications point to it being a pretty nice place.

Alright, that's it for now. See you after 5/17.

Blog Roundup

Alright, I've been negligent in posting the last few weeks. In lieu of another News post, here's a post of some blog entries I've enjoyed (now that I've actually had the chance to read them):

• DIG-B has a good update on Bada Boomz downtown.
• Looks like the Big Car event the Beer Geeks had was a good time.
• Beers of my Life has a review of Schlitz original recipe.
  
• Generik has a great post about what sounds like a hell of a place to have a beer.
  

Beer News - May 4

Here's the news from the weekend:

• Stanford students are enjoying home brew.
• Just in time for Cinco de Mayo, here's a Chicago Trib article on Mexican beers.
  
• Looks like wine makers are waking up to transport conditions (temperatures). Will craft beer makers follow their lead?
• Looks like the older folks in TN don't like the "card everyone" law, and it will probably be changed.
• Seattle is jealous of the BeerMenu website that just launched in NY. Is this a sign of the times - when will Indy get one (I'm guessing 2014 or so).
• You know craft beer is gaining momentum when the LA Times starts a beer of the month feature.
  
• Are these the next big things in brewing?
• The National Restruant Association has listed craft beer as one of the top 10 "hot" items of 2008. Hopefully this will translate to more craft beer available, and more beer dinners.
• Anyone know anything about Brass Monkey Brewing? Looks like they're getting ready to open up shop in Kokomo, IN.
• Here's another article from TX about craft beers and their popularity.
• Anyone been to any of these beer festivals?
• Vermont has passed a law allowing for the sale of higher alcohol beer. Another victory for craft beer.
• Will we soon be seeing a Granite City Food and Brewery here in Indy?
  

Beer News - April 26 - April 29

Sorry for no posts in a while - it's been a busy few days. Friday was a fun filled evening (posts will detail the eve), and the weekend was a lot of house/yard work and helping a friend move. Monday Mario Kart for the Wii arrived - what would you have done - post or play?

Here's a too long round up of the news:

• Courtesy of the Brew Blog - sales of craft beers (in supermarkets) are still growing, but at a slower pace. A good sign is supermarkets are carrying more types of craft beers.
• Student republicans in CA protested the proposed beer tax increase.
• Courtesy of sevenpack.net - an interesting experiment with different types of glasses and Sam Adams. Of course one of the glasses was the newly released Sam Adams glass.
• Applebee's is struggling. Here's a USA Today article on some of what they're trying to do to turn things around. Unfortunately they're not taking Ruby Tuesday's lead by having more craft beers. Nope, they want to focus on "the coldest beer in town". Oh, yeah and Black and Tans. Not a coherent beer/bar strategy, if you ask me. Maybe they'll get Heineken on tap.
• For our friends in TX (or those soon visiting), here's a quick summary of the local craft beer situation.
• A great profile on The Covey in TX and how they grew, in two years, into a gold winner at the World Beer Cup.
• Looks like InBev will raise prices in May.
• Some good news about enjoying a beer or two an evening - it can be healthy for you!
• Looks like HBG is planning another event!
• Barley Island is looking to add an outdoor seating area. As a side note - the wife and I tried to go there for a post dinner beer (can you believe Dom DiCarlos doesn't serve beer!). We walked in and got no acknowledgment from anyone (after standing around the front entry for at least 4-5 min), and then we walked out.
• Magic Hat and Pyramid are looking to merge (courtesy of Brew Blog).
• Can stale or cheap (very basic) beer be used to run cars? Gizmodo says maybe.
• Looks like Washington Nationals fans might have more beer selections (as well as craft beers from visiting teams areas).
• Sierra Nevada is introducing two new fresh hop beers. Courtesy Brookston Beer Blog.
• Here's an interesting map showing a US map and the annual consumption of beer (by state).

OK...that's enough news for now. Stay tuned for some beer reviews, including some from a guest poster.

Beer News - April 25

Looking forward to a fun evening of beer at the downtown Rock Bottom, BadaBoomz and then maybe the Rathskeller. See you downtown!

Today's news:

• Despite rising input prices, Oregon craft brewers are breaking volume records for the state. A great sign for craft beers.
• Next time I'm in NY, I'm using this site to navigate me to good beer.
  
• Here's a follow up on the NCAA basketball tourney and beer advertising. NCAA is saying they were within their guidelines. The folks complaining counted time during pre and post game, which isn't subject to the limitation.
  
• Now thestreet.com has an article about rising beer prices (and how to avoid drinking cheap beer while still trying to save a few pennies).
  

Beer News - April 24

Still behind on posts, and it won't get better until the weekend. In the meantime, here's today's news:

• Is beer and cheese pairing the next big thing?
• FredFest in OR sounds pretty fun - 15 rare beers on tap - I'm in!
• For the true beer geek (unfortunately, not me) - last chance to get your resume in to be a beer intern.
• An article from Gary about DarkLord day.
• Miller's Brew Blog broke the story about Bud's new American Ale. Here's a WSJ article about the rivalry. The first few paragraphs are free, then you'll need a subscription or trial account to read the balance of the article (which I haven't, but plan on reading).
  

Beer News - April 23

Sorry no beer posts lately - I've got four I need to get done (hopefully tonight). Anyway, here's today's news:

• Here is an EXCELLENT round up of 2008 award winning beers available in Indy. Hoosier Beer Geek knocked it out of the park on this one.
• For those interested in politics (are we sick of the primary process yet) - here's a look at some former presidents drinking habits, and a commentary on the Hilary shot and a beer thing.
• Is anyone surprised that Molson will be the official beer of the 2010 winter Olympics (held in Vancouver)?
• Do you like bourbon barrel beers? Or other beers that have a bit of wood flavor (in a good way)? Here's an article that talks a bit about that segment.
• A brewer in Weed, CA (who knew) is running into problems with the ATF because of their slogan "Try Legal Weed".
  
• Despite rising prices, there might be a price war between the Macros.

Beer News - April 22

Today's News:

• Looks like VT is considering revising it's laws to allow craft beers above 8% alcohol (spurred along by Harpoon's Barleywine).
• For those interested - here's a Wikipedia entry regarding state alcohol laws (including when & what they can sell).
• Here's an interesting commentary that includes an email from AB's head brewmaster regarding Bud vs. craft beers.
• Who knew the Department of Labor tracked beer costs? Here's an article about rising beer costs. Bottom line - the average 16 oz beer has seen a price increase of 4% over the last 12 months.
• This falls under the - We thought this would be hilarious - until we got charged with felonies. If you're going to steal beer, don't steal bad beer.
• I promise - when I make my trip to Cincy, I won't do what this guy did. He must of been gearing up for one hell of a party.
  

Beer News - April 21

Here's today's news:

• Here's a great story on the evolution of the beer fight in AL.
• Looks like Budweiser is the only alcohol/beer brand that made the "top 100 brand list" (at # 70, as measured by their dollar value) put out by a brand measurement firm. For the curious, Google, GE and Microsoft were the top 3, respectively.
  
• Brew Blog (the Miller beer blog), is giddy with excitement over Corona's situation (at least that's how I interpret this post). Corona is making a big Cinco de Mayo ad push. A-B is also getting in the Miller Chill game by creating Bud Light Lime. Miller is awfully proud of Miller Chill (although I'm not sure why - it's not very good). BTW, anyone doing anything fun, or know of anything going on for 5/5?
• Look for an A-B green week push, featuring some folks from their Ft. Collins, CO operations.

Beer News - April 20

Now, here's today's news:

• Looks like Shiner is entering the light beer segment (at least for the summer). I had the Shiner bock last year when I was out west. It was pretty good. Despite it being the "4th largest craft brewer", I don't remember seeing it 'round these parts.
• Looks like the evil AB (or at least the distributor in AL) is trying to prevent craft beers from being sold in Alabama.
  
• Looks like another brewery is jumping on the canning bandwagon.
• Looks like Upland won a medal and Three Floyds won two, at the World Beer Championships. I haven't had any of the award winners, but I'm going to try to track them down. This link will get you to the complete award winners list.
• Looks like the relaunched Schlitz's isn't selling as well as hoped. Is it overpriced at $9.99 for a 12 pack or $5.99 per six? Doesn't sound like it to me, but that's what the critics are saying.
  

Beer News - April 18 & 19

No news yesterday - was a bit busy at work and then went straight to dinner. Here are some links from yesterday and today (and I'm looking forward to some posts about DarkLord Day):

• I wonder if Lucas Oil will be selling this 3.2 beer instead of the regular macro beers (and not tell anyone)? This is another reason to drink craft beers, regardless of the event.
• An interesting round up of seven Chicago area brew pubs.
• I wonder if this will have much of an impact on Tsingtao sales here in the states.
• Anyone read any books by Lucy Saunders? Here's an interview with her. I'm a little intrigued by the grilling with beer book (wonder if there are any good brine recipes using beer)?
• Will we be seeing more German hops in beers due to the price spike? Here's a brewer that is experimenting with them (via Yours for Good Fementables blog) .
• Are some states looking at lowering the drinking age (because they want to allow under 21 Iraqi war vets to drink)? I'm thinking it probably won't happen because of the potential to lose 10% of federal highway funds (when most projects are 80% fed and 20% locally funded).

Beer News - April 17

Today's News:

• Beck's is releasing a colorless beer in Germany. As I've said before, just because you can do something, it doesn't mean you should. The same article talks about a beverage for kids that looks like beer being released in Japan.
• For those of you who read "I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell", looks like they're now making it a movie. Again, just because you can, doesn't mean you should. Although I really enjoyed the dissertation on the McGriddle.
• Coors is ending their guided tours at the brewery, but you can still self guide through.
• Fat Tire is going to start canning their beers. Wonder if this will lead to more folks going this route (and if that will mean lower prices).
  

Beer News - April 16

Now, here's the news from today (sorry for the late post):

• Here's another article about the Goose Island situation. This one is from the Chicago Tribune. Some interesting tidbits about ownership of the brewery and Sam Adams, also.
• For the greenies out there - looks like Long Tail Brewing is going to start using methane from cows to power part of their production.
• Anyone seen these beers from Labatt's or Yuengling? I know we can't get Yuengling here, but just wondering if anyone has any experience with these.
• Looks like that CA tax increase faces long odds.
• A lighthearted article about craft brewers starting to can beer. Has a list of canned craft beer. Matt's Beer Blog recently reviewed a beer from Oskar (I think it's the same one mentioned in the article).
• For those ice cream lovers out there - an article about beer floats. In the 5 years I worked at Ben & Jerry's I never thought of, or had anyone ever mention, a beer float.
• This article geared towards convenience store owners doesn't bode well for non-national craft brewers.
• Remember the Time article touting Denver as the best place for beer in the US. Looks like that ruffled some feathers in Portland (an awesome town - other than Indy, about the only other place I would consider living). Not an article, but a link to beernavana (a Portland blog I just found).
• Not an article about beer, but about a place that serves great beer - Brugge's frites get a mention in the Indy Star.

Beer News - April 15

It's a busy day, and not much news. Only one story today, dedicated to our Chi-town following.

• For our Chicago friends - you probably already know this, but Goose Island is closing their pub in Clybourn. Looks like they couldn't come to terms with the landlord.

Beer News - April 14

Here's today's news:

• Looks like AB is losing market share.
  
• It also looks like they're pretty worried (take it with a grain of salt - it is from Miller's blog).
• Will they be acquired?
• Anyone out there in training for the Beer Pong Championships in Vegas?
• Now here's a real Scotsman. I hope I'm able to walk a marathon when I'm 101, let alone run one. I love that he stopped for a smoke, a beer and some homemade sandwiches along the way!

Beer News - April 12 -13

Sorry for the delay - it's been a busy weekend.

Now, here's the news from the weekend:

• Not really news, but here's an interesting site that will let you know how much a pint costs in over 145 countries.
• Here's a pretty neat article from St. Louis that talks about brewers challenging themselves to brew "extreme" beers. Stone, AB, Schlafly, and Dogfish Head (what I happen to be drinking right now) are just some of those mentioned.
• This wasn't reported nearly as much as the initial complaint from the Center for Folks who want to tell you what to do, but here's the Beer Institute's response to the complaint about beer advertising during the NCAA games.
• Who knew Hillary is a Blue Moon fan?
• Uh-oh, another is state eyeballing the beer tax. Even though Indiana raised ours a few years ago (I think it was about two years ago), we need to be vigilant to make sure we don't suffer the same fate.

Beer News - April 11

Here are today's news listings:

• Hate taxes? This guy helps you drown your sorrows as he prepares your taxes. It would have softened the blow for me this year if I could have had a beer when I found out how big of a check we had to write. Ouch.
• I'm really glad I don't live in Cali. You've got to be kidding me with a $0.30 cent (per can) INCREASE in the beer tax. They want to confiscate $2 BILLION. Outrageous. Can you tell we just had to write a check to the feds and I've got taxes on the mind?
• Who knew Pyramid was such a crummy place to work?
• How'd this guy get this great assignment? Next time I'm in Denver, I've got more places to check out.
• Surprise! Beer was advertised during the recent NCAA basketball tournaments. The same college and university presidents that benefit from this revenue are upset about. The Center for Science in the blah blah blah area also upset. As a side note, I heard on the radio this morning that 85% of the viewers were over 21. Where's the problem?
  

Beer News - April 10

Here are today's news listings:

• American Craft Beer Week is coming up (5/12 - 5/18)
• Miller Lite is entering the craft beer market (is it really craft beer if a macro brewer is doing it?)
• A continuation of the Top Craft Beer List (by volume), also includes top 50 brewers by volume (registration necessary)
• Thanks to a change in the law, craft beer is booming in South Carolina

Beer News of the Day (new feature)

Not sure if there's much interest in this type of a thing, but I saw some interesting articles yesterday and thought I would post them, and start a new "feature".

Hat tip to DIG-B and his post about the Brewer's Association Top Brewer's List. It was one of the articles I was wanting to post. If that wasn't enough Generik Tap has a great post about Schlitz's comeback (hopefully we'll see it reach Indy). A third great article is posted at HBG - The first annual craft beer round table seems like a success.

Here's my contribution to the news:

• Some Samuel Adams Beer Bottles are Recalled
• I'm not a Global Warming believer, but now beer prices are on the rise because of it (or because folks are planting corn and not barley...details, details)
• There's an APB out on a Miller Trailer. I don't shy away from Miller Lite, but I wouldn't want $24k worth.
• Here are some interesting suggestions on beers to serve to "macro" drinkers. I think the writer discounts the impact that price has on beer selection.
• Not sure where I originally saw this article, but Boston Beer Co. is doing a great favor for craft breweries short on hops.
• Watch out Corona - here comes Bud Light Lime. I'm sure it will be just as "good". Yuck.

I'd love to hear your comments on the idea of this "feature" and your thoughts on any of the articles.