Another Reason to Homebrew

Some "non-partisan" group is apparent lobbying Idaho state lawmakers to raise taxes on beer and wine. The increase would raise the beer tax to $0.52 per gallon from $0.15 and the wine tax to $1.56 a gallon from $0.45. The group would have you believe the reasons for the increase noble enough and justified. Of course the increases face opposition and the ire the beer and wine industry. Though, as more states face budgetary shortfalls, it wouldn't be surprising to see other states looking to raise revenue in a similar fashion.

Rock Bottom Brewery Beer Pairing Dinner Feb 10th

SEASONAL CHEF AND BREWERS DINNER!
Tuesday, February 10, 6pm
The Rock Bottom Long Beach culinary team and Brewmaster Hayley Meagher are proud to present our Winter Chef and Brewers Dinner on Tuesday, February 10. We will be featuring four courses, each dish paired with a unique handcrafted beer specially selected to bring out the subtle flavors from each dish.

Tickets are $35 (plus tax and gratuity) and reservations are required as seating is limited. Call (562) 308-2255 for more information or to make reservations today. Below is a preview of the evening's food and beer pairings:

Appetizer: Asparagus Prosciutto Rolls
Fresh asparagus, thin sliced aged prosciutto and cheddar cheese wrapped in phyllo dough.
Paired with Rock Bottom's Indian Pale Ale

Entrée: Stuffed Sea Scallops
Large, hand selected scallops baked golden brown, stuffed with spinach, onions, melted cheese and sauteed.
Paired with Rock Bottom's Pelican Red Ale

Entrée: Stuffed Pork Loin Calabreese
A seasoned pork loin stuffed with fontina cheese, cream cheese, salami, thin sliced prosciutto, capers, and our own special blend of herbs.
Paired with a Guest Beer from Back Street Brewery (Irvine, CA)

Hand-Crafted Ice Cream Sandwich
Vanilla bean ice cream sandwiched between soft fresh baked brownie bread with a chocolate and raspberry sauce.
Paired with Rock Bottom's Black Hawk Imperial Stout

Rock Bottom website

The return of Schlitz

Schlitz Beer is being resurrected by Pabst Brewing, which currently owns the brand, according to an article in the Isthmus, from Madison, Wisconsin. A brief rundown of the article:

• It will currently only be released and have limited distribution in Madison
• The beer is an American Pilsner, and apparently used to be a good one
• Schlitz, along with Budweiser, Miller and Pabst, was once one of the big four American Breweries
  
• It's being brewed with the original recipe, which hasn't been around since the 1960's
• The Schlitz recipe had been changed and by the early 1970's was no longer popular
• Sagging sales and a Labor Dispute forced the company to close in 1981
• Stroh's purchased the brand in 1982, then Pabst in in 1999

Well we can only hope that distribution will be extended future so we can have a taste of beer history. For the full text of the article click here: Schlitz beer returns to Madison

Hair of the Dog Fred

10 different hops! 10 Percent ABV! Wow! This is just a giant beer that you'll have to try for yourself. It's listed as a Special Golden Ale, but it's a barleywine. Though lighter bodied than most barleywines I've tried, it is enjoyable.

From Hair of the Dog: Fred was created to honor beer writer and historian Fred Eckhardt. Fred is a big inspiration for me and many other brewers. Fred's work in all-grain brewing and beer styles helped me become a better brewer. Fred the beer is a deep golden color. It is made with aromatic and rye malts and includes 10 different hop varieties in an effort to incorporate the whole world into this beer. It has 10% alcohol by volume and 65 IBUs. We hope that Fred will inspire you to share your knowledge with others as Fred has with us.

Oskar Blues Gordon

What they say(oskarblues.com): Gordon is a hybrid version of strong ale, somewhere between an Imperial Red and a Double IPA. We make it with six different malts and three types of hops, then dry-hop it with a mutha lode of Amarillo hops. It is 8.7% alcohol by volume, and has 85 International Bittering Units.

It features a gooey, resiny aroma and a luscious mouthfeel. Gordon is brewed with dash of chocolate malt in it, to round out its load of hops and balance the beer. The result is an assertive yet exceptionally smooth version of strong beer.

We brew Gordon in tribute to the late Gordon Knight. In addition to opening some of Colorado’s first microbreweries, Knight was a Vietnam vet, grade-A citizen, and huge promoter of craft beer. He lost his life in 2002 while fighting a wild fire outside of Lyons, Colorado.

Originally our winter seasonal beer, it has become a cult favorite of extreme-beer lovers, so we now brew occasional batches of Gordon throughout the year. Released in bottles in 2003 and 2004, Gordon is now sold in four packs of hand-labeled cans and on draft in select markets.

What I say: It has a deep copper color, yet moderately light in body. The taste has a strong malt presence upfront, with almost no finish. I could tell this was a big beer; my notes say it's strong and warm. There is a definite warming in the finish. As you can see from their notes Oskar Blues uses a lot of hops, yet I noted the beer could probably use more hops. I can explain why this sounds crazy and why it makes sense like this: Most times I'll go into a tasting not knowing the history or style of the beer. Therefore the notes I make may not always be appropriate to the style, but I have no problem correcting myself. Now knowing that this is a DIPA/Imperial Red hybrid I understand why the hops are somewhat muted and proper. The balance of the taste does lean a bit toward the malt. This slight imbalance makes for a great tasting brew. And know that I know that this beer has named in honor of a hero, it'll definitely be one of my favorite brews. In any case, try it yourself and let me know.

Lagunitas Sirius

This beer is described as a "Special High Gravity Cream Ale in serious celebration of the return of the salubrious Spring". It is usually available as a summer release from June to August. It is deep gold to orange/rust in color and somewhat light in body. This is was makes this beer so deceptive since it does carry a 7.6% ABV vintage. The hops up front when taste will give you a quick bite and then hop aftertaste is pleasant yet lingering. Overall not overly-hopped, as just mentioned the hop taste is quite lingering throughout. There is a definite sweet malt presence and the hops are strong enough to add to the sweetness. The overall balance of taste leans towars the hops. Overall, it's a pleasure to drink, just watch out, it's a big beverage.

Mega Beer Tasting at The Wine House May 19, 2008

Don’t miss this exciting tasting with the newest releases from Wine Warehouse. Beer Specialist Larry James will take you through this exciting selection, many of which are extremely limited. FOOD, FUN, FACTS and SPECIAL SURPRISES!

Cucapa Obscura (Mexico)
Cucapa Honey
Cucapa Chupacabra
Green Flash Hophead Red (U.S.)
Anderson Valley IPA (U.S.)
Unibroue 17 (Canada)
Kastel Triple (Belgium)
Glazen Toren Saison (Belgium)
Malheur 12 (Belgium)
Meantime Scotch Ale (U.K.)
Old Engine Oil 12 yr Highland Park Whisky Cask (Scotland)
Samiclaus Helles (1st time in 14yrs) (Austria)

Monday May 19th 7:30pm-9:30pm $30.00
Advance reservation required
Please call 310 479 3731 for reservations

Beer Tasting Event - May 21, 2008

THE CULTURE CONTINUES!
When: May 21, 2008
Where: Radisson LAX
Time: 7:00 PM
Room: The Penthouse, next door to the Top of the Radisson Restaurant Bar
Cost: $30 Reg, $25 Brew Club Members and $20 Beer Judges
Includes: Beer & Hors D’oeuvres, complementary parking and California Sales Tax
Parking: Complementary Valet if self parking is not available
The Radisson LAX is your place to enjoy good food and good beer in the company of good friends.
Attendees will receive “THE” Food and Beverage VIP Card
This card entitles the bearer to a 15% discount on food and beverage in Palmira Lounge, Top of the Radisson lounge and Concorde Lounge. Not valid for beer tasting admission
Plenty of beer and complementing Hors D’ouevres
Beer lineup:
ALLAGASH BLACK (US)
UNIBROUE 17 (CAN)
SCHNEIDER HOPFENWEISSE (GER)
CHUPA CABRA PALE ALE (MEX)
ANDERSON ANIVERSARY IMPERIAL IPA (US)
GREEN FLASH HOPHEAD RED (US)
Beer and a pleasant surprise from Larry James’ vault to end the night!
Enjoy the view at the “TOP of the Radisson Bar”


Part of the proceeds of this event will go to: Avon Foundation Breast Cancer Crusade
Please enjoy responsibly. A message from Carlos Solis, Director of Food & Beverage: Your safety is our concern, if you need a room for the night, please let me know and you will get the “Beer Aficionados Special Rate”

2008 Alameda County Fair Homebrew Competition

2008 Alameda County Fair Homebrew Competition entries are due by May 24th.

This is a BJCP sanctioned competition. Official guidelines and details online at: http://draughtboard.org/babo/2008Announcement.htm

Final judging will be at the Alameda County Fairgrounds on June 7th.

BJCP certified and experienced judges are needed, please contact organizers through the website.

Southern California Homebrew Festival 2008