CraftBeerMonger.com has arrived!

It's time to say goodbye to Beer Monger and say hello to Craft Beer Monger!

This blog is going inactive.  Please follow my new blog at: CraftBeerMonger.com!  And be sure to 'Like' my new 'Craft Beer Monger' page on Facebook (Unfortunately, Facebook wouldn't simply let me change the name of my existing 'Beer Monger' page, so I had to make a new page.) 

Thank you so much for reading.  Cheers! 

Drink responsibly and stay safe out there. 

Pumpkin Fest 2012 Tickets Go On Sale Tomorrow

It may still be August and it should reach over 90 degrees out there today, but don't forget that October and this year's Great Pumpkin Beer Festival are only 2 months away.  This is the second year the festival will be held at Elysian Brewing's new commercial brewing facility in Seattle's Georgetown neighborhood. 

This year's fest will feature over 60 different pumpkin beers; 13 of which are from Elysian Brewing Company, including: Mr. Yuck Sour Pumpkin Ale, Night Owl, Great Pumpkin, Dark o' the Moon Pumpkin Stout, Hansel and Gretel Ginger Pumpkin Pils, Coche de Medianoche (new!), Kürbitinus, PK-47 Pumpkin Malt Liquor, Headless Horsey (new!), Ursa Orange (new!) Mens Room Original Pumpkin Ale (new!) and Orange Manalishi (new!).  Wow! 

Upcoming Events At Beveridge Place Pub

One of my favorite craft beer stops in Seattle, Beveridge Place Pub (BPP), has lots of great events on tap for August.  If you've never been there, this month is a great time to head down and check them out.  They were recently rated #1 in the Top 10 Beer Spots list by Seattle Beer News.  They also just increased the number of taps they have to 36, offering an even wider selection of great craft beers and ciders. 

Walking into BPP, it has a comfortable feel like a big family room.  In addition to the bar and tables, there are also a couple of couches, some easy chairs and to top it off, they're even dog friendly (well behaved, non-barking dogs please).  They also have pool (free on Tuesdays) and shuffleboard.  They do not, however, have any food beyond nuts and popcorn, so they allow any outside food you want to bring.  If you didn't bring anything, they have menus from local establishments that will deliver food to you right in the bar. 

CraftBeerMonger.com Is On The Way!

After a year and a half of beer blogging, the time has come for Beer Monger to evolve.  Based on feedback from my readers and limitations with some of my earlier selections, beermonger.blogspot.com will soon be moving to the URL: CraftBeerMonger.com. 

This change will allow me to provide a richer content experience for my readers, as well as helping me with finding some sponsors for my blog.  Attending so many events/festivals/launches/etc. can, at times, be a bit of a financial strain and a few organizations have already expressed an interest in sponsoring my blog. 

I'm hoping my readers will also take this as a sign that Beer Monger is here to stay.  I'm very passionate about the craft beer community and want to continue to provide you with coverage of the craft beer happenings in and around the Seattle area. 

I'd like to thank all of my readers for their support.  I am working on constructing the new site and hope to be up and running by the end of this month.  Stay tuned for an update on when to expect the switchover. 

Drink responsibly and stay safe out there. 

Questionable Practices From Urban Family Public House

Last night I attended the Firestone Walker tap takeover event at Urban Family Public House in Seattle's Ballard neighborhood.  It was the first time I'd been to UFPH and, at least intially, I liked the look and feel of the place.  Unfortunately, that's not the same opinion I had when I left. 

Their doors opened just after 4:00PM but, unfortunately, K&L Distributing wasn't on the ball and the Firestone Walker kegs had not yet been delivered.  After a few frantic phone calls from Firestone Walker's local rep, we were assured the kegs were on the way and would arrive in 10-15 minutes, which they did.  I don't blame UFPH for this at all.  They have no control over K&L. 

Once I got settled at the bar, however, I started looking over the taplist and prices.  If you'll recall from a post I made earlier this week, the tap list included:

-Pivo Pils
-Double Barrel Ale
-Pale 31
-Union Jack
-Wookey Jack
-Double Jack
-Nectar IPA
-Hemp Ale
-Walker's Reserve
-Unfiltered DBA
-Double DBA
-§ucaba
-Parabola
-Reginald Brett
-Lil' Opal (on French Oak)

It's A Great Week In Seattle For Firestone Walker Fans

Are you a fan of Firestone Walker Brewing Company?  If you are, it's a great week to be in Seattle.  There are three different places/events this week where you can go to get your FW fix. 

Things started last night at The Pine Box on Capitol Hill, where they were clearing out their cellar a bit and put on a stellar lineup of Firestone Walker beers including:

-Double Barrel Ale
-Luponic Distortion
-Parabola
-Sticky Monkey (Very rare!)
-Union Jack
-Velvet Merlin
-Velvet Merlin though a randall of rum-soaked currants
-Wookey Jack

According to the online tap list at The Pine Box (which they do a great job of always keeping up to date), they will still have all of these beers available when their doors open today at 3:00PM.  Firestone Walker rep Mike Clark was also on hand to answer any questions and enjoy a few with some local FW fans. 

Mrs. Beer Monger With Firestone Rep Mike Clark at The Pine Box

Next up is a Firestone Walker tap takeover at Urban Family Public House in Ballard this Thursday, 7/19, whith over 23 Firestone Walker (and Nectar Ales) taps, including:

-Pivo Pils
-Double Barrel Ale
-Pale 31
-Union Jack
-Wookey Jack
-Double Jack
-Red Nectar
-Nectar IPA
-Hemp Ale
-Walker's Reserve
-Unfiltered DBA
-Double DBA
-§ucaba
-Parabola
-Reginald Brett
-Lil' Opal (on French Oak)

I could be mistaken, but I believe this event may be the first time Reginald Brett has made an appearance in Washigton.  I'm looking forward to trying it.  Lil' Opal is also fairly rare, so be sure to give it a try if you make it down to Urban Family.  Firestone Walker rep Mike Clark will be on hand to answer any questions you may have. 

Last but not least is a special Firestone Walker beer dinner at Deluxe Bar and Grill on Capitol Hill.  This is a BBQ-themed dinner, and it takes place this Thursday, July 19th from 6:30-9PM.  Reservations are required.  You can call 206-324-9697 to make a reservation.  Below is the full menu for the dinner:

So there you have it, three different Firestone Walker events to statisfy your craving.  I'll be back down at The Pine Box on my way home today for a few more, and then at Urban Famiy Public House on Thursday.  C'mon down, say hi and have a few great beers. 

Drink responsibly and stay safe out there. 

My Experience At The Seattle International Beer Festival 2012

Last weekend, I attended the Seattle International Beer Festival at Seattle Center.  This annual event gives beer enthusiasts the opportunity to taste some unique and rare beers from around the World.  This year's fest had over 200 different beers from 16 different countries. 

I attended two days of this year's festival.  First, on Saturday, I attended as a volunteer.  From 6:30PM until the beer stopped flowing at 9:45PM, I was manning a tap handle for Mad Viking Brewing out of Denmark.  I was pouring their Belgian Golden Strong and their, very popular at this year's fest, Stingray Double IPA. 

There's A New Beer Festival In Town

UPDATE - 6/27/2012: The date for the fest has been changed from October 6th to October 13th.

Washington is well know for beer festivals.  We have the Washingon Brewer's Festival, Belgianfest, the Everett Craft Beef Festival, Sour Fest, the Hard Liver Barleywine Fest and many, many more scattered all around the Seattle area. 

Well, I hope you have room for one more on your craft beer calandar, becuase coming up on Saturday, October 13th, 2012 is the first annual B-Town Brewfest - the Seattle area's newest beer festival.  Proceeds from this festival will go to benefit Seattle Children's Hospital. 

There is no info yet regarding which brewers will be attending the fest, but we do know the basics.  The festival will be held at the Burien Community Center (14700 6th Ave SW, Burien, WA), and will be divided into two sessions.  The first is from 11:30AM  - 3:30PM and the second will be from 4:30PM - 8:30PM.  Tickets for the festival are $25 in advance or $30 at the gate.  Advance tickets are available for purchase now through  Brown Paper Tickets.  You can also CLICK HERE to sign up as a volunteer for the festival. 

Your ticket price includes admission to the festival, a festival program, a 5oz commemorative taster glass and 9 tasting tokens.  Additional drink tokens will be available for purchase for $2 each. 

So mark your calendar now and maybe I'll see you in Burien on October 13th. 

Drink responsibly and stay safe out there.

The Seattle International Beer Festival Is Coming - July 6-8

With Seattle Beer Week, the Washington Brewers Festival and the National Homebrew Conference all behind us, it's time to look ahead to what's next. 

Kicking off one week from Friday at the Fischer Pavilion at Seattle Center is the 2012 Seattle Internatioal Beer Festival.  This three-day event will feature over 200 different beers from 16 different countries, live music, food, games and more. 

Super Deli Mart Celebrates 3 Great Years

Super Deli Mart, the best little mini-mart in the World, is celebrating their 3rd Anniversary this Sunday, June 24th from noon to 4:00PM with another customer appreciation BBQ.  Can you believe it?  Three years already, and Super Deli Mart has attained quite the reputation and quite a following. 

If you've never been there, you're missing out. With 5 taps and hundreds of bottle choices, Super Deli Mart rivals most Puget Sound area bottle shops and even a few taprooms.  And with everyday prices of $3 pints (or schooners, depending on the style/strength of the beers on tap) and $10 growler fills (though, no growler fills are allowed for certain specialty beers), it's a craft beer bargain-hunter's dream.

Cooper's Alehouse Golf Tournament - August 18th

Are you a golfer?  I used to be.  I still have my clubs but haven't been out on the links in so long I'll be a duffer when I try to go back!  lol  Hopefully, that will be sometime this Summer but I have a lot of other things to take care of first. 

If your golf skills surpass mine however (and most people's do), then you might want to consider signing up for the Cooper's Alehouse Golf Tournament.  It's set to take place on Saturday, August 18th at Jefferson Park. 

According to Cooper's:

It’s a four person scramble with tee times starting at 10:30am.  Cost is $320/foursome which includes cart, lunch, drink tickets, and prizes.

Space for the tournament is limited, so if you're interested don't delay.  Drop by Cooper's Alehouse and sign up ASAP.  Sunday might be a good day for it, as Cooper's has extended their Happy Hour to all day long on Sundays for the summer (in addition to their regular happy hour that goes from 2-6pm Monday thru Friday). 

Cooper's is also updating themselves a bit.  They have a new logo (Above) and they are working on revising their website.  The new version of the website should be up soon.   

Drink responsibly and stay safe out there. 

Big Changes On The Way

I've been beer blogging for a while now, and I've decided it's finally time to stop using Blogger and graduate to a full site with my own URL! 

Unfortunately, the URL BeerMonger.com is already taken - but the company who currently owns it is not using it for anything, and their registration for the URL is set to expire on the 28th of this month.  So I've put in my applicaiton. Unless the company who currently owns the URL is on the ball about renewing it (and why, if they aren't using it?) then I should hopefully get it.

Wish me luck on securing the URL, and watch for some big changes in July and beyond as I migrate Beer Monger to a full-fledged site. 

Drnk responsibly and stay safe out there.

Crawfish At Burgundian On June 15th - And 29th - UPDATED

One of Seattle's newest craft beer bars, Burgundian, has been consistently impressing me with their menu offerings.  Even though I do miss a few items their opening day menu offered, which they no longer have (things like Scotch Eggs or real Scrapple), they keep adding more items and specials that are truly gourmet. 

Here are just a few of the more delectable choices Burgundian has had on their menu over the past few weeks:

Benefit For Victims Of The Cafe Racer Tragedy

As I'm sure you're aware, tragedy struck Seattle last week when five innocent people were gunned down by shooter Ian Stanwicki.  A sixth victim is still in critical condition at Harborview Medical Center. 

Stanwicki's rampage began at Seattle's quirky Cafe Racer in Seattle's University District where most of his victims where shot.  Since the shooting, the Cafe has become a memorial of sorts, with lots of flowers and cards out front as remembrance for friend's and family senslessly lost. 

The Memorial In Front Of Cafe Racer This Morning

To assist the victim's families of this horrible event, Latona Pub will be holding a benefit this Thusrday, June 7th.  A keg of 'Racer 5 IPA' will be on tap, and all proceeds will benefit the victim's families.  So be sure to drop by the Latona on the 7th to raise a pint in honor of those we have lost.  It's sure to be an emotional evening; hopefully an evning that can allow the healing to begin.

Drink responsibly and stay safe out there.

So You Want To Own A Brewery...

If you're a homebrewer, or even just a Lover of craft beer, then it's likely you've contemplated opening your own brewery at one time or another.  Of course, after looking at what it really takes, most of us can't.  The cost and time investment required to open your own brewery or craft beer bar can be a daunting challenge - and it's these barriers that usually stop most people. 

Personally, I'd love to open my own brewery.  The problem?  I work a regular, 40 hour+ per week job, have a mortgage and bills, and don't have the extra capital necessary for the initial investment nor paid months I can take off from work.  Also, since laws don't allow you to open a commercial brewery fom within a residence (i.e. You can't just setup shop in your garage), I also lack the necesary space in which to setup my brewing sytem and tap room; which of course will cost even more. 

I suppose I could sell every material posession I own and start living in a dinky studio apartment to save money for the brewery, but that would be a bit rough on me, my wife and our two dogs, and would be rather drastic. 

'Food Truck Fridays' Announced At Two Beers Brewing

Do you enjoy Two Beers Brewing Co. beers, but don't enjoy the lack of food at the taproom (unless you're lucky enough to be there when they have a food truck - or you brought your own munchies)?  We'll now you can plan ahead and know what you'll be eating. 

Two Beers Brewing Co. has just announced 'Food Truck Fridays' at their taproom known as The Woods. 

Two Beers Brewing is excited to announce the rollout of Food Truck Fridays this summer at its popular tasting room, The Woods. Each Friday June through August, one of Seattle’s favorite food trucks – including Skillet Street Food, Dante’s Inferno Dogs, Bigfood, Maximus/Minimus and more – will be parked outside The Woods, offerings up delicious eats for purchase from 3-8 pm. To sweeten the deal, tasting room patrons who purchase food will receive their first pint of any one of Two Beers Brewing’s unique handcrafted brews for just $3.

“The combination of delicious local food, great local beer and a sun-filled patio make for a perfect end to the work week,” said Joel VandenBrink, Two Beers Brewing founder and head brewer. “We’re excited to be partnering with these local food trucks to offer our loyal fans some delicious grub to pair with their favorite Two Beers Brewing beer and yet another reason to keep coming back to The Woods.”

Kicking off June 1, hungry tasting room patrons can plan their Friday trips to Two Beers Brewing around the schedule below:

June 1: Dante’s Inferno Dogs
June 8: TBD
June 15: Streetzeria Street Pizza
June 22: Dante’s Inferno Dogs
June 29: Skillet Street Food
July 6: BigfoodJuly 13: TBD
July 20: Maximus/Minimus
July 27: Dante’s Inferno Dogs
August 3: Skillet Street Food
August 10: TBD
August 17: Bigfood
August 24: Maximus/Minimus
August 31: TBD

*Food trucks slotted for TBD dates will be announced via Facebook.              
In addition to Food Truck Fridays, Two Beers Brewing has also extended its tasting room hours and is offering up some great deals during the week. Now open on Tuesdays from 3-8 pm (in addition to Wed – Fri) and Saturdays from 1-6 pm, guests can take advantage of more time to enjoy the twelve unique beers from Two Beers Brewing and the sun-filled patio on Saturday afternoons. Weekday deals at The Woods include:

Tuesdays: Be prepared for the week and fill up your growler with any of Two Beers Brewing’s year-round offerings for only $6 (sorry, no imperials, infusions or guest handles).

Wednesdays: Stop in for Hump Day happy hour from 3-6 pm when pints of any Two Beers Brewing brew are just $3 (guest handles excluded).

Thursdays: Stock up for the weekend with our “to go” happy hour! Receive $1 off all 22-ounce bottles and six-packs of 12-ounce aluminum cans.

Two Beers Brewing offers pints, bottle, cans, growlers and kegs-to-go in its 4,800-square-foot SoDo brewery and tasting room – The Woods – in addition to being available on tap in more than 300 restaurants and bars in Washington, Idaho and Vancouver, B.C. Two Beers Brewing’s 12-ounce aluminum cans can also now be found in Portland and Alaska.

So head down to Two Beers on Fridays this summer, and get your grub on! Two Beers Brewing Co. is just one of a few craft breweries in Seattle's SoDo neighborhood.  While you're in the area, you can also check out Schooner Exact Brewing, Epic Ales Brewing and Georgetown Brewing. 

Drink responsibly and stay safe out there.

Seattle Beer Week 2012 - Days 7 & 8

I started out day 7 of Seattle Beer Week 2012 by heading up to Cooper's Alehouse for the start of their IPA Championships - the conclusion of the blind tastings they held during their 10th Annual IPA Fest in April.  

Wait - That Sign Says Thursday & It's Only Wednesday.  D'oh!

Seattle Beer Week 2012 - Days 5 & 6

Seattle Beer Week 2012 rolls on - and is wearing me out!  On Monday, I headed down to Big Time Brewing for their first ever bourbon-barrel beer release.  That's the tap handle above.

The Heavenly Bourbon Limited Edition Growlers

Seattle Beer Week 2012 - Day 4

Your Iron Brewer Host & Sensei - Gary Sink

Quite a few events during day 4 of Seattle Beer Week 2012 were about Moms - for obvious reasons.  Since my Mom is several states away, I had no opportunity to take her out to any of the Mother's Day-themed events around the city. 

Rob With An Iron Brewer Taster Tray

Instead, I played it low-key and hit just two events.  The first was Iron Brewer at Beveridge Place Pub.  This annual event is a challenge for the brewers, who must use the ingredients Beveridge Place specifies, and then be judged by the masses to see who comes out as champion. 

Seattle Beer Week 2012 - Day 3

For the third day of Seattle Beer Week 2012, I started things off at The Pine Box to check out the Can Derby - The Pine Box's version of the old Pinewood Derby races from Cub Scout/Boy Scout days gone by.  I started off my visit with a delicious Elysian Brewing's Split Shot Espresso Milk Stout, through a randall of Four Roses Bourbon-soaked oak chips and a tasty savory fritatta. Yum, yum.

The Randall Filled With Four Roses Bourbon-Soaked Oak Chips

Seattle Beer Week 2012 - Day 2

I woke up a bit groggy from all the opening night events on day 1, and got myself ready to head to Brouwer's Cafe for the start of this year's Back In Black Stout Fest.  We managed to arrive just minutes after the doors opened. 

Enjoying Back In Black 2012

Seattle Beer Week 2012 Kickoff Events

Seattle Beer Week 2012 kicked off yesterday, and I managed to make it to all four opening night events with my beautiful wife, Lynn.

Beer Monger's Picks For Seattle Beer Week 2012

Seattle Beer Week 2012 kicks off tomorrow!  Are you ready?  There are well over 150 events listed at various locations throughout Seattle and the Puget Sound, but you'll need a plan of attack if you want to keep them all straight and hit the events you really want.

Here are my picks for Seattle Beer Week 2012, and the events I plan on attending myself:

Thursday, May 10, 2012:


5:00PM

 Seattle Beer Week Kickoff Part 1 at Elysian Brewing Company on Capitol Hill (1221 E Pike St., Seattle, WA).  Join everyone at Elysian for the tappling of the Official Seattle Beer Week Beer, Split Shot, which will be tapped at 6:00PM.  Let the festivities begin!

Full List Of Seattle Beer Week 2012 Events

LAST UPDATED - 5/8/2012

Seattle Beer Week kicks off this Thursday!  Below is the most up-to-date list of all Seattle Beer Week events (including a few not listed on seattlebeerweek.com!)  '

Just like last year, this year's SBW has become so crowded with events, it's literall impossible to hit every single one.  Watch soon for a new post on my event pics and where I'll be for each day of Seattle Beer Week 2012.  Cheers!

Recently added or updated events (since the last update) are marked with a red asterisk.  *

Release The Wookey!

As my regular readers know well, I'm a big fan of Firestone Walker Brewing Company.  The depth, complexity, quality and consistency of their beers is, in this writer's opnion, second to none.  Not only do they make the multi-award-winning Double IPA, Double Jack (which just happens to be my favorite Double IPA - and possibly my favorite beer - I even/still picked it as my favorite during a recent blind tasting at Cooper's Alehouse in Seattle), their pale, barrel-aged and anniversary offerings are simply amazing, with intense, complex flavors that dance wonderfully on the palate. 

Another thing you may know about me is that, thus far, I haven't been a big fan of 'black IPAs'.  I love hops and I also love dark, roasty beers, but somehow the combination of dark, roasted malt and hop bitterness doesn't agree well with my palate.  I've only found a couple of black IPA's (which I believe should be called IBA's - get it?), that I've enjoyed.  However, I have them so infrequently, I couldn't even tell you without checking my Untappd log which ones those were. 

So I'm still willing to give new black IPAs a try every now and then.  However, if anyone is going to do one right - one I might actually enjoy, I trust it to be Firestone Walker.  Their newest creation, a black IPA dubbed 'Wookey Jack' has just been released. 

According to Firestone Walker:

"Wookey Jack is our first foray into the dark outer world of black IPAs.  Rich dark malts and spicy rye careen into bold citrus laden hops creating a new dimension in IPA flavor.  This brew has been left unfiltered and unfined to retain all of its texture and character.  At 60 IBUs, Wookey Jack is gnarly on the outside yet complex and refined on the inside."

I think it's interesting that Firestone Walker decided to use rye in Wookey Jack.  I'm certain none of the black IPAs I've sampled so far have contained any rye malt.  Rye beers are another thing I don't have often; but that's not becuase I don't enjoy them.  It's simply that I don't see a large number of rye offerings on tap (or even in bottles or cans) most places. 

So be on the lookout for Firestone Walker Wookey Jack on a tap or in a bottle shop near you very soon.  In fact a little birdie, named Phil, told me yesterday that Brouwer's Cafe will be putting a keg of Wookey Jack on tap sometime today, May 3rd.  I might just have to make it down there this afternoon and see if this Wookey is too hairy for me or if I'll finally find a black IPA - excuse me - IBA that I'll truly enjoy as much as the regular and double IPAs I enjoy.  My faith in Firestone Walker is high, and my hopes are up. 

Drink responsibly and stay safe out there. 

It's Catsino At Beveridge Place Pub

Today only - from 2:00 - 6:00PM it's Catsino at Beveridge Place Pub in West Seattle.  The whole pub will be turned into a casino, with the proceeds benefitting the Furry Faces Foundation.  You'll be able to play the games below as well as bid on some auction items as well. 

"Catsino is an afternoon of “recreational gaming” so you’ll have a great time playing variations of Hold’em, Craps, Blackcat 21, and Toss the Pigs among others while raising money for Furry Faces Foundation. 

The funds raised will provide for the spay/neuter of pets whose people are on restricted incomes, and also feral cats who live in colonies.  Local businesses and animal rescue groups are adopting the gaming tables, dealing out the cards, rolling the dice and making up some unique rules.  For more information, please visit http://catsino.blogspot.com/."

The games you'll be able to play will include:

• Brewery Craps hosted by Beverage Place Pub and Schooner Exact
• Roulette & Wheel of Fortune hosted by Hotwire Coffee
• Pig Craps hosted by Animals First Foundation
• Dem Bones Dem Bones Blackjack hosted by Pet Elements
• K9 Blackjack hosted by Don Pennell Prudental Real Estate
• Editor's Blackjack hosted by Pat Robinson West Seattle Herald
• Mystery Game! hosted by Big Al's Brewing
• BlackCat21 hosted by Purrfect Pals
• Mystery Game! hosted by Prost
• 3-Card Poker The Wash Dog
• Mystery Game! hosted by Feedback Lounge
• Mystery Game! hosted by The Body Bar
• Mystery Game! hosted by Full Tilt Ice Cream
• Lame Brain Pete Poker hosted by Elliot Bay Brewery, Furry Faces Foundation and Stella Ruffingtons

So put on your best poker face and get down to Beveridge Place Pub today for some Catsino fun!  Keep those furry faces smiling!  Tickets for this event are $25 at the door. 

Drink responsibly and stay safe out there.

Two Beers Brewing Expands Tap Room Hours

It may not feel like it quite yet, but Summer is on the way!  In anticipation of drier weather and warmer temps., Two Beers Brewing is expanding the hours for The Woods tasting room.

Starting on May 1st, The Woods tasting room will be open on Tuesdays as well, and a bit later on Saturdays so patrons can enjoy more of that sunshine!  The new hours are:

Tuesday thru. Friday: 3-8PM
Saturday: 1-6PM

The Woods tasting room has twelve unique beers for you to enjoy, and there are some new happy hour and special deals you can take advantage of:

Tuesday $6 growler fills!
(For all year-round beers, excluding imperials, infusions or guest taps.)

Wednesday 'Hump Day' Happy Hour!  All pints $3 from 3-6PM
(Excluding guest taps.)

Thursday 'To Go' Happy Hour!  Stock up for the weekend wtih $1 off all 22oz bottles or can six-packs.  Plus, check out the latest infusions. 

Food Truck Friday!  Starting on June 1st (more details will be coming.)

So get start getting ready for Summer, and plan on spending some time down at The Woods with Two Beers Brewing Company for some great deals.  Cheers!

Drink responsibly and stay safe out there.

It's IPApril At Beveridge Place Pub

UPDATED 4/23/2012

It's April - and that means IPApril at Beveridge Place Pub in West Seattle!  All month long, BPP will have 12 taps devoted to IPAs of all varieties.  No spcific tap list has been posted, but you can usually get a good idea of what Beveridge Place has on tap over at Taplister, which currently lists all 12 IPA's things kicked off with on April 1st. 

Me With Don Webb (Naked City) and Gary Sink (Beveridge Place Pub)

A bit more than halfway through the month, April 17th, is Beveridge Place Pub's anniversary, and to celebrate they'll have a clear (as in see-through) keg of Georgetown Brewing's Lucile IPA (BPP's current 'house' IPA, based on voting last year), so you can watch the beer in the keg as it drains. 

There will also be a 'blind' taste challenge on April 19th, with double IPAs being featured.  The idea here is the same as the 4 daily blind taps over at Cooper's Alehouse for their 10th Annual IPA Fest.  Can you pick our your favorite double IPA without knowing it?  Test your taste buds and find out. 

UPDATE 4/20:

I wasn't able to make it down to Beveridge Place for their Anniversary on the 17th, but I did make it there yesterday for their Double IPA Blind Tasting as part of IPApril.  The challenge?  8 different Double IPAs, in 3oz pours, and we were asked to vote for our favorite 3. 

I got my taster tray, settled in and took some sparse notes as I tasted each offering.  Here are my rankings 1-8, for each beer on the taster tray.  They were labeled on the tray with the letters only:

1 - E - Citrusy - Grapefruit - More hops than malt - My kinda IPA
2 - F - Great Balance of hops/malt - Nice aroma
3 - C - Citrusy - A bit more cloudy than the rest
4 - B - Slight passion fruit quality
5 - H - Caty - but still good (Simcoe hops(?))
6 - D - Some sediment (Yeast? Wood? Didn't taste like it - not sure)
7 - A - Too malty for a double IPA
8 - G - Toffeish - and way too malty (almost cloying considering what I was expecting)

When the beer names are revealed, I'll update this post again and find out how my rankings look.  Cheers!

UPDATE 4/23:

Sorry I wasn't more on the ball on Friday, but here are the winners:

The Taps were:
A-Avery Maharaja
B-Russian River Pliney the Elder
C-Port Hop-15
D-Leavenworth Double Hodgsons
E-Black Raven Wisdom Seeker
F-Sierra Nevada Hoptimum
G-Port Townsend Dead Sea
H-Sound Humulo Nimbus

And the winners are:
1st: Black Raven Wisdom Seeker (E) - This was my first choice.
2nd: Russian River Pliny The Elder (B) - This was my fourth choice.
3rd: Avery Maharaja (A) - This was my 7th choice!  Very surprising.  I didn't realize it was so malty. 

Congratulations to Black Raven Brewing in Redmond for their well-deserved win!

So, what were your choices?  Did you pick out any favorites even while blind?  I found it interesting that I picked out Hoptimum as my 2nd favorite.  It was also my 2nd favorite during the 'California Dreaming' Double IPA blind tasting at Cooper's Alehouse.  That means, it would seem, that Firestone Walker Double Jack, Black Raven Wisdom Seeker and Sierra Nevada Hoptimum are my three favorite double IPAs.  That's good to know for the next time I head to the bottle shops! 

Cheers!


Drink responsibly and stay safe out there.

The 10th Annual IPA Fest At Cooper's Alehouse

LAST UPDATED:  4/18/2012

The 10th Annual IPA Festival at Cooper's Alehouse on Lake City Way kick off this Friday, and your taste buds had better be ready for some hops becuase Coopers has over 75 different IPA's coming your way between April 6th and April 27th. 

Here is the full tap list for this year's IPA fest.  Cooper's is still calling this list 'tentative', but they assure me it should be 99.9% accurate, so take a look and start drooling:

Super Deli Mart's Full List Of Seattle Beer Week Events

We're less than one month from the kickoff of Seattle Beer Week 2012, and one of my favorite little beer shops in Seattle, Super Deli Mart, has provided me with a full list of their Seattle Beer Week event list. 

Super Deli Beer Week Events:

The Return Of Maybock At Maritime Pacific

Just last week, I told you about the returning Spring seasonals from Two Beers Brewing Company.  Now I have the priviledge of informing you about a new Spring seasonal release from Maritime Pacific Brewing. 

Here's the press release from Maritime Pacific Brewing:


So if you're a fan of Spring seasonals, especially bocks, head on down to Maritime Pacific Brewing this Thursday, 4/12, and get yourself some Maybock.  Cheers!

Drink responsibly and stay safe out there.

ANNOUNCEMENT

Seattle, WA – Maritime Pacific is celebrating the return of their Spring Seasonal, Maybock, in the Jolly Roger Taproom on Thursday, April 12, 2012, starting at 5 pm. Maybock will be available in draught on April 13^th at select pubs, taverns, and alehouses throughout Seattle and Tacoma.

Maybock is a traditional Helles Bock or Maibock style lager typically brewed to mark the beginning of spring. Brewed using the finest malts from Germany and the Pacific Northwest it has a noticeably clean, toasted malt flavor and is brilliantly copper. Unlike typical European brewed Helles Bocks, Maybock is aggressively hopped giving it a more pronounced hop aroma and a pleasing bitterness that lingers just long enough. At 6.5% ABV and a modest 32 IBUs, Maybock is a perfect springtime lager best enjoyed sitting in the sun watching the cherry trees blossom.

A crowd favorite, Maybock took a year long hiatus to make way for the 2011 Seattle Beer Week beer, Decompression.  It has been developing its unique flavors and aromas for 4 weeks in the conditioning tank, as is tradition in brewing a lager.  The beer release will take place on April 12, 2012, in the Jolly Roger Taproom starting at 5 pm.  There will be special pricing on pints of Maybock so come and celebrate of the beginning of spring.

Maritime Pacific and The Jolly Roger Taproom, located near Historic Ballard, is a small, family-owned brewery featuring hearty fare as well as world-class ales and lagers. The 40 barrel brewhouse produces over 6,600 barrels per year for its taproom and for distribution throughout the Puget Sound and the Spokane area.

The Jolly Roger Taproom features eleven (11) different Maritime beers at all times with two (2) cask conditioned ales on the beer engines.  Happy Hour runs from 3 to 6 pm daily, with a great menu of food and $3 pints.  The Taproom is located at 1111 NW Ballard Way, is kid friendly, and its hours are: Monday through Thursday from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm; Friday and Saturday from 11:00 am to Midnight; and Sunday from Noon to 9 pm.

Cheers!

For More Information Contact:

maritimebrewery.ypguides.net

Twitter.com/MaritimePacific

Facebook.com/pages/Maritime-Pacific-Brewery/130576053648026

'Now For Something Completely Different' With Sean Paxton & Firestone Walker

At last year's Seattle Beer Week, I attended an amazing dinner at Brouwer's Cafe, featuring the Homebrew Chef, Sean Paxton, and beers from one of my favorite breweries, Firestone Walker.  (You can read all about that amazing 10-course, 12-beer dinner HERE.) 

Cajun Prawns Brined In FW Pale 31With Pale 31 Beer Batter - 2011

Spring Seasonals Return At Two Beers Brewing

The weather may not be fully cooperating yet but it is Spring, and that means it's time for some Spring beer releases.  Two Beers Brewing Co.'s three Spring seasonals have returned:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Two Beers Brewing Announces Release of Three Spring Seasonals and Expanded Outdoor Seating Experience the first taste of spring with three refreshing seasonals; take advantage of take-anywhere cans and expanded outdoor seating at The Woods tasting room SEATTLE (April 2, 2012) – While it may still be a little chilly outside, spring has sprung at Two Beers Brewing Co. with the release of three popular spring seasonals:

Crooked Belgian Wit, Panorama Wheat and Trailhead ISA.

The First Few Events For Seattle Beer Week 2012 Are Up

April has only just begun, but the official website for Seattle Beer Week (http://seattlebeerweek.com/) has started listing the first few events that we'll be seeing for this year's Seattle Beer Week. 
Last year's Seattle Beer Week had nearly 200 different events spread over 11 days, with so much going on it was virtually impossible to hit every single event.  The events listed so for for Seattle Beer Week 2012 include:

Bottling Some Bourbon Tonight (Photos Added)

Back in December of last year, I picked up an 'Age Your Own' whiskey kit from Woodinville Whiskey.  I've always been a fan of good whiskey and bourbon, and this seemed like a good chance to experiment a little and see what it would be like to age my own bourbon.  Granted, it's a novelty item, but a fun one. 

I started with two bottles of Woodinville Whiskey's "White Dog" un-aged whiskey.  It's a clear, un-aged bourbon mash at 110 proof (what's called "barreling strength" - basically moonshine in a bottle).  The included mini oak barrel is designed to hold both bottles of White Dog, plus about 12oz of water.  Adding the water is supposed to bring down the proof of the final/aged bourbon to about 85 proof. 

On December 29th, 2011, after swelling the barrel with water for a few days, I filled it up with the whiskey, topped it off with water, corked it up and let the magic start to happen.  About three weeks later I tried my first taste from the attached spigot on the barrel.  At that point the bourbon had a bit of color to it, but was still mostly clear and still tasted much like the pure 'moonshine' I'd put into the barrel.  Small, periodic tastings in the following weeks showed progress over time and an improvement in both color and flavor. 

Today, March 29th, 2012, is the three-month mark.  Three months ago today the bourbon went into the barrel.  Today, it's coming out.  Part of the fun with the age your own kit is that you decide how long you want to age your bourbon.  You can age it for as long or short a period as you like depending on how much color and oak character and flavor you want in yoru bourgon.  Based on my tastings and the progress I'm seeing, three months seems about right for this particular batch.  I'll know for sure tonight. 

I'll update this post later tonight or tomorrow with photos and perhaps a video of the bottling process.  So be sure to check back here soon.

UPDATE:
The finished product came out quite well.  It has a nice sweet and slightly floral scent, with a nice oak aroma and flavor and a slight vanilla scent in the background.  It's still a bit 'hot' on the finish - I'm wondering if I actually hit the desired 85 proof (the 'white' whiskey started out at 110 proof - barreling strength).  However, it's quite enjoyable, and I'm sure I'll be picking up a few more bottles of the White Dog 110 proof, so I can age some more.  Cheers! 

To see all of the photos click HERE.  Cheers!

Drink responsibly and stay safe out there.

The 10th Annual IPA Fest At Cooper's Alehouse Is Almost Here



Each year, Cooper's Alehouse up on Lake City Way holds an IPA Fest, featuring a wide range of different IPA's from around the Northwest and the country.  This year, from April 6th through the 27th will be their 10th annual IPA fest.  As a serious hop-head, my taste buds are tingling in anticipation. 

There will be over 50+ different IPA's pouring throughout the fest, with samplers, tastings and special events all month long.  No precise schedule for when each beer will be tapped has been provided by Cooper's, but this is intentional.  In most cases, when it's announced beforehand that a coveted or 'rare' beer is going on tap, it tends to disappear more quickly than if you just happen to 'find' it on tap.  Cooper's doesn't want that to happen, so if you're looking for a particularly coveted or rare IPA, you'll just have to decide what day(s) and time(s) to head down to Cooper's and see if you get lucky. 

It's also occurred to me that 2002 must have been one heck of a year for the Seattle Beer Scene.  It was 10 years ago that Cooper's had their first IPA Fest, 10 years ago that Beveridge Place Pub had their first annual Barleywine Bacchanal, and 10 years ago that Brouwer's Cafe had the first annual Hard Liver Festival (which was held back then at the Phinney Ridge Community Center). 

It's really great 10 years for craft beer, and we've seen several other wonderful Seattle craft beer events and new breweries pop up in that time.  The ever-increasing options for where to go in Seattle for great caft beer continues even today, as evidenced by the opening later today of Seattle's newest, World-class craft beer bar The Pine Box (opening to the public today at 3:00PM).  I attended the pre-opening industry party for The Pine Box on Tuesday, and you can check out a recap of the evening, my impression of The Pine Box and their industry night food menu and tap list HERE. 

The full tap list for the fest has not yet been announced, but I will update this post as soon as Cooper's releases it (sometime next week, according to Cooper's).  Until then enjoy the cold start to our Sping, but warm up your taste buds for some serious hops!  For a look at last year's full IPA Fest tap list, have a look HERE. 

Cooper's Alehouse

8065 Lake City Way NE

Seattle, WA  98115

Drink responsibly and stay safe out there.

Preview Of The Pine Box (UPDATED)

Last night, my wife and I attended the pre-opening industry party for Seattle's newest bar, The Pine Box.  Located in the spot previously occupied by The Chapel Bar, the space was originally a funeral home.  In fact, it's the funeral home were Bruce Lee's funeral was held.

Bruce Lee's Funeral Was Held Here

Through some major remodeling, partners Ian Roberts, Dean Hudgins and Mark Eskridge transformed the former funeral home-then-nightclub into a World Class beer bar.  With more than 30 taps and a modest food menu (though I've heard the menu may expand from what we saw on industry night), The Pine Box is a great new Seattle beer destination.  They also have a full liquor bar, for those times when you're not in a beer mood.

The Back Bar (left)

The Back Bar (right)

The exotic and varied tap list (including several IPA's, Belgians, Sours and more)  is complimented by a hop Randall installed behind the bar, as well as the fact that they'll always have at least one cask beer available.  The tap list is displayed behind the bar on big, easy to read HDTV's, allowing for quick and easy tap list updates, as well as providing the ability to keep their website always up to date regarding what's on tap.

Ian Roberts

The decor is heavy with dark wood, enhanced by the original chandeliers, antique glass windows, high arches and high ceilings of the old funeral home.  The seating for the booths along the wall are actually old church pews; quite appropriate seating for a great place to worship great beers.

Me With Don Webb (Naked City) and Gary Sink (Beveridge Place Pub)

The official opening date for The Pine Box is this coming Monday, March 26th.  Though I've heard through the grapevine that they may try to be open by this Thursday, March 22nd, so keep your ears open.  For lots more photos and a scan of last night's food menu and tap list, please FOLLOW ME HERE on Facebook.

The Pine Box is a wonderful and welcome addition to the Capitol Hill beer scene, and I will definitely be back again as soon as they are open for business.

The Pine Box

1600 Melrose Avenue

Seattle, WA  98101

(At the corner of Melrose & Pine)

UPDATE: It's been confirmed by Ian Roberts that The Pine Box will be open for business starting this Thursday, March 22nd at 3:00PM.  So if you're in the Capitol Hill area, head by for a pint or two.  

Drink responsibly and stay safe out there.