A sneak peek of Heavy Seas' new brewhouse!

The goal will be 70,000 barrels for 2015. Nice!

One of my favorite breweries, Baltimore, Maryland’s beloved Heavy Seas, sent me a few photos of what's brewing in terms of their new brewhouse in production. My homey Christine with the brewery informed me that some of their award-winning beers will be ready to hit full swing in September of this year. But how much are we talkin’?

“This advancement will increase the production capacity by 250 percent, expanding the potential daily production from 200 barrels to 480 barrels per day,” Heavy Seas’ public relations team says. “The brewery’s original 50-barrel system is being replaced with a 60-barrel, 5-vessel system built by Newlands Stainless.”

They also report...

The potential capacity of the new brewhouse is 175,000 barrels per year if operated 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  As part of this expansion, Heavy Seas has added two 240-barrel fermenters, and has also ordered one 300 barrel bright beer tank, which will take its effective production capacity to just under 70,000 barrels for 2015. Heavy Seas is on pace to produce approximately 45,000 barrels this year.

Hey, I say bring it on! 70,000 barrels? Whoa! Until that happens, I am enjoying their latest Heavy Seas Beer, the seasonal Red Sky at Night Saison right now! It’s a good one for the summer heat with some notes of banana and a dry finish, but still on the potent end at 7.5 percent ABV.

 

Cheers!

Ale

Three Killer Beer Events today!

Brian Purcell chillin' at the brewery with his pimp mobile.

Lincoln Fill Station’s grand opening, Sierra Nevada’s takeover at Cypress Street, and Three Taverns turns one! (Plus it’s my brother Lamont’s BDay!)

I love days like this where it’s basically hoppin’ around different parts of Atlanta to celebrate our booming draft beer scene. Today is one of ‘em! 

My boy Willie sippin' with
my bro Lamont. Happy BDay!

From my buddies Tiny and Brad hosting the grand opening of their new growler/cigar shop—Lincoln Filling Station —to Sierra Nevada’s 12-brewery Beer Camp tap takeover and live music from noon to 5 p.m. at the always happening Cypress Street Pint and Plate in Midtown, and the first birthday of Decatur’s beloved Three Taverns brewery, it’s on! Oh, and a special shout out to my brother Lamont (right) who will be celebrating his birthday in my passenger’s seat Training Day style as I hit up all of these destinations. Below is more information on this trio of killer events poppin’ in the ATL. 

Cheers!

Ale

Lincoln Fill Station is in the building!

A one-stop shop for craft beer lovers, homebrewers and cigar aficionados, Lincoln Fill Station officially opens its doors in Snellville today. My dudes Tiny and Brad boast a humidor with quality sticks, an extensive tap list to fill various sized-growlers, homebrewing supplies, and even the option of trying a flight of four 3-ounce samples on site legally! Saturday, July 19 between 11-5 will be the Grand Opening for The Lincoln Fill Station. They beat their chests saying “We're getting several special kegs from people like Jekyll, Cherry Street, Wrecking Bar, Orpheus and more!”

Come check ‘em out!

Lincoln Fill Station

2280 Henry Clower Boulevard, Snellville, GA 30078; 678.580.1203

Hours of operation

Monday-Saturday 11 am-9 pm

Sunday 12:30 pm - 6 pm
Email: beer@lincolnfillstation.com
Brad Tomlinson: brad@lincolnfillstation.com
Tiny McClannan: tiny@lincolnfillstation.com

Beer Camp Across America takes over Cypress Street Pint and Plate

Sierra Nevada’s Rolling Craft Beer Celebration Comes to Atlanta Featuring 

12 Breweries and 12 Unique American Craft Beer Collaborations, Live Music, Art, and More, Saturday, July 19, 2014 from 12 to 5 p.m.

(Straight from the source): On Saturday, July 19, 2014, Cypress Street Pint and Plate invites beer lovers across the city to celebrate the spirit of the American craft beer revolution at Beer Camp Across America. From noon to 5 p.m., patrons are invited to experience 12 different beers from across the country all brewed at Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. with 12 collaboration breweries. Local artists will set the soundtrack for the day with live music performances on the patio from noon until 4 p.m., alongside visual artists Chris Noosh of Noosh Studios and Emory Cullen of The Wandering Line. Admission to the event is free; however, there will be VIP admission available for $50. VIPs will be given a souvenir glass from the event and unlimited pours of the 12 unique featured beers. 

As always, Cypress Street’s extensive menu of appetizers, sandwiches, burgers and more will be available to order. Cypress Street Pint and Plate is located at 817 West Peachtree Street in Atlanta. For more information visit, www.cypressbar.com or call 404-815-9243.
Like the festival tour, Sierra Nevada is also doing something unheard of in its brewhouse: creating a Beer Camp Across America collaborative 12-pack with 12 different beers made alongside 12 different breweries. (Not to mention it mixes 10 bottles and two cans!) The Beer Camp Across America variety pack will be released mid-July.
WHAT:           Beer Camp Across America
WHEN:           Saturday, July 19, 2014; 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
WHERE:         Cypress Street Pint and Plate, 817 West Peachtree Street, 404-815-9243

Three Taverns Celebrates One Year Anniversary

Decatur-based Belgian-style craft brewery hosts first annual birthday bash

(Straight from the source): One year ago, Decatur-based Three Taverns Brewery opened its doors to pour the first glass of its Belgian-style brew to thirsty beer enthusiasts gathered in the bars and restaurants around Decatur. To celebrate the anniversary of its opening, the brewery will be hosting its first birthday bash on Saturday, July 19, from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. with an afternoon of live music, local food vendors, and, of course, plenty of Three Taverns craft brews.

Under the watch of Brian Purcell, brewmaster and CEO, Three Taverns Craft Brewery opened in July 2013 with a mission to provide a truly authentic Belgian-style brewing experience on American soil. Throughout the past year,Three Taverns has quickly gained the reputation as one of the top leaders in Atlanta’s burgeoning craft beer culture. In addition to launching several Belgian-style flavors unique to Three Taverns brand, including White Hops, Single Intent, A Night in Brussels IPA and Quasimodo, the brewery has released a number collaboration and special event beers. Tripel Reserve, the official beer of Atlanta Food & Wine Festival of collaboration with Wrecking Bar Pub, and Pils Mundial, Three Taverns’ special brew in honor of the World Cup, are two exclusive brews that have received impressive praise.

“We are honored to play a part in Atlanta’s thriving craft beer scene and are very grateful that the Decatur community has embraced us as neighbors,“ said Purcell regarding the remarkable response that Three Tavernshas received from the media, beer advocates and locals alike. “This first year has seen great success due to dedication, collaboration and creativity, and we are excited to see what year two has in store for the brewery.”

Three Taverns’ first birthday celebration event will include an afternoon of food, fun and refreshing brews. Live music from a few of the area’s favorite local bands will be performing while local food vendors serve bites of their tastiest cuisine. In addition to the regular Three Taverns Brewery tour and tasting samples offered in The Parlour, pouring stations will be available outside the brewery so that guests can sip on 12+ flavors of Three Taverns beers.

Guests will also be offered sweet treats made with Three Taverns Beer, compliments of Happy Hour Confections. Admission to the event is $12. Tickets are available for purchase online here: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/762395.

For more information about Three Taverns Brewery and to stay up-to-date with other upcoming events, please visit Three Taverns Brewery’s website or Facebook page. For more information, please call 404-600-3355 or visit www.threetavernsbrewery.com. 

Check out dope artist C.Flux Sing at TAP!

This dude is nice with the brush and graphics!

Whaddup!!!

On Thursday, July 17th, one of my homies, the extra talented graphic artist and painter Craig "Flux" Singleton aka C. Flux Sing, is set to launch his website and show off some new work from 7 to 10 p.m. It's free, plus free valet and some surprises at the posh gastropub in Midtown, TAP! 
It is really cool of a hot eatery like TAP to support phenomenal local talent like C. Flux Sing along with Subculture Art and Cathead Vodka, who also keeps it real when it comes to the arts! Try and stop by for some free bites, drink specials, and the live spinning by the lovely DJ Aquaria upstairs. This will be a great way to start your weekend. 

Here is Flux's Bio:

Craig “Flux” Singleton aka C. Flux Sing

While hundreds of clubgoers danced to the infectious rhythms honoring the African music legend Fela Kuti, there was also a large crowd incredibly standing still gawking at the live artwork being created by Atlanta-based artist Craig “Flux” Singleton aka C. Flux Sing. Using marker and acrylic paint, Sing's amalgam of pastels and primary colors bordered by bold black lines collectively tell the story of the Black struggle, unity, humor, beauty… Somehow he takes themes from opposite extremes and vibrantly fuses them together to create masterpieces that quickly are purchased to adorn walls throughout the U.S.

Whether it’s a hipster or an executive of a major corporation, a growing legion of admires are happily supporting C. Flux Sing’s amazing work.

An import from Laurelton, New York, Mr. Sing has made Atlanta his home for more than a decade. However, getting his just recognition as one of the city’s most revered artists took patience. Currently, Georgia's capital is taking on a revolutionary stance by finally embracing art in all its facets; in particular, Sing’s penchant for using vibrant color schemes which captivatingly tell the true story of the Black experience. But while he shines as a fine artist who consistently sells his artwork during exhibits including the globetrotting Art, Beats + Lyrics, “24 Reasons to Live”, I'm A Beast, and other productions which strive on showcasing particularly urban art created by the avant-garde, Sing refuses to be pigeonholed. Major corporations including Boost Mobile, And 1, Scion, and New Balance regularly hire him and his effortless grasp for graphic design, print media, and branding.

So is there a way to describe Sing’s style?

“I could never define what my style is,” Sing says after deep thought. “It's continuously changing due to my self-growth and inspiration. I get bored easily so I am always driven to do something new that pushes the boundaries. I am inspired by comic strips, comic books, graffiti, abstract, graphic design, urban decay, surrealism and people; these are things that change randomly so there is always something new to create.”

Although Sing’s creativity can be fueled from numerous outside sources and appear impulsive, his goals are very solid and leave no room for debate. “I really want to travel and spread my fine arts across the world,” he unveils. “I want to do large conceptual installations that inspire change; especially murals. It would be great to do it by myself, but I am equally open to do it with a union of artists.” Laughing, he concludes, “The end result is I really want to inspire children. It may sound cliché, but they truly represent the future. No one can argue that.”

So whether it’s heading a new branding project for a major corporation based in a skyscraper in Atlanta’s bustling Midtown business district, or adorning a side of a building in Nairobi with a vibrant mural promoting self-determination, C.Flux Sing will always have an audience who will appreciate art that comes from the heart.

Cheers!
Ale

Sierra Nevada's Gangster Beer Camp 12-Pack is here!

A collab with 12 of the best breweries the U.S., 12 taps being taken over throughout Atlanta, and crazy fun awaits!

Whaddup Y'all!!

Starting Monday, Atlanta is going to be unforgettable for craft beer lovers as Sierra Nevada invades the city with the highly anticipated arrival of their Beer Camp Across America Variety Pack release. I wrote about it initially here to give y'all a sneak peek.

As many of you know, I participated in Beer Camp a couple of years ago here where you come up with your own beer and brew it at the state-of-the-art brewery in Chico, California. This 12-pack will boast 10 bottles and two cans containing the individual collaborations with a dozen of the best microbreweries in the U.S. My mouth salivated at the mere typing of who participated—Allagash Collaboration (Myron's Walk); Asheville Brewers Collaboration (Tater Ridge); Ballast Point Collaboration (Electric Ray); Bells Collaboration (Maillard's Odyssey); Cigar City Collaboration (Yonder Bock); Firestone Walker Collaboration (Torpedo Pilsner); New Glarus Collaboration (There and Back); Ninkasi Collaboration (Double Latte); Oskar Blues Collaboration (Canfusion); Russian River Collaboration (Yvan the Great); Three Floyds Collaboration (Chico King); and Victory Collaboration (Alt Route). 

Here is the video!

“This is ambitious—maybe a little crazy—but craft brewers delight in pushing limits,” said Ken Grossman, founder of Sierra Nevada. “We’re honored to celebrate craft’s success alongside so many of our peers who are traveling from every corner of the country. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience we look forward to sharing with beer lovers everywhere.”

What’s even crazier besides the 12-pack being available in stores is the how all are going to be available during tap takeovers at a few of ATL’s finest brew pubs! Here is the schedule straight from Sierra Nevada:

• July 17: Brick Store Pub
• July 19: Cypress Street Pint and Plate
• July 26: 15th St Pizza (McDonough)
• August 9: Midway Pub
• August 23: The Wing (formerly Wild Wing in Marietta)

Nuts, right?

Well for a more detailed description of how one particular spot plans to throw down, I received info straight from the source and one of my faves—Midtown’s Cypress Street Pint and Plate (817 West Peachtree Street; 404-815-9243). From live music to souvenir glasses, I am there on July 19^th from noon to 5 p.m.! Check it:

Beer Camp Across America Takes Over Cypress Street Pint And Plate

On Saturday, July 19, 2014, Cypress Street Pint and Plate invites beer lovers across the city to celebrate the spirit of the American craft beer revolution at Beer Camp Across America. From noon to 5 p.m., patrons are invited to experience 12 different beers from across the country all brewed at Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. with 12 collaboration breweries.

Local artists will set the soundtrack for the day with live music performances on the patio from noon until 4 p.m., alongside visual artists Chris Noosh of Noosh Studios and Emory Cullen of The Wandering Line. Admission to the event is free; however, there will be VIP admission available for $50. VIPs will be given a souvenir glass from the event and unlimited pours of the 12 unique featured beers. As always, Cypress Street’s extensive menu of appetizers, sandwiches, burgers and more will be available to order. Cypress Street Pint and Plate is located at 817 West Peachtree Street in Atlanta. 

For more information visit, www.cypressbar.com or call 404-815-9243.

Come show love at some these awesome pubs (or all of ‘em and make it a month-long crawl! Whatever you do, try all 12…safely!

Cheers!

Ale

The Cheapest, Most Expensive And Most Popular Beer Brands Worldwide

Yep! Another Infographic about beer! I dig 'em!

Evidently, the word got out that I am a sucker for infographics particularly about beer because I get them sent to me all the time. Due to my background in graphic design, marketing and journalism (plus being a lover of fun facts), I always found them entertaining. We can go back to when USA Today had those colorful cartoons with graphics called "Snapshots" at the bottom corner of their papers revealing everything from what country consumes the most chocolate to the most common travel frustrations. (See below.)

Well, as a segue to the latter subject (travel), I just received an infographic on the cheapest, most expensive, and most popular beers worldwide, along with some other entertaining factoids about the world's greatest beverage. Brilliantly written by David Adelman with FinancesOnline.com and designed by Ruby Media Corporation, I really had fun with the one. I added David's commentary and the series of possible answers to some kickass beer trivia. 

Enjoy!
Ale

The Price Of Beer

David Adelman says about the infographic to the left (click on it and then magnify)...

I drink beer to supplement my bones with vitamin D and prevent bone degeneration. Saying that makes me feel I’m making a healthy lifestyle choice every time I pop a bottle. I could be, at least according to the International Journal of Endocrinology that had published a study on the health promise of beer (you can also check our previous infographic that matched beer against wine for health benefits).

But here’s the better news—beer can be dirt cheap in some corners of the planet. If you’re traveling and you enjoy a couple bottles of beer (and some more) after a day’s tour, our infographic will help you find the country where you can get really cheap “vitamin D shots”.

It doesn’t matter if you’re going to Central/Eastern Europe or Southeast Asia; both regions can get you drunk really cheap. Vietnam and Ukraine are the hands-down winners with beer at fifty nine cents per bottle. Other beer-friendly countries include: Cambodia, Czech Republic, China, Serbia, and Panama.

On the other hand, if you’re a heavy drinker, better avoid the Middle East. Not because alcohol is officially banned in many countries there (you can drink in designated places), but they have the priciest beers in the world. In Iran one beer is equivalent to 13 bottles in Ukraine!

The infographic also calculated which countries pay most and least for beer every year based on consumption and beer price. If you drink much you pay much, right? Germans are the third heaviest beer drinkers in the world. As expected they’re one of the biggest spenders, too, shelling out $235 per year on the alcohol.

But just southeast of Germany, things are different in Romania. Talk about enjoying both worlds–Romanians are one of the heaviest beer drinkers; they’re also one of the least spenders on the alcohol. But we encourage you to drink moderately… and pay moderately, too.