Thursday, July 31, 2014

SweetWater has two slick events coming up!


Celebrate International IPA Day 
and their annual End of Summer BBQ!

What's up!!!

SweetWater goes nuts with brewing some crazy IPAs in celebration of International IPA Day directly at the brewery on August 7th, so I had to include the list below. Also, they are renowned for their charitable endeavors and they are hosting their annual End of Summer BBQ at the elegant Canoe Atlanta to raise funds for their Save The Hooch campaign on August 9th. Hit up both! Here is the info. Holla!
Ale

IPA Day at SweetWater Brewery
Thursday, Aug. 7 from 5:30 -7:30 p.m.
The headiest of hop holidays is headed home August 7 as we celebrate International IPA Day. We’ll have an extra lovely lineup of lip-smackin’ libations for you linger over.
Here are the brews in store for the pour:
Tickets are $10 as always and pours work the same, but we'll have an extra lovely lineup of lipsmackin libations for you to linger over.

- IPA w/ Mosaic & Summer Hops
- IPA w/ Hop Hash
- LowRYEder IPA w/ JalapeƱos, Habaneros & Serrano Peppers
- Ol’ Faithful - IPA w/ Peppercorns & Centennial Hops
- Styrian Golding Keg-Hopped IPA
- Saaz Keg-Hopped IPA
- Barrel Aged IPA
- Watermelon IPA
- Summer Keg-Hopped IPA
- Mosaic Keg-Hopped IPA
- LowRYEder IPA
- Barrel Aged IPA
Snag tickets before they sell out: http://hep.xorbia.com/ipa-day-at-sweetwater-brewery

End of Summer BBQ at Canoe Atlanta
Saturday, Aug. 9 from 1 -4 p.m.
Our end of summer event celebrating the wrap of our eco-friendly Save the Hooch campaign. Event includes summer seasonal food (menu items prepared with SweetWater brews) by Canoe’s renowned culinary team, live music and SweetWater beers set to the backdrop of the banks of the Chattahoochee River. All proceeds go back to Chattahoochee Riverkeeper.



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Monday, July 28, 2014

Brewers Association Reports Sustained Growth for Craft Beer!

Craft breweries are kickin’ major tail 
in first half of 2014
What’s up!!!

As usual, when the Brewers Association sends me news about our cherished craft breweries, I take notice! The press release below emphasizes how small and independent brewers have sold 1.6 million more barrels in the first half of 2014 compared to last year’s—an astounding 18 percent hike! Last year, 9 million were sold between January and the end of June. Gangster, right? Read on and also memorize the official definition of a craft brewer as if it was a national anthem at the end. I love the last line: “Flavored malt beverages (FMBs) are not considered beers.” Now which beverages could they be talking about? Hmmmm…
My favorite quote comes from Bart Watson, chief economist of the Brewers Association: “The sustained double-digit growth of the craft category shows the solidity of demand for fuller flavored beer in a variety of styles from small and independent American producers. Craft brewers are providing world-class, innovative products that continue to excite beer lovers and energize the industry.”
I can dig it!

Keep sippin’ the good stuff!
Ale

Small and independent brewers see increase in first half of 2014


Boulder, CO • July 28, 2014—Small and independent craft brewers enjoyed continued growth in the first half of 2014, according to new mid-year data released by the Brewers Association (BA), the not-for-profit trade association that represents the majority of U.S. breweries. American craft beer production volume increased 18 percent during the first half of the year.

From January through the end of June 2014, approximately 10.6 million barrels of beer were sold by craft brewers, up from 9.0 million barrels over the first half of 2013. (Note: The 18 percent growth rate is based on the updated craft brewer definitionand derived from comparable barrel total from the first half of 2013. Mid-year figures first reported in 2013 were based on the previous craft brewer definition).

“The sustained double-digit growth of the craft category shows the solidity of demand for fuller flavored beer in a variety of styles from small and independent American producers,” said Bart Watson, chief economist, Brewers Association. “Craft brewers are providing world-class, innovative products that continue to excite beer lovers and energize the industry.”

As of June 30, 2014, 3,040 breweries were operating in the U.S., 99 percent of which were small and independent craft breweries. Additionally, there were 1,929 breweries in planning. Craft brewers currently employ an estimated 110,273 full-time and part-time workers, many of which are manufacturing jobs, contributing significantly to the U.S. economy.

The Definition of a Craft Brewer
Note: In February 2014, the Brewers Association Board of Directors approved changes to the craft brewer definition that go into effect with the 2014 craft brewing data set.


1.       An American craft brewer is small, independent and traditional. Small: Annual production of 6 million barrels of beer or less (approximately 3 percent of U.S. annual sales). Beer production is attributed to the rules of alternating proprietorships. Independent: Less than 25 percent of the craft brewery is owned or controlled (or equivalent economic interest) by an alcoholic beverage industry member that is not itself a craft brewer. Traditional: A brewer that has a majority of its total beverage alcohol volume in beers whose flavor derives from traditional or innovative brewing ingredients and their fermentation. Flavored malt beverages (FMBs) are not considered beers.
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Tuesday, July 22, 2014

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
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Saturday, July 19, 2014

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



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Wednesday, July 16, 2014

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 clichĆ©, 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
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Thursday, July 10, 2014

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 19th 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
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Thursday, July 3, 2014

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)...

 Click Here To Enlarge
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.

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Wednesday, July 2, 2014

38 million American households projected to buy beer this summer!

The Beer Institute drops some numbers on us!

Hey Fellow Craft Brew Sippers!

So we all know it was total bummer for U.S. fans with that loss during the World Cup. 'Nuf respect to the second best beer country in the world, Belgium. Anyway, I am sure Americans will be drinking away their blues with brews, so I came across some interesting news out of Washington, DC from the Beer Institute regarding the economic impact of beer sales particularly during the summer months and 4th of July weekend. I know I contributed to a lot of it. Ha!
Read their press release below. They project more than 38 million American households will purchase beer this summer. Whoa! Hopefully a good chunk of them are stocking their fridges with real beer.
Happy sippin’!
Ale
 -----

Celebrate the Beer Economy this July Fourth
Beer Institute Recognizes Economic Contribution of Beer

If you plan on reaching for a cold beer this Independence Day holiday, you will be in good company. More than 38 million American households will purchase beer this summer – making beer the preferred choice over all other types of alcohol beverages.

“Whether it’s a July Fourth celebration, or a baseball game with friends, we hope Americans drink beer responsibly this summer, and raise a toast to the millions of Americans at work because of brewers and beer importers,” said Jim McGreevy, Beer Institute president and chief executive officer.

In the 15 weeks between Memorial Day and Labor Day in 2013, beer and malt beverage sales topped $11 billion, making it one of the largest selling categories of all food and beverage channels according to Andrea Riberi, senior vice president at Nielsen.

That beer does more than just quench your thirst. According to an economic study jointly commissioned by the Beer Institute and the National Beer Wholesalers Association in 2012, U.S. brewers and beer importers support an industry that puts more than 2 million Americans to work. Beer also contributed $246.6 billion to America’s economy and generated $49 billion in local, state and federal taxes. In fact, more than 40 percent of what consumers pay for a beer goes to taxes, making taxes the most expensive ingredient in beer today.

  

The Beer Institute is the national trade association for the American brewing industry, representing both large and small brewers, as well as importers and industry suppliers. First founded in 1863 as the U.S. Brewers Association, the Beer Institute is committed today to the development of sound public policy and to the values of civic duty and personal responsibility:www.BeerInstitute.org. Connect with us @BeerInstitute and on Facebook.
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Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Today is an awesome day for beer in ATL!


Courtesy of ESPN
The World Cup’s best beer countries collide, the best beer spots to watch it, and Rivals On Five’s gangster celebration of GA’s 14% ABV 10th anniversary!

Okay, I am crazy hyped about today!

Every once in a while, there is a day where there is just way too much cool sh*t going down and this 1st of July happens to be one of ‘em! Maybe because Rivals On Five (1227 Rockbridge Rd, Stone Mountain, GA 30087) is celebrating the 10th anniversary Georgia passing the bill that raised the alcohol by volume limit to 14 percent in grand fashion tonight starting at 7 p.m. (Yep, that was July 1st, 2004owhen Georgia woke the hell up, and Rivals ingeniously set up a gangster lineup of top-notch food and ridiculously hard-to-find beer to celebrate it which I listed below. Come out!)
Or maybe it’s because I am a rabid sports fan and the FIFA World Cup is featuring two of the best beer-making countries in the world—the U.S. vs. Belgium—and all of the awesome Atlanta brew spots hosting the game. In fact, I just tweeted my Top 5 for today including MidwayPub, the Brick Store, Cypress Street Pint and Plate, Taco Mac at the Prado, and where I will be today, Three Taverns Brewery, since it will be a perfect mix of Belgians and Americans kicking it while their brews are flowing. Also, I did features on cocktails for three different magazines including two with Lifestyle Publications (see the cover I shot cover and page 18 here) and Urban Lux which launched today (see page 14 here).
Anyway, I plan on Tweeting and Instagramming my arse off today leading up to the grand finale, and the aforementioned Rivals celebration tonight. Check out their menu with descriptions coming straight from the ten participating breweries, along with my initial post about the event here. You shouldn’t miss it! Peep it:

At 7 p.m. tonight, Rivals On Five will feature…

Southern Tier Zero Mile
Paired with: Heirloom Tomato & Burrata Mezzalunas, Fried Pasta with House Marinara
From Southern Tier: (Brewed for Atlanta Beer Week.) Before there was an Atlanta, there was only the terminus of the Western and Atlantic Railroad. That was quite a while ago and proved to be the impetus for the city. Atlanta has grown by leaps and bounds in the decades that have passed. We’ve dedicated a beer to the city, a fresh hopped India Pale Ale we call Zero Mile. What is a fresh hopped beer? As the name suggests, the hops are fresh–these were picked just 4 hours before being dumped into the brewing process. We used 575 pounds of locally grown hops including centennial, cascade, magnum, chinook and nugget to brew a mere 30 barrels. That’s over 19 pounds of hops in every barrel! One would expect this to be outrageously bitter, but you’ll find the bitterness to be balanced by sweet malts. It’s a bigger beer at 7.2% ABV, but we think you’ll be on the right track after your first sip.

Boulder Beer Company Whiskey Summer Rare Pilot Brew
Paired with: Ground Buffalo Sliders with Swiss. Grilled Jalapeno & Onions
From Boulder: Whiskey Summer: 6.5% ABV, our Never Summer Ale (deep ruby red in color, assertively hopped and brewed with dark caramel malts) aged in oak whiskey barrels for 4 months. 

Terrapin 2013 Oaked Big Hoppy Monster
Paired with: Beef Tenderloin Tartar. Oaked Big Hoppy Dijon, house pickled okra. Served on grilled crouton.
From Terrapin: Terrapin Beer Co’s big red ale is headed back to shelves. Oaked Big Hoppy Monster is not for the faint of palate. This monster is indeed, a monster. Big malt backbone, lots of hops, and aged on French oak. The last of a now retired beer.

Mother Earth Barrel Aged Triple Overhead
Paired with: Horseradish stuffed, bacon wrapped Shrimp Skewers
From Mother Earth: The flavors of our Belgian-style tripel keep rollin' in; filling your mouth with perfect peeling waves of unexpected pleasure. Respectfully aged in seasoned bourbon barrels, this beer offers you an amazing zest, balanced with flavors of warming oak. The result? A complex sipping beer that finishes smooth and sweet, giving you a glide you won't soon forget.

Shmaltz Brewing Company He'Brew Funky Jewbelation 2014
Paired with: Albacore Tuna mini-flatbreads, Parsley-Parmesan pesto
From Shmaltz: A blend of seven ales, aged in 35% Bourbon Barrels and 65% Rye Whiskey Barrels. Funky Jewbelation, the latest offering in our barrel-aged series, is available in 22 oz. bottles and a limited amount of draft at select bars nationwide. This year’s recipe features a unique blend of seven ales aged in Buffalo Trace Bourbon and Sazarac and Willett Rye whisky barrels, and hustles in at 9.4% abv. Funky Jewbelation is a mash-up of Jewbelation 15® (aged 18 months), Messiah Nut Brown Ale® (aged 3 months), Bittersweet Lenny’s R.I.P.A.® (aged 12 months), Reunion® (aged 6 months), Origin® Pomegranate Strong Ale (aged 6 months), Rejewvenator® with Figs and Dates(aged 6 months), and Death of a Contract Brewer® (aged 4 months).

2013 Lagunitas Brown Shugga
Paired with: Mini Beef Wellington, Beef chuck tenders, puff pastry, carrot & onion
From Lagunitas: Originally a failed attempt at our 1997 batch of Olde GnarlyWine Ale resulting in an all-new-beer-style we like to call…Irresponsible.

Terrapin Rye3
Paired with: Spicy Creole Short rib of Beef, blackened
From Terrapin: Rye beers have been a part of our brewing arsenal from day one. “Rye”, “Rye Squared” and now “Rye Cubed” Triple IPA completes this trilogy of brewing excellence.

Anderson Valley Huge Arker Bourbon Barrel Imperial Stout
Paired with: “Wild Turkey” wings, Sweet Tea Marinated, Wild Turkey BBQ glazed wings
From Anderson Valley: True to its Boontling moniker, “Huge Arker” is a massive force of nature that detonates on your tongue. After primary fermentation, the beer is aged in Wild Turkey® Bourbon barrels until it fully matures. The deep mahogany color is evocative of the opulence to follow. Dark luscious aromas of burnished oak mingle with candy sugar, bourbon and hearth-baked bread. The luxurious flavors redolent of honey and molasses are intertwined with the richness of dark chocolate and the ardent warmth of alcohol, underpinned with hints of coffee, vanilla and dark fruits.

Founders Devil Dancer
Paired with: Pat LaFrieda’s Hot Italian Sausage
From Founders: When you dance with the Devil, the Devil don’t change. You do. Massive in complexity, the huge malt character balances the insane amount of alphas used to create it. At an incredible 112 IBUs, it’s dry-hopped with ten hop varieties.

Left Hand 2004 Chardonnay Barrel Aged Imperial Stout
Paired with: Chocolate Mango Tart w/ toasted almonds
From Left Hand: 10 yr. old Left Hand imperial Stout, the pre-cursor to Wake up Dead! 10.4% ABV, a big chocolate and roasty stout that was aged on Chardonnay barrels for 4 months, then bottle aged for 9 years in the Left Hand cellar. Over the years, this beer has mellowed into a great vintage stout. It has hints of White Chocolate, chocolate covered almonds, soft and round roasted malts with a kiss of tropical fruit from the Chardonnay barrel.

Other offerings include…
Tomato Bruschetta; White Bean & Bacon Bruschetta; Rivals BBQ Sliders; Prosciutto & Soppressata; Romaine, Parmesan & Anchovy bites; Classic Buffalo Chicken Wings, and more!

Like I said, today is going to be gangster!
See you soon I hope!
Cheers!
Ale


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