Monday, November 28, 2016

Second Self Beers are in Alabama December 1st!

Photo courtesy of Blue Hominy.
Atlanta's own Second Self hits state #2 this Thursday!

Ahhhh! I love success stories for craft breweries, and it really hits close to home when I am one of the first to try their beer before they even hit mass production. That's the case with Atlanta-based Second Self Beer Company, who in their second year have not only dramatically expanded their West ATL production facilities, but is now crossing the Georgia border and heading to Alabama on December 1st. 
It seemed like only yesterday when I sipped the Thai Wheat Second Self co-founder and brewmaster Jason Santamaria had on tap in the pantry of his loft almost four years ago for me to try. He was excited and said his dream would be for Atlanta to be sipping it soon. Well it has been realized and now Second Self has a variety of brews in cans, on tap everywhere, and by invading the South by demand one state at a time. Congrats Alabama, you have another Georgia brewery! The year-round joints include the Thai Wheat, Citrus IPA, and Red Hop Rye; Maverick & Gose and Molé Porter will be the seasonals. 
Read the official release below along with beer descriptions and their food pairings. 
Cheers!
Ale

Starting December 1st, craft beers from Atlanta’s Second Self Beer Company will be available outside Georgia for the first time in Alabama

Brewery’s Highly Acclaimed Year-Round & Seasonal Beers Offered on Draft and in Cans

Starting on December 1st and for the first time since launching in Atlanta in fall 2014, beers from Second Self Beer Company will be available outside Georgia, in Alabama. Year-round favorites and rotating seasonals will be sold on draft and in cans at bars, restaurants, and shops throughout Birmingham, Montgomery, Auburn and surrounding counties.

Represented in Alabama by Pinnacle Imports—a craft beer and fine wine distributor that has served the state for over two decades—Second Self will debut an initial lineup in Alabama that includes year-round favorites Thai Wheat, Citrus IPA, and Red Hop Rye, joined by seasonal releases, Maverick & Gose, and Molé Porter. Each of Second Self’s brews is crafted with fresh ingredients, and additional beers will roll out in future months.

Look for the following beers in Alabama:
·         Thai Wheat (5.1% ABV, 18 IBU)—a year-round American Wheat. This spicy beer is as exotic as the country that inspired it, with fresh lemongrass & ginger for a refreshing aroma & taste.
Suggested pairings: fish, chicken, pork loin, grilled vegetables, sushi & Asian cuisine

·         Citrus IPA (6.2% ABV, 50 IBU)—a year-round IPA that packs a citrus punch yet isn’t overly bitter. It’s made with citrusy hops: Columbus, Amarillo, Citra & just a touch of lemon, orange & grapefruit peel to enhance the citrus aroma without any bitterness. The beer is then dry-hopped with more Amarillo & Citra hops for the added hoppy, citrus punch. The aroma is sweet, yet the taste is dry with a robust IPA finish. 
Suggested parings: pan-roasted trout, mussels, artichokes, potato soup & gruyere cheese

·         Red Hop Rye (7.3% ABV, 69 IBU)—a Red IPA with an abundance of hoppy citrus aromas from dry-hopping. Spicy rye mixed with hops & balanced by a malty backbone from American caramel & honey malts.
Suggested pairings: BBQ, steak, burgers, brats, cheddar cheese & spicy foods

·         Molé Porter (6.5% ABV, 27 IBU)—a chocolate porter with extra spices reminiscent of Second Self Co-founder Jason Santamaria’s family recipe for Oaxacan sauce. This robust porter is packed with flavor to warm you up this winter.
Suggested pairings: pork or beef tacos, stews & chilis, gruyere cheese & chocolate desserts

·         Maverick & Gose (4.4% ABV, 8 IBU)—a fresh take on a traditional Gose with the addition of coriander. Dry-hopped with fruity Wakatu hops to balance out a slightly tart & salty nature.
Suggested pairings: grilled grouper, oysters, guacamole, pineapple & beach volleyball

Second Self Beer Company is a nationally recognized craft brewery that has been featured in Food & Wine, DRAFT Magazine, Beer Advocate, Fortune, Paste Magazine and many more.


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Monday, November 21, 2016

Megadeth And Unibroue collab on a saison called À Tout Le Monde!


This is a nice stocking stuffer for metal heads and beer geeks!

Cheers everyone!
I love beer and music, and when I see the two collaborating on a project, I have to show love! I often combine the two with especially my celebrity beer tastings like this, and try to promote actual brews that do it as well including AC/DC and Robinsons Brewery, and Dan The Automator and Dogfish Head.
Jerry Vietz/Unibroue.com
Well now it's Unibroue—the Belgian-inspired brewer out of Chambly, Québec, Canada—adding another solid ale to their award-winning lineup inspired by music called the À Tout Le Monde. The maker of what I consider one of the best beers in the world, the La Fin Du Monde tripel, Unibroue maintains their prestige with this light-bodied, refreshing saison based on the friendship between Unibroue Brewmaster Jerry Vietz and Dave Mustaine, lead singer of the legendary heavy metal group out of Los Angeles, Megadeth. The beer’s name comes from Megadeth's song “A Tout Le Monde” (To Everyone) off their 2007 album United Abominations. (See the official video for it here.)
Dave Mustaine/Megadeth.com
Besides them both using the word “Monde” and the song being a huge hit in Québec to the point it is in the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, there is a lot more to recognize according to Vietz.
“At Unibroue, we appreciate flavor, and we know Megadeth is anything but boring,” the brewmaster says. “To Megadeth’s delight and that of their fans and connoisseurs, we’re offering an uncompromising beer with rich hoppy aromas, created according to Dave’s personal tastes.”
Mustaine adds, “Our shared passion for excellence produced a one-of-a-kind saison beer. I’m thrilled to present this new beer to my fans, and everyone who loves good beers with character.”
And another plus: Unibroue's artwork is consistently dope, often brandishing eye-popping paintings paying homage to the classiness of yesteryear's fine art; the Tout's bottle contuinues their streak of eye candy but with the edgy Megadeth edge these rockers are renowned for. 
Ultimately, any fans of Unibroue, Megadeth or simply great beer that pairs well with food due to its effervescent body to cleanse the tongue; subtle citrus and mango notes fused with a pleasant tartness; peppery undertones; and a dry finish, grab a 750 ml or four-pack before it's gone!

Cheers!

Ale
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Thursday, November 17, 2016

Hit up Krog Street Market's 2nd Anniversary tonight!

Food samples, live music and sips from 6 to 10! 

Yo!
I love going to Krog Street Market for my brews at Hop City, bites at Chef Todd Richards' chicken spot, bragging about the burgers at Fred's, Superica's gangster Mexican fare, inventive sushi at Craft Izakya, brunch at Ticonderoga, and the overall vibe of this hot spot everyone needs to frequent right off Atlanta's Beltline. I always bring visitors from out of town there because it's basically a one-stop kicking it kind of deal. 
Well it's their second anniversary tonight and it will certainly be a blast to hit up from 6 to 10 p.m.! 
Let's celebrate!
Ale
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Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Help end homelessness in Atlanta with the Human Clay Benefit tonight!

White Oak Kitchen & Cocktails Hosts the 4th Annual Human Clay Benefit for Atlanta’s Gateway Center at White Oak Kitchen, starting at 6:30

Cheers Everyone,

The Human Clay fundraiser is another great cause you should truly consider supporting to combat homelessness. Please consider enjoying craft libations, gourmet eats, a silent auction and live music this evening—Tuesday, November 15, starting at 6:30 p.m.—with the super talented entrepreneur and Executive Chef Todd Richards, White Oak Kitchen & Cocktails and The Gateway Center! Here is the official info below. Get your tickets here!
Much love!
Ale


White Oak Kitchen & Cocktails Hosts The 4th Annual Human Clay Benefit For Atlanta’s Gateway Center
Looking Towards the Next 10 Years, the Gateway Center and White Oak Kitchen & Cocktails Present the 2016 Human Clay Fundraiser to End Homelessness in Atlanta.
Last year at their annual Human Clay fundraiser hosted by White Oak Kitchen & Cocktails, The Gateway Center celebrated 10 years of operation in Atlanta.  This year, for the 4th annual Human Clay event, the celebration continues with a focus on the future – the Next 10 Years.  A significant event for the Gateway Center, money raised from the Human Clay event contributes directly to the ongoing operations in support of Atlanta’s homeless population. 100% of proceeds from ticket sales to auction and raffle items go directly to benefit the Gateway Center.  
Chef Todd Richards
On Tuesday, November 15, starting at 6:30 p.m., guests will be treated to an evening of libations and signature Southern fare prepared by Executive Chef Todd Richards while enjoying the sounds of live bluegrass from the Sweet Auburn String Band. A silent auction featuring artwork from local artists and curated neighborhood experiences will continue throughout the evening, along with thoughtful commentary from Gateway representatives. 

To support the cause and participate in this year’s Human Clay event, click here to purchase your tickets! For more information about the Gateway Center and the event, visit www.gatewayctr.org.

Who:                The Gateway Center @ White Oak Kitchen & Cocktails

What:               An evening to support the end of homelessness in Atlanta with signature southern fair from Executive Chef Todd Richards, live bluegrass from Sweet Auburn String band and a silent auction featuring artwork, gifts, and curated neighborhood experiences.

When:             Tuesday, November 15, 2016. 6:30 p.m. until 10:00 p.m.

Where:           White Oak Kitchen & Cocktails, 270 Peachtree St. NE , Atlanta, Ga 30303
Complimentary Valet parking (Baker St @ Peachtree)

Tickets:            humanclay16.eventbrite.com


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Saturday, November 12, 2016

Wild Heaven goes nitro with Ode To Mercy!


The first nitro can out of GA is now on the shelves!


Whaddup!
Eric and Nick chillin'. (Wild Heaven)
Ever since I have been covering Wild Heaven's first two beers being poured back in 2010 here, it has been a remarkable journey documenting their steady growth. From their intros—Ode To Mercy Imperial Brown Ale (8.2%) and Invocation Strong Belgian-Style Golden Ale (8.5%)—leading the pack, to their present and future Pilsners, quads, IPAs, stouts, sours, barrel-aged gems, seasonals and other palate-blessing sippers for us to enjoy.

Now WH founders Eric Johnson and Nick Purdy have kicked in the door with their canned Ode To Mercy Nitro Coffee Brown Ale aka Nitrode hitting the shelves and it's damn good. Creamy, smooth, roasty and a cascading effect that is awesome to watch when being poured (see the official video here), go ahead and see for yourself by grabbing a few and toast to Georgia's steady progression of craft brewing.

Cheers!
Ale
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Monday, November 7, 2016

Dogfish Head gets their canning on with the 60 Minute IPA!

Photo courtesy of Dogfish Head
One of the most pioneering IPAs goes metal!

Straight Outta Delaware!
Yep, the booming craft beer trend of going metal has found its way to one of the most significant, seminal and consistent breweries in U.S. history—Dogfish Head. My homey and President Sam Calagione along with his “off-centered” DH posse have always showed love to music, artists, and experimental recipes to keep the craft beer scene fresh. Now we can get their top seller in a can, the 60 Minute IPA (6%), starting November 7th throughout the Mid-Atlantic, then they will slowly make their way to their other 30 or so states by the dawn of 2017.
Sam said in the brewery's official release, “Early on in the craft brewing renascence I was underwhelmed with the canning technology for craft beer. But times have changed, equipment has evolved, and we’ve designed a beautiful, state-of-the-art Krones can line that delivers the quality and consistency our consumers have come to expect from our beer.” He added, “We’ve been able to grow from the smallest brewery to one of the top 20 craft breweries in the country, and we’ve done it in part by investing in world-class people and world-class equipment.” Boom!
I love cans because they can get into more venues (especially beaches), less breakage, easier to recycle, and in my opinion, keep IPAs fresher. Do a taste test and see for yourself! Anyway, look for these babies soon!

Holla!
Ale

For more info, hit up dogfish.com.
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ALE MAX Returns to Fuse Craft Beer & Sneaker Cultures!

Yup! It's that time again! Ale Max Day , the event put on by my boy Craig and I, will be in its second year, and it's going to be an...

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