Atlanta is throwing down this weekend!

Dope rap duo Run The Jewels is one of the numerous acts performing during the 
Project Pabst Atlanta event Saturday!

From Netherworld’s famous haunted houses, to Project Pabst Atlanta, Lincoln Station going hard with Ballast Point, a SweetWater Brunch in Inman Park with Hampton + Hudson, and the homeless getting shelter thanks to Solomon's Temple, Georgia’s capital is the place to be!

Cheers Y'all! 

I know it's been a minute since my last post but I have been in seven states in two weeks on the real—Pennsylvania, California, Connecticut, South Carolina, Rhode Island, Michigan and different cities in Georgia. Feel free to check out my Instagram to see all the adventures, attractions, fine cuisine, hotels, and 0f course, beer here (@realalesharpton).
Finally getting back to the ATL, I am welcomed by a gang of events going on in my great city during the next three days starting with tonight. As I do often, I will introduce it, give you my two cents, and then post the description straight from the source.

Without further ado, here they are! 

Missed y'all! 

Ale

Netherworld Celebrates 20 Seasons of Screams!

Legendary Attraction Celebrates Milestone Year with Nightmarish Adventures Not to Be Missed!

I Say: This is absolutely one of my most fun events of the year to do. Me and my fam look forward to it every year! Bring your homies, teen kids…anyone! It is a blast. Follow the paths and there is a better chance you make it out alive!

They Say: Returning September 23, this season NETHERWORLD Haunted House celebrates 20 years as one of the greatest haunted houses in the country! With movie-quality special effects, unique themes and intricate sets, NETHERWORLD has captured the attention of national media and fans alike year after year. For this 20th anniversary, co-creators Ben Armstrong and Billy Messina have resurrected legendary characters and stories from past years including The Collector, The Harvestman, The Boogeyman and added a multitude of new thrills and effects sure to wow haunt fans! Chocked full of new surprises, you never know who or what will be lurking around every corner…!

WHEN:    

September 23 & 24 – 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.; September 30 – 7 p.m. to midnight
Open Nightly October 1 through 31: Sundays - Thursdays 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Fridays & Saturdays 7 p.m. to midnight
November 4th & 5th – 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.                          

WHERE:  

Georgia Antique & Design Center – 6624 Dawson Blvd., Norcross, GA

COST:       

$23 weekdays/$25 on Fridays & Saturdays – Monsters
$28 weekdays/$35 on Friday & Saturdays – Monsters & Vault 13 Meltdown

$55 – Speedpass: Monsters & Vault 13 Meltdown (Skip the line!)

TICKETS: 

Attendees can purchase and print tickets in advance online at fearworld.com

The Hampton + Hudson and SweetWater Brunch!

Saturday, October 1st, 2016, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

I say: C’mon, brunch and beer? Say Hell yeah! to fantastic fare by the family owned Hampton + Hudson team and the Southeast’s biggest brewing company.

They say: Beer and brunch lovers can gather at Hampton + Hudson in Inman Park this Saturday, October 1st, 2016, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for a special SweetWater Brunch. Featuring the favorite, Hash Session IPA, brunch goers can spend the afternoon with the SweetWater crew learning more about the hop hash featured in the popular craft brew, playing corn hole on the expansive outdoor, open container patio, watching their favorite football teams on multiple flatscreen TVs, and enjoying the day’s special: Hallburger Brunch Special, including the B+D Burger and a Hash Session IPA for $10. To accompany the brunch, for this day only, Hampton + Hudson will also feature Executive Chef Jason Hall’s Scattered + Piled Hashbrowns, which pair will well with SweetWater Hash Brown, a special brown ale that is only available until the end of October.

Additional popular brunch items include: American Standard, served with eggs, choice of breakfast meat, chive biscuit and choice of either heirloom grits or breakfast potatoes. Another favorite is the Hangover Fries, served with white bean chile and fried egg. Brunch is available at Hampton + Hudson on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Hampton + Hudson is located in Inman Park at 299 N. Highland Ave., Unit L, Atlanta, GA 30307. For more on Hampton + Hudson, visit www.hamptonandhudson.com. Stay connected on Twitter at @_HamptonHudson and on Instagram at @HamptonHudson.

It's Project Pabst Atlanta Festival!

October 1, at Noon in East Atlanta Village

On Saturday, October 1, it’s the inaugural Project Pabst Atlanta festival taking place in the heart of East Atlanta Village. Hitting four cities throughout 2016, the Atlanta festival will feature an eclectic music lineup performing live on two outdoor stages with additional in-door sets at The Earl and 529.  www.atlanta.projectpabst.com. 

I Say: A Pabst four-city music fest in East Atlanta Village? What? They had me at Run The Jewels. This should be nuts!

They Say: Project Pabst makes its Atlanta debut at noon, Saturday, October 1, 2016 and set times have just been announced. Project Pabst Atlanta takes place in the heart of the East Atlanta Village at the intersection of Flat Shoals & Glenwood Avenues, and will feature over 9 hours of incredible live entertainment. Performers include special hometown appearances by Run The Jewels and Mastodon, plus performances by Santigold, NOFX, Charles Bradley & His Extraordinaires, The Internet, Real Estate, Titus Andronicus and more.

In addition to performances on the two main outdoor stages, The EARL and 529 will host additional live music, and 529 will also host the Project Pabst Comedy Stage, in conjunction with the Red Clay Comedy Festival--all included in the festival ticket price.

Project Pabst offers a unique festival experience, incorporating music, art, hands-on interactive elements, as well as food and beer at reasonable “non-festival” prices ($3 Pabst Blue Ribbons!). Festivalgoers will be entertained with the old school video games in the PBRcade, the Pabst Vandalism interactive graffiti art display, and Pabst Wax, which features on-the-spot pressing of vinyl recordings that the fans create themselves. Project Pabst Atlanta has also announced there will be a bike valet on site.

Tickets for Project Pabst Atlanta are available for $55 at the festival website: www.atlanta.projectpabst.com. Doors open for Project Pabst at noon on Saturday, October 1^st.  Project Pabst is strictly 21 and over, and is co-produced by AEG Live.

The Atlanta stop is the third 2016 festival for the Project Pabst concert series, following a sold out show in Denver, CO this past May, headlined by Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats, Best Coast & Violent Femmes; and the sold out two-day Portland festival with headliners Tame Impala, Duran Duran, Ice Cube and Ween. The final 2016 Project Pabst festival date will take place in Philadelphia, PA on Saturday, October 8 with sets by Animal Collective, Hop Along, Mac DeMarco, Guided By Voices, Beach Slang and more. 

Here is the music schedule...

Captain Pabst Stage 

Summer Cannibals 1:05-1:35p

Real Estate 2:15-2:55p 

Santigold 3:45-4:45

NOFX 5:35-6:35p

Mastodon 7:25-8:25p

Run The Jewels 8:55-9:55p

Unicorn Stage 

Bad Spell 12:30-1:00p

Omni 1:40-2:10p

Titus Andronicus 3:00-3:40p

The Internet 4:50-5:30p

Charles Bradley 6:40-7:20p

Additional Performances at The EARL & 529 from Radioactivity; Mind Spiders; Nots; Biters; Jacuzzi Boys; Midnight Larks; Cutis Harding; Dinos Boys and more.  

All Set Times are available at:  http://atlanta.projectpabst.com/schedule. 

For additional information and links to purchase tickets, please visit www.atlanta.projectpabst.com. For more information about Pabst Blue Ribbon’s involvement in art and music, please visit www.PBRmusic.com and www.PBRart.com.
Facebook & Twitter: ProjectPabst
Instagram: @Project_Pabst & @PabstBlueRibbon
Snapchat: PBRsnaps

Lincoln Station Goes Hard with Ballast Point!

On Saturday, October 1^st, 2 p.m., it’s a tap takeover with one of the best breweries in the world!

I Say: Snellville, Georgia’s Lincoln Station knows how to party, and this one features Ballast Point’s gangster suds and a fish fry. Say what?!!! Here is the link. Boom!

The Square Pub 6th Annual Hatch Chile Roast

I Say: Downtown Decatur’s awesome neighborhood bar does it again with the belly fillin’ chow down especially for those who can stand the heat of 4,200 pounds of chiles. Don’t worry, there will be some awesome beer to wash it down themed after, yes, peppers, in traditional and cask form including the Twain's & The Square Pub Collaboration—Chile Con Cerveza with fresh Hatch chiles!

They Say: Tomorrow we will have our 6th Annual Hatch Chile Roast here at the pub and we have a great chile beer line up to go along with 4200lbs of Chiles (that we just drove across county) that will be on sale to the public. We will also be featuring a Chile-heavy food menu and a Mariachi Band will top everything off.

Here is the 2016 beer list:

Terrapin - Hi 10 Mango Habanero DIPA

Scofflaw - Pale Ale with Coconut, Chile Peppers and Pineapple

Twain's & The Square Pub Collaboration - Chile Con Cerveza with fresh Hatch chiles

Ballast Point - Habanero Sculpin 

Wrecking Bar - Mexican Siberius Maximus

Casks

Wild Heaven - Autumn Defense(Marzen) with Habanero

Red Hare - Gangway IPA with Pineapple and Chiles

Solomon’s Temple Hosts Dedication Ceremony

Organization celebrates its 38-room facility dedicated to helping the homeless.

I Say: Help show support for the community with this 38-room opening this Sunday. It will be special providing 130 beds for the homeless. No that is awesome.

They Say: Solomon’s Temple Foundation, Inc., at Springdale Place owned by Fulton County and in partnership with Invest Atlanta, a facility committed to helping homeless women and children, will hold a dedication ceremony for its building on Sun., Oct. 2 at 5 p.m. at 2836 Springdale Road, Atlanta, Ga. 30315.

Attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy light refreshments, learn about volunteer opportunities, make donations and tour the facility. Local politicians, such as Fulton County Chairman John Eaves and Atlanta mayoral candidates Peter Aman, Ceasar Mitchell and Michael Sterling, will also be in attendance.

Solomon’s Temple Foundation, Inc. is a transitional living shelter comprised of 130 beds, nutritional meals, family coaching and employment services. The organization was founded by local financier, Solomon Smallwood. To date, Solomon’s Temple has helped almost 400 individuals progress toward permanent housing and consistent employment. As well as, provide them with information on financial literacy, women’s empowerment and parenting skills and core services.

“The driving force behind why I do this is Matthew 25:40; Jesus states in this passage, ‘When you have done even to the least of these, you have done it unto me,’” said Smallwood. “To whom much is given much is required so I felt obligated to give back and help the community.”

Solomon’s Temple is unique in its endeavors for being one of the few homeless shelters in the city that houses male children over the age of 13. Forty percent of Atlanta’s homeless population is comprised of women with children. Solomon’s Temple Foundation, Inc. opened its doors on May 1, 2015 to reduce that number and to help to break the cycle of homelessness.

For more information on donations or volunteer opportunities, visit the website www.solomonstempleinc.org.

About Solomon’s Temple

Solomon’s Temple is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to the eradication of homelessness by empowering affected individuals to overcome life’s challenges, realize their potential, define their own destiny and become vital factors in the revitalization and sustainability of their community. Solomon’s Temple offers 130-bed residential facility for homeless women and their children. Located in metro Atlanta on one acre of park space which includes a playground, a basketball court, a gazebo and walking trails, it offers families in transition a peaceful setting to move toward stability. 

Check me out in EBONY Magazine!

One of the most prestigious magazines in US history is showing they care about craft beer!

Hey My People!

I have been traveling a lot as many of you know and I love it! What has been tremendously rewarding in my efforts to spread the love of beer throughout the world via this site, social media and other avenues, is seeing myself on page 64 in Ebony Magazine's September issue with Alicia Keys on the cover talking about craft beer; the article is titled "The Art of Craft." To add, it's justly the Fashion Issue because I love clothes.
Since its inception 71 years ago, EBONY has been known for its eye-popping covers and riveting content especially capturing the African-American experience, and now with more than 11 million readers enjoying every issue, it's an honor to flip through it and see me hoisting a glass of Bell's Hopslam discussing the history of beer and the art of homebrewing. 
My mission is simple: Everyone needs to appreciate beer, its complexity, rich history, the artwork, and the people responsible for it. Everyone.
This great article written by veteran writer Kym Backer proves more people worldwide are swaying to the tune of craft ales and lagers being opened and enjoyed. 
Thanks in advance for checking me out! I couldn't have done this without you.

Cheers!
Ale

It's Birthday Time The Porter, Jekyll and Slice & Pint!

I shot this last year. Folks were outside at 7 in the morning. The doors opened at 11.

Let's Kick It Hard Today!

Since I gotta hurry over to the Porter Beer Bar, one of the best beer bars in the world, to do my annual shoot of the awesome birthday celebration (plus indulge in their crazy beer list), I will keep things simple: Party hard in ATL today! It's the Porter's 8th, Slice & Pint's third, and Jekyll Brewing Company goes tre today as well. Here is the info with the elders going first. Let's party!

They say: The Slice & Pint is turning three years old! We're having a birthday party Saturday, September 10th from noon til close. We hope you can join us. We'll be doing $3 glasses of every beer ALL DAY LONG. And we'll have quite a list as well:

The Druid Belgian(style) Golden

Totoweizen Hefeweizen

Village Idiot Wit

Curling Ale

The Original Ray's Bohemian Pilsner

2 more IPAs

IPA on nitro

Wookie Belgian-y Brown Ale

1.5 year old Dubbel aged in a JD barrel

Scotch Ale aged in a JD barrel

Pale Stout aged in a whiskey barrel

JD barrel aged Big Ass Lager

And.... introducing....

Cloud 9 Barelywine.

Cruisin’ For A Brewsin’: Operation Morganton, NC

My man Todd Steven Boera of Morganton's Fonta Blora Brewing makes some of the best beer in America. Let him prove it.

Along with the Morganton Heritage Festival, this is one North Carolina city worth visiting for some necessary woosah!

Ready to hit the road? Let's roll!

Since this site features awesome cities and “hidden” gems that should definitely deserve your presence, I had the pleasure exploring the charming city of Morganton, North Carolina and had a blast! I love painting a picture with actual photographs of what will be available for you to enjoy if you’re lucky enough to take a breather—an extremely fresh one here—and see what this Burke County attraction has to offer.

From hosting one of the best breweries in the nation—Fonta Flora—to State Park hiking trails, delicious eats, top-shelf whisky, kayaking, and trekking the Appalachians, this town of about 17,000 natives is an awesome escape from big city living. Did I mention beer?

Anyway, enjoy these pics, my commentary, and ultimately consider this escape just a few hours in the car from Atlanta, GA and other major cities in the Southeast! And to really go all the way, hit up their annual Historic Morganton Festival this Friday and Saturday, September 9 and 10, 2016.

Here we go!

Things To Do…

Thermal Valley Hang Gliding

thermalvalley.net

I am not going to lie, there were some serious jitters and hesitation when considering hang gliding was on my itinerary but I manned up. I made an awesome decision going for it. Owned and operated by the charming Pearson family on the Foothills Regional Airport grounds, I was instantly comforted with their years of expertise and gentle persuasion to live life to the fullest.

Pulled by a small, one-man aircraft called a “Dragonfly,” I was encased in what resembled a bulletproof sleeping bag horizontally secured on top of Craig, a life-loving, down-to-earth gent who helped me enjoy every one of the dozen or so minutes I was in the air for. There was no engine once we were detached about two minutes in. Just some wings, wheels, and the wind currents making everything unforgettable over a hilly, majestic landscape. It was an “I’m on top of the world” moment for sure, and I have the HD Go-Pro video to prove it (which they provide). I’d definitely do it again.

Waldensian Trail of Faith in Valdese

waldensiantrailoffaith.org

I learned a lot about the history of the Waldensians and the eventful, often horrific journey from Italy’s Alpine Valleys to America—especially their 1893 settlement in the small town of Valdese just outside of Morganton. Guests take in their way of life authentically thanks to this site complete with the original headquarters, schools, house of worship and other attractions described by a passionate tour guide and staff. They even prepared bread in a handmade oven the way they did more than a century ago.

Get your nature on!

My brother Lamont  and I cold chillin' in front of High Shoals Falls.

South Mountains State Park

ncparks.gov/south-mountains-state-park

To relieve some stress, appreciate North Carolina’s amazing natural environs, and walk off anything consumed in excess the night before, this is where to go. I was lucky to have a smiling Ranger guide me, but everyone has access to the South Mountains Park  including the picturesque 80-foot-tall High Shoals Falls.

Lake James State Park

ncparks.gov/lake-james-state-park

I also enjoyed kayaking on the gorgeous waters of the Lake James State Park. It was absolutely gorgeous out there, the weather was perfect, and the waters were steady. Hiking trails and other activities are available and renting the equipment was amazingly cheap.

Eats!

root & vine

rootandvinerestaurant.com

You haven’t eaten right until you indulge in a gourmet dinner at root + vine based on the corner of a happening block in downtown Morganton. They take pride in making everything from scratch including my favorite dish, crab cakes, plus seafood, steaks, and other mouthwatering selections. Craft beer, wine and cocktails are available to wash everything down on the spacious patio or the always happening, chic indoors. This was instantly one of my favorite stops on the trip.

JD’s Smokehouse

jds-smokehouse.com

My first stop was the revered, homey JD’s Smokehouse for some prize-winning barbecue. The people were charming, hospitable and the walls were adorned with car-racing themed décor. This place is always packed and for good reason: The food was good!

King Street Cafe

kingstreetcafe.net

It’s like eating at a local’s home and that’s a good thing. Owner and Chef Peter Chan takes pride in using only the freshest, locally sourced ingredients to create French-influenced cuisine, seafood, and housemade desserts served up in living room settings by a classically garbed waitstaff.

Judge’s Barbecue

judgesriverside.com

Besides scrumptious barbecue, there is an eclectic menu to keep everyone happy, including sandwiches, seafood and even a couple of beers to choose from. What I loved most about this place is it is set along the Catawba River to provide optimal scenery while dining. The locals love this spot.

Sip, Sip, Hooray!

Fonta Flora Brewery

fontaflora.com

When I say Fonta Flora is one of the best breweries in the country, I mean it. Every beer “Double F” makes is gangster, boasting sustainable, locally sourced ingredients with the mission to make the most extraordinary beers available. Using everything from beets to dandelions and carrots from nearby farms, Flora’s selections regularly receive the prestigious seal from the Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project. Look for a feature on Fonta Flora on this site soon including the homey, co-founder and brewer Todd Steven Boera (serving us a brew above). My most recent visit included live music, 90s hip hop (Boera’s a fanatic of the genre), a down-to-earth staff, and a happy crowd of craft sippers toasting glasses throughout the evening. This is a must-visit destination.

By the way, I got a sneak peek of what their future location will be; it’s going to be amazing!

Catawba Brewing Company

catawbabrewing.com

One of the biggest and oldest operating breweries in the area that has been around since 1999, Catawba is pouring numerous brews daily including the White Zombie Belgian Wit, Mother Trucker American-style Pale Ale, Farmer Ted Cream Ale, REDiculous west-coast style IPA, and the Astral Bootie Beer session IPA to name a few. Guests are entertained with tours, an indoor/outdoor bar, large HD televisions (plus a huge projection screen), and pumping music often served up live. This is one of the most happening spots in Morganton, with two other tasting rooms located Asheville.

Brown Mountain Bottleworks

brownmountainbottleworks.com

Super hip and laid back, Brown Mountain Bottleworks is not only a happening spot to buy the most revered, hard-to-find craft beer in the city, but it’s also the spot to chill out, eat some locally sourced snacks, and hang out with the locals. There is no doubt you will find the perfect brew to treat your palate with eight taps (and soon 12), more than 350 bottles, and almost 100 cans to choose from. You want to step your beer game up? Go here. (A great selection of wine is also available.)

I left with a four-pack of one of my favorites, the Hop, Drop n Roll IPA out of Charlotte. Yaaaasss!

Blue Ridge Distilling Co.

defiantwhisky.com

With surroundings naturally decorated by the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Blue Ridge Distilling Company is renowned for their award-winning Defiant Whisky. Find out why while listening to the founder, Tim Ferris, describe in detail the hard work it takes to be among the best in the whisky game while tasting the product. Sourcing water straight from the Blue Ridge Mountains and “putting the barrel inside the whisky” using White Oak for a special flavoring technique, a bottle of Defiant Single Malt is sure to join you on the way home.

Morganton Events You Can’t Miss…

My gracious host Craig Distl and I getting our sip on at the State Of Origin.

The State of Origin Beer Festival

fontaflora.com/festival

An awesome fest held in the center of Morganton headlined by the aforementioned Fonta Flora. The common theme celebrates beers made solely in North Carolina using the prized state’s resources for ingredients. If you want to learn about the Carolina beer scene, this is a must.

It’s the 35th annual Historic Morganton Festival

Here is the official invitation to the biggest festival in Morganton every year:

Head to downtown Morganton Friday and Saturday, Sept. 9 and 10, 2016 and enjoy the 35th annual Historic Morganton Festival! The festival is open Friday from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Hundreds of vendors will fill the streets selling their crafts and other wares; the kid and teen zone will offer entertainment and activities for youngsters; and plenty of festival food will be available for visitors to enjoy, along with the beer garden located near the Coors Light Stage. 
Check out the lineup and latest updates on what’s happening at the Fest at www.morgantonfest.org.

Oh! And for lodging, consider the Hampton Inn due to its central location. I stayed there and it did the job!

I hope you enjoy Morganton and keep Cruisin’ For A Brewsin’ with me.

Cheers!

Ale

Peep Argosy's gangster beer list for National Beer Lovers Day features Ballast Point!

Ballast is indeed one of the best, and for us Beer Lovers, why not confirm it?

Cheers Y'all!

My homey Joe with Ballast Point just sent me a teaser of what is in store for tonight at one of the best beer bars in the city, the Argosy in the always bustling East Atlanta Village. I have a big Fantasy Football Draft for my Beer League I'm the co-commissioner of at the Georgia Chapter Room tonight, but I'm a real G by sharing the love with my peoples. It ain't fun if the homies can't have none. 
Don't worry about me though. My drafts are bottle shares. 
Holla!!!

Ale

Treehorn Cider now goes the can route!

 

Treehorn cans its popular Dry Cider!

Whuddup?!

While craft breweries are going heavy with metal, ciders are booming in popularity as well, so why not can them too? The advantages are evidently there; from storing them easier, to less light exposure, ability to bring them on the beach, or simply make it more worry free in the breakage department, Marietta, Georgia’s Treehorn Cider gives themselves a birthday present by canning their Dry Cider this month. I have done beer dinners and featured their crisp, refreshing ciders to mix things up, and Treehorn has been consistently well received with my food pairings. Of course, these ciders also rock the palate on their own.

Here is a breakdown on the can new delivery straight from the source below.

Cheers!

Ale

Treehorn Cider Now Available in Cans in Conjunction With Its One-Year Anniversary this September 2016

Georgia’s First Craft Hard Cider Turns One and Is Now Available in Cans

In September of 2015, Treehorn Cider brought something fresh to Atlanta, Ga.: craft hard cider, and almost one year after its grand debut the local favorite is now available in cans. Launching with its popular Treehorn Dry Cider, the Marietta-based cidery’s new canned option is now available in restaurants, bars and retail stores throughout metro Atlanta and Georgia.

Marking its one-year anniversary, the arrival of Treehorn’s canned cider was a natural progression of the cidery’s almost instant success in the market. Its high-quality, naturally gluten-free ciders are made with locally sourced, carefully selected ingredients and sustainable practices. Additionally, the cidery’s meticulous process ferments the cider in the classic tradition that allows it to mature for at least six weeks and reveals a clean, refreshing and pleasantly dry taste with just the right amount of subtle sweetness. Available in six-packs, Treehorn Dry Cider incorporates five handpicked varieties of apples, including Staymen Winesap and Arkansas Black, chosen for their complex flavors and tannins; giving it a flavor profile of tart apple and citrus aroma with a bright and lively taste and a soft mineral finish with focused acidity.

“We’re thrilled to give cider enthusiasts a more convenient way to enjoy Treehorn at home, at the pool, while camping, at a concert or wherever they want to crack one open. It doesn’t hurt that they’re great looking cans, either,” says Jason Marraccini, Director of Business Operations.

Treehorn Dry Cider in cans is available at Sprayberry Bottle Shop, My Friend's Growler Shop, all 4 Metro Atlanta Total Wine locations, Bullocks Wine & Spirits Warehouse, Toco Giant Package Store Beverage World, Whole Foods Market Avalon, Whole Foods Merchants Walk, Whole Foods Market Buckhead, Ale Yeah! Craft Beer Market, Ale Yeah! Roswell, Corks & Caps, Argosy, Beer Girl, Growlers & Bottleshop, Lucky’s Beverage World, Empire Package Store, Five Points Bottle Shop (Athens), Dixie Beverage Outlet, Jackie’s Fine Wine and Spirits, Paces Bottle Shop, JAX Package Store, Liberty Pizza, Cumming Beverage Mart, Urban Foodie Feed Store, Graft Restaurant, Ticonderoga Club, Maltitude, S & N Package Store, Farm Burger Buckhead, Citi Wine + Spirits, The Vortex L5P, Tower Beer, Wine, Spirits, Green’s Beverage Stores, Hop City KSM ,Hop City Craft Beer and Wine, Blue Eyed Daisy @ Serenbe, Partymasters @ Parkaire, Northeast Liquor Store (Buford Hwy), Red’s Package Store (Alpharetta) and more.

For more information, call 678-503-5000. Visit www.treehorncider.com where you can sign up for the bi-weekly mailing list. Stay connected on Twitter and Instagram at @TreehornCider and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TreehornCider.

About Treehorn Cider:

Based out of Marietta, Ga., Treehorn Cider’s mission is deeply rooted in a culture of sustainability, including understanding and minimizing impact on the environment and promoting environmental responsibility amongst employees, consumers and the surrounding community. On the production side, the major waste product associated with cider—the organic material leftover after juicing—is composted or sold to local farmers for animal feed. Its products are packaged primarily in reusable stainless steel kegs and canned using recyclable and post-consumer materials with minimal display packaging. One hundred percent of the company’s fresh-pressed juice is purchased from regional apple growers within 150 miles of the cidery that minimize the use of pesticides and other agro- chemicals, as well as energy and water. Sold throughout Georgia, Treehorn has two ciders available, Treehorn Dry Cider (5.9% ABV) and Treehorn Ginger Reserve (5.9% ABV) with a seasonal hopped cider and a three-chili cider releasing soon. For more information, visit www.treehorncider.com. 

Free MARTA passes for Falcons fans for first two home games!

Hey Falcons fans, how about 12,500 free BREEZE roundtrip tickets?!

As we anticipate the kickoff to the 2016-17 NFL season, fantasy football and rooting for our home teams, there is another reason to look forward to the beginning of professional football bliss; how do free BREEZE passes to the first two Falcons games sound?

Miller Lite collaborates with United Distributing and Atlanta’s official source of public transportation—Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA)—to provide 12,500 round-trip Breeze tickets to fans at designated MARTA stations on Sunday, September 11 against Tampa Bay and Sunday, October 2 against Carolina.

Here are the specifics straight from the official press release:

For the third season in a row, the Original Light Beer is teaming up with the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) to provide Falcons fans with safe and free rides to the Georgia Dome on game day. In partnership with United Distributors, Miller Lite will give away 12,500 round-trip Breeze tickets to fans at select MARTA stations on Sunday, September 11 against Tampa Bay and Sunday, October 2 against Carolina.

“We’re proud to continue our partnership with MARTA,” said MillerCoors Alcohol Responsibility Manager Diane Wagner. “At MillerCoors, we believe that drunk driving is 100 percent preventable. Our flagship Free Rides program encourages fans to enjoy the game responsibly while keeping local roadways safe.”
Miller Lite and Atlanta Falcons representatives will hand out free Breeze tickets on Sunday, September 11, and Sunday, October 2, between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. at the H.E. Holmes, Indian Creek, College Park and Lindbergh MARTA stations. Additional route and schedule information is available at www.itsmarta.com. 

“The Free Rides program is a great opportunity for Falcons fans to ride the light rail during our home opener and October 2^nd game,” said Atlanta Falcons President & CEO Rich McKay. “The Falcons encourage fans to stay safe and make smart choices on game day by riding the Miller Lite Free Rides on MARTA.”

Since the Free Rides program’s inception 28 years ago, safe rides have been provided to more than five million people in 26 cities. Since 2014, Miller Lite has provided 65,500 free rides to Falcons fans. The program has earned the full support of state and local law enforcement and is part of MillerCoors overall commitment to preventing drunk driving.

For more information, visit www.MillerLiteFreeRides.com.

Cheers!

Ale

Three Movies Launch Today!

Don't Breathe  (Lionsgate) is one of the movies hitting the screens today!

Besides beer, food, cars and sports, I'm a movie buff too! Here are three joints worth checking out this weekend!

Hands of Stone

Running Time: 105 minutes

Rated: R (for language throughout and some sexuality/nudity)

Either you are a fight fan, De Niro fan or Usher fan, this should be a good one! The name “Hands of Stone” originally comes from the controversial boxing great Roberto Duran. This new film revisits his rivalry with one of the best to do it, Sugar Ray Leonard and all the drama behind it.

Official Synopsis: At age 72, legendary trainer Ray Arcel (Robert De Niro) comes out of retirement to coach world-class Panamanian boxer Roberto Durán (Edgar Ramirez). Arcel becomes a mentor to the ferocious fighter, convincing him that winning ultimately comes down to strategy. After scoring knockout after knockout, Duran prepares for a bout against Sugar Ray Leonard, the undefeated lightweight champion. Five months later, on Nov. 25, 1980, the two titans meet for an infamous rematch that makes boxing history.

Mechanic: Resurrection

Running Time: 99 minutes

Rated: R (for violence throughout and language)

Jason Statham is a beast and nasty with the martial arts. Here is the sequel of the action-packed Mechanic series!

Official Synopsis: When the deceitful actions of a cunning but beautiful woman force him to return to the life he left behind, Arthur Bishop's life is in danger as he has to complete an impossible list of assassinations of the most dangerous men in the world.

Don’t Breathe

Running Time: 88 minutes

Rated: R (for terror, violence, disturbing content and language including sexual references)
I went to the media viewing of this joint because I dig scary movies. This one is a fusion of SAW, Cujo, and Blair Witch (stylistically that is). I saw it and it was definitely a breath of fresh air from other "horror" movies of late. See what I did there?

Official Synopsis:

Rocky (Jane Levy), Alex and Money are three Detroit thieves who get their kicks by breaking into the houses of wealthy people. Money gets word about a blind veteran who won a major cash settlement following the death of his only child. Figuring he's an easy target, the trio invades the man's secluded home in an abandoned neighborhood. Finding themselves trapped inside, the young intruders must fight for their lives after making a shocking discovery about their supposedly helpless victim.

Happy watching!

Ale

Dope Sip and Eat Events Close Out August!

There are now two Lobster Nights at FLIP Burger Boutique in Buckhead! Photo by FLIP.

FLIP, Tavernpointe, Cypress Street, Holeman and Finch, and others keep our mouths in bliss to end out August!

I'm Baaaaaack!

Just getting back from Green Bay (check out my Instagram featuring 18 posts straight from “Titletown”), I am welcomed by my hometown’s awesome beer, spirit and food events lined up to end out the blazing month of August. Check out what Atlanta has in store!

Lobster Night doubles up at FLIP Burger Boutique!

It is now on Wednesdays and Saturdays starting August 24th!

I had a blast at FLIP Burger Boutique’s very first Wednesday in Buckhead a few weeks ago and left content after indulging in a whole lobster paired with a Tropicália! It was the best $19.99 I have spent in a while for an entree, trust! Well it looks like it’s on Saturdays too! Word! Go here for all the details. The official, mother-watering flyer is below.

 

Cypress Street Pint and Plate Hosts 9th Annual End of Summer Pig Roast!

Saturday, August 27, 2016 Beginning at 11 a.m.

I love me some Cypress and they always know how to host a party! Well his another one to close the summer, their ninth annual end-of-summer Pig Roast on Saturday, August 27, 2016. I am there!

They say: Cypress Street Pint and Plate (817 West Peachtree, Suite E-125

Atlanta, Georgia 30308) will once again host its annual end-of-summer pig roast on Saturday, August 27, 2016. Beginning at 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., this year’s pig roast is free to attend to all ages. While the main attraction will once again be a succulent whole hog that the Cypress team smokes overnight, partygoers are also invited to enjoy an array of ice-cold SweetWater Brewing Company brews from the SweetWater Beer truck, live music and exciting giveaways including a SweetWater corn hole set and much more. Hungry attendees have the option of purchasing individual plates of pork with the fixings and homemade sides or ordering off of the traditional Cypress Street menu. For more information for the ninth annual event, visit www.cypressbar.com.

Holeman and Finch Host a Rare Japanese Whiskey Dinner Featuring Nikka vs. Suntory!

Sunday, August 28, at 6 p.m.

Holeman and Finch is one of my favorite restaurants in Atlanta, and when they do event, they really throw down featuring the best with whatever theme they are going with on any given night. This time around promises to be uber classy—a Rare Japanese Whiskey Dinner featuring Japanese whiskey makers Nikka vs. Suntory going against each other on Sunday, August 28, at 6 p.m.

H&F says: Taste a handful of the most exclusive foreign whiskeys this century has to offer as whiskey specialist Casey Teague discusses the creation and history behind this alluring breed, straying from its Scottish roots, with an accompaniment of Japanese-infused dishes curated by chef de cuisine Spencer Gomez. Travel the world with this five-course menu paired with eight featured whiskeys for $150 per person. Seats are limited, so to reserve your spot please call 404.948.1175.

Menu items include:

Amuse

Carolina gold rice, smoked duck and Kentucky soy

First course:

Spiced watermelon and feta

Second course:

Beef short rib, shiitake and fried oyster

Dessert:

Rice pudding, peaches and spiced granola  

Featured Whiskeys:

Nikka Coffey Malt

Nikka Coffey Grain

Nikka 17 yr

Nikka 21 yr

Hibiki Harmony

Hakushu 12 yr

Yamazaki 12 yr

Yamazaki 18 yr

Tavernpointe and Jekyll Brewing Beer Dinner

August 31^st beginning at 7:30 p.m.

I can’t say it enough: I love beer dinners! This one sounds like a good one in Midtown’s Tavernpointe on August 31^st beginning at 7:30. The menu and full description are below.

They Say: On the heels of releasing their new menu focused on crafting Contemporary American dishes that balance simplicity with bold, Latin influences, Tavernpointe has joined forces with Georgia’s own Jekyll Brewing to host an unforgettable beer pairing dinner.  On Wednesday, August 31st beginning at 7:30 p.m., beer lovers can dive into a 5-course specialty menu prepared by Tavernpointe's Chef Sid Blackwell and enjoy hand-selected craft beer pairings from Josh Rachel, Jekyll Brewing's award-winning Brew Master and Co-owner, for just $49 per person including tax and gratuity.

 Tickets for the Tavernpointe and Jekyll Brewing beer dinner are available for purchase for $49 per person by visiting https://www.freshtix.com/events/-tavernpointes-5--course-beer-pairing-dinner-with-jekyll-brewing. Gratuity is included. For more information, please visit www.tavernpointe.com or call 404.549.3954.

Here is the menu:

Course One:

Hop Dang Diggity IPA Beer Cocktail

Firecracker Chicken, Bleu Cheese Mousse, Pickled Watermelon

Course Two:

Big Creek Pear Kolsch

Wild Rocket Arugula, Ginger Dressing, Poached Apples, Goat Cheese Frico

Course Three:

Cooter Brown American Brown Ale

Pan Seared Sea Scallop, Brown Butter Toasted Farro, Pecans, Dried Fruit, Cherry Vinaigrette

Course Four:

Hop Dang Diggity Pineapple/Habanero Infused IPA

Chicken Meatballs, Spiced Tomato Sauce, Dried Cranberries, Tobacco Onions

Course Five:

Seven Bridges Oktoberfest Style Lager

Chocolate Trilogy: Milk Chocolate Mousse, Malt Whiskey Truffles, Spiced Chocolate Ice-Cream

Happy rest of August!

Your Homey,

Ale