It’s the return of the Creature Comforts Automatic Pale Ale!

Photos straight from the source.

This is one of my favorite poundable brews 

under 6% ABV!

Yo, yo!

One of my favorite pale ales is about to hit the shelves again throughout August. Yep, Creature Comforts’ seasonal Automatic will be on draft at whatever bars and restaurants considered gangster on the beer selection, as well in 6-packs of 12-ounce cans in both Athens and the ATL solely. 

Automatic is just hella juicy and easy drinking at 5.5% ABV. I always say it reminds me of those fruit cocktail cups we got back in elementary school for getting a gold star or some shit, but anyway, here is their official take direct from the brewery:

Automatic is a modern pale ale with an ABV of 5.5-percent that features a prominent hop flavor and aroma. A mix of Mosaic and Crystal hops are used to create a delicate balance and give the beer an aroma that features a complex array of berry, citrus, herbal, and pine notes. The flavor mirrors the aroma with a bit more earthiness and stone fruit, leading to a nicely balanced and moderately bitter finish.

My homie and brewmaster Adam Beauchamp add, “Automatic is meant to be light, refreshing and quite drinkable without falling into the common pitfall of ending up too thin, watery or insipid. No color malts were used, however, the relatively full mouthfeel is enough to support this heavily hopped beer.”

Shout out to Michelle Fontaine on the dope can art too!

Get you some.

For more information about Creature Comforts visit www.creaturecomfortsbeer.com.

Hop City Craft Beer & Wine Has A Mobile App For Customers Now!

One of my favorite beer retail spots gets all techy on us and I dig it!

Whadddup?!

One of the most enterprising hustlers in the libation biz, Hop City Beer & Wine founder Kraig Torres out of Atlanta, continues to wow me with the moves he makes. Since I helped stock the shelves of his first Hop City location in West Midtown back in 2009 and provide consultation whenever, we have kicked it at different fests, hosted beer events together including a Girl Scout Cookie Pairing that sold out every night, and continue to talk shop about what's new on the shelves. Overall, I happily watched him burgeon as a successful entrepreneur throughout the years. 

The homie Kraig doing
the #alesharptonpose.

Known for his stores' gangster craft beer selections, extensive wine catalogs, and most importantly, knowledgeable staffs, Kraig now has three Hop City locations including one in Birmingham,AL, and a new two-story concept called the Barleygarden Kitchen and Craft Bar in Alpharetta, GA at Avalon. Crazy, right? 

Well to keep things fresh, they have an official Hop City Craft Beer & Wine app that just launched. Yep, Kraig, his wife and team are beasts.
According to Hop City’s official press release, they say, “Through the mobile app, customers can peruse Hop City’s assortment of beverage options and reserve their choices for pick-up in store. After the initial release, customers will have the option to pay through the app as well. The mobile app will be available for iPhone and Android and can be downloaded on the respective app stores.”

I went to my favorite Hop City of them all—the one at Krog Street Market—and hollered at Kraig immediately after receiving this news. Excitedly, he said it was “Tiiiiight” and then gave me a little more of a detailed breakdown.

The West Midtown joint.

“Beer is evolving so the way we get beer into our guests' hands needs to change too,” Kraig says. “People are always asking to see our inventory and with all our rare and limited beers it wasn't really possible to do this in real time...until now. Beer and wine nerds can get their shopping done as they experience the beer—whether at our bar or anywhere else! I picture a Saturday night on the town, discovering a new favorite, then buying it on the spot through the app. While mobile-shopping is no substitute for the in-store experience, it's the next best thing."

I’m not mad at that. The more ways to make obtaining craft beer easier, the better!

For more information, hit up Kraig’s website at Hopcitybeer.com.

Cheers!

Ale

Your brother Ale is on A&E’s Wahlburgers Show!

Since I have been traveling crazy, I just saw it On Demand on A&E. It’s Episode 3 of Season 9. It comes on again Sunday, July 1st at 4pm. Check local listings for sure! Peep it! (Photo by Andrea Janise)

Whaddup!?

After getting the call from the public relations team representing one of the  popular Wahlburgers locations inside The Battery Atlanta complex (455 Legends Place #874, Atlanta, GA 30339) on April 6^th to be a guest on its self-titled popular A&E show. It's based on the entrepreneurial ventures of the celebrity Wahlberg Brothers Donnie, Mark and Paul, and it was a no-brainer to say hell yeah! But it was even more of a go after I heard what we were talking about: Impossible Burgers. Since I don't eat beef like that, I'm constantly been on a hunt to find tasty substitutes. The episode’s theme is to find a healthier route for their customers of the very successful food franchise, so I met up with the chef of the Wahlberg bros—Paul—and tried his interpretation of how to flip the burgeoning plant-based patty into a lip-smackin’ double stack. Of course, the show's camera crew was there to capture the experience for a future episode "sometime in June" of 2018 I was told. To remain true to my passion and expertise, I got to order a brew I think would complement the burger, sip it while Paul made his creation from scratch, and soon our taste buds were in bliss. He did a damn good job with the additions of Sriracha Sauce and smoked cheddar, two flavors I had yet to try with the Impossible Burger. Here is more information about what an Impossible Burger actually is invented by Impossible Foods out of Northern California. They are blowing up for sure. (Along with Wahlburgers’ version, my favorites in the Atlanta area are at the Argosy in East Atlanta and Grant Park’s Grindhouse on Memorial Drive, so definitely see which one is your most gangster.)

Anyway, I Instagrammed it the next day and didn't know it aired until my boy who owns Atlanta Beer Bus sent me a direct message saying I did a great job on it last night. I was like, What???! I immediately searched for it on On Demand and boom! It was up.

All in all, I had a ball with Paul who was truly down to earth, funny, and accurately portrayed on the show as a passionate chef who finds having “me time” very difficult due to his demand for perfection in anything he touches. This episode has some special guests besides myself (Ha!) including Rob “Gronk” Gronkowski kicking it with Mark and a talented teen street performer who has his dreams answered thanks to Donnie. Please check it out On Demand. The episode is called “Paul the Pitch Man.” Oh! And I have been asked what beer was in the cup while chilling at the bar and pairing it with Paul's burger. We were sipping the Wahlburgers house brew called the “Wahlbrewski” fittingly brewed by Boston's legendary Harpoon Brewery! This unfiltered Pale Ale stood up to the smoke of the cheddar, yet didn't dominate the palate so that the numerous toppings Paul's burger had could shine. It worked!
This show is on some real shit regarding how they work together as a tight family and it was an honor and blessing to be on it. And most importantly, thanks to you for reading this on my blog. It means a lot.

In the end, getting this call and opportunity proves that nothing is impossible if you have faith. Real talk.

Cheers!

Ale

It’s Ale Sharpton’s Annual Last-Minute Father's Day Gift Guide—2018 Edition

It’s time to hook Dad up!

Photo by Peggy Sirota/Parents Magazine

It's that time again!

Let’s get down to business for our annual Last-Minute Gift Guide!

Since I am doing so much more than just covering the best libation in the world—­beer­—here are a few events and items worth purchasing for that special dad out there who deserves it. So whether it’s on a fork, in a cup, at a location, or something he can enjoy daily, these will certainly beat a tacky tie he will only wear if you beg him to. I am also Tweeting dining specials and other ideas throughout Atlanta and beyond here so look for that as well.

Cheers!

Ale

Father's Night Out at Second Self

June 14, 2018 5pm-9pm

At Second Self Brewing (1317 Logan Circle NW Atlanta, GA 30318)

I say: Father’s Day starts early at Second Self with this Gentleman’s Day tonight! And you don’t have to be a dad to go. There will be beers, cigars, meat, and custom shirts to name a few of men’s favorite things in life. I’m there to get my weekend poppin’. See ya there?

They say: We have the perfect Father's Day gift for you. Treat yourself or someone you love to Father's Night Out at Second Self. Your ticket will include: - SHIRT from Blank Label (w/ fitting at the store) - 3 PINTS from Second Self - CHARCUTERIE BOARD from Pine Street Market - CIGAR from Trilogy -or- 6-PACK TO-GO from Second Self - Selection of Barrel Aged Beers will be on The FIRST 30 PEOPLE to BUY TICKETS will get a free shirt fitting that night at the brewery!!! Ticket Prices: 1 for $50 2 for $80 Note - you don't need to be a father to attend!
2 for $80

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Atlanta Summer Beer Fest at Historic 4th Ward Park

Saturday, June 16, 2018, 4pm-8pm

I say: My hood’s Historic Old Fourth Ward Park is the perfect setting for any type of festival, and the Atlanta Beer Festivals folks are throwing down this weekend to especially treat dad to. I mean come on, you had me 200-plus brews! Get tickets here.

They say: Join us again for one of the best beer festivals of the summer, the Atlanta Summer Beer Fest. After 6 great years at the Masquerade Music Park, we are now on our 2nd year at Historic 4th Ward Park. We will have over 200 beers, featuring the local Atlanta breweries, and great breweries from all over the country. We will have some fun attractions this year, including live music on the main stage.  Be sure to Like our page on Facebook to get all of the updates. Tickets are $40 advance, $45 after June 8, and $55 day of event.  Tickets are now on sale. Your ticket price includes a souvenir cup, entertainment, and all of your beer, wine and cider samples.

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Book It: Brewing Eclectic IPA: Pushing the Boundaries of India Pale Ale

I say: I’m a hop head and the IPA is my favorite style as the result. This book will help those who feel the same whether it’s brewing, knowing what to look for, or simply learning more about what the most prominent three-letter term in the beer business is all about. Books last forever so why not show the brilliant brewer and author Dick Cantwell love? Go here to book one.

They say: We are in the “heyday of IPA,” according to renowned brewer Dick Cantwell. Experimental flavors and new hop varieties are appearing as risk takers aim to make beer that stands out from the crowd. In his new book, Brewing Eclectic IPA: Pushing the Boundaries of India Pale Ale (Brewers Publications; June 4, 2018), Cantwell shares the latest trends, exciting techniques, and true story behind the most popular style of craft beer: the IPA. Among the most well-respected and experienced craft brewers in the world, Cantwell provides tips and insights for beer lovers, first-time brewers, and industry veterans alike. 

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Get Dad a fly Uno de 50 Bracelet!

I say: I went by the Uno de 50 store in Lenox Mall and couldn’t leave without rocking one of their bracelets for men on my wrist. Hook Pops up with one if he wants to step his wrist game up! They also have silver-plated chain necklaces, wide rings, watches and key rings, ya heard?

They say: If you’re unfamiliar with UNOde50, get ready to swoon. The distinctive jewelry brand born in Madrid features stunning and timeless pieces for both women and men that are made using traditional methods as if they were one-of-a-kind. Go here for more information and help Dad stand out.

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It’s almost time for the Montreal Jazz Fest!

Kamasi Washington will be in the house! Photo: kamasiwashington.com

Consistent with this being one of the best music festivals in the world, the 39^th edition has a stellar lineup in 2018!

I love the Montreal Jazz Fest!

If you have been following me over the years, you will know that I make it a point to attend the Montreal Jazz Fest every year. It’s simply that amazing. Besides jazz, I love how they explored other art forms including rock, soul, funk, folk, and one of my favorites—hip-hop—in the past. Throughout the years, I have seen unforgettable shows performed by everyone from Wu Tang, to Public Enemy, Del The Funky Homosapien, and last year’s dope grand finale, Anderson .Paak! (We later met Anderson in the hotel I was staying at which I highly recommend, the newly remodeled Hyatt Regency Montreal, based in the center of the Fest.) Here is my photo during his show...

Well this year they still provide stellar lineups but are bringing a stronger focus to the jazz side, which is just as much of a draw since that is how they originally began in year one. In 2018 from June 28 to July 7, you can’t go wrong with Herbie Hancock, Terence Blanchard, Bobby McFerrin, and burgeoning geniuses Kamasi Washington on the sax, Hamilton on Broadway’s Leslie Odom Jr., and bassist Thundercat to name a few. The War On Drugs will be closing on the last day.

The official description says:

39th edition of the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal

Jazz, jazz… and nothing but jazz!

The Festival International de Jazz de Montréal, presented by the TD Bank Group in collaboration with Rio Tinto, unveils a new series of concerts for its 39th edition, June 28 to July 7, 2018. On the program: an array of artists featuring legends and rising stars, dear Festival friends and newcomers, promising evenings of magical jazz in all its forms.

Go here for all the information and to book your tickets. Keep in mind that besides all acts, free outdoor shows, and other highlights, the entire city of Montreal is one of the world’s most revered playgrounds for food, famous parks, historical landmarks, diversity, art, culture, and of course, beer. This is undoubtedly one of my favorite cities and hopefully you will see why. Trust me, you will see something extraordinary every day. Did you see what greeted me while having coffee at a cafe nearby the Hyatt Regency last year on my Instagram here? This crew called the Les Gens De Couleurs was mind blowing. Check out my other posts on this #cruisinforabrewsinmontreal hashtag.

So whether it’s a Father’s Day present, a vacation with a loved one, or simply to feed your desire to indulge in music, this is the place to be for the summer!

Look for more coverage soon including where to eat and get your sip on when in Montreal.

Cheers!

Ale

Tucker Brewing Company is ready for their Grand Opening on June 2!

Here is a little taste of what they are doing. I took this yesterday.
They are aiming for the 10,000-barrel range within a year.

Yep! Another brewery inside Atlanta’s perimeter. This one is in Tucker, GA and it’s dope!

Soooooo…
When I first moved here with my family in 1990, we set up shop on the border of Stone Mountain and Tucker, GA. In fact, both of my brothers went to Tucker High School. And with that, I was so pressed to have a brewery or at least a brew spot near our house, but there was absolutely nothing besides a Taco Mac up the street that eventually changed ownership. Hence, the opening of the first microbrewery in the city—Tucker Brewing Company—on June 2 decades later is getting the eyes to water up! And I won’t even say how awesome the layout is during my sneak peek tour yesterday. The beers are German-inspired ales and lagers, there will be live music, it’s in a huge space, and… Aw hell, I will leave it to you to see for yourself. Support these cats and keep showing love to independent brewing! I will be there on June 2nd to support another brewery making ATL the shizzzznit!

Below is the official invitation. Make sure you RSVP here:

GRAND OPENING ON JUNE 2ND

Please join us for our grand opening on Saturday, June 2, 2018 from 1 pm to 9 pm. We will be celebrating with live music, food trucks and, of course, great beer!

RSVP for the grand opening event on Facebook.

Entry to the brewery on Saturday costs $10 and includes a souvenir 16-ounce Tucker Brewing Company Willi Becher glass, plus two full beer pours. We will also have water, soda and juice for non-beer-drinkers. Pets on leashes and children are also welcome!

Check out how I compare the Avengers to Atlanta breweries!

Yo!

Atlanta Eats’ writer Jorge Hernandez put this dope interview of me comparing the breweries I featured in my six Atlanta Drinks episodes to one of the best Marvel movies yet, Avengers: Infinity War. He even added the ill graphics for extra measure. This was a fun time for sure. Let me know what you think about it along with the six episodes here! Thanks again to all the Atlanta Eats homies having me on board.

Happy sippin'!

Ale

Hyundai is set to impress in 2018!

Hyundai's Santa Fe SUV can fit seven and comes with a boatload of features.

Both its Santa Fe and Accent lines aim to please for singles, students and families.

Cheers Everyone!

Being a lifestyle writer, I happen to review cars for a few magazines as well. Well there are a few standouts that may answer the inquiries of my many friends, family and overall readers of this site. They ask me what cars really impress me, are the most luxurious, the best on gas, and overall have the best value for what they’re intending to spend.

I enjoy those conversations and during many of them, will do my best to recommend whatever will ease their search. Well over the past few months, Hyundai's automobiles have been very consistent in terms of quality, solid design, and overall offering the most bang for the buck. Thinking about school about to let out, kids heading  to college, and anyone looking for a new car they can afford, the all-new 2018 Accent Limited sedan and the 2018 Santa Fe Limited SUV successfully deliver. Of course, Hyundai can go upscale as well and you will see what I mean with my review of the mind-blowing 2018 Genesis G90 Ultimate luxury sedan in my upcoming June edition of Driver’s Notebook for Lifestyle Publications. But for now, let’s focus on the aforementioned Hyundai duo that presents the most value in a practical world.

Photos courtesy of Hyundai.

The all-new 2018 Hyundai Accent Limited

The all-new Hyundai Accent is one of the best bangs for the buck I have yet to review. The plethora of amenities graciously packed in this subcompact sedan really wowed me. I was very surprised to see the three trims—the SE listed at $14,995 MSRP; SEL ($17,295); and my review model, the top-of-the-line Limited ($18,895)—having so many standard features. The latter comes with everything including the 17-inch alloy wheels; a 7-inch touchscreen equipped with Apple CarPlay; leather-wrapped steering wheel; power sunroof; fog lights; heated front seats; and the feature everyone should demand—the proximity key with push-button start—to name a few. 

Regarding power, all three have the same 130-hp, 1.6L 4-cylinder engine. The combined city and highway gas mileage for the SEL and Limited is a very reasonable 32 miles per gallon, while the SE is (oddly) one combined mile lower. With all of these perks, along with Hyundai providing arguably the best warranty programs in the automotive industry, the Accent in any trim becomes a serious consideration.

(Note there used to be a hatchback version, but this upgraded sedan’s roomy trunk works just fine.)

Fuel Economy: 28 city/ 38 highway/ 32 combined

Base Price: $19,905 fully equipped as reviewed.

2018 Santa Fe Limited Ultimate

If you have a large family or plan on toting folks around regularly, Hyundai comes correct with the 2018 Santa Fe in three trims capable of accommodating up to seven passengers with a third-row option. They remain consistent with their reputation of providing a healthy dose of features seen here that come standard in the SE (starting at $30,850; SE Ultimate ($38,850); and my review model which is the most lavish of the bunch, the Santa Fe Limited Ultimate ($39,550). Prices differentiate in each trim with the addition of the all-wheel-drive option, and I strongly recommend the $2,100 Tech Package to build driving confidence in the safety department. It includes Smart Cruise Control with stop/start; Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection; Lane Departure Warning; Electronic Parking Brake with Automatic Vehicle Holder; and various lighting settings. 

I also appreciate the balance of a smooth ride, yet a powerful 290-hp 3.3L GDI DOHC 24-valve V6 engine complemented with impressively nimble handling to spike the excitement of the driving experience. There is also a smaller, five-passenger Sport version in three trims as well. Go here for more info.

All in all, after considering the high safety accolades, handsome design, strong engine, its seemingly endless list of amenities that come standard, and reasonable tag, I recommended this Santa Fe Limited Ultimate to my cousin who just added a baby boy to his family. The verdict? He says if he is going to be a family man, he might as well have fun doing it. Hey, works for me!

Visit www.hyundaiusa.com for all the information on both models and the rest of their fleet.

Happy driving! Do it responsibly.

Cheers!

Ale

Check out your homie Ale in the all-new 'Atlanta Drinks' episodes!

Click here for more info!

Whaddup!!!

Somebody crazily dedicated to promoting the craft beer scene in especially Georgia is going to be making a few appearances during the dope Atlanta Eats shows through October. Guess who that is?! Yep, aptly called Atlanta Drinks: Tower Brewery Tours, I will be visiting Orpheus Brewing the first episode which will air during Cinco De Mayo (how appropriate!), so check me out at 7 pm on CBS affiliate Peachtree TV! If you can’t wait to see it live or are already stuffing your face with tacos, brews and margaritas, here is a sneak peek!

Matter of fact, since you are showing love by reading this, here are all six breweries I am visiting along with the episodes! They are all short and sweet nestled inside the full Atlanta Eats episodes:

Sweetwater Brewing Company: https://youtu.be/uulxrDXiig0

Second Self Beer Company: https://youtu.be/KbTM1KI5lZ8

Red Brick Brewing Company: https://youtu.be/eWuLcPoGD54

Orpheus Brewing: https://youtu.be/9wEClI2nLNQ

New Realm Brewing Company: https://youtu.be/5enT9mb7DVg

Monday Night Brewing: https://youtu.be/_aI1_CjRou0

Let me know what you think and thanks again for your support during my ongoing journey to unveil the countless wonders of craft beer.

Cheers!

Your homie,

Ale

For more info, hit up the Atlanta Eats website. 

It's Craft Brewers Conference time!

Photo by the Brewers Association

Whaddup Y’all!

Brewgaloo and the entire city of Raleigh, NC were off the meter! Look for my coverage soon including my recommendations on where to stay, eat and of course, SIP! You definitely need to hit up this beer fest, the biggest in North Carolina, next year! Trust!

Now it’s time for the Craft Brewers Conference that goes on this entire week in Nashville. Let’s go!

Cheers!

Ale

Trying to roll to Brewgaloo, the biggest beer festival in North Carolina?!

100 NC Breweries, 50-plus Food Trucks, local vendors and live bands for two days? Yes please!

 

Whaddup!

You know I love traveling and this Brewgaloo Beer Fest had me at “Brew”! Ha! Truthfully, I hear that word all the time, but when it’s the biggest beer fest in North Carolina, a state that makes some gangster ales and lagers, I was all in! It’s April 27-28, 2018 and guaranteed to be nuts! Below is the official description and HERE is the link to the tickets. Boom!

Cheers!

Ale

ShopLocalRaleigh.org says…

Brewgaloo features craft breweries from North Carolina and partners with local food trucks, local vendors and local bands. Friday night will be a sampler event from 6-10pm. Tickets are $45 per person (before April 1) with a limited number of tickets being sold. Sample size pours will be available for you to try the best of NC. Must be 21 and up to attend the Friday night event. Designated Driver’s need not purchase tickets, thank you for being responsible!

Saturday is 2-10pm. Beer is sold by the pint or the taste. Samples are 2 tickets and full pints are 5 tickets. No admission fee to enter the festival. Saturday’s event is open to the public and free to attend.  Saturday will feature over 100 NC Breweries, over 50 Food Trucks, dozens of local vendors and bands. Drink tickets will be sold in advance and available for purchase at the festival. Food trucks and vendors accept cash and credit options. Purchase now to avoid lines!

The largest NC Craft beer festival celebrating all things local

You’ve tasted the world, now taste local