Ale Sharpton’s Last Minute Father’s Day Gift Guide

We have an on-time Guide, and now here’s the buzzer beater version!

Okay y’all, are you trying to make a dad happy or not? If you are not going with the latter option, here are some more options besides the awesome gift ideas I brought you in the initial 2015 Ale Sharpton Annual Father’s Day Gift Guide to choose from. I swear if you get him another tie or generic card with nothing in it, he will snap! Trust me!

Enjoy!

Ale

Make Pops one the first to break in the Eventide Brewing Tasting Room!

If your dad is in Atlanta and loves beer, make him a part of history and be one of the first to visit the brand new Eventide Tasting Room in Grant Park (Address: 1015 Grant St SE, Atlanta GA 30315) that opens to the public officially June 20^th, from 2 pm to 6 pm! Sure there are a lot of breweries in Georgia, but how often do get you to christen a new addition to their growing business? It’s only $12 for 36 ounces of any beer(s) Dad wants plus a special glass. Cost will be $12. That will get you 36oz total of any beer(s) you choose, and you get to keep your glass. Kick it! More info is here.

Brews With A View Beer Dinner at Nikolai’s Roof

On Wednesday, June 24th, at 7:00 p.m., the classy spot known as Nikolai’s Roof (Hilton Atlanta 255 Courtland Street NE Atlanta, GA 30303) is presenting BREWS WITH A VIEW—Savor the Flavors of Summer, which is Belgian beers paired with gourmet dishes of a four-course dinner for a mere $60 per person plus tax & gratuity. Crafted by Chef de Cuisine Stephanie Alderete and Executive Sous Chef Olivier De Busschere, one of the dishes include crustacean broth, butter-poached escargot, petite herbs and lemon pan-roasted squab. And the beers?  Tripel Karmeliet Blond Kwak, Vanderghinste Oud Bruin, and La Trappe Quadrupel further solidify this is no joke! Oh, this includes complimentary valet parking and that’s awesome because I HATE paying for parking. Call 404.221.6362 to reserve your place now!

Take Dad to the free official Hawks Draft Party!

Okay, so maybe our beloved Atlanta Hawks didn’t make it to the Finals; it was a great season nonetheless and the party doesn’t stop! Speaking of party, there is a FREE draft party on June 25^th where we see who the Hawks pick at #15 to make our city’s team that much more explosive and dangerous! Doors open at 6 pm, so be sure to register in advance to guarantee your spot in advance on Hawks.com. An RSVP guarantees express entry. Food and beverages will also be available for purchase at select concession stands in the arena. And in case you are truly a fan, the Hawks own picks No. 50 and No. 59 also.

Hip Sips

I also got some spirits on deck! Here is a recipe and a few bottles that will surely bring a smile to Pop’s face including this gangster cocktail made with Van Gogh Oranje Vodka justly called Vincent's Manmosa, a more manly version of the Mimosa:

Vincent's Manmosa

12 oz. Wheat Beer (e.g. Hoegaarden)

1 oz. Van Gogh Oranje Vodka

3 oz.  Fresh Orange Juice

Combine all ingredients in a shaker with fresh ice then strain into a pint glass. Garnish with an orange wheel.

Or how about an eight-year-old Canadian rye whisky expertly blended with fine Amontillado Sherry from the Jerez region of Spain? Look no further than Tap Rye Sherry Finished 8 Year Old Canadian Whisky!

For a sweet, smooth and absolutely delicious snifter filler, go with the Tap 357 Canadian Maple Rye Whisky, boasting the blend of cask-aged 3-, 5- and 7-year old rye whiskies and pure maple syrup from Quebec!

Custom Bottle Opener

Make Dad a customized bottle opener. Just go here, send them an image and he will be poppin’ bottles literally with a customized utensil he can truly call his own. I got one made with my logo and totally dig it!

AmaWaterways’ 2015 BeerCruise on December 14

I had a ball with AmaWaterways and will continue to show love after experiencing their Tulips BeerCruise touring the Netherlands two months ago. (See some of my coverage here.) It was phenomenal thanks to the staff, eventful agenda, and gangster breweries we visited along the way. 

Well there is another one on deck (Ha!): AmaWaterways’ 2015 BeerCruise is set to sail on December 14 from—get this—Prague, aboard their AmaPrima. Beer expert, writer and my homey Don Russell aka “Joe Sixpack” out pf Philly will be hosting this one. Dad will LOVE you even more, trust me! Pricing for the Beer Cruise onboard AmaPrima starts at $2,899 per person. Here’s the info.

Happy Father’s Day to all who apply. I hope this helps!

Cheers!

Ale

Cruisin’ For A Brewsin’: Operation Amsterdam

My homey "Ster" servin' up some U.S. goodness at her
Amsterdam-based Beer Temple beer bar.
Let's go to Europe!

Hey Craft Beer Lovers!

I am trippin’ literally! On the real, I flew into Amsterdam to start off a beer cruise labeled AMAWaterways’“Tulip Time”—their first beer-influenced excursion—which I am covering for you, my homies! In fact, this trip is the one I chose as a gangster selection in my annual Ale Sharpton Holiday Gift Guide here? Anyway, on my first day, I hit the pavement hard once I got to the ship to unload my luggage and then hit the streets.  

One of the destinations on the cruise’s itinerary was to check out the rich history of the Heineken Experience, a museum-ish venue exhibiting how the Heineken family’s brewing empire came together. And yes, the beer tastes totally different. No skunk. No haunting aftertaste. No nothin’ but a cleaner, refreshing sip served the traditional way or damn cold as the pics illustrate! Speaking of which, I am going photo-heavy while I am here because the Internet is hella shaky when hittin’ the seas.

Kicking it with my homey Anna who lives in Amsterdam, she answered my demand to see the “java” hype at a “coffee shop” before hitting up the 30-tap, American-craft-beer-stacked Beer Temple pub—we’re talkin’ about 30 taps of U.S. goodness ranging from the Prairie Artisan Ales to Dark horse Lagunitas and Dark Horse. Hell, Temple’s super cool manager popularly recognized as “Ster” said I could post my sticker on her Temple’s door next to Terrapin Beer Co.’s, my Athens, Georgia neighbor down the street from my condo in Atlanta! Ultimately, this bar is a must when you visit my second beloved “A-Town” and helps make your adjustment from the hoppy IPAs and robust imperial stouts that you are accustomed to in the States if you live in my country, to the Pilsners, Belgian brews, and lagers overall that dominate the taps here.

Anyway, I love taking you with me wherever I go because anyone reading this is fam! Enjoy the photos and be sure to hit up my Instagram as well!

Yes, let's cut to the chase. This is a listing of what "roasts" are available in one of Amsterdam's infamous coffee shops. You go in, they hand you...errr..visitors papers, and you...errr...visitors pick what they want. They have pre-rolled spliffs too and space cakes. People are in there chillin', playing cards, drinking tea and simply enjoying the finest weed legally.

Oh yeah! Jumped the gun. This is our AmaWaterways ship called the Amalyra. Five levels of chillin', eating, and sippin'! The staff was ridiculously hospitable and pampering. I loved it.

Crate diggin' at Record Mania.

An American beer bar? Well, sorta. But this is in Amsterdam! All hail Beer Temple!

My homey and resident of Amsterdam showed is a helluva time! These are buttons from her design firm. 

They get their biking on in Amsterdam! just watch where the hell you are going when crossing the street. They will eff you up!

Old Amsterdam makes some awesome cheese! These were my steez, sharp and free! At least the samples were.

I rode one of these trains. I gave Grolsch some love since my boy designs their bottles in Amsterdam too.

Folks spinnin' in the Heineken Experiences's basement.

This is a lil' refreshment in-between hitting the streets in Amsterdam. This brew is called Gauloise at 6.3% ABV. I wasn't mad at it.

Look for more city coverage soon, my homies. I come back to Amsterdam to hit up some more amazing spots, but for now, we are off to the ext one. And like I said, peep my Instagram too! No pics are repeated.
Cheers! Oh wait, Proost!

Ale

It's Ale Sharpton’s Annual Valentine’s Day Gift Guide!

From building LEGOS with beer in hand to a brews cruise in Amsterdam, these are gangster gifts!

Hello lovers! (Or likers at least.)

It’s that time again to get something for that special someone and I am here to help! As I do annually, I search high and low for anything extraordinarily cool on the lifestyle tip; be it art shows, travel opportunities, clothing, and other thoughtful options that truly stand out from the run-of-the-mill gifts suggesting you made a quick buy at Walgreens to save face, I've got you covered. And note, some of these events do not happen on February 14th. Instead, just hand them the proof of purchase and build up what you bought leading to when it occurs!

Besides my commentary to introduce the following presents that could score you MAJOR brownie points, I included descriptions straight from the source. Tell my homey Cupid I said whaddup if you see him aimin’ at ya. 

Oh yeah, look for my Annual Valentine’s Day Dining Guide coming out soon, too. It’s stacked!!!

Happy Valentine’s Day!

A membership to the American Homebrewers Association

I say: Ingenious for beer nuts, especially homebrewers! And cheap. $43 bones. The AHA has provided tremendous support to the craft beer scene. Support ‘em back!

They say: Say “Beer mine” with a gift membership to the American Homebrewers Association. A simple and thoughtful gift, an AHA membership offers many benefits, including exclusive offers, merchandise discounts and access to exciting events nationwide. An AHA membership gift card costs $43. The recipient of this gift joins over 35,000 other enthusiasts while enjoying publications, programs and events that educate homebrewers and promote the homebrewing hobby.

Show your cultural side attending the 16^th Annual ART PAPERS Art Auction

I say: No lie, taking your significant other to an art event and sharing your interpretations of various works rocks! Hell, maybe you will contribute to their cause and go in on a piece to support local geniuses and a cause while you’re at it! Unless you are no joke when it comes to buying art, go Saturday, February 21^st.            

They say: ART PAPERS announces its 16^th Annual ART PAPERS Art Auction, a weekend that has become Atlanta’s most anticipated art event each year and its largest contemporary art auction. This glam event brings together more than 200 renowned and emerging artists from Atlanta and around the world and is expected to draw more than 1,200 attendees to a stunning new location on the Westside BoBo Intriguing Objects. The Art Auction offers art lovers the opportunity to build their collections while enjoying one or both of the great parties.

This not-to-be-missed event is ART PAPERS’ largest fundraiser with all proceeds going to support the programs of ART PAPERS, which include the award winning ART PAPERS magazine, noted lecture series ART PAPERS LIVE, the newly launched Exhibitions program, the ARTIST PROJECT Program, and new digital initiatives. The purchase of artwork also supports the artists in the auction who have generously donated proceeds from their work in support of ART PAPERS’ mission.

Collectors’ Preview – Friday, Feb. 20, 2015

Silent Auction & Party – Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015. Tickets are here: www.artpapers.org/auction/tickets

Facebook event is here: https://www.facebook.com/events/766120713457443/ Saturday night is $50 in advance or $65 at the door. 

Reading is golden literally thanks to AUrate!

I say: Buy custom-made gold jewelry at super cheap rates and they donate schoolbooks to the needy. And trust me, this gold won’t turn your finger green. It’s legit!

They say: AUrate New York is a brand new jewelry collection inspired by life in Manhattan that offers real-gold, beautifully designed jewelry. It is sold completely online at a fraction of the price you'd find anywhere else. Committed to community development and charitable giving the company has also launched their "Book for Your Look” program simultaneously with their consumer brand launch. For every piece of jewelry sold the company donates a schoolbook to an underprivileged child attending an under-funded U.S. school. Check out the website at www.AurateNewYork.com.

Legos and beer at MODA? Hell yes!

I say: Come on, you can’t beat this combo, although I can’t guarantee you creation will be an architectural wonder after a few pints, but hey!

They say: Come to MODA for an evening of LEGO building and local beer! On Thursday February 19, from 6pm to 8pm, we’ll be bringing out the LEGOS for some free build time. Sip a local beer while you help us build a LEGO tower or create your own masterpiece. You build, we’ll clean up! Cost is $10 for MODA members, $15 for non-members. Tickets can be purchased in advance at the link here or at the door.

An Atlanta Beer Festival featuring BBQ? Hmmm...

I say: Hogs & Hops combines brews and BBQ, a perfect pair. Say whaddup to Mike if you go! He is the tall dude with the walkie talkie running the show.

They say: Hogs & Hops is back again Saturday, April 11 at the Masquerade Music Park, because what goes better together than beer and BBQ? We don't know! That's why we're stoked to offer VIP tickets for just $50 (regularly $65) this week only! VIP tickets include all the beer, BBQ, and other food samples you can handle, plus one whole extra hour of eating and drinking and handling it. Plus there's live music, in case you needed just one more reason to not jump on this.  http://www.hogsandhopsatlanta.com/

Present voucher at Hogs & Hops at the Masquerade 

$50 VIP tickets to Hogs & Hops (reg. $65)

How about a perfectly fitting blazer, suit or coat? KNOT!

I say: After I saw what Knot Standard is capable of, a clothing nut like me went nuts! I truly dig their options of gear, how they size you, and the overall process. They had me after reading their company’s name. The customization of fly gear was extra credit!

They say: Knot Standard is an innovative menswear company offering a very modern and stylish line of bespoke suits, shirts, blazers, and accessories.

Co-founder John Ballay probably explains the mission of the company best: “Knot Standard serves the modern guy. This is not your father’s century and our customers don’t want to dress like their dads, in ill-fitting, off-the-rack suits. Thanks to technology and the global economy, they don’t have to,” he says. “We founded Knot Standard to meet the needs of guys like ourselves: aspirational, seeking an upgrade in their personal wardrobe, a more modern, sleeker look but at an attainable price point.” 

Let’s play with a play! 4000 Miles to be exact.

I say: Come on, a play? This is the drama you want in your life. I love the story. You should dig it too. It sounds perfect for bike enthusiasts!

They say: Picture this: an old-world grandmother, new-age grandson and a tiny New York apartment – what could possibly go wrong? Finalist for the 2013 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and Time Magazine’s number one Play or Musical of 2012, 4000 Miles rolls into Lawrenceville’s Aurora Theatre, February 12 - March 1, 2015! Dynamic writer Amy Herzog uses her own feisty grandmother’s experiences and stories to shape the character of elderly Vera in this altogether sensitive and comical story. Audiences are invited to take a trip to New York City’s Greenwich Village and experience the implausible, yet beautiful relationship of two characters, as they embark on a journey to find their place in today’s world.

“4000 Miles is a rich, satisfying play filled with humorous moments in an unlikely setting,” says Aurora Producing Artistic Director Anthony Rodriguez. “Vera and Leo’s bond is deeply touching and serves as a reminder to all of us that we need to stop and take time to cherish life’s little moments.”  

Recommended for adults with a penchant for drama and comedy, 4000 Miles is presented February 12 – March 1, 2015. Tickets can be purchased for $20-$30 per person online at www.tickets.auroratheatre.com or by calling the Box Office at 678-226-6222.

AmaWaterways beer-themed cruises in Europe with Don “Joe Sixpack,” Russell. Whoa!

I say: Ummm…a beer-themed cruise from Amsterdam? Need I say more? How about the perfect pairing with this website, Cruisin’ For A Bruisin’? I gotta go!

They say: AmaWaterways is a leading river cruise line with itineraries in Europe, Africa and Asia. The line launched their 2015 brochure this year, featuring an incredible line-up themed cruises, including the line’s first ever beer-themed cruise. Beer buffs will have the chance to sample an array of authentic ales and lagers as they explore the European waterways like never before, with two opportunities to sail next year, including March 31, 2015 aboard AmaLyra and December 14, 2015 aboard AmaPrima. Passengers will enjoy excursions to historic breweries with guided tours, as well as tastings, of course, and educational onboard discussions.  A delectable beer pairing dinner will be presented on both ships by acclaimed beer expert and writer Don Russell. Also known as “Joe Sixpack,” Russell has written a weekly column in the Philadelphia Daily News for the past 15 years, authored three books, won numerous journalism awards and traveled the world in search of great beers. Pricing for the Beer Cruise onboard AmaLyra starts at $2,599 per person; pricing onboard AmaPrima starts at $2,899 per person. Go here for more info: http://www.amawaterways.com/tulip-time-cruise-beer-themed-2015

Cheers!!!!

Ale

Check out my Skype interview with Craft Conscious!

This was a fun one talking about the future of beer, Hebru, dope breweries, Cruisin' For A Brewsin', the future of the industry and you to name a few!

Whaddup!!!

Oh man, whatta crazy few days managing and producing that GANGSTER mural with the incredible Hebru Brantley on the Sound Table’s wall alongside my creative agency AllWays Open and Heineken. Stay tuned for some incredible footage on that, and follow my Instagram (@realalesharpton) and hashtag #AllWaysHebruHeineken. Feel free to shoot a picture in front of it and use the hashtag so I can show love! 

Anyway, after finally getting a breather from standing in the sun for five days straight and hosting the launch parties on Saturday to name a few duties that drained me, it was rewarding to see the fun-filled interview I did on Skype with the dope Web series by Craft Conscious and host Drew Dillman. Here is their setup:

“A look into the future with editor and contributor countrywide, Ale Sharpton’s passion lies within the craft beer industry. On top of his expert writing, Ale also plans events that promote breweries and celebrities.  A unique view today of the industry, where it’s been, and where it’s going! 

- See more at: http://craft-conscious.com/161-ale-sharpton/

We talked about so many topics including the future of beer, art, how down-to-earth everyone is in the industry, how I got to where I am, the dope beers out right now, craft breweries getting bought up, and you, the coolest folks ever! Oh yeah, I shouted out a gang of folks including…

Creature Comforts

Hebru Brantley

Ballast Point

The Brick Store

Willie The Kid

New Belgium

Joe Six Pack

Cantillon

AmaWaterways

Sierra Nevada

Lowenbrau

Food 101

SaltYard

Cornell

Chef Simone Byron

Polo Ralph Lauren

Atlanta Hawks

Mavericks Beer

And a ton more!

Subscribe to Craft Conscious and show them love! They do it big and it’s a necessary element to the craft beer movement. 

Please share this interview and let me know what you think via Twitter, Facebook, and, of course, the comment section below.

And to everyone who joined me and supported the mural this past week, you are the shizzzznit! Much love to y’all!

Ale