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| A lil' share with my Brew Tang Clan at my spot... |
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| I concur! Shooter unknown. |
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| A lil' share with my Brew Tang Clan at my spot... |
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| I concur! Shooter unknown. |
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| The "D" stands for Dap! |
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| The Fight The Power Baby! |
Whaddup?!!!
For all you hop heads out there like yours truly, you need to put National Hazy IPA Day on your calendar, which is coming up this Thursday, August 15th! And with all the festivities and special releases that will be happening around the US celebrating arguably the most popular beer style, I will keep an eye out for you. In fact, one of my favorite brew companies in the world, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., just collaborated with Sweden’s brewing king, Omnipollo, to create a limited-edition hazy IPA. They're both gangster, so I bet this is straight fire!
And like many special collabs, this one is going to be rare as hell and hard to get, so scoop this one called Hazy IPA Day (8.2%) on Sierra’s online store coming in 4-pack of 16-ounce cans, and directly at their Chico, CA, and Mills River, NC. locations. They told me they will also have it at select accounts in Manhattan and Brooklyn on draft while supplies last. I just had a blast at the North Carolina brewing headquarters and had a blast, but evidently I missed this launch. Regardless, I am letting you know about it so when you scoop some, feel free to rub it in; I won’t be mad. (Okay, maybe a little bit, but it’s all good.) The official press release is below. Let me know how it is!
Enjoy!
Sierra Nevada
to Release Rare Ultra Hazy Beer for National Hazy IPA Day, Aug 15
‘Hazy Day IPA’ Collaboration
with Omnipollo
To celebrate the second annual National Hazy IPA Day (August 15), Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. is releasing Hazy Day IPA, an ultra-Hazy Double IPA in collaboration with internationally acclaimed brewery Omnipollo of Sweden. The small-batch beer will only be available at the Sierra Nevada’s California and North Carolina breweries, through their online gift shop, and at select bars in the New York City area.
Hazy Day IPA is silky smooth and generously dry-hopped at an impressive seven pounds per barrel with Citra and Riwaka. It boasts notes of pineapple and orange candy, with top notes of citrus and a soft and juicy finish. At 8.2% ABV and just 30 IBU, it’s a premium expression of the Hazy IPA style, the brainchild of brewers from both Sierra Nevada and Omnipollo.
“We go all in for Hazy IPA Day,” said Isaiah Mangold, Head Innovation Brewer at Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. “We wanted a premium example of the style. So we designed this ultra-Hazy DIPA with our friends at Omnipollo for maximum hazy, hoppy flavor. Even the art on the cans was a collaborative effort. You can see and taste the influence from both breweries through this beer experience, making it a truly special and rare opportunity.”
Craft beer fans can que up on release day to snag a Hazy Day IPA 4-pack of 16-ounce cans online at SierraNevada.com, or at one of the Sierra Nevada brewery locations (Chico, California or Mills River, North Carolina) where draft pours, menu specials and other festivities to mark the special occasion will be offered. In addition, a limited number of craft beer destination bars in New York City will tap kegs of the specialty release to mark the occasion.
Beer fans unable to catch this 2024 limited-edition
release to commemorate Hazy IPA Day on August 15 are encouraged to celebrate
the occasion anyway by gathering with friends and toasting to one of the most
popular styles in modern craft beer.
| Click on the TV screen or here to see this fun episode! |
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 even crazier one set for Monday Night Brewing's Garage on March 22, and then the next day in Nashville, TN, at Bearded Iris's Sylvan Supply location on March 23rd! Here is all the info below. Stay tuned for more updates on my Instagram and @ALEMAX.OFFICIAL. Here is the official press release below. Let's get it!
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| This is the dope Ale Max can we are doing for Monday Night Brewing! |
ALE MAX Returns to Fuse Craft Beer & Sneaker Cultures
Second annual ALE MAX joins forces with Nashville hometown favorite,
Bearded Iris Brewing Co. to launch limited-edition, sneaker-inspired IPA
Last March, Atlanta-based marketing veteran Craig Stroud and craft beer aficionado Ale Sharpton joined forces to launch the perfect mashup experience with ALE MAX – a series of events timed around Nike Air Max Day (March 26) aimed to deliver a beautifully brewed fusion of craft beer, sneaker culture, and community engagement. This year, ALE MAX is collaborating with Southeastern craft beer heavyweights Bearded Iris Brewing (Nashville, Tenn.) and Monday Night Brewing (Atlanta, Ga.) to launch a limited-edition brew, ALE MAX 1, alongside events and activations that will excite sneaker and beer lovers alike.
“Craft beer and sneaker cultures have a
long history of subtly crossing paths, but typically not in a very intentional
way,” said Stroud about the inception of ALE MAX. “While there have been many
individual beer and sneaker launches and experiences, we haven’t come across
any that simultaneously tap into the pulse of both. Creating ALE MAX seemed
like the perfect way to bring these two passionate, opinionated, and niche
communities together.”
ALE MAX Day: A Celebration of Air and Ale (FREE to the public):
Beer lovers and
sneakerheads are invited to sport their Air Max and cheers to ALE MAX
Monday Night Garage on Friday, March 22
(7 to 11 pm)
Address: 933 Lee St SW,
Atlanta, GA 30310

This is the dope Ale Max can we are doing for Bearded Iris Brewing!
Bearded Iris, Sylvan Supply on
Saturday, March 23 (4 to 8 pm)
Address: 101 Charlotte Ave Suite 40, Nashville, TN 37209
Bearded Iris Brewing will be presenting flavor-forward interpretations of arguably the most popular beer style in America, the hazy IPA. This limited-edition beer will be inspired by the iconic AIR MAX 1, a sneaker that has left an indelible mark on the shoe world through innovation, style, and fandom since its debut in 1987. This collaboration aims to unite beer advocates with local sneaker enthusiasts, offering an unparalleled sensory experience that fosters community and culture. Attendees can anticipate sneaker showcases, discussions, and the chance to connect with like-minded enthusiasts while sampling ALE MAX 1, a Max IPA at 7.891% will be released in limited cans and draft.
“We came together to design an IPA that pairs old school traditions with new ideas to celebrate Ale Max Day,” said Head Brewer Brandon Tarr. “We are excited to be part of this collaboration that lifts up both sneaker and hop heads alike. The resulting beer is a testament to what a great collaboration can be, different from what anyone would have done on their own, and the result is so much better for it."
###
ABOUT BEARDED
IRIS:
Bearded Iris proudly hails from
Nashville, TN, where Paul Vaughn and Kavon Togrye, two Murfreesboro natives and
longtime friends, opened its doors in 2016 with the help of co-founders Matt
Miller, Anna Togrye, and Chanda Grubbs, and now has two Nashville taprooms in
Germantown and Sylvan Supply. Although frequently recognized for hop-focused
beers, Bearded Iris strives to deliver unparalleled freshness and drinkability
with every pint, no matter the style, to make ultra-high-quality products
highly accessible. This characteristic attention to others and desire to do
things a bit differently remains a hallmark of the Bearded Iris brand. Since
its founding, Bearded Iris has been named one of the top five best new
breweries in America by USA Today and garnered accolades from Men’s Journal,
Craft Beer & Brewing, Thrillist, Punch, Paste Magazine, and BeerAdvocate,
among others. Discover more at beardedirisbrewing.com or @beardedirisbrewing on Instagram.
ABOUT MONDAY NIGHT BREWING:
Founded in Atlanta, Georgia, in 2013 by Jonathan Baker, Joel Iverson and Jeff Heck, Monday Night Brewing exists to deepen relationships over some of the best beer in the country – and the world. With brewing operations under the direction of Brewmaster Peter Kiley, Monday Night Brewing offers a wide selection of year-round, seasonal and limited-edition beers and sours that have earned praise by amateur drinkers and established beer critics alike. With quality, craftsmanship and connection at the forefront of its mission, Monday Night Brewing has taken home awards from some of the most prestigious national and international beer competitions, including The World Beer Cup, the Great American Beer Festival, and the US Open Beer Championship, among others.
Monday Night has soon-to-be six taprooms across the Southeast, including: Monday Night Brewing – West Midtown and The Garage in Atlanta, Ga.; Monday Night Social Club in Birmingham, Ala.; Monday Night Garden Co. in Charlotte, N.C.; Monday Night Preservation Co. in Nashville, Tenn.; Knoxville, Tenn. (coming soon). Learn more at www.mondaynightbrewing.com.
ABOUT ALE MAX:
ALE MAX is a multi-sensorial experience at the center
of craft beer and sneaker cultures, leveraging their inherent connectivity to
power communities, local and global. Creator/Founder Craig E. Stroud II brings
over 25 years of expertise consulting on brand & campaign development,
strategy and design for some of the world's most recognizable brands (The
Coca-Cola Co., Ford Motor Co., Olympics, HP, McDonald’s, P&G, General Mills
and more). For the latest on ALE MAX experiences follow @ALEMAX.OFFICIAL and @ALEMAXDAY.
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| Red Brick Brewing's President Bob Budd celebrating their 20th Anniversary in style with their fantastic Bourbon Aged Imperial Stout and a blunt..I mean cigar! |
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| Here I am in action filming with Centric. (Photo by Andrea Janise) |
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| Today, Coldbrews Sports Bar and Grill says ''The World is Your Oyster!" during National Oyster Day featuring .50 cent oysters and $3 canned craft brews in Roswell. |
Coldbrews says: Coldbrews Sports Bar and Grill has taken a whole new
meaning to the saying, The World is Your Oyster! On Monday, August 5th, the
crowd favorite in-house oyster bar is honoring National Oyster Day in a big
way. The sports bar and grill will feature $.50 oysters on the half shell all
day! Owner and Executive Chef Mimmo Alboumeh invites the Atlanta area to savor
the summertime selection, which includes a variety of sauces such as cocktail
sauce, mignonette sauce, and fresh horseradish. Enjoy additional specials,
including $3 craft can beer all evening. Here’s to a day dedicated to savory
shellfish!Cheers!
It’s time for another one of my Last-Minute Gift Guides and this one is for Father’s Day 2023. From libations to cologne, events, travel ideas, restaurants, cigars, books, and more, I’ve got you covered once again for a buzzer-beater gift. Just pick one (or a few) of these items below that I compiled through submissions, my adventures, and simply things I considered dope for that special dad out there.
Below I include my two cents on every gift idea
followed by its official description straight from the source. The link is provided
so just click on and fill your cart! Since I’m in Georgia’s capital, a few
events are located in ATL, but there are plenty of considerations that are accessible throughout
the US. If it is something that needs to be mailed, just show him the receipt
with the date you bought it to show you're on time, ya dig? And, of course, this guide can be used throughout the year, but let's just put a lil' theme on it and keep it moving.
To all the dads who deserve it, Happy Father’s Day! No
deadbeats allowed.
Holler!
Lifestyle
Stick it to ‘em!
Why not hook Dad up with the newest addition to the portfolio
of one of the best cigar makers in the world, Cohiba? The new Cohiba Rivera
is the first in the lineup using a San Andrés wrapper and Nicaraguan Condega
filler. If Pops smokes, he will know what all that means.
They Say:
The artisans at Cohiba are proud to present Cohiba Riviera – the newest full-time offering within the collection. Cohiba Riviera represents new territory for Cohiba. This cigar is the only box-pressed offering by Cohiba, as well as the only Cohiba to feature a San Andrés wrapper and Nicaraguan Condega filler. Highly regarded for its naturally cooler climate, abundance of fresh running water, humid breezes off the Gulf coast, and its volcano-enriched soil, the San Andrés valley has consistently delivered excellent quality leaf to the cigar industry. Named after the surrounding geography that helps make the San Andrés Valley so special, Cohiba Riviera pays homage to the respected San Andrés wrapper and the valley from whence it came. Cohiba Riviera – Experience Luxury.
Savoir Faire’s Soul Café Eau De Parfum
Smell goods for Pops
Blended, bottled, and boxed by hand, Atlanta-based
celebrated renaissance man Chris Classic's Savoir Faire fragrance line
is one of the most extraordinary in the industry boasting scent combinations that will have
everyone wanting to get a whiff of Dad. Arguably the most popular selection—Soul
Café—has notes ranging from tobacco, to blood orange, patchouli, private musk
blend, amber wood, lavender, and even Arabic coffee to name a few. When it
comes to his different selections, I honestly love ‘em all! Visit Classic’s site for his eyewear, haberdashery,
jackets, bags, and other amazing products for both men and women as well. He’s
a baaaad dude.
They Say:
These fine fragrances are for men and women. Inspired by the diaspora, hand blended in Atlanta, they are created using quality ingredients. The olfactory experience will vary uniquely from person to person. In other words, you won't be smellin' like everybody else. As with the previous unisex Savoir Faire fragrances, Soul Cafe opens rather strong. The dry down is beautifully complex and offers a multitude of options for the various wearers to exude. Savoir Faire is proudly a Black owned fragrance brand.
Have Dad go Virgin!
From racing a Lamborghini on a professional track, to
wine tours in Northern California, and everything in between, the Virgin Experience Gifts site has hundreds of activities to choose from. Get an e-gift card and let Pops check off his bucket list with mind-blowing experiences throughout the U.S.!
They Say:
This Father's Day, give Dad a gift he'll never forget—the gift of a unique & memorable experience! Whether you want to help him cross something off his bucket list, or give him a fun day out, find the perfect Father's Day gift here.
Take Dad Out!
Belgian beers galore!
On Saturday, June 17th, from 5 to 9 pm, Bold Monk will be
hosting Belgians in the Garden Beer Fest, at their dope brewery,
restaurant, and beer garden. If Dad is a Belgian beer fan, this is the one!
They Say:
Indulge in an evening filled with exquisite flavors, live entertainment, a
limited Belgian bites food menu, and a vibrant atmosphere as we showcase a
remarkable selection of Belgian beers. Whether you're a seasoned beer
connoisseur or a curious newcomer, Belgians in the Garden has something for
everyone.
Take Pops out on the town for sports and grub!
Plain and simple, get Pops a gift card or simply reserve
a table at one of Georgia’s most gangster venues to watch any game—Sports &
Social at Live! At the Battery! They have 40+ televisions and a 32-foot LED
screen to see every punch, dunk, hit, catch, volley… you get it! To reserve a
table, email events@liveatthebatteryatlanta.com or buy a gift card here.
Note: There are multiple Sports & Social venues throughout the country so hit up the main website and pick what works geographically. It will be worth it!
They Say:
Sports & Social is a one-of-a-kind sports bar,
gaming parlor, and social lounge in Atlanta. This two-level space features a
30-foot diagonal high-definition LED TV showcasing the top sports watching events
year-round equipped with battle axe, table tennis, pop a shot basketball, air
hockey and a multi-sport simulator. Sports & Social serves an eclectic menu
perfect for sharing, cold beer, and a well-appointed cocktail menu. Combining
the traditional elements of a sports tavern with classic interactive games,
Sports & Social is the perfect destination for groups, professionals and
all those whose competitive spirit thrives. Come see for yourself.
Show Dad some pub love!
One of the most renowned brewpubs in the Southeast celebrates
a dozen years on Father’s Day! You can’t beat that. There will be numerous
festivities and specials happening, so hook Pops up!
They Say:
Join us Father's Day weekend to celebrate 12 whole
years of service! We'll have brand new beers, cellar beers, frozen cocktails,
and more! We may even see a return of our famous Corn Pups.
We will have adjusted hours for Father's Day on Sunday, June 18th. Wrecking Bar
will open at 12:00 pm and serve until 8:00 pm. Come out and brunch with
dad!
Jazz Brunch at The Battery!
Pops has to eat and get his sip on, right? Well, why not
do it over jazz at one of ATL’s finest restaurants based in the always happening
The Battery in Atlanta?
They Say:
Brunch is elevated by the weekly jazz duo performing at C. Ellet’s. Guests will enjoy favorites like the Pecan Sticky Bun, Southern Fried Chicken with bubbles and fresh Oysters on the Half Shell while listening to smooth jazz. Every Saturday & Sunday, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Reservations are available here.
The ultimate gift if Dad is a true hip-hop head!
Oakland, California-based hip-hop quartet Souls Of
Mischief changed the game when they dropped their debut album ’93 ‘Til
Infinity, and now 30 years later, they are on a globetrotting tour. Atlanta’s intimate
concert venue City Winery will be hosting them on July 1st to
perform the entire classic album live for one night. If Dad is truly a hip-hop head, he
will cry tears of joy when you hand him a ticket to this show. Trust me.
They Say:
1993, West Coast... Dr Dre vs Eazy-E, Snoop Doggy Dog on the rise with his debut album alongside the N.W.A don of production. Tupac with the summer release of ‘I Get Around’, but caught up in alleged gun fights and assault charges. G-funk the national conversation. So when Souls Of Mischief came onto the scene with their funky outfits, slammin’ beats and breazy attitudes - backed with a lyrical dexterity far beyond their teenage years – a fresh hop to the bounce of the West Coast was born.
The California quartet announced themselves with
harmlessly refreshing confidence, on more of a Tribe tip with jazz-drips and
groove-infused rhythms – yet lyrically more adventurous and weed-scented; more
of a Pharcyde vibe with endlessly cool rhymes and multisyllabic wordplays - yet
more intellectual, energetic and freestyle-ready. A funky introspection was
clear to see. This was Oakland, California in 1993.
...Now, 30 years on, 93 to 23, still infinity. Still
hectic out there. Time flies but Souls are still chillin. “Now you have younger
generations who were born in ’93,” says Phesto. “They’re like, ‘ ’93 ’til
infinity.’ It means so many different things to so many different people
Book It!
Help Dad step his beer game up!
Renowned beer expert and author Joshua M. Bernstein just
dropped a new version of The Complete Beer Course to help Dad step his beer knowledge up. Strongly consider the hardback version because the design is sick!
They Say:
First published in 2013, The Complete Beer Course has helped thousands of
beer enthusiasts navigate the vast and often confusing world of beer. Bernstein
is back to serve up a second round of insights. He introduces readers to
must-know breweries, craft beers, and the industry’s rising stars. Each chapter
is devoted to a specific beer style and teaches readers how to taste and
evaluate a wide selection, especially new beers gaining popularity such as
sours and nonalcoholic varieties. Additionally, readers will find up-to-date
information on the pandemic’s effects on the beer world, expanded coverage of
international beers, and the author’s top picks for any beer-drinking occasion.
If your knowledge of IPAs is a little hazy, then this guide is for you.
Let’s get it on!
The Overtime Elite Arena (OTE) based in Atlanta’s Atlantic
Station is perfect for Dad to see some fists, elbows, knees, and kicks fly MMA style
this coming Friday, June 16, and next Friday, June 23, at 6 pm! Get him tickets
here!
They Say:
The Professional Fighters League (PFL) presents MMA for the first time in
the sport-season format where individual fighters control their own destiny,
competing in a regular season, playoffs, and championship. PFL’s differentiated
format and exciting fights sparked breakout growth for the league. Experience
the action this month live at OTE Arena! Visit here for tickets and more info!
Sips
Have Dad sip extraordinarily!
If Dad is into tequila, this is one of the most
extraordinary variations in the world aged in wet cider barrels!
They Say:
Nosotros Tequila Añejo is the first ever tequila
aged in wet cider barrels, resulting in a one-of-a-kind taste profile of cooked
agave and warm apple. With only 1,500 bottles made, this limited-edition
release includes a unique batch number on every bottle and is presented in a
handmade wooden box.
Help Dad woooooshah one sip at a time!
Without the use of a flame, Jeng provides the refreshing
opportunity to relax with a legal 3mg microdose of THC and 6mg of CBD with four
cocktail variations. Nice!
They Say:
Non-alcoholic beverage portfolio, Jeng, expands its offerings with a new line of
ready-to-drink sparkling THC cocktails. Inspired by Montauk’s laid-back summer
elegance, Jeng’s sparkling THC cocktails are microdosed with 3mg of legal
hemp-derived THC and 6mg of CBD paired with all natural ingredients to help you
relax, reconnect, and return to center.
Jeng’s line of sparkling THC cocktails launches with
four ingredient-driven flavors that are crafted with real fruit juice and
inspired by the best mixologists around the world:
·
Spicy Blood Orange Margarita: Zesty blood
orange juice and a kick of jalapeno create the perfect balance of heat, flavor
and bliss.
·
Rhubarb Cucumber Spritz: Fresh juices with
strawberry rhubarb notes are cooled by a touch of cucumber to beat the heat.
·
Paloma: Fresh pink grapefruit juice blends
with subtle rosemary and lime for a refreshing twist on a Mexican classic.
·
Moscow Mule: Ginger forward and full-flavored
with a hint of lime and a touch of juniper.
Guinness hooks Dad’s man cave up!
The iconic stout maker Guinness come with some merch to
decorate Dad’s man cave. Check this home bar pack out courtesy of their Toucan
mascot.
They Say: Kit out your home bar with this ultimate
Toucan home bar pack, exclusive to the Guinness Webstore. Containing some of
our most popular barware, this gift collection is perfect for achieving a true
Irish pub experience at home, including:
·
1x hanging Toucan bottle opener and catcher
·
4x PVC Heritage coasters, featuring iconic
Guinness designs
·
1x set of Toucan casino-finish playing cards
·
1x durable Toucan bar mat
·
1x Guinness Toucan pouring spoon for making
mixed drinks
· Presented in Guinness Harp pillow box
Pack His Bags!
A Brewcation in Boston!
For the dad who digs craft beer, this Boston “brewcation”
sounds like a bullseye at the Hyatt Centric Faneuil Hall in the historic city! Have him tell Sam Malone and Norm I said "Whaddup?!"
They Say:
Hyatt Centric Faneuil Hall Boston’s Boston
Brewcation Experience is perfect for hophead dads with amenities
including…
·
Two-night stay in a city facing suite with an
ice-cold cooler of select craft beers
·
Welcome basket with a Father’s Day card,
variety of locally-sourced brews, and souvenir Boston beer mugs to pour a pint
at home
·
Complimentary tasting flight of Boston’s best
beers from the locally-stocked lobby bar
· Guided historic pub crawl along the Freedom Trail with knowledgeable experts from Boston Crawling, the highest-rated bar crawl and tour in the city
Rare Beer in Denver!
Have Dad enjoy some of the most unique beers in the world
while giving to a great cause in Denver, Colorado, during the 2023 Denver
Rare Beer Tasting on September 22. I went last year during the GreatAmerican Beer Festival and it was quite an experience! (The actual Festival
was dope too.)
They Say:
Tickets for the 14th edition of the Denver Rare
Beer Tasting go on sale Father’s Day, June 18th at Noon (MT). Sixty-four of
America’s leading craft breweries have committed to pour at the Sept. 22nd
event to raise funds for Pints for Prostates.
The prostate cancer awareness event takes place in
Colorado during the same weekend as the Great American Beer Festival. The
Denver Rare Beer Tasting 14er features the chance to sample rare, exotic and
vintage beers from dozens of leading craft breweries and the opportunity to meet
the men and women who made them.
Nationally Released Friday, September 18, 2026 Review by L.K. Byron With Halloween just around the corner, we are quickly approachin...