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Satisfaction not guaranteed.

If you've found yourself here on purpose then I thank you for your support.  This site will no longer be updated beyond this post, but still remain intact for archiving purposes and other mysterious reasons. If you've found yourself here on accident then I thank you for your accidental and/or begrudging support. Feel free to browse through my musings of suspect quality then meander on over to the all new Me Drink Beer.

You should know that while I'm serious about beer, I never take myself too seriously.  If you enjoy reading about, talking about, or just simply drinking quality beer then please visit Me Drink Beer frequently. I ask this of you not because I genuinely want to quench your thirst for beer-centric fodder.  Instead, I ask this of you because it's time for someone else besides myself and some dude that always finds my blog by Googling "Drink Beer Company" to pad my Google Analytics stats.

Me Drink Beer.

American Craft Beer Week 2011

American Craft Beer Week is upon us yet once again.  Monday May 16th kicked off a week long celebration of craft beer all across the nation, while places like Chicago, Seattle, San Antonio, Minnesota, Nevada, and Long Island celebrate their own regional beer weeks.

Why is American Craft Beer Week important? Well, because it celebrates an industry whose economic impact often goes overlooked.  In an industry completely dominated by a few corporate breweries, craft beer has seen steady growth while overall beer sales have been in decline.  Production volume grew 11% since last year while overall retail sales grew 12%.  This speaks volumes for a small and independent sector that makes up less than 10% of the overall beer industry in the United States.  Besides sales and production growth, the industry is constantly expanding with an 8% increase in operating breweries since last year, adding to the 100,000+ existing jobs.

American Craft Beer Week exists to highlight an industry that not only produces a fresh, high-quality, and locally-made product, but an industry that gives back to their communities and neighborhoods, values innovation and tradition at the same time, helps promote the idea of quality over quantity, and has helped cultivate the United States into the best place on Earth to drink damn good beer.

So in honor of all the craft brewers out there making sure you have excellent beer to consume, head out to your local brewpub and grab a pint or growler to show your support, tip a few back at a local restaurant or bar, and pick up a nice bottle or two at your local retail shop. I know I will.

Learn more about American Craft Beer Week at Craft Beer Dot Com.

Celebrate American Craft Beer Week at these local spots:

Rockford, Illinois isn't the largest city, but it does have a local brewpub, a solid local restaurant scene, some great spots to grab a pint of quality beer, and a small, but dedicated group of craft beer geeks, home brewers, and general beer lovers. If you live in or around Rockford, IL, here's what's going on this week as part of American Craft Beer Week:

Kryptonite Bar will be celebrating all week with Craft Beer Bingo with some pint glasses and tshirts to give away to participants.  Sign the Declaration of Beer Independence.  On Tuesday get $2 off any craft beer on the menu.  Plus, the staff will be putting their favorites on special every day. Check out this for any additional features and specials.  Kryptonite features a well-tailored selection of craft bottles with draft lines coming this summer.

Kryptonite Bar is located in downtown Rockford at the intersection of State and Main.

Artale Wine Co. will be offering free craft beer tastings Monday through Thursday and Saturday from 6 to 7:30 PM.  Each day will feature a different selection of 8-10 craft beers. The name says "wine", but they have one of the most respectable beer selections in town.

Artale Wine Co. is located at 6876 Springcreek Rd. near Perryville in Rockford.

 The Olympic Tavern will be offering a different $4 craft beer pint all week long from the likes of New Belgium, Clown Shoes, Sierra Nevada, and Flying Dog. Check out more details here. Olympic has a substantial beer selection and constantly changing taps with a tap expansion on its way.

The Olympic Tavern is located at 2327 N Main St in Rockford.

 Carlyle Brewing Co. is Rockford's only locally-owned brewpub.  Stop in for the freshest beer in the area and get a jalapeno cheese-stuffed pretzel. You won't be disappointed.  Popular brews include their Stout and Vanilla Cream Ale.  Their selection rotates consistently and there's almost always something new every few weeks.  My personal favorite is the American Strong Ale (when it's on the menu).

Carlyle Brewing Co. is located at 215 E. State St in Rockford just east of the River.


If any of the three people that read this know of other events going on around town for ACBW, don't hesitate to let us know.

Cheers, and happy American Craft Beer Week!


Me Drink Beer

Goose Trap

As most who follow beer industry news, word is spreading like hot fire about an announcement this morning of Anheuser-Busch's purchase of Chicago institution Goose Island Beer Company - and the controversy surrounding the matter is just as hot.

My attempt to keep this short and rant-less can not be guaranteed.

According the press release on Goose Island's website, A-B will purchase a controlling stake in Goose Island's production branch.  Both GI brewpubs on Clybourn and Clark will remain unaffected and will, allegedly, continue to operate as it always had - offering a constantly rotating selection of incredibly fresh and creative brews.  Per the agreement, Goose's Brewmaster of nearly 16 years, Greg Hall, will be stepping down and will be replaced by Goose's current Head Brewer Brett Porter.  Reasons for Greg's move have not been explained other than it was part of the agreement.  The press release states he will continue on as a consultant for the company.  Other sources indicate Greg will announce his future plans in the upcoming weeks.

The interests at hand claim that this move was made to specifically broaden Goose's distribution network, secure extra capital, and meet this their ever-increasing demand.  Whether a Goose Island fan, craft beer supporter, or beer drinker in general, many have hit the web with their opinions.  Obviously this comes as a disgrace to many who feel Goose has sold out, while others remain rather underwhelmed and feel it was only a matter of time, and some beer-drinkers living outside of the Midwest are happy that they will be able to find more Goose products at their local stores and bars.  On the most fundamental level, this is a no-brainer for A-B.  As general beer sales are declining, and craft beer sales on the rise, A-B is cashing in on the craft momentum yet again. 

Just a move to expand their distribution network or is there something more to this?  I  like Goose Island - they're a Chicago institution.  Not only have they got Chicagoans drinking quality, local beer but they've helped inspire Chicago's current revitalization in local, craft brewing with the likes of Half Acre, Metropolitan, Revolution, and a few other up-and-comers.  It is, however, very disappointing to see a cornerstone of Chicago brewing break from its roots. 

I will take this with a grain of salt and try to keep an open mind for now, but aligning with such a corporation undoubtedly sends a certain message (no matter the degree of that alignment), especially for a corporation that has a track record of questionable practices - government lobbying to limit small brewers, enabling aggressive pay-to-play distribution practices in various markets (coughChicagocough), a business model built on quantity over quality and fueled by greed, sexist marketing initiatives that objectify women... you get the point.

Over-analyzing the situation? Possibly.  The point is that corporate brewers represent a certain idea, and that idea opposes what small, independent brewers strive to be.  Goose's brewpubs will remain independent, which is amazing, but it's no secret that greater mass production can potentially compromise the quality of their other products.  Recently, Goose Island announced that they will start brewing at a facility on the east coast; with A-B in control of production, that could mean brewing in several more different facilities outside of Chicago - perhaps the west coast?  Stretching that production will have interesting effects. Plus, with a controlling stake in production don't be surprised that A-B might tweak a recipe here or there to make it just that much more cost effective to brew so they can increase their margin - I mean, that's their goal right? Have you heard of A-B scaling back production to focus on the quality of their product?

Let me pump the breaks on this rant.

It will be interesting to find out why Greg Hall actually stepped down as Brewmaster and what his plans are next.  Was it because he did not agree with the purchase? Was it to take on a more administrative role to ensure the integrity of Goose Island's brand? Time will tell.

Are we making too much of a big deal over this? If we are who cares.  There's nothing wrong with being passionate about wanting to retain locally and independently owned businesses.

As for now, for the three people that will read this in the next week, please share your opinion.  I would love to hear your view.  And tell me your favorite beer of 2011 so far.

Me Drink Beer

Infinium Ale 2010

Sam Adams / Weihenstephan Infinium Ale
10.3 % ABV | 750 ml bottle

I obviously have not been keeping up on the highly-anticipated limited release beers.  I just found out about Infinium today and picked it up in honor of Repeal Day.  Repeal Day was December 5th and commemorates the anniversary of the day the United States repealed the Eighteenth Amendment and gave Americans the constitutional ability to drink beer!  You can read more about it here.  I'm now on my second glass.


Time to learn you some history.

Infinium Ale is the result of a two year collaboration between between Samuel Adams and Weihenstephan Brewery.  The Bavarian State Brewery Weihenstephan, located in Freising, just 40 minutes north of Munich, is the oldest brewery in the world.  Samuel Adams and Weihenstephan sought out to create a new beer style that united European brewing heritage with American innovation.  Infinium Ale adheres to the Reinheitsgebot, the German purity law of 1516 that limits German beer to be made of only four ingredients: water, malted barley, hops, and yeast.  The original law actually consisted of just water, malt, and hops as yeast was not discovered at this point.  The law was also later amended to include wheat, the primary ingredient in Germany's famous southern Bavarian hefeweizen and kristalweizen, and Berlin's acidic Berliner Weiss beers.

On to the beer.

Infinium Ale is presented in a 750 ml champagne-like bottle with all the bells and whistles: foil-wrapped neck, cork and wire cage closure, ornate labeling, and a tag explaining the beer.  A bottle like this instantly generates high expectations.
 
Infinium Ale pours a strikingly crystal-clear golden color, with thick, frothy foam.  The aroma is filled with notes of pears, pineapples, and banana.  Medium to heavy-bodied, strong alcohol is apparent with a dry finish.  Up front, Infinium displays bready malt characteristics mixed with yeast, quickly transitioning to a spicy,warming sensation, taking on oaky, spirit-like flavors.  The beer finishes strong with a dry, spicy, alcohol kick.  The spice lingers, giving way to more biscuity malt in the finish.  As the beer warms, the bread-like malt and yeasty spiciness become more detectable in the aroma as well the flavor.

Infinium shares the spiciness of a Belgium Tripel, the alcohol content of a strong dark ale, and the color and clarity of a Pilsner, which makes it a very deceiving beer.  Not often do we find a beer as light-colored as Infinium that clocks in at over 10% alcohol by volume.  Although not the bubbly, champagne-like, crisp beer that was described on the tag, Infinium's layers of spicy, malty complexity makes it a brew unlike most others.

I'm working my way through the last glass with some extra sharp Wisconsin cheddar.  Everything about this pairing works: the spiciness of the beer compliments the sharpness of the cheddar, and the carbonation in the beer helps cleanse the creaminess of the cheese.

Me Drink Beer.

Beers for Turkey Day

I originally was not going to write about Thanksgiving Day beers.  Now I am, at the last possible minute.  A buddy texted me asking to recommend a few beers that would pair well with a Thanksgiving Day dinner.  So, with out any pictures or fancy effects, here are my last minute Thanksgiving Day beer recommendations.

Saisons.  Saisons are Belgian farmhouse ales that happen to pair excellent with most foods.  Don't ask me why (that's for another time).  They just do.  Seek out the classic Saison Dupont from Belgium, or The Lost Abbey Red Barn Ale.  If buying organic is a priority, get your paws on some Dupont Foret.

Amber ales and/or lagers.  Ambers posses great malt characteristics that can enhance roasted meat and vegetables with out being too sweet.  Lagers provide cleaner aftertastes, while ales lend fruiter notes.  Look for Flying Dog Old Scratch Amber Lager, or Dark Horse Amber Ale at your local grocer or bottle shop.  Sierra Nevada Tumbler is labeled a brown ale, but would also pair excellent with any autumn feast.

Dubbels.  Reach for a dubbel if you're looking for a beer with a bit more substance, body, and complexity.  Dubbels are Belgian dark ales ranging from 6-8% ABV and are a great alternative to red wine on the dinner table.  While sweet, dubbels posses complex flavors or prunes, raisins, apricots, plums, and cherries that pair excellent with anything you put that traditional cranberry sauce on...or pretty much anything on the table.  Pick up Allagash Dubbel for a drier dubbel, The Lost Abbey Lost & Found Ale for a heavier dubbel, or the classic Chimay Red.

That's it.  Please enjoy your holiday, and may your dinner be enhanced with quality beer.  I will be enjoying my meal with a bottle of Lost & Found!


Me Drink Beer

One Year of Beer...kind of

On November 10, 2009 I decided to embark on a little project.  The concept was pretty simple: photograph every single beer I consume for one full year.  This was not an attempt to drink a beer each day for 365 days, or try as many different beers as possible in one year.  I didn't go out of my way for variation, quantity, or exclusiveness...or anything else that would have made this far more interesting to read about.  My motive was to just document my normal consumption as someone who enjoys beer.  The idea was to take a picture every time I drank a beer, repeats included, whether I was at home, out for dinner, or having a few at the bar. Easy enough, right?  Makes you want to read more, right?  Riiigghht?

There was little to no effort involved except for remembering to take a photo.  What was so difficult about remembering to do that?  In fact, the most effort involved in this whole ordeal was compiling and labeling the photos.  In the beginning I was very dedicated.  After a few months I started to get lazy about snapping pictures when out to dinner, or a little awkward in front of a group of newly met acquaintances.  Other times I would simply forget to take a picture until after I had finished the beer, or would completely forget all together.  

Because of this, I have estimated a success rate of about 70%.  That's a D-.  I essentially failed this project. And don't ask me how I figured that percentage.  I used some obscure formula that is probably way too scientific for your mind to handle.  I'm just protecting your mind, that's all.

After one year I ended up with 307 photos.  Figuring a 70% success rate, I most likely made my way through 439 beers.

You can pretend to browse the selection by clicking on the photograph below.

One Year of Beer

Among the beers I failed to photograph, a few that were very memorable include:

April 2010 - Goose Island Pepe Nero, North Coast PranQster, and others - birthday dinner at The Publican

July 4th 2010 - Sierra Nevada 30th Anniversary Imperial Helles Bock

August 7th 2010 - New Glarus Wisconsin Belgian Red and Boulevard Brewing The Sixth Glass Quadruple - both enjoyed by the groomsmen, groom, and his father on the wedding day of a best friend.  I believe a few Sam Adams Summer Ales and New Belgium Fat Tires were involved too.

September 24th 2010 - Multiple bottles of home-brewed German Hefeweizen  - a batch I brewed as a wedding gift to my sister and her husband for the rehearsal dinner.

Forgotten date - The Lost Abbey Red Barn Ale



Me Drink Beer

New Website | Owl Beer Returns.

 

It's been yet another unacceptable amount of time in between posts but this time I'm back with an official website full of shameless self promotion.  Don't worry, all of my shameful self promotion is reserved for the brilliant content that makes up this blog.

Last Thursday I launched my official website thanks to Garrett Ryan Design.  If I had tried to do it myself then you'd end up at a broken link with a picture of burning tires.  That doesn't make sense, which is the point.  Seriously, I am extremely happy with the way it turned out.  I won't go into much detail about it here but before you scurry off and visit it please finish reading this post -  no one likes quitters.  But even more seriously, tire burning is a huge problem and makes babies sad.

Last Thursday I also had the opportunity to pour some craft beer (as well as my own home-brewed Hefeweizen) at Kryptonite in Rockford in association with Ignite.  Ignite is an excellent local organization aimed at attracting and retaining young professionals in Rockford through a series of networking events.  Thanks to Ignite and Kryptonite for hosting the event, Marketplace Selections, The Olympic Tavern, and Caked for providing the food and beer, and everyone who attended for making it a success and pretending to like my beer!

In this momentous occasion I've decided to crack open another bottle of owl beer - this time being Hitachino Nest Commemorative Ale.  I briefly mentioned this beer in my previous post about Hitachino Nest but mistakenly called it Celebration Ale.  Mistakes happen, Miller Chill knows what I'm talking about.

Hitachino Nest Commemorative Ale

9% abv | 11.2 oz bottle 

There's a good chance that if you're reading this it is because you probably Googled "owl beer" and you were somehow coerced into clicking on this blog.  I have found that coercion is the most effective technique in getting people to visit this site. So far it's worked on at least 132 innocent owl-beer-Googlers.

Commemorative Ale is labeled a "Festive ale brewed with vanilla beans, coriander, orange peel, nutmeg and cinnamon." You read that right.  While it is not uncommon to see such ingredients in various brewing styles, it is not everyday they find themselves together in one bottle.  I was anticipating a rich flavor profile similar to that of a mulled cider - subtle tartness, well spiced, and slightly warming from the higher alcohol percentage.

Commemorative Ale initially poured a crystal clear reddish-brown then a very cloudy rust with all the sediment.  An enticing aroma of spices and citrus was very promising.  The nutmeg was pronounced with a cedar-like fragrance while the vanilla remained very faint but developed as the beer warmed.

Though full-bodied and creamy, Commemorative was not as rich as I had anticipated given its 9% ABV and laundry list of spices.  Citrus tang from the orange peel was definitely detectable up front. The vanilla bean helped create a smooth beer, but lent more sweetness than actual vanilla flavor.  I had to search a bit for some discernible flavor from the spice mix. While present, it tasted as though the spices had some trouble fighting through the overall sweetness of the beer.  As in the aroma, the actual vanilla flavor became more present as the beer warmed.

Commemorative Ale did not reflect the image I had constructed in my mind but it was, all in all, a decent bottle of beer.  For its strength, it is smooth and easy to drink with enough complexity to keep you interested.  Hitachino Nest's Belgian influences really show in this beer.  One one hand, the orange peel and coriander present the familiar profile of a Belgian Wit.  On the second hand, the depth of the vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg mirror the more complex sweetness of a Belgian Dubbel.  Both flavors combine to create some sort of Dubbel/Wit hybrid.  Since those are two of my favorite styles I kind of regret not buying a second bottle.

Lastly, I am going to make an asserted effort to post more often and on a consistent basis.  My goal is for more varied content - brewer interviews, brewery tour/brewpub experiences, getting the upetty-up on newly released brews, even harsher, more character-demoralizing commentary. It's a process.

Keep your eyes peeled for a new entry anywhere between next week and 6 months.

Me Drink Beer.