Lucky Bastard?

What is this mystery beer from Stone Brewing Co. that I have heard mutterings about? According to scuttlebutt, it is a mix of Arrogant Bastard, Oaked Arrogant Bastard, and Double Bastard. Sign me up! Oddly enough, I have heard no mention of this brew from Stone. I do, however, know that it is being released on Monday, so I can't wait to give it a try. Also of note, the 2010 release of Double Bastard is on Monday as well, so I will have at least a couple of new beers to try on that day. Oh, yeah!

An open letter to the television and film industry

I'm fed up! I was watching TV the other night when I was assaulted with an action that is seen all too often in television and film. An action that I cringe at every time I see. An action that makes me want to stand up and shout to the entertainment industry, "Enough!" What is it that has me in such an uproar? Gratuitous violence? Illicit sexual material? Offensive language? No, not this time. I am offended with the phrase "Give me a beer." Innocent in its delivery, the words strike me like a swift crack of a bat to my head. We've all witnessed the generic bar scene in a TV show or movie when someone walks up to the bar and asks for a beer. Does it happen in real life? Of course, but not in the beer bars that I frequent! Product placement may not be the right call. I would love to be watching a show in which the lead character walks up to the bar and orders a Stone IPA. However, due to marketing and other issues I realize that this probably won't be the norm anytime soon. But why not have the actor ask for an IPA, a bock, or a nice barleywine? These terms may be foreign to a good portion of the audience at first, but what better way to introduce them to the vast world of beer that eludes a good portion of the viewing public today? If they hear it more and more in the media, they may be inspired to ask about these other, mysterious types of brew the next time they visit their local watering hole. That is my rant, be it as it may. Now that I have opened your mind to the existence of this media travesty, maybe you will be motivated to make a change. I don't blame the industry for its ignorance, but I can blame it for its lack of action now that the facts have been exposed. I look forward to a better tomorrow as we work together to change the perception of beer in modern media. Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
The Hop Daddy (a concerned beer enthusiast)

Weekend Roundup

What could be better than drinking beer for a good cause? Join Ballast Point Brewing & Spirits for their annual beer festival & charity event, drink some great beer from a bunch of local breweries, and support NTC Foundation, Inc. all at the same time. I'll be on hand, pouring some beer and enjoying the beautiful Saturday afternoon. I hope to see you there!

Ballast Point 14th Anniversary Beer Festival & Charity Event
Saturday, 1:00-5:00pm
San Diego, CA
$20 cash at the door

"Get the Point."

Beer Poetry

Lines on Ale - Edgar Allen Poe

Fill with mingled cream and amber,
I will drain that glass again.
Such hilarious visions clamber
Through the chamber of my brain.
Quaintest thoughts, queerest fancies
Come to life and fade away.
What care I how time advances;
I am drinking ale today.

Stone 10.10.10 Vertical Epic Ale has arrived!

What could possibly redeem yet another Monday? The arrival of the 9th in a limited release series of 11 one-off creations from Stone Brewing Co. This installment doesn't disappoint, and provides enough depth and layering of flavors that multiple tastings will be required for a complete examination of this unique ale. The beer is brewed as a Belgian-style triple, with the addition of chamomile. Adding to the layers of flavor are not one, but three distinct varieties of grapes harvested from South Coast Winery in Temecula. Muscat, Gewurztraminer, & Sauvignon grapes join the party and provide a complexity that threw me off at first. I was greeted by a slightly tart, almost sour nose and first sip. The three grape varieties blended with the sweetness of the style to give me the sour-like first impression. Although the flavor was still present as the brew warmed, I was then able to discern the style from the trio of grape types. The chamomile weaves through the beverage so well that it is hard not only to distinguish it from the rest of the ingredients, but difficult to even tell how and where it is integrated in the final product. Complex and imaginative ingredients combined with a 9.5% alcohol content create an environment for exploration and discovery. I garner 3.5 stars to this annual offering although, as mentioned before, I plan on finding myself before a glass of this playful, mysterious concoction before I set my final thoughts in "stone". Procure a bottle, tuck in, and share your thoughts on this "epic" brew!

FRIDAY

This seems to sum up my feelings for the weekend, what about yours?

$1 Beer

Seaport Village is celebrating its 30th anniversary with festivities planned all weekend. Tomorrow night from 7:00-8:00pm the restaurants of Seaport Village are offering beer for $1! See all of the planned activities, including the 30 for 30 Carousel Challenge, here.

The End of History

BrewDog has created a 55% alcohol beer called The End of History. Wow.

Stone 10.10.10 Vertical Epic Ale

As the date approaches, you may be surprised to learn that the release of the 2010 installment of the much anticipated brew will actually be October 11th! Distribution on a Sunday isn't possible, so we will have to wait an extra day to savor the next Vertical Epic. Will it be epic? Read about it on their blog 10.10.10 Is Upon Us. Not familiar with the limited annual release? Details can be found here. Whether you are a seasoned VE veteran or a newcomer to the line, give it a try when it comes out and let me know what you think. I'll give you my impressions on the 12th!

Monday

Monday calls for some humor.

Don't get crapulous!

If you are crapulous you display a marked intemperance in eating & drinking, are sick from excessive indulgence in liquor, and feel like crap. Don't do it!

Let's go to Texas!

Click here if you don't see the video.

Ah, Oktoberfest!