What ever happened to Firehouse Brewing?

The Firehouse Brewing Co. is no more. I hadn't seen them in stores or represented at any beer events lately, and now I know why. In March the company filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, and all of their assets were sold at auction last week. All of the lots sold for a total of around $400,000 including the Firehouse brand itself, which sold for a mere $1,500. The brand is not expected to be resurrected, but anything is possible. Although I don't know what factors played into the closing of the brewery, whose opening was inspired by the tragic events of 9/11, my best guess is that a lack of marketing as well as a very limited product line must have played a major roll in the demise of the promising young company that was founded by local firefighters. My sources tell me there had been unrest among investors for the last year or so, possibly regarding these very issues. Whatever the case, it is always sad to see a brewery fold. I got a bit melancholy a couple of days ago when I saw some of their beer on the shelf at Albertsons. They must have had some old stock laying around that they needed to get rid of. A sad end to what could have been a great story. Farewell, Firehouse. You will be missed.

Can we get one of these made for beer?

Don't drink & drive!

Beer Facts

Ancestral women maintained power and status in a male dominated society through their skill as brewers. Way to go, ladies!

Beautiful!

What's on tap at Ballast Point?

Kudos to Ballast Point for putting shots online of what's on tap at both of their locations. Click here to see what's available at the Home Brew Mart location, and here to see what's pouring at the Old Grove outlet. Take the guesswork out of your imbibing!

San Diego Beer Week Preview Weekend 2011

The 2nd annual event is coming June 10-12. Get details here. Plan early to take full advantage of the weekend and get a taste of what's to come in November during the 3rd annual San Diego Beer Week.

I'd hire her!

One of these things is not like the other

Quite a lineage

Who said that?

"Mankind: The animal that fears the future and desires fermented beverages."
- Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin

Where am I?

Throwing Stones

I am a day late and a dollar short on reporting on the planned expansion of local favorite & 14th largest craft brewer in the country, Stone Brewing Co. Most people know all about it at this point, but if you don't (where were you, under a Stone?) Peter Rowe put together a nice article about it here. As new details emerge I will pass them on. Did you find it strange, however, that Stone released this news on Ballast Point Day? Maybe it's just me.

Happy Ballast Point Day!

That's right, today is officially Ballast Point Day. Last year the San Diego City Council declared May 18th a day to honor the now 15 year old brewery. A transcript can be found here. With a home brewing supply outlet, multiple brewing locations, and a distillery, Ballast Point has become a solid member of the community. Celebrate with Ballast Point tonight at The High Dive, where over 20 Ballast Point beers will be available along with a special menu. Details can be found here. If you can't make it to the festivities, make it a "point" to throw back your favorite Ballast Point beer tonight. I know I will!

Karl Strauss celebrates American Craft Beer Week

Karl Strauss is offering a special on growlers this week. In celebration of ACBW they are offering new growlers, filled with any beer, for only $9. A special week calls for a special beer, so they have created an American Craft Beer Week Rye IPA to put in that shiny new growler. If you're like me you probably already have a pretty good stockpile of Karl Strauss growlers at home, so be green and take them in for $9 fills as well. This beer, like this week, will go fast so hurry in to take advantage of this great deal!

Where was I?

That's a great question. Where have I been? What have I been up to? What beer exploits have I been involved in, and which ones did I miss out on? Have I tried any new beers? Have I attended any beer events worth mentioning? Why have I been on hiatus from this blog since December? Those are all great questions, most of which I hope to answer in future posts. I will, however, address the last question regarding my abrupt hiatus from this blog right now. The short answer is that my computer crashed. Although my beer adventures continued, my blogging came to a screeching halt. My computer is still in ruins, which I hope to have remedied soon, but I can remain silent no more. I have sought alternate means for sharing my passion for craft beer with the world, and so the cog in my blog has officially started turning once again! I couldn't think of a better occasion to reinstate my blog than this week. And so, without further ado, I wish you a happy American Craft Beer Week! Get out there this week and experience all that craft beer is, can, and WILL be in your local area. Check back here as well, as I carry on with my quest to keep you informed, motivated, and excited about all that is BEER!