14 January 2011

Random Beer Roundup - I'm Baaaaaaaaaaack! Edition

Have you missed me?

Since Mike and Gina are getting their craft beer on, west coast style, I'm running the Roundup this week and next. Just like old times...

At this point, I'd normally babble on about something. I would have hoped that it would football related, but alas, football is over. At least it is for me. Now I'm counting down the days to opening day. Chicago Cubs (4/1) in 77 days; Cincy Reds (4/2) in 78; and the Indianapolis Indians (4/7) in 84.

I'm also counting down the days to Winterfest. Only 15 more. If you don't have your tix, get 'em here: http://www.indianabeerfest.com/.


If there is something coming up that is not listed, we would love to hear about it. News, reviews, info, etc., to share for our next Random Beer Roundup can be submitted to hoosierbeergeek@gmail.com. Don't see your favorite craft beer establishment? Let them know you'd like to see them here! Work for an establishment that serves craft beer? We want to hear from you too!

That's all I got. Time for me to get back in the saddle again and start this roundup! Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeha!


Hoosier Beer Calendar
Events are subject to change



From Greg at Lafayette Brewing Co. in Lafayette:
On tap this weekend at Lafayette Brewing: Star City Lager; Prophet's Rock Pale Ale; East Side Bitter; Black Angus Oatmeal Stout; Tippecanoe Common Ale and our latest seasonal Snow Daze IPA. Look for our next seasonal, Star City Amber Lager, to hit the taps in late January. Rumors swirling around about a dry-hopped version for Winterfest!

On the brewery front: After just under two weeks of scrambling, our two ex-Wildcat fermenters have been re-invigorated and re-installed with new fermenter-sized koozies. Thanks to a tip from our friends at Sun King on the insulating company, the tanks are holding temperatures far better than previous and will be able to produce lagers year-round. Now that we're back up to full brewing strength, expect a return to 8-10 available styles on tap in the next couple of weeks. We've also just placed an order for a new jacketed bright tank to help keep up with increased demand and provide an improved platform for bottling. Lead time is approximately 14 weeks, so we'll be looking for this baby sometime in April. And finally, we're going to try to sneak in some time to get a limited amount of Big Boris Barleywine into 22 oz. bombers; hopefully, we'll have some available by the end of next week. We'll keep you posted
From Roger at New Albanian Brewing Co. in New Albany:
An assemblage of NABCs: It’s N.A.B.C.ieged III, beginning January 25.

The New Albanian Brewing Company has long embraced the metaphorical
properties of innovation and inundation, and will continue these proud
incantations on Tuesday, January 25, with the third incarnation of
N.A.B.C.ieged.

This draft showcase at the Pizzeria & Public House (3312 Plaza Drive, New
Albany) is all about us -- our NABC beers, as brewed at both our New
Albany locations by brewers Jesse Williams & Jared Williamson, and David
Pierce (Director of Brewing Operations).

Our brewers and their beers are the future of our business (and aesthetic)
enterprise, and in 2011, the entire beer program at our traditional
Pizzeria & Public House location is set to undergo an exciting
metamorphosis as we reduce our carbon footprint, transition away from
reliance on imports, and embrace an even greater advocacy of stylistic
education, as reflected by the continuing gains of America’s craft beer
revolution.

Including our own NABC revolution, hence: N.A.B.C.ieged III: Even More
Than Before.

The idea is to have as many as possible of our own NABC beers on tap at
one time at the Pizzeria & Pub (pour sizes and pricing to be determined).
The event will last as long as the kegs do, and then we’ll begin
preparations for Gravity Head, our annual paean to craft brewing’s outer
extremities.

As during the inaugural N.A.B.C.ieged one year ago (a second edition was
later held at Louisville Beer Store), we're showcasing these NABC drafts
at the Pizzeria & Public House rather than Bank Street Brewhouse, for the
simple reason that we have more available spouts for pouring. Last year’s
record is 24. In 2011, we hope to beat it.

Given the amount of work required to swap all these kegs of beer and keep
them pouring, say a silent prayer for brewer Jared Williamson, and beer
managers Ben Minton and Eric Gray, who'll be doing the heavy lifting,
literally.

---

The final lineup won’t be known until just before the curtain rises on
January 25, but the list below is reasonably accurate.

Regulars (including *Session Series)
*Abzug
Beak’s Best
Bob’s Old 15-B
*Community Dark
Elector
Hoptimus
*Tafel Bier
Tunnel Vision

Brewer’s Best Friend Series
Abby’s Dubbel
Elsa von Horizon
Henna
Jasmine
Jaxon

Footed Stout Series
Cloven Foot
ThunderFoot
WeeFoot

Seasonals
Ackerman’s Imperial Double Stout (2011 Winterfest ReplicAle)
Amarillo (Single Hop)
Ancient Rage
Bonfire of the Valkyries
C2 New Albanian/O’Fallon/Schlafly collaboration)
Cascade (Single Hop)
ConeSmoker
ELI
Hop-O
Imperial Bonfire of the Valkyries
Le Diable Blonde
Le Douche Mentale
Oaked Ancient Rage
Oaktimus (16 months old?)
Saison de Houblon
Samu-Rye!
Solidarity

Casks
Sour Rye Belgian Strong (pin)
Dry Hopped Abzug (firkin)
Scotch Black Grass (pin)

Gravity Head begins February 25.
From Andrew at Ram Restaurant and Brewery in Indianapolis/Fishers:
2011 RAM Small Ale Competition
The RAM Restaurant and Brewery is happy to announce the creation of the RAM Small Ale Competition. We would like to challenge you, the Homebrewer, to brew the best Small Ale that you can create! While some well-made beers on the smaller side can be shunned at other beer competitions, we want to highlight the Brewer(s) who can create the best and most balanced flavor combinations while also making a sessionable pint that everyone can enjoy again and again. Check out https://sites.google.com/site/ramsmallale/.

The winner will brew their recipe on site with RAM Head Brewer, Andrew Castner, and the winning recipe will be on tap at both the Indianapolis and Fishers RAM locations. As a BJCP certified competition, the winning beer will also be entered into the 2011 GABF Pro-Am competition in Denver, CO. We will be hosting all entrants for a VIP Brewer’s Reception on Saturday, April 2nd at 2 p.m. to announce the winners. Please consult the schedule for deadlines. Thank you in advance for your help in making our inaugural RAM Small Ale Competition a huge success, and we look forward to tasting all of your great entries!

$5.99 Growlers in January
For January only, both RAM locations are offering $5.99 growler fills all day every day (except Sundays in Fishers – seasonal price may vary). Bigger, Better, Fresher!

On Tap Now – Both Locations
Blue Pride Pilsner – Traditional German Lager
Coo Coo for Cocoa – Rich, decadent Chocolate Stout
Dry-Hop Delusions – Brown Ale with citrus and herbal dry-hops

On the Horizon
Batch #999 – “In Hops We Trust” Imperial IPA – Late February
Ole St. Mick’s Irish Red – Early February

From Mark at Bee Creek Brewery:
Just thought I'd give you some info on Bee Creek:

1) This Monday the 17th will be part of a food and beer pairing using Bee Creek beers at Chief's Restaurant in Greencastle. Information can be found on their website.

2) We have just received 4 new fermenters that will allow us to double production from our brewery in Brazil. You can see or copy pictures of them from our Facebook page.




From Charles at Upland Brewing Co. in Bloomington:
Traders Point Beer-Paired Dinner : Zionsville, IN. Thurs., Jan. 20, 6pmJoin us at Traders Point Creamery's Loft for an evening of excellent food paired with Upland beers. Call 317-733-1700 to make your reservation. Click here to see the menu and pairings.

At the Bar



From Patrick at Patrick's Kitchen and Drinks in Zionsville:
Happy days!
HopSlam returns for us on Thursday Jan.13th....so think dinner, cause it won't be delivered until the afternoon.
Other beers currently on tap are Mojo Rising, BBC Java Porter on Nitro, Sun King 222, Alpha King from Three Floyds and the collaboration between DogFish and Three Floyds that is Poppa Skull.

From Lauren at Scotty's Brewhouse:
Scott's Brewhouse West Lafayette Now Has:
Dogfish Head Poppa Skull

Scotty's Brewhouse North Side Indianapolis (96th St) Now Has:
People’s Mr. Brown
Sun King Maluspi

Scotty's Lakehouse Now Has:
Bluegrass Brewing Company Bourbon Stout


Carry Out
From Joe at Crown Liquors (U.S. 31 South) in Greenwood:
You asked, you pleaded, you demanded... It's finally arrived... BELL'S HOPSLAM! We have a few HOPSLAM MINIKEGS ($39.99) left - if you want one give us a call or get here ASAP!

On Friday, January 14th, from 5-8PM we are tasting:
BELL'S - Hopslam (Double IPA brewed with Honey)
ROGUE - Chateau Series: Dirtoir (Schwarz Bier) (Brand New!)
CRISPIN - Honey Crisp (Hard Cider brewed with Honey)
Other new brews this week include:
BLUEGRASS - Rye 75 IPA
CHIMAY - Cinq Cents (4-pks)
DOGFISH - 60 + 90 Minute (Back in stock and FRESH!), Raison D'EXTRA (Early '07 - Almost 4 years old!)
DR. FRITZ - Grut Bier Spice Traditional Ale
DUVEL - Triple Hop Ale
FOUNDER'S - Centennial (FRESH!), Double Trouble (FRESH!)
FULLER'S - Vintage Ale 2009
HEBREW - Barrel Aged Vertical Jewbulation
NORTH COAST - Old Coast Ale 2009
ORKNEY - Skullsplitter
SAMICLAUS - Samiclaus 2009
SCHLAFLY - Dry-Hopped APA
SCHLAFLY - Pilsner
UNIBROUE - Terrible

Our Carmel location (126th and North Meridian) is also having a BELL'S tasting on Friday from 5-7PM; including HOPSLAM and other BELLS!

From Corrie at Goose the Market in Indianapolis:
The King of Prussia drained a tankard and passed out for a day...is there really anything more to say? besides, it's really, amazingly delicious? Hair of the Dog's Adam is on the singles shelf. Let the Prussians come.
Your beer is so hoppy it delivers chocolate eggs and peeps. Oh, slam! (Yes, we have Hopslam.)
In the 18th century, when innkeeper and brewer Pauwel Kwak tried to invent the glass that wouldn't spill in a stage coach, everyone called him a quack. When he succeeded, everyone toasted Kwak. Turn the horses toward the Goose for this top-fermented, Belgian strong pale ale.

1 comment:

  1. went to patricks for the hopslam! awesome.

    ReplyDelete