Monday, February 28, 2011

Oaky & The Bandit Review

That’s because we’ve never done it! Today, I take that 28 hours and boil it down to four or so minutes with my friend Seth from Beer Nation

I apologize for there being no shots of the pour. I only received one bottle of beer, so I couldn’t do the beer porn I usually do. Luckily, the bottle has a lot going on, so I got a bunch of shots of it.

Bohemian brewery does things the old-fashioned way. When I received the beer, I didn’t expect it to be aged in bourbon barrels or whiskey barrels, it’s aged in oak barrels. Oak barrels that were designed to age beer. They’ve never had anything in them before. Just beer. I’m not saying I don’t appreciate beer aged in bourbon barrels (because I totally do), I’m saying that there’s something to be said for tradition.

I don’t know if I talked about the Reinheitsgebot before, but it’s a beer purity law established in 1516 that proclaimed beer must be made from water, barley, and hops. I wonder if anyone openly flaunted the Reinheitsgebot and just called their beer something different. This is probably where naming conventions surrounding malt liquor came from. Conversation probably went something like this:

I’ll hayve thine Olde English eigght hunndred bier, maiden.
Tis not a bier kind sir, tis a malte likker.
Wot wench? Bring me the bier and begone with the silly naymes!

Yes, so if you can imagine what it was like to be alive then, you can imagine having an Oaky and the Bandit. You can only get it in UT, so if you’re friends with someone there, have them send you one!

Just The Facts

Appearance: BLACK
Smell: Coffee, smoke, light malty
Taste: Straight cold, black coffee
Mouthfeel: Medium bodied, mildly carbonated
Drinkability: Seth said “If I closed my eyes, I wouldn’t know it was dark – sessionable.”

If you like this, you might like:

Schwarzbiers, Porters, Stouts

Where to find them online

Website
Facebook
Twitter

oaky and the bandit label by bohemian brewery

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Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Senate Bill 314 to kill beerfest in Utah

"Perhaps you have heard about the liquor law changes being proposed in the Utah Senate. You probably didn't hear that one of the changes in Senate Bill 314 would stop City Weekly from putting on their Second Annual Utah Beer Fest.

Didn't it feel great last summer, being part of a REAL beer fest where you could sample the brewers wares without the need of tokens or chits or any silly payment per sample. Ahh, it was just like everywhere else.

Well, Senator Valentine noticed you enjoying yourself and decided to put a stop to it. Here is the relevant summary from the bill: prohibits event permittees from selling, offering for sale, or furnishing an indefinite 60 or unlimited number of alcoholic products during a set period for a fixed price.

Other fun (read that sarcastically) changes are the push back of beer sales to 11:30 am, an hour and a half later than current law of 10:00 am. Perhaps it would be worth your while to either go to the committee meeting or call your Senator and/or Committee members.

The committee meeting is today (Wed 23rd) at 7:30 am in room 210 of the Senate Building.

Link to text of SB-314:

http://le.utah.gov/~2011/bills/sbillint/sb0314.pdf

Link to committee schedule:

http://le.utah.gov/asp/interim/Commit.asp?Year=2011&Com=SSTBUS

Link to Legislative Roster:

http://le.utah.gov/Documents/2010roster.pdf

Link to post on Utahbeer:

http://utahbeer.blogspot.com/2011/02/your-pound-of-flesh-is-due.html

Here are the committee members contact information:

John L Valentine

857 E 970 N (R)

OREM UT 84097 Utah

Home (801) 224−1693

Office (801) 373−6345

Fax (801) 377−4991

Curtis S Bramble

3663 N 870 E (R)

PROVO UT 84604 Utah

Home (801) 226−3663

Cell (801) 361−5802

Fax (801) 812−8297

Gene Davis

865 PARKWAY AVE (D) SALT LAKE CITY UT 84106 Salt Lake

Home (801) 484−9428

Fax (801) 484−9442

David Hinkins

P O BOX 485 (R) ORANGEVILLE UT 84537 Carbon, Emery,

Home (435) 384−5550 Grand, San Juan,

Office (435) 748−2828 Utah

Fax (435) 748−2089

Dan Liljenquist

553 S DAVIS BLVD (R) BOUNTIFUL UT 84010 Davis

Home (801) 294−2378

Karen Mayne

5044 W BANNOCK CIR (D) WEST VALLEY CITY UT 84120

Asst. Minority Whip

Home (801) 968−7756 Salt Lake

Stephen H Urquhart

634 E 1100 S (R) ST GEORGE UT 84790 Washington

Phone (435) 668−7759

Fax (435) 272−4484

Kevin T Van Tassell

3424 W 1500 N (R) VERNAL UT 84078

Daggett, Duchesne, Home (435) 789−0724

Summit, Uintah, Office (435) 789−7082

Wasatch Fax (435) 789−8411

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Getting ready for American Craft Beer Week!

Brewers Association Predicts Record-Breaking Participation in 2011 American Craft Beer Week

By CraftBeer.com

Nationwide Toast to the Craft Beer Community: May 16-22, 2011

Boulder, CO • Feb 22, 2011-Cheers. Salud. Prost.L'Chaim. The Brewers Association-the national non-profit association representing the majority of today's U.S. breweries, and publishers of CraftBeer.com-will celebrate American Craft Beer Week (ACBW) May 16-22, with local events held nationwide.

Considered The Mother of All Beer Weeks, ACBW recognizes one of America's true culinary arts and provides a platform for small and independent craft brewers to salute supporters and connect with their local communities. Thousands of today's beer enthusiasts, beginners and hard core geeks will toast craft beer, with ACBW events predicted to take place in all 50 states.

"American Craft Beer Week is an annual celebration of these historic beer times and the amazing community citizenship of craft brewers," said Julia Herz, a spokesperson for the Brewers Association. "With an emphasis to savor the flavor responsibly and the resurgence of a rich brewing culture here in the U.S., the week is a chance to highlight and recognize the incredible contributions of America's craft brewers."

There are close to 30 local beer weeks/beer months in the U.S. annually, each with its own identity and organizer. Established in 2006, ACBW builds on these local celebrations and is the largest national effort focusing solely on American craft brewers. Economically, small and independent U.S. craft brewers contribute an estimated 100,000 jobs, accounting for $3 billon annually in wages and benefits.

In 2010, ACBW logged 341 participating breweries that hosted 621 events with recognition at multiple retailers in 45 states. In addition, U.S. Congress passed House Resolution 1297to support the goals and ideals of ACBW and recognize the significant contributions of craft brewers to the economy.

Throughout the week, a variety of events will be hosted by craft brewers and beer retailers across the country. Mirroring the diverse styles and brands of the industry, events include charity fundraisers, new beer releases, brewery openings, festivals, unique craft beer dinners and special brewery tours. Additionally, participating breweries will once again encourage beer enthusiasts to sign the Declaration of Beer Independence, an official document to support America's small and independent craft brewers.

For an ever-expanding list of events visit the official calendar on CraftBeer.com.

2011 ACBW registered celebrations to date:

Augusta Brewing Company, Augusta, GA: BBQ food pairings and a special release craft beer.

Kreuz Creek Brewing Co., Sugar Land, TX: Limited release tastings, extended tour hours, discounted merchandise, and a Wranger National Patriot Fundraiser.

Kuhnhenn Brewing Co., Warren, MI: Free personal pizza giveaway for patrons who tape their signed Declaration of Beer Independence to the pub wall.

Intuition Ale Works, Jacksonville, FL: Will celebrate American Craft Beer Week at the Jacksonville Craft and Import Beer Festival on May 20.

Mountaineer Brewing Company, Martinsburg, WV: There will be daily brewery tours and on Saturday May 21, an open house with live music and a motorcycle stuntman.

Omaha Beer Festival, Omaha, NE: The largest craft beer festival in Nebraska, will include craft beer tastings, beer-related seminars, beer and food pairings, a comparative beer glass seminar, and live entertainment/local food vendors on-site.

Rogue Ales, Newport, OR: To benefit dog charities in Oregon, Brewer's Memorial Ale Fest will include over 30 microbreweries, live music, doggy musical chairs, dog wash, dog dancing, and celebrity dog look-alikes.

WEBSITE: CraftBeer.com

CONTACT:

Andy Sparhawk, Craft Beer Program Coordinator
303.447.0816 x118
andy@brewersassociation.org

Julia Herz, Craft Beer Program Director
303.447.0816 x113
julia@brewersassociation.org

###

Based in Boulder, Colorado, USA, the Brewers Association (BA) is the not-for-profit trade and education association dedicated to small and independent American brewers, their craft beers and the community of brewing enthusiasts. Visit BrewersAssociation.org to learn more. The association's activities include events and publishing: CraftBeer.com, World Beer Cup®; Great American Beer Festival®; Craft Brewers Conference and BrewExpo America®; National Homebrewers Conference; National Homebrew Competition; SAVOR: An American Craft Beer & Food Experience; American Craft Beer Week; Zymurgymagazine; The New Brewer magazine; and books on beer and brewing. The Brewers Association has an additional membership division of 24,000+ homebrewers: American Homebrewers Association.

Beer lovers are invited to learn more about the dynamic world of craft beer at CraftBeer.com.

Getting ready for American Craft Beer Week!

Brewers Association Predicts Record-Breaking Participation in 2011 American Craft Beer Week
By CraftBeer.com
Nationwide Toast to the Craft Beer Community: May 16-22, 2011
Boulder, CO • Feb 22, 2011-Cheers. Salud. Prost. L'Chaim. The Brewers Association-the national non-profit association representing the majority of today's U.S. breweries, and publishers of CraftBeer.com-will celebrate American Craft Beer Week (ACBW) May 16-22, with local events held nationwide.
Considered The Mother of All Beer Weeks, ACBW recognizes one of America's true culinary arts and provides a platform for small and independent craft brewers to salute supporters and connect with their local communities. Thousands of today's beer enthusiasts, beginners and hard core geeks will toast craft beer, with ACBW events predicted to take place in all 50 states.
"American Craft Beer Week is an annual celebration of these historic beer times and the amazing community citizenship of craft brewers," said Julia Herz, a spokesperson for the Brewers Association. "With an emphasis to savor the flavor responsibly and the resurgence of a rich brewing culture here in the U.S., the week is a chance to highlight and recognize the incredible contributions of America's craft brewers."
There are close to 30 local beer weeks/beer months in the U.S. annually, each with its own identity and organizer. Established in 2006, ACBW builds on these local celebrations and is the largest national effort focusing solely on American craft brewers. Economically, small and independent U.S. craft brewers contribute an estimated 100,000 jobs, accounting for $3 billon annually in wages and benefits.
In 2010, ACBW logged 341 participating breweries that hosted 621 events with recognition at multiple retailers in 45 states. In addition, U.S. Congress passed House Resolution 1297 to support the goals and ideals of ACBW and recognize the significant contributions of craft brewers to the economy.
Throughout the week, a variety of events will be hosted by craft brewers and beer retailers across the country. Mirroring the diverse styles and brands of the industry, events include charity fundraisers, new beer releases, brewery openings, festivals, unique craft beer dinners and special brewery tours. Additionally, participating breweries will once again encourage beer enthusiasts to sign the Declaration of Beer Independence, an official document to support America's small and independent craft brewers.
For an ever-expanding list of events visit the official calendar on CraftBeer.com.
2011 ACBW registered celebrations to date:
Augusta Brewing Company, Augusta, GA: BBQ food pairings and a special release craft beer.
Kreuz Creek Brewing Co., Sugar Land, TX: Limited release tastings, extended tour hours, discounted merchandise, and a Wranger National Patriot Fundraiser.
Kuhnhenn Brewing Co., Warren, MI: Free personal pizza giveaway for patrons who tape their signed Declaration of Beer Independence to the pub wall.
Intuition Ale Works, Jacksonville, FL: Will celebrate American Craft Beer Week at the Jacksonville Craft and Import Beer Festival on May 20.
Mountaineer Brewing Company, Martinsburg, WV: There will be daily brewery tours and on Saturday May 21, an open house with live music and a motorcycle stuntman.
Omaha Beer Festival, Omaha, NE: The largest craft beer festival in Nebraska, will include craft beer tastings, beer-related seminars, beer and food pairings, a comparative beer glass seminar, and live entertainment/local food vendors on-site.
Rogue Ales, Newport, OR: To benefit dog charities in Oregon, Brewer's Memorial Ale Fest will include over 30 microbreweries, live music, doggy musical chairs, dog wash, dog dancing, and celebrity dog look-alikes.
WEBSITE: CraftBeer.com

CONTACT:

Andy Sparhawk, Craft Beer Program Coordinator
303.447.0816 x118
andy@brewersassociation.org

Julia Herz, Craft Beer Program Director
303.447.0816 x113
julia@brewersassociation.org
###
Based in Boulder, Colorado, USA, the Brewers Association (BA) is the not-for-profit trade and education association dedicated to small and independent American brewers, their craft beers and the community of brewing enthusiasts. Visit BrewersAssociation.org to learn more. The association's activities include events and publishing: CraftBeer.com, World Beer Cup®; Great American Beer Festival®; Craft Brewers Conference and BrewExpo America®; National Homebrewers Conference; National Homebrew Competition; SAVOR: An American Craft Beer & Food Experience; American Craft Beer Week; Zymurgy magazine; The New Brewer magazine; and books on beer and brewing. The Brewers Association has an additional membership division of 24,000+ homebrewers: American Homebrewers Association.
Beer lovers are invited to learn more about the dynamic world of craft beer at CraftBeer.com.

Monday, February 21, 2011

Cherny Bock in the East Village

Bohemian Cherny Bock
by Bohemian Brewery

So cherny means “black” in Czech. I think that’s exactly what I say in the video. It’s black. It looks like it’s going to be thick, but it’s not. You usually think of bocks as heavier beers, but this one is refreshingly thinner and easier to drink. Throw out your bock preconceptions, people. It’s a session Bock.

I said that I was going to get a Vespa in the video and in the blog post last week. I seriously don’t know how I am going to afford a Vespa, but I’m going to buy one, mark my words. I’m going to get two matching helmets so the girl I’m taking to the sexy West Village brunch spot can look cute (and be safe). Sign up in the comments section to be the girl in that fantasy. Be prepared to pay for gas. ;-)

Utah has some ridiculous laws about shipping beer. The three-tiered system in place probably helped at some point, but the laws put in place to protect the distributors might be hindering interstate commerce as far as beer goes. I always think the best thing to make sure you have control over something is to legalize it and tax it. You might be able to solve the debt problem by legalizing marijuana if you taxed it enough. I know one former president who would get behind that bill.

Have you had a Bohemian Cherny Bock? Let us know how you like it in the comments section! Please make sure to indicate whether you are just commenting on the beer or would like a Vespa ride, or both.