In years past Old Chicago has reigned as having “Best Beer Selection in a Bar” by readers choice. Not sure who those readers are, but the OC must be dethroned! Go and vote for your favorite beer bar… hard not to believe that the The Happy Gnome, The Muddy Pig, among others have a better overall selection.
Category: general beer
And the Debate Goes On…
There have been some interesting discussions going on around the web with regards to Beer Advocate magazine’s “Extreme Beers” issue, particularly in the Brewer’s Association forums. The editors of BA and Lew Bryson seem disagree wholeheartedly with folks such as Ashton Lewis (BYO‘s technical editor and Master Brewer at Springfield Brewing Co.) with regards to just what “beer advocacy” is. I have a lot of respect for both Bryson’s writing as well as Lewis’, and I suspect that the real answer to the question of “beer adocacy” lies somewhere in a grey zone between the two. In any case, there are some interesting opinions being expressed. Who is right? Who knows…
Vine Park Beer Trip: Bavaria and Franconia, Germany
Join Dan & Deb Justesen and other Vine Park Brewers for a great combination of small, independent Bavarian and Franconian Breweries, history, castles and Bavarian culture. We’ll travel by private coach to some of the cool corners of the southern Germany including Garmish-Partenkirchen, Rothenburg, and Bamberg, as well as an overnight or 2 in private brewery guesthouses…and did we mention that the infamous Oktoberfest coincides with our last weekend together.
Arrive in Munich by September 27th and we enjoy our trip til October 7, 2007 although you can of course stay longer or travel to other parts of Europe on your own.
All the details are available at www.beertrips.com/vinepark
See you in Munich.
Pig & Gnome Part Ways
…well sort of anyway… read on…
Beer Lovers,
Paul and I are pleased to announce that we have sold our interest in The Happy Gnome to the other investors. You can still find us at The Muddy Pig, the best beer bar in town.
New draft beers this week at The Muddy pig include Bell’s Sparkling Ale and Arcadia Amber, both from Michigan. The Sparkling Ale is an American Tripel with a golden color, sweet fruitiness and 9.0% ABV. The Arcadia Amber is a full-bodied English-style ale brewed with Scottish Maris Otter malt giving the ale a sweet caramel flavor with a hint of toasted malt. Yum.
And with temps struggling to hit zero it’s time to think about the Muddy Pig Golf Snouting. If any of you have contacts at a golf course that would like to host the event this year please let me know. Oak Glen has been good to us but we are hoping to lower the cost of the event in order to generate more money for the charity, Children’s Home Society & Family Services. It’s for the children.
Cheers,
Mark
Flat Earth Brewing Co. Update
Greetings,
Thank you for joining the email list. This is our first official posting. We recently tapped the first keg of Flat Earth Pale Ale at Winterfest 2007 on Friday to rave reviews by those in attendance. We came in a close second to Barley John’s “Old Rosie” for the coveted Snowshoe award this year. Thanks to all of you who voted for us. We managed to go through 15 gallons in three hours. Flat Earth Pale Ale is a Belgian pale ale. Inspired by beers like Orval and Rare Vos. Made with imported Belgian malt and a Belgian yeast strain. Our Belgian pale ale has a sweet malt aroma with traces of orange, plum and pear. Its complex malt backbone of biscuit and hints of toast to compliment the spiciness of the yeast. We hope you enjoy the fresh “Belgian” beer. We are nearing the point of cranking up the entire brewery to full production status. There are a few bits and pieces to put into place, like the beer cooler but that should be together this week. I am greatly looking forward to being up and running as much as you are anticipating our first offering. Be patient it is coming soon. We will post photos of the first big brew day the day it happens along with an email letting everyone know about where you can get your first taste. Chisago Lakes Distribution will be carrying our beers and they have quite a plan for the roll out of our beer.Keep an eye on the website and we will be seeing you soon!
Jeff Williamson
Flat Earth Brewing Company