Beer Buzz 018: Save Colorado Craft Beer
Beer Tap TV News:
Beer Buzz is the weekly show that will keep you informed and updated on all the things going on in the beer world, from the noteworthy to the nutty. Know something we don’t (which is highly likely)? Email us at AlwaysHoppy@BeerTapTV.com and share the news… we just might use it.
Show Notes:
BEER NEWS
Chain & Grocery Store Bill – HB 1192 – CBG Legislative Action Alert
House Bill 1192 (HB 1192) will make craft beer market access more complex and will result is the loss of vital access to market for Colorado Craft Beer. The Colorado Brewer’s Guild is opposing this bill and needs your help today. The Guild asks that you please do the following four things immediately:
1. Visit Save Colorado Craft Beer (www.savecoloradocraftbeer.com) to obtain the contact information for your state senator and state representative.
2. Call the office phone of your state senator and state representative and leave a message saying you oppose HB 1192. If you own a brewery or liquor store follow-up your call with an mail and send a brief fax on company letter head to the senator’s and representative’s office fax. Encourage all of your staff to make similar phone calls, send emails, and if possible transmit faxes.
Talking points for the issue:
- Save Colorado-based manufacturing jobs!
- Beneficial economic impact for Colorado is multiplied when Colorado-based manufacturing jobs are preserved!
- HB 1192 will corrode the incredible beer culture that has distinguished Colorado as the best place for craft beer in the nation
- Colorado has a rich brewing history, let’s not risk destroying this bright spot of business activity in these uncertain economic times
- The current state regulatory system is rationale and has served as an important incubator for Colorado craft brewers
- Support Colorado craft brewers, vote “no” vote on HB 1192
3. Prepare your staff for a visit to the state capitol for the Colorado Brewers Guild rally!
The goal is to have at least 300 brewers present at the Capitol wearing their rubber boots and brewery branded regalia the day the bill is heard before committee.
There will be very little advance notice of this date, so be ready. There will only be one chance to make a strong showing. Do not assume other brewers are attending and that you do not need to do so. Commit to send at least three people from your brewery, more is better.
4. Plan on attending the next Guild meeting. There will be a full briefing on this issue at our next membership meeting at 11am on February 21 at Bristol Brewing in Colorado Springs.
Beer Tap TV will be bringing you more about this very important topic in the days to come, so stay tuned!
Believe it or not that is an actual beer made by Colorado’s own Avery Brewing Company in Boulder. A fitting choice to celebrate the inauguration of our 44th President, Barack Obama. Ale to the Chief is a limited release 8.75% ABV Pale Ale the brewery made “to bid a fond farewell to our current Commander in Chief and welcome a new administration.”
Did you know that President Obama likes beer? Back in May of last year, during his campaign tour across the country, President Obama stopped at The Raleigh Times Bar in Raleigh, North Carolina, where he found himself momentarily beerless. “Where’s my beer?” he asked.
At the time I was saddened by the fact that he asked for a Pabst Blue Ribbon and not something more “crafty,” especially given what a great beer bar The Raleigh Times is, but at least he didn’t ask for wine. You have to love a President who loves his beer! While at Yuengling President Obama did something I can’t say I cared for. He double-checked the name of the beer to make sure it wasn’t “some designer beer or something.” Ouch. Come on now… what’s wrong with craft beer, Mr. President?
Beer with benefits – Texas brewery’s sales help endangered species
Rahr and Sons Brewing is donating part of the profits from its Rare Breed line of beers to help endangered species in Texas. A portion of the sales from Fort Worth-based Rahr and Sons Brewing’s Rare Breed series goes to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation to benefit endangered species in Texas.
Blind Salamander Pale Ale, which debuted in 2008, was the first in the Rare Breed series. The English pale ale’s name is a tribute to the rare cave-dwelling amphibian, a native to the San Marcos Pool in the Edwards Aquifer.
“Because we are a small brewery, and because we don’t’ have the marketing dollars and resources that big beer companies has, we really had to rely on the support of the community to grow,” said Formby. “So it’s kind of been a process where we’ve really become involved in a number of community affairs.”
Deschutes Brewery plans to expand its beer production – the only question is where to do it. Deschutes Brewery currently ranks No. 7 in terms of total volume of beer sold among the nation’s craft brewers.
In order to become the best-selling craft brewery in the country, Deschutes Brewery Inc. needs to make more beer because the 35 – 40 existing tanks, which produced about 180,000 barrels of beer in 2008, are nearing full capacity. Expansion plans, which will be decided within the next six to 12 months, include adding 10 new 45-foot-tall fermentation tanks outside the existing facility.
Deschutes Brewery’s beer production increased from 162,000 barrels in 2007 to 180,000 barrels in 2008, Fish said. Peak capacity at the Bend facility is about 220,000 barrels per year, he said. One barrel is equal to 31 gallons. Production will grow more slowly this year with the economic downturn. Fish projects about 185,000 barrels will be brewed in 2009.
The company’s own growth also could factor into the decision. Deschutes Brewery currently sells its craft brews in 13 states, including Oregon, Washington, Arizona, Alaska, California and Texas. The company plans expansion this year into Utah and possibly British Columbia, Fish said. Ultimately, the company plans to sell its beer in all 50 states, he said.
BEER RELEASES
Mama’s Little Yella Pils – Oskar Blues Brewery – Lyons, CO
Oskar Blues is releasing its fifth beer in cans on March 1
Tower 10 IPA – Karl Strauss Brewing Company – San Diego, California
Tower 10 IPA features a blend of classic Centennial, Cascade, and Chinook hops for a bright, citrussy hoppiness. Coming in at 60 IBUS and just over 6.5%ABV. Named after lifeguard Tower 10 in Mission Beach where Chris and Matt first hatched their plans for Karl Strauss Brewing Company. Tower 10 IPA will be available on draft and in 12 oz bottles during the first quarter of 2009.
Mighty Arrow – New Belgium Brewing – FT. Collins, CO
Mighty Arrow Pale Ale has been named the 2009 Spring Seasonal. Until now, Mighty Arrow has only been available in mixed 12-packs called Folly Packs, but starting in February 2009 it will be sold individually and on tap. Created as a tribute to the beloved pet of New Belgium Brewing’s CEO Kim Jordan, Arrow was an Aussie/Border Collie mix that literally “ran” New Belgium for 12 years.
Contains Cascade and Amarillo hops with a honey malt base. 6% ABV and 35 IBU’s. Mighty Arrow retails for approximately $7.99 and will be available in all New Belgium markets.
Garde Dog Biere De Garde – Flying Dog Brewing – Frederick, Maryland
Their spring seasonal beer is a French style traditionally brewed in the winter and consumed in the Spring and Summer months. “Biere de Garde” means “beer for keeping.” The label’s artwork features an awesome drawing of a guard dog. Little known fact: The illustration also has something we ended up taking out – a huge pile of dog crap which was right next to the Garde Dog.
BEER GADGET OF THE WEEK
It’s hard enough to carry your keys, wallet, and phone in that sorry excuse for a pocket on your board shorts. Where in the hell are you going to put a bottle opener? Unless you’re crafty with a lighter or have teeth made of steel, something has to give. Good thing Reef knows what’s up—the Men’s Fanning Sandals come with a bottle opener built into the outer sole. Finally, a way to open your microbrews without resorting to a European carry-all. Not only do these flip-flops give you a way to drink your suds, but they feature super plush soles and thick straps that keep your feet comfortable—while you’re still standing, at least.
BEER BLOG OF THE WEEK
And who is Pete Brown? Only the British Dude who wrote “Man Walks into a Pub” and “Three Sheets to the Wind,” and the upcoming “Hops and Glory” – the story of Pete’s chaotic, eventful journey to recreate the original voyage of India Pale Ale from Burton on Trent to Calcutta. All 3 of his books try to approach the subject of beer with both the thoughtfulness and irreverence it deserves. He also writes about “stuff” in newspapers and magazines about beer, and occasionally talks about it on the television as well.
BEER DOUCHE OF THE WEEK
Dog found dead after suspected burglary
Boulder police are searching for this weeks Beer Douche after a family returned home from a basketball game to find their 4-year-old dog lying dead on the floor.
After finding the dog, the man called police, and officers asked him to double check whether anything was missing from the home. After a closer search, Huntley said, he discovered that a six-pack of Miller Genuine Draft beer was missing from the refrigerator.
A subsequent veterinarian examination of Givvy found that it probably died from a blow to the head and strangulation. Police are investigating the incident as a second-degree burglary and cruelty to animals case.
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