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:

UPDATES

GIVEAWAYS!!!  Two weeks ago we started our weekly giveaways. What do you need to do to win? Be a registered member… and watch this show. That’s it.  Each week our super duper automated random name picker machine will pick someone to be the winner… of something FREE!   You have one week to get in touch with us. We’re not getting in touch with you.

Two weeks in a row… no one wants free stuff.  Both jons9761 and Benson failed to to receive a SIGNED copy of Bob Skilnik’s latest beer book:  “Does My Butt Look Big in this Beer.” It’s an insanely cool book that lists the nutritional values (carbs, calories, ABV, Weight Watchers points) of 2,000 beers from around the globe.   This weeks pick… watch the show!

BEER NEWS

California Assembly Bill 1019: It’s Time for Big Alcohol to Pay Up

AB 1019 is a proposal to impose a fee on the beer, wine, and liquor industries to mitigate the billions in costs to Californians for alcohol-related problems

“The Regulatory Mitigation Fee” levied by AB 1019 amounts to an increase of $1.07 per gallon of beer; $2.56 per gallon of wine that contains 14 percent or less in alcohol; $4.27 per gallon of wine and sparkling hard cider that contains more than 14 percent alcohol; $8.53 per gallon of distilled spirits.

The fee breaks down to about a dime per drink for a 12-ounce serving of beer; 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits; and 5 ounces of wine. It is levied on distributors. They and the retailers have the option of whether to pass the cost onto consumers.

Revenue from the fee would be used to establish a program to be administered by state Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs that would help mitigate the $38.4 billion cost of harm that alcohol creates in accidents, deaths, illnesses, injuries, and crime – such as domestic violence.

“The industry must start paying its fair share for the problems their products cause,” said Assemblyman Jim Beall, Jr., D-San Jose, author of AB 1019, the Alcohol Related Services Act. “If this fee and the program it pays for prevents another child from being born with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome or prevents another senseless DUI fatality it will have paid for itself and more.”

AB 1019 generates $1.4 billion in revenue to fund alcohol-related emergency medical and trauma care; hospitalization and rehabilitation services; treatment and recovery services; prevention, education, and research to prevent alcohol abuse; and criminal justice and enforcement programs.

“Now is the time to charge Big Alcohol for the $38.4 billion dollars in harm their products cause every year in California,” said Bruce Livingston, executive director of Marin Institute, the alcohol industry watchdog. “There is no better way to hold the industry accountable than a mitigation fee to fund the state’s critical programs of treatment, prevention and recovery.”

AB 1019 has been amended to be enacted as a fee, which can be passed by the Legislature with a majority vote. The state levy on alcohol has not changed in more than 17 years.

This is asinine.  Are we making the fast food industry pay for the treatment of obesity, because if you’re going to force makers of alcohol to pay for things they supposedly cause, you better be making the heart stop, artery clogging fast food giants pay for obesity treatment.  It’s the ame EXACT thing.  What are your thoughts?

Brewers Association releases Top 50 breweries list

On April 13 the Brewers Association announced the annual list of top 50 brewing companies.

“In 2007, 35 of the top 50 brewing companies were small and independent craft brewers. In 2008 there were 37,” states Paul Gatza, Director of the Brewers Association. “Craft brewers continue to have success and generate excitement behind the flavorful beer movement, but not without recent challenges including price increases for raw materials and supplies, as well as access to market issues.”

A more extensive analysis of statistics on the craft beer segment in 2008 was released April 22 during the Craft Brewers Conference in Boston, Massachusetts. The Association’s full 2008 industry analysis, which shows regional trends and sales by individual breweries, will publish in the May/June issue of The New Brewer on May 19.

Top 50 Craft Brewing Companies by Beer Sales Volume (Based on 2008 sales)

Rank     Brewing Company         City     State
1     Boston Beer Co.         Boston     MA
2     Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.     Chico     CA
3     New Belgium Brewing Co.     Fort Collins     CO
4     Spoetzl Brewery         Shiner     TX
5     Pyramid Breweries Inc.     Seattle     WA
6     Deschutes Brewery         Bend     OR
7     Matt Brewing Co.         Utica     NY
8     Boulevard Brewing Co.     Kansas City     MO
9     Full Sail Brewing Co.     Hood River     OR
10     Magic Hat Brewing Co.     Burlington     VT

Top 50 Overall Brewing Companies by Beer Sales Volume (Based on 2008 sales)

Rank     Brewing Company         City     State
1     Anheuser-Busch InBev     St. Louis     MO
2     MillerCoors Brewing Co.     Chicago     IL
3     Pabst Brewing Co.         Woodridge     IL
4     Boston Beer Co.         Boston     MA
5     D. G. Yuengling and Son    Pottsville     PA
6     Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.     Chico     CA
7     Craft Brewers Alliance, Inc.     Woodinville     WA
8     New Belgium Brewing Co.     Fort Collins     CO
9     High Falls Brewing Co.     Rochester     NY
10     Spoetzl Brewery         Shiner     TX

Brewers Association 2009 Achievement Award Winners

Three predominant members of the brewing community were recognized with awards for their dedication and service to the industry at the opening session of the Brewers Association’s annual Craft Brewers Conference.

The Brewers Association Recognition Award went to Ken Allen, founder of Anderson Valley Brewing Co. in Boonville, CA and former chair of the Association of Brewers, a precursor organization of the Brewers Association.

The Brewers Association presented the Russell Schehrer Award for Innovation in Brewing to Steve Parkes of the American Brewers Guild. Parkes received this year’s award for demonstrating creativity, excellence in brewing and substantial contributions to the craft brewing community, as well as serving as lead educator for hundreds of today’s craft brewers.

The Russell Schehrer Award for Innovation in Brewing was first given in 1997 to honor Russell Schehrer, who died in 1996 at 38 years old, for his contributions to the brewing industry. Schehrer was a founding partner and original head brewer at Colorado’s first brewpub Wynkoop Brewing Co. He was also one of the first brewers to produce mead, doppel alt, cream stout and chili beer.

The Brewers Association presented the F.X. Matt Defense of the Industry Award to Eric Wallace of Lefthand Brewing Co., in Longmont, CO. Eric led the charge to successfully preserve beer drinker choice and selection in helping defeat damaging legislation in Colorado.

The F.X. Matt Award is given in honor of a champion of small brewers, F.X. Matt (1933-2001), president of the F.X. Matt Brewing Co. in Utica, New York from 1980-1989 and Chairman from 1989-2001.

Pyramid Breweries revitalize brand positioning with new packaging and names

Pyramid Breweries, brewers of the award winning Pyramid Hefeweizen and the 2008 Brewery of the Year¹, announces the introduction of a refreshed brand positioning and bold new packaging.

“As a craft pioneer, Pyramid is extremely passionate about our brewing and we are continually inspired by the cities where we brew, live and play everyday. We believe we have successfully distilled that enthusiasm into our beer and our new packaging,” said Mike Brown, President for Pyramid Breweries.

The updated brand will launch with bold new packaging that builds upon Pyramid’s rich heritage, icons, and color palette. Created with a “Windows of the World” theme, the updated packaging captures the recognizable Pyramid icons complete with bright new illustrations reflecting the active and dynamic urban environments Pyramid brews its variety of year round, seasonal, and specialty beers.

With the new packaging, Pyramid will introduce new names for two of its best selling ales. Their Hefeweizen will become Haywire Hefeweizen, and Apricot Ale will become Pyramid Audacious Apricot Ale.

New packaging began shipping in early April and is expected to reach stores shelves by the beginning of May.

BEER RELEASES

Horizon Red Ale – Summit Brewing Co. – St. Paul, Minnesota

Releasing this month as a permanent addition to its lineup of beers

Summit’s Red Ale will be sold as six-packs and on tap at Twin Cities restaurants and bars.

Summit founder and President Mark Stutrud characterizes it as a cross between their IPA and an amber beer. The name stems from the use of the Horizon hop, a rare and expensive hop that he said is pungent, spicy and bitter. 3 other types of hops are included in the new brew to help mellow the flavor.

Retail prices will range between $7 and $7.50 per six-pack.

Whole Foods stores are now carrying Old Chub Beer Bread

Whole Foods stores in the Rocky Mountain region are now carrying Old Chub Beer Bread.

Each loaf of Old Chub Beer Bread is made with nearly a full can of Old Chub, in a wheaty sourdough base enhanced with a touch of honey and a hearty dose of sunflower seeds. The loaves are then rolled in the same beechwood-smoked malts used in Old Chub, then baked to perfection.

The bread can be found at Whole Foods stores across Colorado, and stores in New Mexico, Kansas and Utah for $3.99 a loaf.

BEER GADGET OF THE WEEK

Hopside Down Beer Glass

Each of the 7″ tall x 3″ (diameter) glasses are hand-blown, so no two are exactly the same. The double walled design will ensure your hands won’t heat up the beer. Retails for $19.99.

BEER BLOG OF THE WEEK
Hoperatives:  Believers in Better Beer (In Cincinnati and Beyond)

When I think of Cincinnati, having lived in Indiana for 6 years (a lot of my dad’s family was born in and around Gary, Indiana) I think of the humidity, Pete Rose and the rest of the Big Red Machine from the early 70’s. And of course King’s Island.  Not beer.

And that’s why the beer blog Hoperatives:  Believers in Better Beer (In Cincinnati and Beyond) is good to see.    Tom Streeter and Carla-Gesell-Streeter are the heart and soul behind this Cincinnati, Ohio, based beer blog. And according to them Cincy is actually one of the world’s great beer towns. Who knew?  They focus on the people, places, and events that make it great.    So if you live I the mid-west, be sure to check out their very informative blog.

Make sure you follow us on twitter:

@ErikBoles
@EliShayotovich

And here at Beer Tap TV:

Eli Shayotovich
Erik Boles

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:

UPDATES

GIVEAWAYS!!!  Two weeks ago we started our weekly giveaways. What do you need to do to win? Be a registered member… and watch this show. That’s it.  Each week our super duper automated random name picker machine will pick someone to be the winner… of something FREE!   You have one week to get in touch with us. We’re not getting in touch with you.

For our first winner we picked user jons9761 to receive a SIGNED copy of Bob Skilnik’s latest beer book:  “Does My Butt Look Big in this Beer.” It’s an insanely cool book that lists the nutritional values (carbs, calories, ABV, Weight Watchers points) of 2,000 beers from around the globe.   Jons… you failed.  So we picked another name. This week’s winner is… watch the show!

BEER NEWS

Beer Wars post event report

Before we delve into the movie itself let me just say how much we HATE Los Angeles.  The UCLA campus was 13 miles from the Four Points Sheraton LAX – which by the way has 110 beers at their bar called Brewsters (kudos to CBO Scott Kermans).  Anywho… it took us 2 hours to get there, and another 2 hours to get back.  How people live in that cess pool of traffic and smog is beyond us.

We met up with our winner Matthew Becker at the hotel.  Matt is a seriously cool cat whose as passionate about beer as I’ve ever seen. Plus, he knows his stuff!  Matt was totally stoked about the trip, and got to meet the entire cast and crew of the show.  We’ll have some pictures up today or tomorrow.

Now for the movie… it was really, really good.  We actually learned quite a lot about the tactics the macro conglomerate beer companies use to – shall we say – “manhandle” the indy brewers.  What’s more, we learned a ton about the archaic and apparently corrupt three tiered alcohol and beer distribution system used in this country.  There was a brilliant segment that had a number of so called fans of Bud, Miller and Coors do a blind taste test.  As one might expect… none of them could pick their beer from the lineup.  Apparently they all taste so much alike “fans” can’t even tell them apart.  We may end up doing something like this on a future episode of Taste Buds!

Now, there’s not a ton of new stuff in there for folks like us – Beer Geeks neck deep in beer culture, but this is a GREAT movie for those who aren’t initiated into the world of craft beer.  This is a MUST see for them.  During the reception after the movie we spoke briefly with Doug Blush, the editor of the movie, and he said there will be hours of extras on the DVD release (coming later this summer).  There are entire storylines not included in the final version that will be included with the extras, so be sure to buy it when it comes out.  We all plan to, and we’ll very likely have copies for sale here at BTTV, and probably some we’ll be giving out.

We also spoke with Charlie Papazian, who has a very cool behind the scenes report from his perspective, running on this Exmainer.com blog.  We also spoke at length with Greg Koch, who we will be having on Beer Buzz in the not too distant future.  Greg is a great guy.  They brought a bus load of employees up for the show too.Well known and respected beer writer Jay Brooks (who I sadly didn’t get to speak with while at the event – my fault, not Jay’s), was at the LIVE event in LA.  He wrote a very interesting article called, On The Nature Of Criticism: Beer Wars Becomes Blog Wars. It’s about all the so called “Beer Geeks’ out there in the blogosphere who, without actually ever seeing the movie, jumped on the “Hate Wagon.”  It’s a must read.  I could list off a few of those people who have – without ever seeing the movie – thought it “cool” or incisive to bash the movie, bash it for being too hyped or being this, or being that.  Again, without ever seeing the movie.  But as Jay wrote in his article… why bother?  What I will reiterate from Jay’s article is this:  This was a chance for the craft beer community to come together and make some noise in SUPPORT of our passion. What the haters did was the exact opposite.  Good job guys!

Beer Industry Contributes Nearly $200 Billion to U.S. Economy

Americans love them some BEER!

A new economic impact study shows America’s beer industry contributes more than $198 billion annually to the U.S. economy. The study, commissioned by the Beer Institute and the National Beer Wholesalers Association also shows that the industry provides nearly 1.9 million jobs — generating nearly $62 billion in wages and benefits. The industry also paid $41 billion in business, personal and consumption taxes in 2008.

“America’s brewing industry continues to play a pivotal role in supporting this nation’s economic viability,” said Tom Long, president and chief commercial officer of MillerCoors and chairman of the Beer Institute

According to the study, the beer industry directly employs more than one million people, paying $28 billion in wages. Beer sales help support roughly 888,000 retail jobs, including those at supermarkets, convenience stores, restaurants, bars, stadiums, and other outlets and generate more than $25 billion in economic activity in agriculture and manufacturing sectors.

“These numbers demonstrate that our industry is essential to several sectors of the U.S. economy, particularly as the nation struggles to regain its footing in this uncertain climate,” said Jeff Becker, president of the Beer Institute. “For this reason, it is important that state and federal officials consider equitable tax policies that do not unduly harm an industry that provides so many domestic jobs and so much economic growth.”

The Economic Impact study was conducted by John Dunham & Associates based in New York City and covers data compiled in 2008. The complete study, including state-by-state and congressional district breakdowns of economic contributions, is available at Beer Serves America.

New Belgium Brewing pedals into Indiana on April 20 and Wisconsin on May 4

New Belgium Brewing, the third-largest craft brewer in the U.S., announced that 22-ounce bombers of Fat Tire, 1554 and Mothership Wit will be available throughout Indiana beginning yesterday – April 20. Indiana is one of four new markets for New Belgium this year.

“We’re excited to be rolling into Indiana,” said Bryan Simpson, spokesperson from New Belgium. “There’s a savvy bike scene and an appreciation for good beer so it should be a great fit all around.”

The same beers will be available in the Milwaukee and Madison, Wisconsin areas beginning May 4. The roll-out will begin with bomber bottles for approximately 60 days, to be followed by draft. Wisconsin is one of four new states that New Belgium is entering in early 2009.

“Wisconsin has a legendary and rightfully proud brewing tradition,” said Bryan Simpson, spokesperson from New Belgium. “We’re excited to join that scene and become a fully engaged member of the community.”

Residents looking to learn more about New Belgium can check out the New Belgium newsletter, The Tinkerer or New Belgium’s website.

Odell Brewing to release the first Twitter community inspired brew

On May 30, 2009, Odell Brewing will release the first Twitter community inspired brew.  Followers had until April 19, 2009, to tweet their suggested beer styles for the first Twitter Brew poll. The top beer suggestions will be voted on, and subsequent polls will be conducted to determine beer qualities like color, strength, body, and hop character. Twittering beer lovers can also tweet ideas for beer names and tap handle designs.

The voting will end on May 8, 2009 and brewer, Jeff Doyle will then brew the Twitter Brew on Odell Brewing’s Pilot brewing system. “There are so many people who are interested in brewing but don’t really have the means to do it,” said Doyle. “The Twitter Brew will give them the chance to get involved with the whole process.”

Twitter brewers can try their beer at the brewery’s Tap Room during the tapping party on May 30, 2009.

BEER RELEASES

Woodcut No. 2 Oak Aged Golden Ale –Odell Brewing – Fort Collins, CO

On April 20, 2009, Odell Brewing released the second barrel aged beer in its Woodcut series. Woodcut No. 2, an oak aged golden ale, was brewed over six months ago on the brewery’s pilot brewing system. The golden ale has been aging in virgin oak barrels and will bottle condition in cork finish, 750 ml bottles. Crafted with fine specialty malts and hops, Woodcut No. 2 is a golden copper color. The rich toffee-like malt character is balanced by soft tannins. Freshly cut wood and vanilla bean aromas compliment the beer’s smooth finish.nly 175 cases of the Woodcut No. 1 were released, and the beer sold out in one week. The second release will be limited to 350 cases, all hand signed and numbered.  Available for purchase for $24.99

Harpoon Summer Beer – Harpoon Brewing – Boston, MA

This Kolsch style ale is brewed with ale yeast,  like other northern German light ales it is straw gold in color and light bodied with a mild flavor Available in 6-packs, 12-packs, and on draft.  OG: 13 P –  ABV: 5.0%  — IBU’S: 28

NEW BREWERIES

Hobo Brewing (from the “Beervana” blog by Jeff Alworth)

A new brewery will open in Portland soon called Hobo Brewing, run by Kiley Hoyt and Elan Walsky who are recent graduates of Siebel Institute. Hobo will be a microbrewery in the old sense – 3.5 to five barrels. A maple IPA may be one of the breweries first offerings – Kiley is from Vermont

NOLA Brewing (from our good friends at The Beer In Me)

NOLA Brewing Company in New Orleans brewery now open.  Their first beers went out March 3rd in a little over 50 bars and restaurants in New Orleans. Grand Opening of the brewery was on April 2nd and they are planning a variety of events over the next few months to get the beer into people’s hands.  Currently they have two beers — NOLA Blonde Ale and Brown Ale (actually a British mild).   Only on tap in the Greater New Orleans area, but looking to be in Baton Rouge sometime this month.

BEER GADGET OF THE WEEK

Beer Tubes

A Beer Tube is a 100-ounce beverage dispenser with a sports-themed base that keeps beverages colder than a traditional pitcher. The Beer Tube is easy to fill and easier to enjoy, with a removable tube for easy fill-up and a non-drip spout for easy dispensing. Each Beer Tube stands approximately 3.5 feet high and the sports-themed base weighs between 4 and 8 pounds, depending on the design you choose. This makes these “power towers” of beverage extremely stable and durable. Traditional conical base – $119; Sports (balls, helmets, etc.) – $129;  some are on sale for less.

BEER BLOG OF THE WEEK

Beervana by Jeff Alworth

This blog carries on a tradition of writing about beer that Jeff started almost ten years ago at the Portland weekly Willamette Week. Jeff also once wrote a regular column for the Celebrator Beer News.  Check it out… he’s worth reading, especially if you’re into the Portland beer scene.

BEER DOUCHE OF THE WEEK

NJ Councilman Accused Of Stealing Beer

A councilman from Galloway Township, New Jersey faces shoplifting charges. Police say Bill Ackerman stole beer from Philadelphia Liquors on Philadelphia Avenue in Egg Harbor City. The store owner says the councilman would go in three or four times a day since November. Each time, he would allegedly buy one can of Budweiser and stuff two more cans in his pockets. Each can costs $1.16. But if the owner’s story checks out, Ackerman may have stolen more than thousand dollars worth of beer.
Make sure you follow us on twitter:

@ErikBoles
@EliShayotovich

And here at Beer Tap TV:

Eli Shayotovich
Erik Boles

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:

UPDATES & CORRECTIONS

If you’re in far Southern Colorado on Friday, May 1, come on down to Ska Brewing Company’s World HQ.  We’ll be there for a live party (and shooting an episode of Taste Buds and Brewmaster Chronicles as well).

GIVEAWAYS!!!   This week we are kicking off our weekly giveaways.  What do you need to do to win?  Be a registered member… and watch the show.  That’s it.  We’ll randomly pick someone from our super duper automated random name picker machine for the winner.  Thing is… that person has to get a hold of us to let us know they watched the show.  If you don’t get in touch with us, we don’t get in touch with you.  This week we have a SIGNED copy of Bob Skilnik’s latest beer book:  “Does My Butt Look Big in this Beer.” It’s an insanely cool book that lists the nutritional values (carbs, calories, ABV, Weight Watchers points) of 2,000 beers from around the globe.

THIS WEEK IN BEER HISTORY

So, do you know what happened on this very day (April 7) back in 1933?  The Volstead Act was modified by the Cullen-Harrison Act. And what is the Cullen-Harrison Act you ask?  Well, it was a little thing that changed the legal alcohol percentage of a beverage from .05% to 3.2%, which allowed beer to be served again.  So on April 7, 1933, beer flowed through the streets of America, letting hard working folks quench their thirst with beer after some 15 years of Prohibition. Over 1.5 million barrels of beer was consumed during the first 24-hours after the modification of the Act.  That’s a lot of beer!!!!

Guess what else today is?  Eli’s birthday! We  find it ironic that The Mad Man of Beer was in fact born on this very beer-storic day. Was it destiny for him to write about beer then?

BEER NEWS

Utah Legalizes Homebrewing

On March 24th Governor Jon M. Huntsman, Jr. of Utah signed into law making homebrewing beer legal.

“Home-brewing is a healthy and vibrant hobby in Utah as evidenced by the outpouring of support HB 51 received in the 2009 Legislature,” commented Rep. Christine A. Johnson. “Many thanks to the American Homebrewers Association for thorough education, great committee testimony and association members who flooded elected officials with emails of support.”

The American Homebrewers Association estimates that there are approximately 750,000 homebrewers in the United States – 7,000 in Utah. Utah is the only state to legalize homebrewing in the last ten years. Believe it or not… Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi, and Oklahoma still don’t allow it.

The Samuel Adams Hopfenpflucken Adventure

Jim Koch has traveled to Bavaria each hop harvest for the last quarter century to personally hand-select the best noble Hallertau Mittelfrueh hops for Samuel Adams Boston Lager. This year, Samuel Adams (in conjunction with high-end travel agency, Abercrombie & Kent) is offering craft beer lovers the ultimate Bavarian experience - “The Samuel Adams Hopfenpflucken Adventure.”

From July 31st- August 6th 2009, beer lovers will get to experience a true beer adventure that includes:

• Kickin’ it through the ancient hop fields of Stanglmair Farms, led by one of the owners and a Sam Adams brewer
• Special tasting of Sam Adams beers in those same hop fields
• Dine at Augustiner Keller, one of Munich’s most famous biergartens
• Visit the Schlenkerla Brewery Tavern in Bamburg, makers of traditional smoked beer
• Dine at Weinhenstephan Brewery, the world’s oldest brewery
• Tour the world-famous Weyermann Specialty Malting Company
• Check out the BMW Museum
• Travel by cable car to the top of Germany’s highest mountain

Granted, it’s not free… but at $3,000 a person you’re getting a week’s vacation in Beer Heaven.  Not a bad price to pay for this amazing beersperience if you ask us.  Check out the Abercrombie & Kent site for all the details.

Colorado’s Steamworks Brewing Co. earns 5 medals at Australian International Beer Awards

As we mentioned in an earlier episode of Beer Buzz, the Australian International Beer Awards is a world class showcase for premium beer and brewing excellence in the Asia Pacific Region.  For 2009, 1,140 from 39 countries were received. The results were announced on March 19, 2009.

Competing against large and small breweries from throughout the world, Steamworks Brewing Co. from Durango, Colorado earned five (5) medals at the AIBA.

• Colorado Kölsch and Conductor Imperial IPA earned Silver
• Steam Engine Lager, Backside Stout and the seasonal Spruce Goose each received Bronze

“This is a tremendous honor for the Steam Team and cheers to our brewdogs,” said Kris Oyler, Steamworks co-founder and CEO. “The AIBA is internationally recognized as the second largest beer awards of its kind in the world, established to reward excellence in the field of brewing and to assist in promotion of the brewing industry. We are ecstatic to have five medals.”

Further information on who won what on the AIBA website.

The Argument for Canned Beer

As you’ve seen here at Beer Tap TV, we are big fans of the canned beer.  And based on our findings, more and more craft brewers are starting to use them.   We stumbled across a great article on AskMen.com (written by John Chilson) that makes the argument for canned beer. Not only that, but they give full props to craft beer as the leader of the band.  In a nutshell:

• The biggest misconception about canned beer is that the aluminum can imparts a metallic taste to the beer.  It absolutely does not.  With today’s technology the insides of the can (including the lid) gets a sprayed coating that guarantees there is absolutely no contact between the beer and the aluminum.
• Canned beer has an advantage over bottles in that cans actually protect beer from light and oxygen. Cans are airtight and can’t get light struck. As we all know… when light consistently hits a bottle of beer, it turns it skunky. No matter how good the bottle caps are, oxygen does leach into a bottle and affect the taste. That doesn’t happen with sealed cans.
• Canned beer is good for the outdoors because you can pack in the brew, drink it and crush the can into a tinny little disc.  Can’t do that with bottles.  Bottles break, cans don’t.  Plus, bottles weigh more.  Shipping costs are lower because… cans weight less then bottles. Cans chill faster than bottles. Many cities forbid bottles in public spaces such as parks and beaches, but cans are cool.

According to the article there are more than 20 microbrewers currently canning their beers. Colorado has at least five breweries that can – which we know of:

• New Belgium (Fat Tire Amber Ale introduced in cans last summer).
• Oskar Blues, actually the first “craft brewer” in the country to can their beer.
• Ska Brewing in Durango.
• Arctic Craft Brewery in Colorado Springs
• And just recently Upslope Brewing in Boulder

The article also cites Ashland, Oregon-based Caldera Brewing Company

Let us know if a brewery in your area cans their stuff!

BEER RELEASES

Kellerweis Hefeweizen – Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. – Chico, CA

This is the second new year-round release from the brewery in 2009.

While Sierra Nevada may be known for lots of hops, Kellerweis is an exception to that rule. Several years ago, the brewers began working with a unique Bavarian hefeweizen yeast strain unknown in this country. This amazingly flavorful yeast was so exciting that they began working on a recipe for a traditional German hefeweizen with the Sierra Nevada twist. Bavarian wheat breweries use shallow open fermentation, giving the yeast space to build layers of flavors and aroma that would otherwise be impossible in closed, stainless-steel tanks. After seeing this technique in use in Germany, the inspiration to make Kellerweis in the open system took hold.  The name is an homage to the German Keller, meaning cellar—the name breweries give to their fermentation systems, and weis, or weiss—the German name for “white” or wheat beer, hazy with suspended yeast.

Kellerweis is a light and refreshing beer with deep complexity of flavor. The yeast provides hints of fruit flavors and spices, including ripe banana and clove. This hazy-golden beer glows with suspended yeast creating a velvety texture. Kellerweis Hefeweizen will be available in 6-packs and on draft starting in early summer 2009.

UFO White – Harpoon Brewing – Boston, MA

Light, crisp, refreshing UFO White follows in the tradition of spiced wheat beers that have been brewed in Belgium for well over 300 years. Brewed with orange peel and a unique blend of spices. Like UFO Hefeweizen and UFO Raspberry Hefeweizen, they leave UFO White UnFiltered for a more natural taste and appearance.

Style: Belgian White
OG: 12 P
ABV: 4.8%
IBU’S: 10
Available:  April – October

BEER GADGET OF THE WEEK

Asahi Beerbot Beer pouring robot

Features:

• Stores and refrigerates 6 cans
• Programmable voice (male, female, or custom)
• Cleaning mode
• Child lock

Included in Delivery:

• 2 custom glass mugs
• 6 Foam cup bases
• Plastic floor protector
• Instructions in Japanese and English

Apparently, and sadly… this thing is sold out. However one of our Tap Heads  (Brian Becker) found them on the Interwebs for $799.  We want one of thse R2-DS looking beerbots as our mascot here at Beer Tap TV!

BEER DOUCHE OF THE WEEK

Arkansas funeral wake turns into brawl over beer

MAGNOLIA, Ark. (AP) – Sheriff’s deputies say a Texas woman started a brawl at a wake in Arkansas when she arrived with a beer can in her hand.

Anna Sindelar, 52, of Splendora, Texas, faces a third-degree domestic battery charges, as does Cynthia J. Hall, 46, of Magnolia, over the fight March 29. Deputies say Sindelar arrived at the Christies Chapel Church with a beer can in hand and that she refused to leave.

Sindelar allegedly grabbed a man by the face, leaving scratch marks on his lower right cheek and causing him to bleed. Hall, the man’s mother, then allegedly slapped Sindelar and kicked another woman in the chest.

A sheriff’s report claims Sindelar became “passively aggressive” with deputies and said that “no backwood country cop” was going to take her to jail.

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