I like exploring craft beers as much as the next person. Still, I’m sometimes overwhelmed by the sheer number of options. Paradoxically enough, I also sometimes yearn to try something new and break my routine.

That’s where beer apps come into play. They’re excellent tools for newbies to finally learn there’s more to malted beverages than Coors Light (apologies for using those words on this blog). [ed: apology accepted] Yet, the best apps are loaded with information that aficionados can use to deepen their appreciation and knowledge of beers.

Personally, I own an Android-based T-Mobile smartphone , so this list will lean heavily towards offerings for Google’s platform.

iPhone and Android

Find Craft Beer: The title alone tells you exactly what this fun app offers. Find bars, breweries, and beer sellers that offer high-quality craft beers. When a cheap lager just won’t do, Find Craft Beer is a handy tool. And it’s most useful when visiting brewery-friendly cities like Portland. It lacks the advanced features of the other apps, but that’s part of its charm. ($0.99) [Google Play Store, iTunes]

Pintley is a powerful beer recommendation app, with tools for tracking the beers you drink, making notes about them, and sharing your findings with friends (including those on Foursquare, Facebook, and Twitter). Pintley analyses your ratings of beers to suggest new ones to try out; I’ve discovered some wonderful gems between the app’s recommendations and seeing what my friends have been drinking. (Free) [Google Play Store, iTunes]

BeerCloud is a strong all-around app, as it packs just about all the features you could look for. And to boot it’s one of the best looking of the beer apps. Use BeerCloud for everything from finding nearby pubs that serve your favorite beers to learning about beers and finding group outings like pub crawls. I’ve made extensive use of BeerCloud’s “favorites” feature to keep track of both individual beers and their brewers. And if you’re out to eat, this app offers food pairing suggestions. (Free) [Google Play Store, iTunes]

Android Only

Beer Map is a simple and useful app for finding bars and breweries. It’s powered by the beer location service beermapping.com, and uses Google Maps to help you find spots. Using it with my Galaxy, I could find great breweries around me and even call them straight from the app. ($0.99)
[Google Play Store]
The Beer Expert may just have the largest database of beers (if their marketing is to be believed). Either way, it’s extremely useful when you’re at the grocery store and are staring at dozens of beer options. Speak or type in a beer name to learn what others say about its taste, quality, and more. You can also scan UPCs, helping you make informed decisions. ($1.99) [Google Play Store]

About the Author: Ashlee McCullen is a staff writer for ApronAddicts.com, a website about fashionable aprons and kitchen style. She is also a wannabe-foodie and craft beer enthusiast.

Apps to Help You Discover and Appreciate Beer is from Hop Talk - Beer. Life. Blog.

Vermont Beer Makers Bring Back Old-Time Maple Sap Brews

NPR tells us how sap beer is making a comeback is from Hop Talk - Beer. Life. Blog.

It’s always good to have a back-up way to get your beer bottle open. Well, if you’re an iPad (or, apparently, Mac) user you’ve got one that you keep everywhere. Your power adapter.

You’ll want to be careful of course. You wouldn’t want to damage your ability to recharge your device. Ms. Eva Giselle wins the Hop Talk Genius Award. Thank you @EvaZebra!

(via Lifehacker)

Emergency bottle opener: iPad power adapter is from Hop Talk - Beer. Life. Blog.

CraftBeer.com has the lowdown. There are hundreds of events; surely you can find one near you. Get out there and celebrate craft beer.

(Oh, it’s also my birthday this week, so…celebrate that too, if you like.)

It’s American Craft Beer Week! is from Hop Talk - Beer. Life. Blog.

The Beer Judging 101 class held during last year’s Frederick Beer Week turned out to be so popular, they have expanded to three classes, including a new Beer Judging 201 class for more advanced palates. Beer Judging 101 will be held at the Mount Airy Inn (in Mount Airy, Maryland, natch) on Monday, May 14, followed by a Beer Judging 201 class that same evening. Then there will be a second Beer Judging 101 class on Thursday, May 17 at the William R. Tally Recreation Center in Frederick.

Beer Judging 101: Ever wonder what separates a truly world class brew from a run-of-the-mill beer? This class will open you up to the world of beer judging, and introduce certain basic methods and terminology used by beer judges. We will identify aroma, appearance, flavor, and mouthfeel characteristics of the beer, going over a few specific defects that may occur in beer, and their causes. Weʼll also introduce the Beer Judge Certification Program. All of this while enjoying some great beer! Beginners welcome, no pre-requisite is needed for this class.

http://frederickbeer.com/monday-may-14/
http://frederickbeer.com/thursday-may-17/

Beer Judging 201: While tasting several beers, we’ll discuss attributes, descriptors, and defects in a little greater depth. We’ll explore some of the finer points of judging, and what makes a great beer judge. Class members will work on a BJCP judging sheet as a group, then perhaps even judge a beer. Learn about advancing within the BJCP. Pre-requisite is the 101 class, some beer judging / tasting background, or a basic knowledge of world beer styles.

http://frederickbeer.com/monday-may-14/

More details can be found at frederickbeer.com.

Beer judging classes is from Hop Talk - Beer. Life. Blog.

Joe Sixpack (aka Don Russell) punctures that balloon a little bit.

The “revelation” stemmed from a paper called “Uncorking the Muse: Alcohol intoxication facilitates creative problem solving,” by scientists at the University of Illinois at Chicago. It concluded that test subjects solved certain problems more quickly after reaching a blood-alcohol level of .075 percent.

Alcohol, the researchers proved, helps the brain access remote areas and develop ideas beyond the confines of typical linear reasoning.

Naturally, journalists — perhaps because we love research that justifies our own lifestyles — ran with the story. Scores of newspapers, TV stations and blogs picked up on the report, proclaiming that beer makes you smart.

The attention came as a bit of surprise to one of the researchers, cognitive psychologist Jennifer Wiley, because the research subjects didn’t even drink beer. They were dosed with cranberry juice and vodka. Moreover, Wiley told me that her group had predicted tipsy subjects would test better than sober ones partly because there’s already ample anecdotal evidence that alcohol and creativity go hand in hand.

Worry not, though. Messr. Sixpack goes on to describe quite a few famous authors who did their best work after a tipple. He quotes Irish poet Thomas Moore:

If with water you fill up your glasses,

You’ll never write anything wise,

For ale is the horse of Parnassus

Which hurries a bard to the skies.

While I know that the plural of “anecdote” is not “data”, I know from my own experience that a drink or three is good to loosen up the creativity muscles. I’ve written some of my best code after a couple beers.

So, while the report didn’t really say what the newspapers said it did, and the researchers got the results they expected, it’s still cool to see that a couple of pints might just let you find your inner bard.

And let’s not forget this wisdom from Cliff Clavin:

Well ya see, Norm, it’s like this. A herd of buffalo can only move as fast as the slowest buffalo. And when the herd is hunted, it is the slowest and weakest ones at the back that are killed first. This natural selection is good for the herd as a whole, because the general speed and health of the whole group keeps improving by the regular killing of the weakest members. In much the same way, the human brain can only operate as fast as the slowest brain cells. Excessive intake of alcohol, as we know, kills brain cells. But naturally, it attacks the slowest and weakest brain cells first. In this way, regular consumption of beer eliminates the weaker brain cells, making the brain a faster and more efficient machine. That’s why you always feel smarter after a few beers.

Beer Makes Men Smarter…or does it? is from Hop Talk - Beer. Life. Blog.

We are five short days away from the official kickoff of Frederick Beer Week! Putting the stress on the term “official.”

However, there are some great unofficial events this week to whet your appetites for Maryland beer!

Pints & the Past
Thursday, May 10, 7:00 p.m.
Mayor’s Office at Brewer’s Alley Restaurant
124 North Market Street

Join us in the Mayor’s Office at Brewer’s Alley for “Pints & the Past,” a new series for anyone interested in getting together to chat about history. The program will start with a discussion on Freemasonry’s many different stances toward the consumption of liquor and beer, from the earliest recorded meetings in British taverns, to dry lodges during the American Temperance Movement, and varied policies on the use of alcohol by North American Grand Lodges today. Chris Butler, a Ph.D. candidate in cultural anthropology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, will discuss the varied ways in which Masonic bodies have dealt with the question of alcohol and fraternalism.. This program is FREE, with a cash bar featuring Brewer’s Alley’s “1634 Ale,” which was created following research on recipes and raw materials from early Colonial Maryland. Special thanks to Frederick Beer week and our sponsor, Brewer’s Alley.

The FBW Mash-In
Friday, May 11, 5:00 PM
The Roasthouse Pub
5700 Urbana Pike

THE Unofficial Frederick Beer Week kick-off event. Stop off at the Roasthouse this Friday night for a variety of Maryland beers on tap – pick from everyone from Barley and Hops to DuClaw. Celebrate Maryland with your friends beer by having one on tap at Frederick’s newest craft beer destination! No cover, just good beer.

‘Meet the Brewer’ Session 1
Friday 11 May, 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Frederick Wine House
1005 West 7th Street

The first of three Meet the Brewer/Tastings – Tom Flores, Brewmaster with Brewer’s Alley/Monocacy Brewing Company, invites craft beer enthusiasts to join in the discussion at the first of three ‘Meet the Brewer’ sessions scheduled for Frederick Beer Week. Leading into the kickoff of Frederick Beer Week at the Maryland Craft Beer Festival on Saturday 12 May, this discussion and Q&A session will provide a basis for the desire to celebrate the brewing industry and, of course, BEER. Topics covered in this session will include a crash-course on beer, tasting the history of brewing in Maryland and Frederick and using quality local ingredients. Please join the conversation and ask the questions about beer you have always hoped to have answered. Complimentary samples of Brewer’s Alley bottled beer will be available for attendees to taste.

Heavy Seas Tasting
Friday May 11, 4:30 – 7:30
Ye Old Spirit Shop

Stop by FBW sponsor Ye Old Spirit Shop just off Route 15 on 7th and sample Heavy Seas’ award winning beers. Get there early and then move onto one of the other great unofficial kick-off events during the FBW Mash-in Night!

In the meantime, get your tickets to the Firkin Fest, Beer Judging 101 & 102, and register for both the Tour de Brew and the FBW Scavenger Hunt! Spaces are limited and filling up!

“Official” Unofficial events for Frederick Beer Week is from Hop Talk - Beer. Life. Blog.

Barrel Aged Beards is from Hop Talk - Beer. Life. Blog.

I must admit, their website is unique and attractive – unfortunately it is not very practical. For instance, if I were looking for a list of their current available brews and a description of each I’d be searching for a long time.

No Bollocks is from Hop Talk - Beer. Life. Blog.

Stupid robot is from Hop Talk - Beer. Life. Blog.

Somewhere along the line I switched my soft drink preference to diet sodas. Whether the “real” stuff got just too sweet, or my body couldn’t take it anymore (or both), I don’t know

When it comes to root beer, however, diet root beer generally is awful. I was happy to find that Saranac breaks that rule with their diet root beer. It has some sugar in it (about 35 calories per 12 oz worth of corn syrup) plus some of the fake stuff (aspartame). It definitely stands above the rest of the diet root beesr I have tried. Saranac also makes the real stuff, a ginger beer and a Shirley Temple.

Of course, if you want something healthier, I recommend Saranac’s High Peak series.

Saranac Diet Root Beer is from Hop Talk - Beer. Life. Blog.

Third Annual Milwaukee Brewfest

MILWAUKEE, WI – After a very successful second year, Inferno Marketing Group is thrilled to announce the date for the Third Annual Milwaukee Brewfest, taking place at the old Coast Guard Pavilion at McKinley Park on Milwaukee’s beautiful lakefront July 28, 2012. In the heart of Milwaukee, this great location is within walking distance of the Eastside and Downtown.  Beautiful views and ample space have proven this a great spot for a craft beer tasting event!

This year we will have unlimited sampling of over 200 craft beers and micro brews from over 60 breweries from across the country.  Back by popular demand, the 2012 Milwaukee Brewfest will also have a special German Row.

Although everyone comes for the beer, we’ll have a number of on-site activities for added entertainment:

• Live musical performances
• Crowning of the 2012 Milwaukee Brewfest Queen
• A variety of food available for purchase from local restaurants and vendors
• Food sampling from various Wisconsin-based companies
• Displays by a number of local artists and craftsmen

Milwaukee Brewfest will take place from 3pm-7pm with 2pm early admission for all VIP ticket holders.  General admission tickets are $40 in advance and $45 at the gate.  VIP tickets are $55 in advance or $60 at the gate.  Ticket sales are limited, be sure to get your tickets while you can.

Please visit us online at www.milwaukeebrewfest.com for ticket purchases and additional information.  Any questions or comments can be directed to:

Milwaukee Brewfest
1910 S. 81st Street
Milwaukee, WI   53219-1010

Phone: (414) 321-5000
Fax: (414) 321-0505

Milwaukee Brewfest – July 28 is from Hop Talk - Beer. Life. Blog.

Here are the Top 10 Craft Brewers. No surprises here.

1. Boston Beer Co. – Boston, Massachusetts
2. Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. – Chico, California
3. New Belgium Brewing Co. – Fort Collins, Colorado
4. The Gambrinus Company – San Antonio, Texas
5. Deschutes Brewery – Bend, Oregon
6. Matt Brewing Co. – Utica, New York
7. Bell’s Brewery, Inc. – Galesburg, Michigan
8. Harpoon Brewery – Boston, Massachusetts
9. Lagunitas Brewing Co. – Petaluma, California
10. Boulevard Brewing Co. – Kansas City, Missouri

My friends up the road, Flying Dog, came in at #26.

You can get the full lists at the Brewers Association press release. As is now tradition, Jay Brooks has an annotated list of the Top 50 overall showing last year’s position.

Top Craft Brewers for 2011 is from Hop Talk - Beer. Life. Blog.

All you need to do is donate a couple hours of your time working the event.

Here are the details:

We are looking for volunteers to help us out with our 2^nd annual Frederick Beer Week Firkin Fest.

May 19^th  from noon- 6pm located at Still Point Farm in Mt Airy, Maryland will be the setting for this wonderful beer-centric event.

If you are interested in volunteering please contact Melissa Sines at melissa.sines[at]gmail.com. (Let her know you heard about it on Hop Talk.)

Volunteers will receive free admission to the festival with 2 beer tokens to be used BEFORE or AFTER your scheduled shift.

Shift will include

• Set up- 10am- 12 noon
• Front Gate (2 shifts)
• Token booth (2 shifts)
• Break Down 5pm- 6pm
• Runners

Volunteers needed for FirkinFest – May 19 is from Hop Talk - Beer. Life. Blog.

On Saturday, May 12th from noon – 6:00pm, visit the Eventplex at the Frederick Fairgrounds to kick-off American Craft Beer Week and Frederick Beer Week with this celebration of Maryland Craft Beer, produced by the Brewer’s Association of Maryland (BAM), a non-profit comprised of the brewers of Maryland.  Up to 20 Maryland breweries will be present with over 80 different beers. The event includes on-site brewing demonstrations, rare bottles and kegs, one of a kind casks and VIP craft beer gifts that will blow your mind! This family-friendly festival features live music, fresh foods, kid’s activities, and local exhibitors.

Tickets to the festival are on sale now.  Admission price: Adults: $17 Advance / $25 at the door; VIP: Advance $32 / $40 at the door; Designated Driver and Youth ages 12-20 $10; Kids under 12 FREE. Regular adult admission includes six tasting tokens and souvenir glass. VIP admission includes ten tasting tokens, a souvenir glass, early entrance for access to rare beers and unique casks, as well as a list of gifts that will make your craft beer friends totally envious!

BREAKING RUMOR: One extremely lucky VIP winner will receive a tasting of a Maryland Brewery Collaboration Beer by Heavy Seas and Barley and Hops brewed solely for this event.  The winner will also receive plenty more awesome prizes – from home-brew classes and supplies to exclusive entry into ACBWeek events, glassware and all sorts of brewery swag.

The last day to purchase tickets at the advance ticket price is May 11th at 9:00pm.  This is not your average beer festival, because it’s put on by the brewers themselves – and we’re breaking out the good stuff!  For more information about the Maryland Craft Beer Festival, visit www.mdcraftbeerfestival.com.

Leave a comment to let us know if you’re going. I expect to be there helping man the Frederick Beer Week booth, so stop by and say hello.

Maryland Craft Beer Festival – May 12 is from Hop Talk - Beer. Life. Blog.

[my son's skateboarding injury photo intentionally omitted]

My Friday Night in Photos is from Hop Talk - Beer. Life. Blog.

Beer makes men smarter.

So say researchers at the University of Illinois in Chicago.

They found that men with a couple beers under their belts were actually better at solving brain-teasers than their sober counterparts.

To reach that surprising conclusion, the researchers devised a bar game in which 40 men were given three words and told to come up with a fourth that fits the pattern.

For example, the word “cheese” could fit with words like “blue” or “cottage” or “Swiss.”

Half the players were given two pints. The other half got nothing.

The result? Those who imbibed solved 40% more of the problems that their sober counterparts.

Also, the drinkers finished their problems in 12 seconds while it took the non-drinkers 15.5 seconds.

Beer Makes Men Smarter is from Hop Talk - Beer. Life. Blog.

Beer Porn from NW Film Center School of Film on Vimeo.

The filmmaker, Michael O’Connor, describes the film on BrewPublic:

Is anybody looking? Quick, make sure the boss is down the hallway, your wife is off shopping, your parents are snug in their bed. Then, turn the lights down low, draw the window shade, and break open a big box of tissues. We know what you sweaty-palmed perverts are looking for: hardcore pint glass on tap handle action! You like ‘em big? We got IMPERIAL sized pint glasses. You like ‘em moist? We got the foamiest, stickiest fluids spilling and spraying! You like ‘em warm? We even got cask conditioned ale, suckah!

This is a smutty little flick we’ve been passing around the barstools in private, but it was only a matter of time before it ended up on the Internet. Share it with friends, pass it around to the other kids on the block, but have an extra pair of clean jeans handy… and keep an ear out for Mom!

(via Brookston Beer Bulletin)

Beer porn is from Hop Talk - Beer. Life. Blog.

Growing Up is from Hop Talk - Beer. Life. Blog.

Untapped Beersources- Porky’s Pizza Palace is from Hop Talk - Beer. Life. Blog.