Show-Me Beer

Cock-a-Doodle-Do!: Tallgrass Velvet Rooster

noreply@blogger.com (Tim Drunk-Monkey Marks) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 20:18:00 PST

It turns out that today is CraftCans.com Craft Beer in Cans Day. They are noting that January 24 is the anniversary of the first canned beer. On that day in 1935, New Jersey brewer Gottfried Krueger Brewing Company first canned their Krueger's Finest Beer and Krueger's Cream Ale. A lot has changed since then, and most recently is the growing trend of craft brewers canning their beer.

Tallgrass Brewing from Manhattan, KS is leading the curve of this trend. A little over a year ago Tallgrass switched over to an all-can brewery and have been going gang busters since. Their latest offering is Velvet Rooster, the first canned Belgian tripel that I am aware of. Innovation like this is getting notice across the country. When I visited with the folks from Deschutes they were very impressed with what this smaller brewery from Kansas was doing.

Velvet Rooster comes in a four pack of 16 oz cans. Tallboys! I chose my Karmeliet Tripel glass to pour this tripel because I wanted to give it plenty of room for the head to expand. The thick white foam nearly took up the entire volume of the glass. The body below has a hazy honey color.

The smell has a pleasant sweet grain aroma with traces of melon and tropical fruits. Taste has more of a mango flavor with vanilla notes. This is a sweet beer, like most tripels are, but the dry qualities from the Belgian yeast keeps it from being too sweet. The body has a creamy carbonation texture. I would recommend sipping this slowly to experience the flavor changes as it warms. This is another winner from Tallgrass.

Attention Chocoholics - Chocolate Ale Hits Next Week

noreply@blogger.com (Tim Drunk-Monkey Marks) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 16:36:00 PST

"Life is like a case of Chocolate Ale...blink and it's gone"

The much anticipated Boulevard Chocolate Ale should start hitting KC shelves next week, probably on Tuesday. Last year's release created a Chocolate Ale frenzy and it quickly sold out. The collaboration with KC chocolatier Christopher Elbow was supposed to be a one shot offering. Because of the high demand Boulevard has brought it back, and they promised that they made more to make sure more people can get their chocolate fix. People are so antsy over this release, Boulevard had to explain some markets got shipments of Chocolate Ale before Kansas City. Bottom line, it has to do with the mysterious Three Tier system.

I asked my local beer store if they were taking names for the release. Some stores do and some don't. Sometimes it depends on what their inventory is. It would suck if a store didn't get enough to take care of everyone on a list. Times like this it pays to be a regular.

Boulevard and Schlafly Proposed as Official State Breweries

noreply@blogger.com (Tim Drunk-Monkey Marks) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 03:57:00 PST

On January 17th Missouri State Senator Maria Chapelle-Nadal, District 14 representing parts of Saint Louis County, introduced Senate Bill No 663 which would proclaim Boulevard and Schlafly as the official Missouri state breweries.

The Bill reads:

Section A. Chapter 10, RSMo, is amended by adding thereto one new section, to be known as section 10.190, to read as follows: 0.190. The Boulevard Brewing Company located in Kansas City, Missouri, and the Saint Louis Brewery, Inc. located in Saint Louis, Missouri, and commonly known by the brand name of "Schlafly", shall be selected for and shall be known as the official breweries of the state of Missouri.

75th Street Brewery Hosts The Big Chill

noreply@blogger.com (Tim Drunk-Monkey Marks) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 16:28:00 PST

This looks like fun. Our winter has been so mild so far, I'm expecting huge payback around February. If that's true, high ABV beers and some chili will be just the thing.

Flights of Deschutes

noreply@blogger.com (Tim Drunk-Monkey Marks) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 17:11:00 PST

Deschutes beers have been available in town for a bout a week now, however representatives from the brewery came into town today to make it official. They hosted a release party at The Foundry tonight, featuring flights of the Deschutes beers new to our area, Mirror Pond, Black Butte Porter, Black Butte XXIII, The Abyss, and Hop Henge Experimental IPA. I sat down with Brewmaster Brian Faivre, Digitla Marketing Manager Jason Randles, and PR Consultant Judy Campbell to talk about beer and kids.

One thing Brian seemed passionate about was aging beers. On certain big beers from Deschutes, like The Abyss, they have a Best After date. This indicates that the beer will age well and improve with time. He explained that a lot of big beers, like imperial stouts, have too much "heat" in them when fresh. Aging the big beer will help that heat mellow out and allows other flavors to come forward. Brian explained that they have been working every year to find the right blend for The Abyss so it will b enjoyable fresh as well as with some age on it. The trick is to have the self control to not drink the beer and let it sit.

Luckily, I still have a bottle of the 2008 The Abyss that I have been saving. Brian said that '08 was a particularly good year and it has been aging wonderfully. I have a feeling that I'm going to find an excuse to open it up sooner than later.

Show-Me I'm Back: Deschutes Black Butte Porter

noreply@blogger.com (Tim Drunk-Monkey Marks) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 19:27:00 PST

So it has been a while since I have done a beer review. There are a couple of reasons. One, my body needed a break from alcohol. I didn't go completely cold turkey, but I just needed to slow it way down. It got to the point where it wasn't enjoyable. When drinking beer isn't enjoyable, writing about beer is just torture. Time to step back. There has been enough time off, so I feel ready to ease back into blogging.

As I'm easing back in, I am reevaluating my goals for Show-Me Beer. Posts may not be as frequent as before my break. I have three active kids, so I can't cover the bar scene the way KC Beer Blog or STL Hops can. That was actually never my thing. I always preferred kicking back in my easy chair and enjoying a beer at home. That's not to say I won't hit up a beer fest or a tasting on a rare occasion. I will share news that I find interesting and relevant. When breweries send out press releases, I will be sure to share those as well.

Speaking of press releases, Deschutes Brewery just sent me a release about release to the Missouri market.

(5, December, 2011 {I know, old news}) Deschutes Brewery officially announced today that it will begin selling Black Butte Porter and Mirror Pond Pale Ale in Missouri starting the week of January 9, 2012!
Missourians along the I-70 corridor will be pleased to know they can extend the New Year celebratory festivities with Deschutes' Black Butte Porter, the nation's number one selling craft porter, in 22-ounce bottles and on draft. For those who view dark beer with suspicion, this deep, velvety brew dispels lingering myths and has been creating zealous enthusiasts for over 23 years. But the cup of kindness for auld lang syne doesn't end there: Mirror Pond Pale Ale will be bringing its own definitive Cascade hop aroma and hop forward flavor into play. The quintessential, deftly balanced pale ale will likewise be available in 22-ounce bottles and on draft.
Deschutes will also be bringing in a limited amount of The Stoic, Black Butte XXIII and The Abyss for Missouri's serious beer fanatics, as well as 22-once bottles of Hop Henge Experimental IPA. Six packs of Mirror Pond, Black Butte Porter, Inversion IPA and Red Chair NWPA will be available later down the road.
"For years, our fans have been pleading with us to bring our beers farther east, and Missouri was the ideal step in that direction," said Gary Fish, president and founder of Deschutes Brewery. "Our recent collaboration brew with Boulevard Brewing Company in Kansas City gave us a tangible knowledge of just how passionate Missourians are about their craft beer. We're looking forward to formally introducing our beers tot he market there and getting to know the beer enthusiasts in this region even better."

The press release goes on about the distributors, but what really got my attention was that the release was wrapped around a 22-ounce bottle of Black Butte Porter! I once had Black Butte XX, a limited release version of the porter, but I've never had the traditional Black Butte Porter itself. The fact that the beer was free does not influence my review.

Poured into a pub glass, the head takes up the top third of the glass. Awesome tan lacing sticks to the glass. The body is a dark, almost black color at an arm's length. As I pull the glass closer, I see there is some clarity around the edges with a dark ruby red core when held to the light.

Smell has the typical dark roasted aromas of a porter. A little wood smoke, coffee and bitter chocolate. The taste is smooth bitterness, with a hint of hops in the finish.

Mouthfeel is silky slick. Very soft body and a moderate ABV of 5.2% enhances the overall drinkability. What an excellent addition to beers available in Missouri

Local Investor Group to Buy 60% Stake in Schlafly Beer

noreply@blogger.com (Tim Drunk-Monkey Marks) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 03:25:00 PST

St.Louis, MO -- January 4th, 2012 -- The Saint Louis Brewery, Inc., brewer of Schlafly Beer has signed a purchase agreement that will transfer a 60% ownership interest in the business to a local investor group led by Wes Jones and John Lemkemeier of St. Louis and including David Schlafly, also of St. Louis, the first cousin of Tom Schlafly, Co-Founder and President of the company. The agreement provides for closing upon issuance of necessary licenses and permits from federal, state and local governments, a process that could take several months.

Tom Schlafly said, "The agreement with Wes and John meets the criteria we set back in June of 2010, when we first discussed a succession plan for ownership of the brewery. Senior and long-term employees will be able to purchase stock in the company; and I'm transferring a majority interest to local investors committed to keeping the business in St. Louis."

Mr. Schlafly will initially retain an interest of approximately 20% and serve as Chairman of the Brewery. Dan Kopman, Co-Founder and current Chief Operating Officer, will own at least a 10% interest and serve as Chief Executive Officer. Ten percent (10%) of the business will be available for purchase by eligible employees.

Mr. Jones said, "We are highly impressed by the business Dan and Tom have built over the past 20 years and the outstanding beers they produce under the Schlafly label. Added Mr. Lemkemeier, "We look forward to Dan and Tom's continued leadership of St. Louis's largest locally-owned brewery. We also welcome the Schlafly employees' having the opportunity to participate in the ownership of the business they have helped to build."

Mr. Kopman said, "I'm very pleased by what Wes, John and their investor group bring to the table. Their focus on joining with management teams in long term investments in successful businesses makes them the right partner for us."

The Saint Louis Brewery, Inc. has been producing fine craft beers in St. Louis since 1991 and recently celebrated its 20th anniversary. It sold over 42,000 barrels of beer in 2011, representing growth of more than 20% from the prior year. In 2010, the most recent year for which data are available, Schlafly was the 42nd largest craft brewery in the United States.

http://www.schlafly.com

Deschutes Falls into The Well (And Lew's)

noreply@blogger.com (Tim Drunk-Monkey Marks) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 02:24:00 PST

This just in! Finally after much anticipation, Deschutes Brewery will officially arrive in Missouri.

For the Craft Beer enthusiast, The Well and Lew’s in Waldo will be one of the first in Kansas City to offer Craft Beers from the famous Deschutes Brewing Company in Oregon. “This has been a highly anticipated day in Kansas City when we can offer the Oregon based brewing company beer at our restaurants” said Chris Lewellen. “There has been a tremendous call for their beer and we finally have landed two of their most famous beers on tap starting Friday, Jan 6th. Craft beer has really taken off in our restaurants over the past few years and we look to offer our customers these types of specialty beers as soon they are available to us. Lew’s Grill & Bar will be offering Mirror Pond Ale on Tap while The Well will be offering both Mirror Pond Ale and Black Butte Porter.

Black Butte Porter rated 97 points by www.ratebeer.com and was the 5th ranked Beer of 2011 by Wine Enthusiast Magazine. Mirror Pond Pale Ale rated 92 points by www.ratebeer.com

Lew’s Grill & Bar and The Well are located in Waldo near 75th & Wornall Rd. in Kansas City, Mo. For more info go to www.waldowell.com or call 816.361.1700.

UPDATE: As of 4PM today both The Well and Lew's will have Deschutes on Tap

BeerKC Hosts Inaugural Strong Ale Beer Fest

noreply@blogger.com (Tim Drunk-Monkey Marks) — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 09:33:00 PDT

We are actually getting fall weather around KC right now. Crisp air with a smell of fallen leaves. Perfect for a strong ale.

BeerKC, the management behind Westport's Beer Triangle (McCoy's The Foundry, and Beer Kitchen) presents the inaugural Strong Ale Beer Fest, an ode to bold ales. The festival takes place on Saturday, November 12 from 1pm – 5pm at the McCoy’s parking lot, a benefit for AIDS Walk Kansas City.

The festival will feature 30 strong beers from breweries across the United States. Attendees will receive a commemorative tasting glass and enjoy the opportunity to mingle with the brewers and creators of the beers being poured.

Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 at the door. Click here to purchase your ticket.

Participating Brewers:

McCoy’s Public House
75th Street Brewery
Southern Tier Brewing Company
Green Flash Brewing Company
Gordon Biersch Brewery
Grand Teton Brewing Company
Stone Brewing Company
Firestone Walker Brewing Company
Avery Brewing Company
Unibroue
Tallgrass Brewing Company
Boulevard Brewing Company
Schlafly Beer
Bell’s Brewery
New Belgium Brewing Company
Odell Brewing Company
Free State Brewing Company

Flying Saucer Hosts Avery D&D Night

noreply@blogger.com (Tim Drunk-Monkey Marks) — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 16:18:00 PDT

No, KC Flying Saucer is not hosting league Dungeons and Dragons (though that would be awesome). They are hosting a beer tasting for Avery's "Demons and Dictators."

From the press release:

Flying Saucer to Host Avery Brewing Company ‘Demons and Dictators’ Beer Tasting Event will feature brewing industry all-star and brewery founder Adam Avery

Kansas City, Mo., Oct. 6, 2011 – Flying Saucer Draught Emporium will host a special Demons and Dictators beer tasting featuring selections from Avery Brewing Company Tuesday, Oct. 18 at 6 p.m. at its 101 East 13th St. location. The event will feature special guest Adam Avery, owner, brewmaster and founder of Avery Brewing.

The tasting event will feature a variety of brews from Avery’s Demon of Ale collection of beers, as well as several selections from their Dictator Series lineup. Avery will oversee the pouring of beers, speak with guests, take pictures and sign autographs. Selected beers for the event include: The Maharajah Imperial India Pale Ale; The Kaiser Imperial Oktoberfest Lager; The Czar Imperial Stout; Samael’s Oak-Aged Ale; The Beast; and Mephistopheles’ Stout.

“Adam Avery is one of the brewing industry’s biggest stars, and he brings a huge sense of excitement with him wherever he goes,” said Matt Gardner, general manager of Flying Saucer. “Avery’s beers have become one of the most popular craft beers on the market and have a reputation for being incredibly adventurous and in-your-face. We know our customers are going to have a blast meeting Adam and trying these amazing brews.”

Admission is $30 for U.F.O. Club members and $35 for non-members. There are a limited number of tickets available, so advance purchase is highly recommended. Tickets can be purchased in advance at Flying Saucer’s location at 101 East 13th St. For more information about the event, please call 816-221-1900 or visit http://www.beerknurd.com/stores/kansascity/.

Schlafly Brews Baracktoberfest

noreply@blogger.com (Tim Drunk-Monkey Marks) — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 15:55:00 PDT

Schlafly brewed a new batch of Baracktoberfest for a St. Louis Presidential fundraising event this last weekend attended by President Obama. Baracktoberfest was originally brewed back in 2008 during the last Presidential election.

Schlafly describes the beer:

This full bodied, deep reddish-amber lager is strong and malty with a distinctly hopeful aftertaste. Traditionally brewed in Match for the Oktoberfest in the fall, this style is also known as Märzen. Embrace change and enjoy a delicious Baracktoberfest!

Boulevard Brings Home GABF Medals

noreply@blogger.com (Tim Drunk-Monkey Marks) — Sun, 02 Oct 2011 07:56:00 PDT

Big congrats to Boulevard for medals from this weekend's Great American Beer Fest (GABF). They won gold for their Saison-Brett and Pale Ale and bronze for their Zon and Collaboration No. 2.

photo courtesy Jeremy Danner, resident Boulevard beer bad-ass.

Boulevard Looking to Cans

noreply@blogger.com (Tim Drunk-Monkey Marks) — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 17:48:00 PDT

Boulevard introduced Unfiltered Wheat in the aluminum bottle in 2009, so far the only craft brewer to do so. The opened up markets for them where glass bottles would not be allowed. With the growing trend in canned craft beer, the time seems right to start looking into a canning line. Over on Brewbound, Bob Sullivan, Boulevard VP of Sales and Marketing, discusses the future of Boulevard in cans.

“I see so many other breweries going that route and I have to believe that the craft segment has gotten to a point where there is enough demand for cans,” said Sullivan. “From an economic standpoint, we would be much more competitive in cans than we could be in the aluminum bottle.”

“I think the sentiment around here is that, eventually, we need to do it,” he said. “If cans are going to get placement in Missouri, we want it to be our cans and not another brewery. If we can do it financially and find the space, we could be in cans by next summer.”

Beer Kitchen and Foundry Buys a Round for Joplin

noreply@blogger.com (Tim Drunk-Monkey Marks) — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 16:15:00 PDT

Beer Kitchen and The Foundry is teaming with Boulevard's effort to help the Joplin tornado victims. The two establishments will donate $.25 for every Boulevard beer sold during the month of September. Go out to The Foundry or Beer Kitchen, buy a few Boulevard beers, help Joplin rebuild. Now.

Beer Kitchen is currently serving...
Nommo
Dark Truth
Collaboration #2
Imperial Stout
Bob's 47 (coming soon)

The Foundry has...
Single-Wide
Double-Wide
The Sixth Glass
Long Strange Triple
Bully! Porter
Dark Truth
Saison-Brett
Collaboration #2

Remembering a Friend: North Coast Old Rasputin

noreply@blogger.com (Tim Drunk-Monkey Marks) — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 19:00:00 PDT

Seven years ago today my best friend past away. It was a fluke thing, caught everyone by surprise. Official report was an enlarged heart. I can believe it, he had the biggest heart of anyone I knew. My life changed forever that day.

He was the one who really opened my eyes to craft beer. Before I had always been fond of Boulevard, but it was something I didn't give much thought to. Boulevard was better than Bud, that's about as deep as I went. Then my friend shared a taste of Old Rasputin.

He got it in a trade from someone, probably not knowing that Old Rasputin was available locally. We didn't know that. It wasn't something we saw, or even knew to look for. I only had a couple of tastes, which was generous. He was after all sharing his only 12 oz bottle. It blew me away how much flavor was in that small sip. All the dark roasty warm flavors was an assault on my untrained palate, and I wanted more.

So as I sit here sipping Old Raspy, I reminisce. This stout is still very good, but never as good as the man who is no longer here.

Boulevard Beer Sales to Benefit Joplin

noreply@blogger.com (Tim Drunk-Monkey Marks) — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 18:42:00 PDT

Boulevard Brewing is buying a round for Joplin. It's great that Boulevard is stepping up to help our sister city. It is going to take years to completely rebuild. With the hurricane and other other disasters recently, disaster relief is getting spread thin real quick.

Here is the full press release:

Kansas City Brewer Joins in Relief Efforts

August 30, 2011 – Kansas City – Boulevard Brewing Company, Missouri’s largest independent brewery, today announced a new effort to assist victims of the devastating tornado that hit Joplin on May 22.
For every barrel of Boulevard beer sold in Missouri during the month of September, the company will contribute $1.00 to the American Red Cross to aid in its ongoing Joplin relief efforts. Irrespective of the Boulevard brand or package—a six-pack, a Smokestack bottle, or a pint at any Missouri bar or restaurant—money will be contributed to the humanitarian organization.

“We haven’t forgotten,” said John McDonald, Boulevard founder and president. “And with 40% of our sales taking place in the state, we hope to be able to make a meaningful contribution to the long road of restoration that lies ahead, helping our fellow Missourians rebuild their homes, their neighborhoods, and their lives.”

The EF5 multiple-vortex tornado that destroyed one-third of Joplin was one of the worst natural disasters in Missouri history. Meteorologists indicate that the 190-mph twister was the single deadliest tornado to strike the country in more than 60 years, claiming 134 lives and damaging or destroying more than 2,000 buildings, including Joplin High School and St. John’s Regional Medical Center. Analysts estimate the total cost of the disaster could top $3 billion.

"It’s no secret that Boulevard beer is one of Kansas City’s treasures," said Matt Meyer, chief executive officer for the Greater Kansas City Chapter of the American Red Cross, "and the Red Cross is incredibly grateful that such an esteemed company has decided to demonstrate its commitment to its local communities throughout Missouri by assisting us in the Joplin relief effort."

About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redrcoss.org .

About Boulevard Brewing Company
Boulevard Brewing Company has grown to be one of the largest specialty brewers in the Midwest, dedicated to the craft of producing fresh, flavorful beers using traditional ingredients and the best of both old and new brewing techniques. Boulevard’s portfolio of year-round and seasonal beers is available in fourteen states, primarily in the Midwest, with select offerings distributed in an additional six states. For more information about Boulevard visit www.boulevard.com, facebook.com/Boulevard, or follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/Boulevard_Beer. # # #

Include Geek: Boulevard Nommo Dubbel

noreply@blogger.com (Tim Drunk-Monkey Marks) — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 21:36:00 PDT

It has been a while since my last post, and I apologize. I needed to recharge my geek batteries. To do that I've been reading the Song of Ice and Fire series which is amazing. The Game of Thrones series on HBO was an absolute nergasm and I just needed more. I have found that while I am in a heavy reading pattern I'm not drinking as much. As it is I am nearly done with A Dance With Dragons, the most recent book in the series, and I need a beer to celebrate.

Boulevard Brewing Nommo Dubbel is actually a very good beer to get back into beer reviewing. Boulevard provided me an advance bottle to review. Nommo is the new Fall Seasonal Smokestack series that is replacing Seeyoulator. Nommo has been out on tap at a few places already, but the bottles should be hitting shleves next week. The name Nommo is a reference to ancestral spirits worshipped by the Dogon tribe of Mali. Nommo were hermaphroditic fish-like twin creatures. Additionally "Nommo" comes from the Dogon word meaning "to make one drink." There are all kinds of fantasy literature elements to that story. To be even geekieer, I poured this into my new #include <beer.h> pint glass.

Poured from a 750 ml corked and caged bottle, there is a huge amount of light tan head. Very think and loud. It sounds like bubble wrap popping in the glass. The body is murky, I can almost see all the way though the glass.

I get more of a traditional Dubbel smell than the molasses and star anise that is listed on the label. Very malty with a hint of cloves. I get more of the spices in the flavor, though it is not nearly as sweet as I would have expected. Which is a good thing. Still very chewy and bread-like. This is a good 750 to split. Not because the 8.1% ABV is too much, more because it is very filling.

Show-Me Roller Show Down

noreply@blogger.com (Tim Drunk-Monkey Marks) — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 10:50:00 PDT

This weekend, August 13, there is going to be an I-70 Showdown that KC has a chance to actually win. The Kansas City Roller Warriors are going to host the Saint Louis Arch Rival Roller Girls. Over the last two years Boulevard Brewing has been a sponsor of the KC Roller Warriors, largely in support of their own Elizabeth Belden. Elizabeth skates as alter ego "Mash Hun"

"This is my second season," says Belden. "I tried out because our production manager here (at Boulevard) went to a bout and came back telling me that it was something he could see me doing. I’m not sure if he meant the skating or the hitting, but I looked into it and tried out later that year. I was drafted to the Black-Eye Susans, who I play for during the home season, and this is my first year playing with the All-Star team, who represents the Kansas City Roller Warriors on a national level".

Boulevard has been a sponsor for the Roller Warriors for the past two seasons. They’ve also helped spread the word through social media, which is helpful because a lot more people are aware of Boulevard than roller derby! My coworkers are also pretty supportive of this weird hobby of mine. There have been at least a couple of them at every bout I’ve skated so far.

"I’ve been at Boulevard for five years," says Belden. "I’ve worked in the lab the whole time, but my current role is running the sensory panel. I train employees to taste for certain off-flavors, recruit them to attend the panel every day, and release the beer for sale based on their feedback. There are a lot of other tests performed before it reaches the panel, but their approval is the final go or no-go for each production run."

Not only will this bout be a massive Show-Me Grudge Match, the KC Roller Warriors or running a School Supply Drive. Bring in school supplies and be entered into drawings to win merchandise, tickets to the tournament and even 2012 season tickets! We are collecting new backpacks, crayons, pens, pencils, notebook paper, glue, scissors, notebooks, folders, pencil boxes, kleenexes, etc. K-12 *teachers and *students ages 13-17 get in at the door for $11. (*with valid school ID) Kids ages 6-12 are FREE with a paid adult ticket. Children 6-12 that have to purchase a ticket will get the $6 advanced rate at the door. As always, kids 5 and under are free.

Introducing Schlafly 20th Anniversary Bottles

noreply@blogger.com (Tim Drunk-Monkey Marks) — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 10:45:00 PDT

To further celebrate their 20th anniversary, Schlafly has introduced a new bottle design. The new design has embossed letters that show "Est. 1991" and a curved "Schlafly" in the center. I haven't seen these yet, but I am keeping my eyes out. Here is a video Schlafly made showing the production of the bottles. Pretty cool.

New Label Designs from Piney River

noreply@blogger.com (Tim Drunk-Monkey Marks) — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 08:21:00 PDT

Piney River Brewing, the Ozarks original craft brewer, has two redesigned labels to get ready for their new 16 oz cans. The labels are for McKinney Eddy Amber Ale and Missouri Mule India Pale Ale. Also new to the label is the message "Pack it in. Pack it out. Enjoy Nature." These will be perfect for any camping, fishing, or float trip down in the Ozarks.

Perennial Has Two New Labels Approved

noreply@blogger.com (Tim Drunk-Monkey Marks) — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 13:26:00 PDT

Perennial Artisan Ales just had two new labels approved, Saison de Lis and Strawberry Rhubarb Tart.
Saison de Lis, the first in the Farmhouse Series, is a Saison brewed with chamomile flowers. Strawberry Rhubarb Tart, first of the In Season Series, is witbier with strawberries, rhubarb, and Indian coriander brewed in.

Both of these will be bottled in 750 ml bottles and distributed in a limited release in the Saint Louis area. Both of these are also at a 5% ABV, which would be perfect for the record setting heat we've had lately in Missouri.

Celebrate IPADay MO Style

noreply@blogger.com (Tim Drunk-Monkey Marks) — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 11:27:00 PDT

Today is the inaugural IPADay, an event to celebrate craft beer's most iconic style, the IPA. I say this is a great idea, but let's take it one step further and celebrate IPAs from Missouri. Here is a list of IPAs from Missouri to celebrate with:

Boulevard Single Wide IPA
ABV: 5.7%
IBU: 57
Hops:Bravo. Cascade. Centennial, Citra, CTZ, Palisade

Boulevard Double Wide IPA
ABV: 8.5%
IBU: 71
Hops: Bravo. Cascade, Centennial, Chinook, CTZ

Boulevard Collaboration No 2 White IPA
ABV: 7.4%
IBU: 42
Hops: not listed

Schlafly American IPA
ABV: 7.2%
IBU: 65
Hops: Amarillo, Simcoe, Centennial (US)

Cathedral Square Hail Mary Belgian-Style IPA
ABV: 7%
IBU: 70
Hops: Mt. Hood, Crystal, Horizon

Charleville Hoptimistic IPA
ABV: 6.5%
IBU: not listed
Hops: not listed

Crown Valley Brewing Double Barrel Double IPA
ABV: 8.3%
IBU: not listed
Hops: not listed

Crown Valley Brewing Wooden Nickel IPA
ABV: 5.6%
IBU: not listed
Hops: not listed

Old McHatter: New Holland Farmhouse Hatter

noreply@blogger.com (Tim Drunk-Monkey Marks) — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 08:44:00 PDT

I was happy to see a couple of the new New Holland Hatter Series at the store during the last beer run. The Hatter Series is a collection of IPAs taking a variation off of New Holland's year -round Mad Hatter IPA. Some of the variations include Black Hatter - Black IPA, Rye Hatter - Rye PA, and Oak Aged Hatter - Oak Aged IPA. I chose Farmhouse Hatter, a Belgian style IPA. I wanted to start with this one because it sounded like it was combining two of my favorite styles, IPAs and Farmhouse Ales.

22 oz bottle poured into a Karmeliet tulip. Huge fluffy light tan head floats and bobs on the surface. Amazing retention and wonderful sticky lace abounds. The body is a copper color with a mild sediment haze. This is a very exciting beer to look at.

The smell is mild, but all the notes are there. The fruity/citrus hops are predominant, but I still get trace hints of a Belgian yeast funkiness. I'm thinking the large foam cap is trapping a lot of the smell in. The taste releases everything that was contained in the smell. Large, juicy grapefruit flavors, but then finishes dry with a mild Belgian yeast tartness.

The mouthfeel is mild and very dry. The New Holland website says the Farmhouse Hatter has an ABV of 5.07%, but it feels a little higher than that. It makes me want to go out and try the other Hatter variations. At $4.99 a bottle it's an easy way to explore the different variations.

Stone IPA KC Label In Town

noreply@blogger.com (Tim Drunk-Monkey Marks) — Sat, 30 Jul 2011 10:49:00 PDT

Stone Brewing's ode to their Kansas City release has hit shelves this week. If you are a bottle collector like me, I would go out and get one now. This is probably only a one shot production. The St Louis version of the label should also be out in the St Louis market.

Green Flash Hitting MO Markets Next Week

noreply@blogger.com (Tim Drunk-Monkey Marks) — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 16:11:00 PDT

The Missouri roll out of Green Flash Brewing is on track for next week. I knew this was getting close, and I can't wait. Green Flash makes some of the best West Coast style IPAs, very hoppy and bright.

There will be a few special events hosted by North Kansas City Beverage around town:

Friday, August 5th: 4-6p Gomers South; 5-7p Swagger; 7-10p Flying Saucer
Saturday, August 6th: 1-4p Lukas Liquor; 6-8p Grinders
Sunday, August 7th: 2-4p All-Star Pizza; 4-6p Blanc (Plaza); 6-8p Foundry

Most locations will have the four year round offerings: West Coast IPA, Hop Head Red, Double Stout and Imperial IPA. Some locations will have special taps for the roll out: La Freak, Summer Saison and Trippel.

Links for 2010-11-16 [Digg]

Wed, 17 Nov 2010 00:00:00 PST

Links for 2010-09-22 [Digg]

Thu, 23 Sep 2010 00:00:00 PDT

Show-Me Beer: How Hardcore is Hardcore IPA?
Hardcore punk and Hardcore IPA
Show-Me Beer: Three Wolf Lunar

Links for 2010-09-16 [Digg]

Fri, 17 Sep 2010 00:00:00 PDT

Show-Me Beer: MO Brewers Heading to GABF

Links for 2010-09-14 [Digg]

Wed, 15 Sep 2010 00:00:00 PDT

Show-Me Beer: Schlafly HOP in the City This Weekend

Links for 2010-09-04 [Digg]

Sun, 05 Sep 2010 00:00:00 PDT

Show-Me Beer: Boulevard Makes November Novem-Beer
Brawl at the US Open, from all angles
A foulmouthed New Yorker set off a brawl at the U.S. Open tennis tournament Thursday, as Novak Djokovic and Philipp Petzschner played nearby. Here is a composite of the incident from three different angles, as caught by nearby spectators, and the simultaneous feed from the Djokovic/Petzschner match, as seen on television.

Links for 2010-09-03 [Digg]

Sat, 04 Sep 2010 00:00:00 PDT

Jan Brewer’s meltdown | Capitol Hill Blue
It will go down as one of the most painful openings to a political debate in recent memory.
Stephen Hawkings Rules: Fear Aliens, 9/11 No Big Deal, Who Needs God?
Stephen Hawking is smarter than NewsFeed! So when he says things like theres no way God created the universe we should probably believe them. Here are the best of the physicists often-controversial opinions. Because there is a law such as gravity, the Universe can and will create itself from nothing. Spontaneous creation is [...]

Links for 2010-08-31 [Digg]

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 00:00:00 PDT