Beer Blotter: Seattle based. World focused.

Half Acre stands out above the rest

The Visual Art of Craft Beer Series continues with a look at some fancy artwork emblazoned on aluminum.  As the ‘craft beer in a can’ craze continues to spread across America and competition increases, we can only assume to see better and better examples of impressive design.  These producers are already competing against most if not all of the macro breweries, as well as attempting to differentiate themselves from sodas, juices, energy drinks, wine (see example here), and sometimes even spirits (see example here).

For me, the clear winner in this category is Half Acre Beer Co. from Chicago, IL.  Their extensive collaboration with artist Phineas X. Jones is awe inspiring.  I very nearly put them in my top 5 for artwork in general but I left them out mostly due to their relative obscurity.  Not all of their beers are released in cans, but all of their beers have rad logos.  The designs are so impressive in fact that you can buy prints of them on the brewery website.  I don’t know of anyone else doing that in the beer world.

21st Ammendment impresses

Another brewery that is kicking some serious ass with their can designs is 21st Ammendment.  The label to the right is full of character and is hard to miss on the shelves.  I’m a huge fan of the Bitter American art as well.  Monkey in a space suit?  Gets me every time.

One major challenge for those that can in tall boys is to differentiate from energy drinks.  In the case of Minnesota’s Surly Brewing, it appears as though they either didn’t get the memo or they are purposefully mocking the system.  I, for one, have always thought that Surly has one of the very best logos in the business.  Partially because of that and partially because I think the over-all, over-the-top design is equal parts outrageous and hilarious, I’m a huge fan.  Judge for yourself.

Oregon’s Caldera Brewing is another caner that truly stands out.  I’m especially fond of the Pale Ale can.  The bright print is layed out on an all white backdrop which allows for the design to pop off the shelves.  The multi-colored rays of the sun that wash across the logo are nearly as intoxicating as the fluid housed within.  Brilliant work.

New England Brewing - How high are you?

New England Brewing’s Sea Hag, Gandhi-Bot and Alpha Weizen are all really well designed and visually stimulating cans.  That Gandi-Bot concept is not only visually stimulating but stimulating in other areas as well…like, the outer reaches of the mind.  Were psychedelic drugs involved in the brainstorming process?

Sun King Brewing has a really cool Native American theme going on and their tall cans are surely worth noting.  The Wee Mac label looks like it might house a Mexican iced coffee, but it’s definitely beer in there and it’s definitely unique.

Colorado just might be the nation’s leader with most breweries that can their product.  For me, Ska Brewing stands out amongst them.  Modus Hoporandi kills with it’s three skull-faced skankers and Mexican Logger reminds me of a video game cover.

One brewery that is very close to my heart that cans is PA’s Sly Fox Brewing.  My lovely sister just sent me a 6 pack of their IPA in cans a week ago from her new home in Phoenixville, PA.  I desperately missed the beer and I love the cans.  I’m most fond of the color scheme of Weisse but they are all pretty amazing.

When it comes to cans with bad-ass mythical creatures on them, Mexico’s Cerveseria De Baja California is a serious contender for victor.  Cucapa Chupacabras Pale ale is a real goat sucker of a label.

The Brewer’s Art may only can one of their beers, I’m not completely sure, but Resurrection has a really classy and sophisticated label that I absolutely love.  If there were any small breweries in Belgium caning, they would wish that they had designed this first.

Classy

Through my research for this article I came across a few sites that were very helpful and/or worth checking out.  I’d like to share them here.  One that you can’t miss is here.  It displays a bunch of cans designed by a firm called Ramm-ND and it’s INSANE.  Please, please take a look.

Two great reference site are CraftCans.com and Artzberger.com/BeerCans.

For visual examples of labels discussed but not displayed here, please see out photostream on Flickr here.

Our new sparge arm (thanks Seth!) should help a bit - but we can always use more help.

Well, I just pulled my first ever barleywine out of the closet for a sample. This was the first beer I made with my new stove top all-grain pilot system. In one week, the gravity went from 1.105 to 1.033, creating a spectacular 9.7% ABV. Wow right?

Unfortunately, the beer has a bit of a strong boozy nose, an noticeable acidity and a murky look. Not what I was hoping to attain, but another learning opportunity for little ole me.

Where to turn when I run into problems? WAHA. The Washington Homebrewers Association (WAHA) provides an incredible amount of resources for its members. Whether its local educational course, a beer judge training class, or a local brewing competition, WAHA is the place to look if you want to take the dive into brewing.

Those of you who are sitting on your butt at home wishing you could brew? Just join a local home brewing club and get the help you need. Many have found that this is the best way to get started. Beyond learning about the process, you can get help with selecting gear, finding used gear and learning about how to use gear.

But, I am getting most excited about some of the excellent educational resources that are coming up. Earlier this week, WAHA posted their April newsletter. You can access that newsletter by following this link.

Wyeast Webcast with Jess Caudill

Pay close attention to that Wyeast Webcast on Friday, April 8. Jess Caudill, a microbiologist and brewer from Wyeast, will be on hand to discuss yeasts. Specifically, Jess will be talking on Berliner Weiss and the microbes used to ferment this German favorite.

You can see Jess at 7:00 PM at Big Al, or via a webcast that you can access here. If you plan on attending, you should RSVP here.

BJCP Testing and Courses

Secondly, the next chance to get your BJCP certification will be on April 10 in Seattle and May 7 in Yakima. You can access study at home materials by following this link.

But, if you want to get a leg up and learn from the best, you can take the BJCP course with WAHA later this year. The next courses are planned to prepare you for the exams that will be held in the fall. Stay tuned into WAHA’s website for more on these classes.

So, check out the new newsletter and visit WAHA’s site often. Become a better brewer!

Cantillon's tipping man

In this second installment of my Visual Art of Craft Beer Series I will discuss some of my favorite pieces of eye candy associated with Belgian breweries.  This is actually somewhat challenging considering that a lot of Belgian breweries have been around for a very long time and few have done much to update their look.  In many ways, this is part of their charm.

A lot of the art I have chosen is highly simplistic, yet all together representative of the quintessential, old world elegance and history of Belgium.  Some may seem arbitrary to those most familiar with Belgian beer, but from the outside looking in, represent an approach that is nearly alien to Americans.  All have the je ne sais quoi of Belgium.

Due to limited space and bandwidth, in many cases I will be unable to insert an exemplary picture of what I’m writing about.  I have posted at least one example of all breweries mentioned on our Flickr page here.

I love how he tempts you

When it comes to traditional imagery of Belgian beer, nothing is more obvious than the monk brewer.  I find it to be obligatory for me to include one from this category.  One of the most omnipresent and doubtless…jolly of them all is the shiny globed monk of St. Bernardus.  Unmistakable and ever smile inducing.  If there was ever a face that could urge me toward the monastic ways, the rosy cheeked, beer bursting chalice brandishing fellow in robes possesses it.

Nothing speaks of classic, old-world elegance and history like the label for Haacht Gildenbier.  If I didn’t mention this one, DSR may de-friend me.  If you are unfamiliar with this beer, its label, and our great affinity for it, please check this article from a while back.

Speaking of trying not to be de-friended by my fellow Beer Blotter brethren, It would be suicidal (and honestly, just asinine) of me to not mention the work of Cantillon.  Quite possibly the king of all lambic producers, Brussels’ Cantillon Brewery has a super classic, silhouette style logo that screams of legendary Belgian innkeeper lore (seen at the very top of the article).  My goal in life is to be old, bald, beer-bellied, and dead after falling backwards out of my chair.  Of course, I’d be drunk on Cantillon.

Not only does Cantillon have a great logo, but their bottle designs are highly refined as well.  Always adhered to a long-necked, green wine bottle, the rectangular stickers almost always display a fine painting or drawing that in some way reflects the bottle’s contents.  Again, the word “classic” comes to mind.  It just seems to be most appropriate.

De Ranke and their epic wrap

One unique packaging phenomenon that is somewhat alien to most Americans is what I call the tissue-paper cacoon.  Though there is often a traditional label within the wrapping, the initial presentation is literally a 750ml bottle completely encased in paper.  Three examples of breweries that use this method are De Ranke, Liefmans, and Glazen Toren.

While on the topic of somewhat abnormal gates of entry into this article, I present to you one of the greatest pieces of beer glassware ever designed – the much heralded Bosteels Tripel Karmeliet Glass.  Most of you have probably seen it before but maybe you didn’t realize that it was the work of Belgium’s Tripel Karmeliet.  The heraldic lily that is laser etched into the bulb of the tulip is said to be strictly decorative.  I call it strictly genius.

And in other glassware news, the Drie Fonteinen gueuze glass is so simple yet holds so much mystique that I must include it here.  The shape of the gueuze glass in general is very unique in the beer world, but in life in general, it’s really the shape of a very standard water vessel.  It’s one of those things where something extremely common is used in a new and exciting way and your perception of it is changed forever.  The three fountians logo is so small and faintly etched into the lightly tapered glass that it’s nearly invisible unless held in the proper light, yet every time I see it I am completely flooded with emotion.

Quite possibly one of the most iconic and widely recognizable logos in Belgian beer is the pink elephant of Delirium (Huyghe).  I don’t have much more to say on that subject but I felt it needed to be mentioned.

Ok, I think it’s finally time to discuss my personal favorites.  First up, the snail man of Caracole.  I figgin’ love that guy.  It’s my number one favorite logo from Belgium.  The label to the beer by the same name is great, as is the Saxo label.  The subjects remind me of characters that may play roles in The Wind in the Willows, and that brings me great comfort.

Timperial's favorite glass

Probably my second favorite Belgian beer logo is that of Brouwerij Den Hopperd Kameleon.  I do not believe that this brand is distributed to America.  I first imbibed it at The Bier Circus in Brussels.  I was so enamoured with the logoed glassware that I ended up walking away with it.  To this day it is one of my favorite glasses.

The last few that I’d like to mention are De Dolle, Fantome, De Bie, and De La Senne.  The De Dolle and Fantome labels are almost humorously elementary in many ways, but they are very distinctive and therefore highly successful.  My personal favorite of these two brands is the Ara Bier label with the beer drinking pirate parrot.  Classic!

All of the De Bie labels have cartoon like bees on them.  Amongst the best are the one with the stripper bee on it and those with the shit faced bees.  It’s just ridiculously fantastic!

De La Senne may be one of the most “American” breweries in Belgium in not only beer styles but in art direction.  Their hard line labels are modern but have a vintage propaganda poster feel to them at the same time.  They’re slick yet simple.  A recipe for success.

We love art at Beer Blotter.  Brewing art, sound art, visual art, performance art…we love it all.  Let us know if we missed any great brewery labels/logos from Belgium.

The Brasserie De La Senne

New and...improved?

There have been quite a few stories in the beer press lately that have really got me thinking about beer artwork.  There’s the new look of Red Hook (check out this post on Washington Beer blog), a new label design for one of my favorite beers of all time – Stone Imperial Russian Stout (see this post at beernews.org), the North Coast Brewing logo upgrade (the old logo has always been a favorite of mine) and most notably the new Upright Brewing Four Play label that has been subject to much controversy (please check out this article on Beervana).

When I first started thinking about it I was leaning toward the fact that there really aren’t that many labels/logos out there that are especially noteworthy.  There’s a few that really jumped out at me right way, but for the most part…far too many exist that fail to catch my attention.  But, the more I thought about it, the more I discussed it with friends, the more epiphanies I had and the more I realized just how wrong I was.

The Classic. Is is better?

There’s actually a lot of breweries out there that are putting serious attention toward their image.  Clearly, this isn’t surprising.  Anyone possessing even the slightest bit of entrepreneurial savvy knows how important branding can be to creating a successful business.  Here, in my Visual Art of Craft Beer Series, I plan to discuss some of my favorites.  Hopefully, in doing so, I will open up the floor for debate.  I’m sure there are a bunch out there that I either don’t know about or have simply overlooked.  Unfortunately, I won’t be able to present them all in this initial article, so the debate just may have to wait.  Start thinking about your choices now and see if I end up agreeing with you.

The following is my top 5.  This is not limited to logo alone.  I feel that if it were, the scope of this exercise would be drastically diminished.  This includes not only the straight forward logo of a brewery but the labels of all, most, or some of their bottles/cans/mini-kegs/what-have-you.

5) Three Floyds Brewing – FFF does not mess around.  They make some of the most unique beers in the country and their labels follow suit.  In may ways, they remind me of Garbage Pail Kids.  All have a comic book/cartoon like quality.  Some are lighthearted and humorous, others are dark and disturbing, all are well designed and fun to look at.  I’m not sure whether I like the Clockwork Orange themed Moloko Stout, Zombie Dust, or the Dark Lord (above) the best.  No matter how you look at it, they are all undeniably bad ass.

4) Southern Tier Brewing – The logo above isn’t very glamorous, and it by no means is the sole reason why I have put STB in the number 4 position, but I must say that I’m a very big fan of it.  I find it to be very slick, clean and simple, yet highly effective.  The tools of the trade encircled by the ingredients of the trade.  Classic.  I’ve often thought of having a variation of that logo tattooed on myself.  Good logo aside, the continuity and simplicity of all of STB’s label designs is so well done that I wouldn’t be the slightest bit surprised to find them being celebrated in HOW Magazine (or something similar).

3) New Belgium Brewing Lips of Faith Series – Take a minute to gaze upon the above image.  Tell me you wouldn’t want a full size print of that framed and mounted in your living room.  It’s beautiful…and it’s just a beer label.  I could have posted a picture of almost any LoF label and it would be equally stunning.  Whomever is behind this is really doing fabulous work.  Give them a raise.

2) Stone Brewing Co. – This logo is absolutely unmistakable.  It may not be number one on my list but it’s very possibly the number one most recognizable beer logo in craft brewing.  It’s bold, like Stone beers and the attitude of the owners/brewers.  If you’ve ever taken the time to read the lengthy, screen printed text on any of Stone’s 22oz bottles, you know just what I mean.  Stone is hard fucking core and their dark, devious mascot exemplifies that to the t.

1)  Flying Dog Brewery – Can someone please explain to me how FDB got Ralph Steadman to illustrate all of their imagery?!?!  Whether you like his style or not, this has to be the most lauded, continual collaborative effort between a brewery and a world-famous artist of all time.

Yeah, I guess I do sort of get how FDB pulled this off.  Supposedly the owners of the brewery were friends with Hunter S. Thompson.  It’s quite clear that his influence is felt throughout much of FDB’s advertising and marketing campaign.  Since Ralph Steadman is most famous for his work with Hunter S. Thompson, in lies the connection.  God knows how much money they must dish out for his work, but I for one thing it’s worth every penny.

Uber is Washington's top beer bar in new rankings

Oh yes, the annual RateBeer.com awards are upon us. Every year in January, beer nerds come out from the woodwork, run a regression analysis, compute multiple methodology, average the cosign – plus tangent – and come up with these pretty rad rankings. Bon appetite.

I believe its a bit more simple than I made it out to be, but the rankings are up and that means the chatter begins. I have always been a staunch supporter of the RateBeer rankings. In fact, they have led the way on a number of significant beer tours around this great globe. Lets see how they did this year.

Here are the top performers in each category and some notes about NW people performing well:

Best Beer: (Click here to see list)

Närke Kaggen Stormaktsporter – If you have had this beer, kudos to you. I have looked, believe me. From Belgium to the Netherlands, you aren’t going to find it. Someday, someday. It is interesting to see Westvleteren 12 unseated. Perhaps the lore of Michael Jackson has finally left the building. For the NW – Deschutes Abyss came in at a very impressive #17. Hair of the Dog’s Matt and Adam both made the Top 100. Surprising that Adam still topples Fred.

Top Beers By Category (Click here for the list)

I am not going to spend a lot of time on these, you can review them here. Suffice it to say that the only showings from the NW were from a sake producer out of Oregon and a surpirsing top spot in dark lager for Rogue’s Chatoe Rogue Dirtoir Black Lager. Yikes. While expected, its so sad to see this repeated each year. Russian River whooped some ass, once again.

Best Beer in USA (Click here for the list)

Russian River Pliny the Younger – By now, we are all familiar with this hop monster. Though we would prefer to see something with a bit more complexity, its a deliciously unmatched hop beast. As for the NW, Deschutes Abyss at #13 and Hair of the Dog Adam #43 are all that made it. Strikeout, Washington.

Best Brewer in World (Click here to see list)

Three Floyds Brewing –  I like em; hell i love em. But are they really the best? Their lengthy list of offerings and impressive showings in multiple categories (stout, IPA, pale, etc.) probably gets them the spot. My choice would have been the #2 on the list – Founders Brewing Company. Great to Hoppin Frog, Akron, OH, at #17. Great work Fred! Oregon did incredibly well: Rogue #21, Hair of the Dog #24, Deschutes #49, Cascade Brewing #57, and Upright Brewing #92 (wow). Washington = Elysian #92.  I was actually surprised not to see Black Raven Brewing on this list. I think this is a testament to the fact that Black Raven is not yet bottling. Upright is probably smaller in production, but they send bottles into various states. I think thats the ticket here (plus great brewing).

Best Beer Bars in World (Click to see list)

The Kulminator –  Its probably the most deserving, considering their iconic collection of cellar aged beers. Kudos to them for keeping this epic collection rolling. Our visit to Kulminator in March could not have been more eye-popping. The most amazing thing on this list – Avenue Pub at #8!!! Congratulations to Polly, the bar’s owner, who has worked her ass off to deserve this recognition. This is the only must see in New Orleans. This is typically a strong category for Washington – perhaps the only one where they typically overtake Oregon. This year they did the same, but only 2-0. Uber Tavern was #14 and Brouwers Cafe was #22. This is a bit of a drop for both of these two. The list also booted Naked City Taphouse, who made a daring showing last year. Nothing in Oregon made the list.

Best Brewpubs in World (Click to see list)

Brouwerij de Molen – The Windmill strikes again! This place has climbed up and up the list and I will agree that it deserves this spot. In a remote area of Holland, Bodegraven’s only beer spot is hidden inside a windmill. Inside you can enjoy excellent food, phenomenal beer and a pretty incredible bottle shop with a collection of US brews that makes me jealous in Seattle. This is a must see for anyone in Northern Europe. Great to see Walking Man make the list at #10. We finally got out there this past summer and thoroughly enjoyed this sunny spot. Deschutes Brewing was #18, Cascade’s Racoon Lodge was #48 (and will be bumped next year for the new Barrel Room) and then there is Pelican Brewing at #26. 26? Cmon man. If you have ever been to this magical surfers cove, you would spit at anyone that left this out of their Top 5. Go visit.

 

Best Beer Store in World (Click here to see list)

Het Oude Schooltje – Struise Brouwers @ The Old School – Ummm, I’m confused. I was in Oostvleteren and never saw this place! Kill me now. This is my own fault and I’m stuck with the consequences. Next time. Great to see some Washington guys on here as well: Malt & Vine #27 and Bottleworks #29. Oregon got showings from The Bier Stein in Eugene and Belmont Station in Portland, who fell all the way to #44.

 

Best Restaurant in World (Click here to see list)

Ebenezer Kezars Restaurant and Pub – This is on my list and will be visited in June when we do a brief NE trip. Tucked away in the Maine mountains in the little town of Lowell – this gem awaits. Is it shocking to anyone else that despite the NW’s extremely well-received culinary presence and beer presence, we cannot produce one beer restaurant in the Top 50? What about Brouwers Cafe? Ebenezars is just a pub, too.

 

Best Breweries to Visit in World (Click here to see list)

Picobrouwerij Alvinne Den Bier- en Proefzolder – Yes, yes and yes x 1000. This is the single greatest beer visit of my entire life. If its a little strange that we have yet to speak about this visit here on BB.com, its because I am intimidated. Timperial and I have feared drafting this inconic article for just about a year. Alvinne is located in a large barn-like space off a highway in Belgium. We arrived after closing on St. Patricks day and were awarded with private drinking stock from the owner. An unprecedented adventure. I was so glad to see Hair of the Dog Brewing on here as well at #2. Alan Sprints has done an incredible job putting together their new taproom, which is a must for any visitor to the NW. Great to also see Upright Brewing (Portland), who has a very cool tasting room where you can grab some schooners and some tunes for a few hours. Rogue, Bridgeport and Hopworks also made the list. A complete zero for Washington.

Ugh. Washington has to take a failing grade this year. I am really disappointed to see so many of the stalwarts take drops. It was very encouraging to see the locations do alright, but what about our beer?!

In short, most of our beer stays here. I think you can somewhat blame that on our alcohol regulation rules, because they facilitate a healthy market at home. But, you can see that the Oregon brewers making a name for themselves are selling bottles.

Forget Rogue and Deschutes – they are pretty big. But, think about Hair of the Dog, Hopworks and especially Upright. These guys all have bottle sales that go across state borders. That stuff helps.

In the near future, we hope to see bottles from great upstarts like Black Raven Brewing, Schooner Exact, Fremont Brewing and more. Hopefully, we can start to show the world why Washington beer is so damn good.

Until 2012.