Beer Blotter

Calling all Seattliest- stop by Latona for a beer. Pic courtesy of seattleweekly.com.

I hope you snuggled up with a beer on Monday for V. Day and got a bit tipsy. But now for your week in beer.

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Southern Tier Cask and Draft Night: Arlington, Virginia

6:00PM-8:00PM @ Rustico – Ballston

Enjoy all that is Southern Tier tonight!

THE SOUTHERN TIER BREWS:
Draft:
Southern Tier Choklat
Southern Tier Krampus
Southern Tier Unearthly
Southern Tier Gemini
Southern Tier Cuvee 3
Southern Tier Backburner

Cask:
Southern Tier 2X IPA

PRICE: Southern Tier beers will be priced by the glass and in 4 oz. tasters.

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Silver City Brewing Night: Gig Harbor, Washington

6:00PM-8:00PM @ The Tides Tavern

Featuring Silver City Brewing Co.‘s Ridgetop Red Ale, WhoopPass Double IPA, & Fat Woody Scotch Ale.

Head Brewer and Gig Harbor local Gary Winn will be on hand to share a pint with.

Buy a pint keep the Silver City glass while supplies last & Silver City Brewery giveaways as well!

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Allagash with Rob Todd: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

6:00PM-11:00PM @ Union Jack’s

Join amazing brewer, Rob Todd for some even more amazing Allagash beers. Here is what he has is store for you tonight.

Bourbon Black
Big Little Beer
Confluence
Interlude
Curiuex
Tripel
Dubbel
Odyssey
Grand Cru
Hugh Malone
Fluxus 2010
Four
White

Friday, February 18, 2011

Firestone Walker Beer Dinner: Mesa, Arizona

6:30PM-8:30PM @ Il Vinaio

Come join us for a Special Firestone Walker Beer Dinner hosted by Firestone Walker’s ~ David Walker. See below for Beer Dinner Details!.
Menu:

Course 1: Baked Crawfish Cheddar Tart with Pale 31 Pale Ale

Course 2: Grilled Shrimp with Roast Corn & Black Bean Fritter with Double Barrel Ale

Course 3: BBQ Duck Sausage with Okra and Cheesy Grits with Double Jack Imperial IPA

Dessert: Chocolate Bread Pudding with Velvet Merlin Bourbon Barrel Aged Oatmeal Stout

Firestone Walker Beer Dinner Nightcap @ilvinaio: 4oz Tulip of 14th Anniversary Ale!

$29.00 per person / Firestone Glassware included.

See Il Vinaio for Details!

Saturday, February 19, 2011

Boulder Strong Beer Festival: Boulder, Colorado

12:00PM-5:00PM @ Avery Brewing Company

Mark your calendars for Friday, February 18th and Saturday, February 19th for the 9th Annual Boulder Strong Ale Festival! We’ve decided to move this event back to February for 2011, since strong ales seem to taste even better in the dead of winter. This event featured nearly 80 different strong beers over 8% abv in 2010, and we hope to have even more this time around. All attendees will receive 16, two-ounce tasting tickets and a commemorative festival tasting glass with admission, along with the chance to mingle with many of the brewers and creators on the beers on hand. The Friday tasting session will run from 5PM-10PM and the Saturday session will be from 12PM-5PM.

To ensure that all attendees have a fantastic time, we’re limiting ticket sales to 400 tickets per day. Tickets will go on sale for $35 apiece on Monday, January 3rd from our online ticketing partner Ticket Alternative (Friday tickets: Saturday Tickets: ) and from the Avery Tap Room. Tickets will be available at the door only if they do not sell out in advance. Act fast!

We hope to have over 50 participating Breweries this year!! To name just a few who have already committed: Allagash (ME), Avery (CO), Cambridge (MA), Deschutes (OR), Dogfish Head (DE),Moylans (CA), Ommegang (NY), Oskar Blues (CO), Pizza Port (CA), Pumphouse (CO), Redstone Meadery (CO), The Bruery (CA), Trinity Brewing (CO), Victory Brewing (PA)

Sunday, February 20, 2011

Keg of Bell’s Hopslam: Raleigh, North Carolina

12:00PM-2:00PM @ Busy Bee Cafe

Looking for something to do on your lazy Sunday? Well go to Busy Bee Cafe and down a couple of Hopslams- Bell’s amazing Double IPA. The keg will be tapped at noon.

Monday, February 21, 2011

Winter into Spring with Rouge: Seattle, Washington

7:00PM-9:00PM @ Latona Pub

Latona is a cool place to get a beer. Tonight they feature Rouge.

If you want us to promote an event or if you want to review an event, then please email me at jess@beerblotter.com or leave a comment! Cheers!

Stop by Urge Gastropub during San Diego Beer Week!

This weekend we saw a good friend off to Philadelphia (tear) with a lot of Rainier and a relaxing Sunday compiled of a vertical tasting of Southern Tier’s Pumpking- ’08, ’09 and 10. A great way to end the the season of pumpkin ales and the weekend (double tear). But now for your week in beer.

Monday, November 8 , 2010

Coronado Brewing Co. Beer Week Event: San Diego, Califoria

5:00PM-10:00PM @ Urge Gastropub

San Diego Beer Week continues (T-minus 5 days until 2/3 of bb.com take their trip down “south”) with a tasting of San Diego’s first microbrewery, Coronado Brewing Co. beers.

Urge will be featuring 5 specialty CBC draft beers and a very limited edition cask of Mermaids Red Ale soaked in Buffalo Trace distillery oak chips! Be sure to make it for this cask and enjoy CBC beers at Urge with their excellent food! Idiot IPA on tap, Orange Avenue Wit, Red Devil Imperial Red, CBC Summer Ale made with Ginger and Kaffir Lime and Ingrid’s 1 in 8 limited release collaboration with Ballast Point!!!

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Green Flash Debut: Mount Holly, New Jersey

7:00PM-11:00PM @ High Street Grill

The first time that Green Flash will be on tap at the High Street Grill….with the Imperial IPA and the West Coast IPA. Live Irish tunes from 7 to 11 pm. All you can eat mussels in beer for just $ 10. HSG is bringing the West coast to your pint glass.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Evening of Rare Founders Beers: Washington D.C.

6:00PM-8:00PM @ The Big Hunt

A private tasting of Founders‘ Black Biscuit, Breakfast Stout, Canadian Breakfast Stout, Backwoods Bastard, and Devil Dancer, hosted by Founders National Sales Manager Michael Bell. Tickets are $30 per person. $30 for only beers sounds  a bit steep. With an outdated event page, you might want to give The Big Hunt a call with any questions- 202.785.2333.

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Beer Belly Dinner: Portland, Oregon

6:30PM-9:00PM@ EastBurn

Ill let the event description speak for itself. Beer Belly is a great weekly beer inspired event!

Our casual meet & eats are bringing together Great Food, Great Beer & Great People

The events are hosted on our 4-season patio combined with our special events Annex. Picture a backyard griller, but you don’t have to cook, serve or clean-up, and best of all some super beer guru shows up with “the goods”

This month we are proud to welcome Walking Man Brewing Co., with Brewer Jacob Leonard.

The Dinner begins at 6:30pm, serving food and beer throughout the night. Cost is $35 per person, including a 4-course dinner and 1 of each beer.

All proceeds are donated to RideOn, Portland’s Safe Ride Program.

Reservations must be paid in advance via PayPal or by stopping in to the EastBurn.

for questions please email Tina
Tina@theEastBurn.com
or call the EastBurn 503-236-2876

Friday, November 12, 2010

Bell’s Tasting: South Beloit, Illinois

5:00PM-7:00PM @ Everett’s Liquor Store

I’ll give you 6 reasons to go to this event: Bell’s Brewery beers such as Christmas Ale, Oarsmen, Winter White, Cherry Stout , Expedition Stout, Third Coast Ale  (there will be others…).

Saturday, November 13, 2010

Public Brewing Session: Brussels, Belgium

7AM-12PM @ Cantillion

I know this isn’t in the USA, but how cool is this?? You actually get to see the Cantillion (House of Lambics) brewing process. See below (its an incredible opportunity):

PROGRAMME

In a 19th Century brewery with its original equipment :

from 7.00 to 9.00 Brewing process
from 9 to 13.00 Filtration and hopping
from 12.00 to 15.00 Cooking
at 15.30 Pumping of wort into the cooling tun
from 7.00 to 12.00 Barrel cleaning “ancient method”

Guided tours every 2 hours as from 7.00

Admission fee: EUR 6 per person – this includes guided tour and one drink of your choice

Croissants and coffee are proposed until 8.30, free of charge

BRUSSEL’S TYPICAL TRADITIONS AND ITS FUN FILLED ATMOSPHERE GUARANTEED

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Local Farm Beer Dinner: Rehoboth Beach, Delware

6:30PM- 8:30PM @ Dogfish head Brewing Co.

Totall Local, natural and paired with Dogfish head beers- I’m in!

Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Truffle Cream and Fresh Ricotta – paired with Shelter Pale Ale

Mixed Greens with Roasted Pumpkin Dressing and Fresh Goat Cheese – paired with Punkin Ale

Life & Limb Braised Duck Breast with Winter Vegetable Ragout paired with Life & Limb

Sweet Potato Chocolate Cake with Chicory Stout Ice Cream paired with vintage Olde School Barleywine

If you go to an event, want us to post about your event or want to just state a fact, then please leave a comment or email me at jess@beerblotter.com! Cheers!

Great Divide Espresso Oak Aged Yeti

***Notes of a Beer Nerd is a column written by resident cellar dwelling mammal, Timperial Stout. Feel free to e-mail him at beerblotter@gmail.com with any questions, concerns or comments***

Enjoyed on 6/23/2010

Brewery: Great Divide Brewing Co.

Location: Denver, CO

Beer: Espresso Oak Aged Yeti

Web: http://www.greatdivide.com/

Presentation: 22 oz. – Brown Glass Bottle – Capped and Foiled

Vintage: Bottled on 3/15/2010

Style: Imperial Stout

Barrel: Oak Chips

ABV: 9.5%

IBU: N/A

Hops: N/A

Malt: N/A

Vessel: Snifter

Recommended Serving Temp: 55 degrees

Notes From the Bottle: Espresso Oak Aged Yeti Imperial Stout is a new addition to the Yeti clan. A generous infusion of Denver’s own Pablo’s espresso adds yet another layer of complexity to this beer, combining with the vanilla oak character, intense roasty maltiness and bold hop profile to create a whole new breed of mythical creature. It’s official, you can now have Yeti with breakfast.

Food Pairings: Breakfast burrito, eggs Benedict, hash browns, cheesecake, creme brulee.

Cheese Pairings: Gouda, brie, swiss

Beer Advocate: A-

Rate Beer: 100 (4.08)

Timperialstout’s Notes:

The combination of coffee and beer has an unclear history. When it was and who it was that first combined the two alludes me.  Though the amalgam of two of the worlds most loved brewed beverages seems like a painfully obvious invention, it is by no means a traditional fusion for brewmasters.  In fact, one just may consider coffee imperial stouts to be yet another page in the ever-expanding history book of the world’s extreme beer movement.

The “obvious” tag comes with the natural flavor components of the two core ingredients of this style, and how they compliment each other.  The thick, treacly black nature of stouts comes from roasted and chocolate malts that impart a bevy of flavors upon the brew, most pertinently: coffee accents.  Coffee on the other hand, coats the mouth in a blanket of oils and astringent bitterness.  In many cases, deep stouts leave the bitterness of the hops far too hidden in the depths to play a substantial role, but the addition of coffee breathes life back into the bitterness component of the beer.

The “coffee flavor” will always stand above the rest in such a brew.  The best brewers will find a way to bring complexity to the stage.  It is the mouthfeel, the sweetness, the chocolate, the roasty elements that support the coffee that will separate your run of the mill coffee infused brews from the all-time greats.  The original Great Divide Oak Aged Yeti is one of the most masterfully created imperial stouts I have ever had, so we already know that the backbone is strong with this one.  Let’s see how perky the espresso version makes the palate.

She pours the color of fresh black top with a timid head that quickly settles to the familiar “wisp and ring” that I describe so often.  While that froth lasts, it’s a sight to behold.  So rich and luxurious.  Reminiscent of Mexican hot chocolate or a dark roast espresso or mocha’s foam.  A mild clinging to the walls of the glass exists, but mostly in sporadic clumps, like arms of lather reaching for freedom from the vessel’s confines.

The scent is deep and complex.  As the brew warms, the coffee becomes more and more overpowering, but prior to the bean’s reigning supreme, there is a very earthy undertone.  May the hops actually be discernible?  These smells of freshly tilled earth and hop farm, entwined with coffee, lend the impression of what may be the scent of raw coffee beans.  Perhaps I’ve been transported to the fields of a Colombian Coffee farm.  I can see the workers gathering and harvesting without rest.  Just imagine the bean’s long journey to Denver and their careful roasting.  Do you think they ever thought that they would end up in a beer?

A lot of chocolate sweetness is able to cut through it all, which is a relief.  I feel almost as though I can smell the oily nature of the fluid that the beans secreted.  The boozy scent is mostly hidden until she warms quite drastically and a medicinal quality emerges.  The melding of this medicine, dirt or earth, coffee… seems to fuse into a perfume of fermented dark grape or cherry skins.  Very intriguing.  My mouth waters.

The mouthfeel is very creamy and epitomizes body.  This is yet another quality of imperial stouts that separates the men from the boys.  No skimping on grain bills here.

At this point the booze is very recognizable, but the intense bitter of the coffee competes with considerable mettle, and my mouth is ecstatic to play host. The oils of the coffee are as coating as I’d assumed they would be, and thus the flavors linger with no premonition of dissipation.  In fact, the flavors seem to improve with the added heat of my mouth.  I need more!

Ultimately, if forced to choose, I’d prefer the uninfringed original version, with its natural complexities, but this is very nearly the best coffee beer I’ve ever had.  My excitement was palpable when I first read that Great Divide would be treating their Yeti with various additions.  The chocolate version is well worth a taste as well.  If you like an imperial stout as much as Timperial, these are not to be missed.

If you like Espresso Oak Aged Yeti, you should try…

Brasserie Dieu Du Ciel‘s Peche Mortel; Southern Tier Brewing Co.’s Jahva; Alesmith Brewing Co.’s Speedway Stout

Disclaimer: This beer was purchased on my own with my own hard-earned money at a local bottle shop, and aged to perfection by yours truly.

Catskeller in Tampa, FL- put it on the list!

Sorry I am late! We are back from a whirlwind trip to DC: “Hello” Pizza Paradiso, Brickskeller, Old Dominion Beer, Stoudt’s Brewing Co….but we are back to Seattle and ready to blog. Thanks for sticking with us during our trip!

And your events for the last week in May.

Monday, May 24, 2010

Green Flash Gravity Cask: Peekskill, New York

6:00PM- 12:00AM@ Birdsall House

They will be tapping two gravtiy casks from the Green Flash Brewing Co.: American ESB at 5.6% ABV and an Imperial Red Ale at 8% ABV.

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Goose Island Beer Dinner: Beavercreek, Ohio

7:00PM- 9:00PM @ Spinoza’s Gourmet Pizza and Salad

This menu includes an amazing five course meal paired with beers from Goose Island Brewing Co. This menu is ridiculous and Matilda is a beer not to be missed.

1. “Summertime” German-Syle Kolsch paired with House-made Soft Pretzel with Roasted Garlic Aioli
2. “312″ Urban Wheat Ale paired with Bruschetta with Goat Cheese and Roasted Yellow Pepper-Cilantro Pesto
3. “Sofie” Belgian Style Farmhouse Ale paired with a salad of Mache Lettuce, Chilled Wild-Caught Sea Scallops, Honey Roasted Pecans, and Lemon Caper Vinaigrette
4. “Matilda” Belgian Style Pale Ale paired with Hearth Baked Pizza with Pesto, Lump Crab, Pine Nuts, Goat Cheese, and Roasted Chilies
5. “Pere Jacues” Belgian Style Abbey Ale paired with Strawberry Cheesecake with Belgian Chocolate Sauce
6. “Night Stalker” Imperial Stout (part of the Goose Island limited “Heavy Weight Beer Collection”)

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Southern Tier Brewery Night: Tampa, Florida

7:00PM-9:00PM @ Datz Deli

Southern Tier is considered one of the top ten breweries in the US of A by all three authors of bb.com.  Go to this now, stat! Check out this tap list, its unspeakable:

MOKAH Chocolate Coffee Stout- 1 of 3 in Tampa
JAVAH Coffee Stout
OAK AGED UNEARTHLY Imperial IPA- Very limited
Inequity Imperial Black Ale
HOP SUN
BIG RED Imperial Red
HOPPE Imperial Pale Ale
BACK BURNER Barley Wine- Very Limited

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Belgium Beer Festival: Cinncinati, Ohio

11:00AM- 10:00PM @ Catskeller

Flights will be available of full pours by the glass. The draft lineup will feature all Belgian-style ales, most from Belgium and some others produced outside of Belgium but inspired by the traditional style. Beers on tap include: Urthel Samaranth; Bosteels Tripel Karmeliet and Huyghe Delirium Tremens.

Friday, May 28, 2010

Friday Night Flights: Florence, Kentucky

6:00PM-7:00PM @ Party Town

Ok, this place is called Party Town and each week at least eight beers are available for you to try at a cost of two dollars.  This Friday from 6-7pm you will be joined by the best brewery in St. Louis, Missouri: Schlafly. Schlafly’s Quadrupel, Grand Cru, Export IPA, and a blend of their bourbon barrel aged Barleywine and Pale ale will all be on tap.

Saturday, May 29, 2010

San Francisco Giants’ Brewfest: San Francisco, California

3:00PM -6:00PM @ AT&T Park

In addition to a ticket to the game in the Brewfest section, this $20 ticket package includes entrance to the private pregame Brewfest party in Lot D from 3pm-6pm, with complimentary samples of delicious regional and world beer styles provided by the participating breweries.  Come to this first time event and be a part of beer history!

Sunday, May 30, 2010

Brew At the Zoo: Baltimore, Maryland

1:00PM-7:00PM @ the Maryland Zoo

Animals and alcohol- done and done. Brew at the Zoo and Wine, Too! couples food and beverage with music and fun! Tickets are required and include unlimited beer and wine tastings, a commemorative tasting glass, 3 live bands per day, and access to food, snack, artisan, and commercial vendors.  Tickets will be for sale online VERY soon. Buy early and save!

Monday, May 31, 2010

*We will be camping this weekend, see you on Tuesday!*

Happy Birthday to Washington's Black Raven!

I always begin with a blurb about the weather. NOT this time. Although now I am at a loss. Had Bell’s Rye Stout this weekend. It was creamy, robust and a really great beer. Events…here they are.

Monday, April 26, 2010

Women’s Only Sour Beer Tasting: Escondido, California

7:00PM-9:00PM @ Stone Brewing Co.

Sour beers are up there with my favorite styles of beers. Unique flavors, unique history and a style originated in Belgium. Done, done and done.

If you’ve never tried a sour brew before, now’s your chance to explore this tart and delicious beer style. You’ll learn about what makes a sour beer sour while you try outstanding examples from several different breweries.  Tickets are $20 and are available in the Stone Company Store or online here:
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/105419

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Founder’s Brewing Kentucky Breakfast Stout Tasting: Mount Holly, New Jersey

7:00PM-10:00PM @ High Street Grill

Founders Brewing Co. makes damn good beer. (hello Double Trouble, Centennial IPA and their other Breakfast Stout).  From their website

“…brewed with a massive amount of coffee and chocolates then cave-aged in oak bourbon barrels for an entire year, to make sure wonderful bourbon undertones come through in the finish. Make your taste buds squeal with delight.”

Live Irish Tunes from 7 pm and all you can eat mussels in beer for just $10 pp! Also on tap, 15 other great craft beers and Founders Reds Rye too!

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Weyerbacher Beer Dinner: Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

6:00PM-8:00PM @ Sands Casino Resort

On deck are Weyerbacher’s Blitering Idiot, Fireside Ale, Merry Monk, and the Blanche paired with amazing dishes such as Pepper Crusted Roasted Strip Loin served on oyster mushrooms, roasted garlic spaetzle, caramelized onion puree, Cippolini onion and herb jus.

This 4 course dinner is $50.00/person. To make reservations call 877-SANDS77. Please note: Beer Dinners include tax and gratuity.

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Southern Tier Take Over: Cumberland, Rhode Island

7:00PM-9:00PM @ Pitcher’s Pub

The good stuff from Southern Tier Brewing is on tap tonight this is an amaaaaaaaaaaaaaaazing event. Mokah, Choklat, Oak Aged Unearthly IPA, Iniquity (Black Ale) and many more. This brewery can’t go wrong, so go here tonight.

Friday, April 30, 2010

Lagunitas Tasting: Amesbury, Massachusetts

5:00PM-8:00PM @ Carriagetown Wine and Spirits

There will be a Lagunitas tasting from 5pm-8pm on Friday April 30th. The full line up of year round offerings and current seasonals will be sampled.

Saturday, May 1, 2010

Black Raven Anniversary Party: Redmond, Washington

12:00PM-10:00PM @ Black Raven Brewing Co.

21 and Over only Event- so if you are of age, come enjoy, live music all day, food kiosks (grilled food and pizza, Rare BRBC beers, 2 beer gardens and………………….Live goats! AND live music stage with headliners and Seattle Reggae band, Dub Lounge International.

Sunday, May 2, 2010

The Bruery Seasonal Tasting: Portand, Oregon

3:00PM-5:00PM @ Saraveza Bottle Shop

Try all four seasons of The Bruery at this free sampling. And lucky for you, they will be pouring both Partridge in a Pear Tree (’08) AND Two Turtle Doves (’09). If you are super lucky, you’ll get a sample of Black Tuesday (first come, first served!).

Nice way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

If you have any events that you would like us to post – please email us at beerblotter@gmail.com or leave a comment on this page.