AustinBeerGeek

Where's the Pumpkin?

2011-10-25T19:20:00.000-07:00

It was pointed out to me that I have let this blog waste away. In my defense I was busy changing jobs and writing for the South by Southwest centric SXSWBaby.com.

Oh, and attending GABF.

So what inspired me to start up again? Tasting a beer without much taste is what.
Just tried a Blue Moon Harvest Pumpkin Ale, and it left me wondering. Where's the pumpkin? It's a good beer, but I feel ripped off. Try it for yourself, but don't say I didn't warn you.

GABF experience.
During GABF I had the opportunity to tour Avery and Breckenridge Brewing, the latter being their BBQ location in Denver. Both brewers were very welcoming and provided great tours. Avery recently added a centrifuge that they are using as their primary method of filtration. This has increased their yields by about 10-11% and provides for just about the most crystal clear beers I've seen. Try a Joe's Pils and see for yourself!

Once again I was impressed with the beers of Roucky Mountain Brewing from Colorado Springs. If you get the chance, try their Da Yoopers.
Another stand out for me was the meads of Redstone Meadery, available at Specs in Texas. Truly great stuff, try it.

Once again into the breach dear friends...

2011-07-09T07:33:00.000-07:00

I am thrilled that I have the chance the attend the Great American Beer Festival again this year. I will once again be representing/assisting my good friends from Austin's Independence Brewing.

Last year I focused on taking in the whole festival, which is epic. As far as sampling went, I focused on regions I had never been to, primarily the Pacific Northwest. While I am not sure what sampling strategy to take this year, I do know where I will be the night before the first session - the Falling Rock Tap House.

The Falling Rock has an excellent selection of beers, decent food, and is one if the default gathering spots for brewers. One of the best times last year for me was just meeting folks there. Great commaraderie + great beer = great times. Do yourself a favor and check it out.

The other memory from last year was a side trip my friends and I took to the Avery Brewing company in Boulder. We spent hours there sampling their finest and touring the sprawling facility. Do yourself a second favor and be sure to tour some of the state's great brewers - you won't regret it.

Now Ad Free!

2011-06-02T08:34:00.000-07:00

I was mildly amused/perturbed to see an ad on my blog for a drug rehab facility. I originally added ads to allow for relevant (craft beer) related ads to be on my blog, but this is not what happened.

So, now no more ads! More room for my brain droppings!

Big Weekend Ahead for Beer Lovers

2011-06-01T08:45:00.000-07:00

Saturday June 4th can be jammed packed with great food and Epic beer!

First up is the Independence Brewing monthly First Saturday Tour and Tasting. This month Boomerang's will be there with their delectable meat pies (veggie options available), and Look Mexico will be providing the tunes. They were at the recent Draught Sessions at Independence and they are worth a look (sorry, bad pun). Gate opens at 1pm, but most folks line up around Noon-12:30.

After that wraps up, Cupcake Smackdown (cupcakesmackdown.com) 2011 kicks off at Hops and Grain Brewing in East Austin.

According to the website, this year's event will feature:

Cupcake Smackdown 3.0 is a fun mash up of technology and cupcakes and barbeque on a Texas evening. Proceeds this year will benefit the Texas Craft Brewer's Guild and Keep Austin Dog Friendly (YAY PUPPIES!). This year's event also celebrates the 9th birthday of Keep Austin Dog Friendly and @MousetheDog. As always, admittance is free. And bring some cash for the fun and nommables. Fun activities include:
Noshing on some sweet morsels from local bakeries
Meeting local craft beer brewers
Touring the Hops and Grain Brewery
Tasting some smoky barbeque
Launching some Angry Cupcakes out of the Cupcake Cannon
Being the first to pick up some virtual beers via Daqri
Capturing the moment with the Annie Ray Photo booth
Download the Keep Austin Dog Friendly iPhone app
Play Angry Birds on a big screen
Wish @MousetheDog a Happy 9th Birthday!
Hashtag: #CupcakeRiot or @misohungry

Webaddress: www.cupcakesmackdown.com

FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/CupcakeSmackdown

Subscribe to Cupcake Smackdown News: Subscribe. Your information will only be used for Cupcake Smackdown.

Date: Saturday, June 4th, 2011 (Keep Austin Dog Friendly and @MouseTheDog's 9th Birthday!)

Time: 5pm - 8 pm

Location: Hops and Grain Brewery 507 Calles St Austin, TX 78702

Sounds Delish!

Draught Sessions Return to Independence Brewing

2011-05-18T21:17:00.000-07:00

Independence Brewing used to hold evening music events a few (?) years back.
Well it appears that they are back, at least for the month of May. Hopefully the format will be sustainable, they were always a good time with great music.

DETAILS:
When: Saturday May 21st 7pm-10pm
Where: independence Brewing
Description (from the Facebook Event page)

Austin, TX is the live music capital of the world so what better way to celebrate American Craft Beer Week than throwing a concert at the brewery? Draught Sessions is a simple concept, local music meets local hand-crafted brew.
The Bands
Eagle Eye WIlliamson
Eagle Eye plays guitar, drums and sings at the same time. All songs are original works, composed and written by Eagle Eye. He was born in south Texas and was raised in Austin, Tx. Eagle Eye currently lives and works in Austin, Tx. His music is focused around roots blues/rock.
http://eagleeyewilliamson.com/

Look Mexico
Over time, the band has shared stages with acts like Horse the Band, Piebald, Gogogo Airheart, Fake Problems, and more. Look Mexico signed to Lujo Records in late 2006 and readied their debut full-length, This is Animal Music, which appeared the following summer. The band supported it on the road foBr the remainder of the year.

http://www.lookmexico.net/

Cost: $10 at the door, complimentary samples to those 21 and older.
Doors at 7pm

Leave your pint glasses at home for this one!

SXSW Volunteer Call Sunday 1/23/11

2011-01-20T08:28:00.000-08:00

Things are going fast!

SXSW is, as in recent years, growing - especially the Interactive conference (IA). I am going to Crew Chief again this year, for the SXShuttle. the crew has volunteers at all shuttle stops and riding the shuttles to act as mobile information desks for Registrants.

This year, our hours have been extended as well as the days. we had to add two more Crew chiefs to the crew, so we can all have time to sleep.

It will be awesome to see friends that I haven't seen much since last March. I will probably minimize my party attendance this year, as most of them are difficult to get into. I will stick to the major ones (the Film Opening Party , the IA Opening Party, the Canadian BBQ Blast) and use the time I free up to see more films.

T-minus 49 days and counting....

Stoked for my first SXSW planning meeting

2011-01-06T08:41:00.000-08:00

This Sunday is the first meeting for SXSW Volunteer Crew Chiefs (CC's). I am soooo excited. It's always like a combo family / High School reunion. I have a lot of really good friends that I only see during SXSW and in the meetings leading up to it.

I am one of the CC's that runs the Film Shuttle and the IA Party shuttle. There wil be changes this year, with a new stop for the Film Shuttle and potential IA shuttle running during the day to get registrants to various speaking locations as we've outgrown the convention center.

Saty tuned for more SXSW news.

Independence Brewing "One Off" series

2011-01-05T13:16:00.000-08:00

About once a month or so, Independence will be experimenting with "one off" small batches of varying styles. I just had the opportunity to taste one of them - their version of a Scotch Ale. With about 8.5 ABV it is potent, but never has an alcohol burn, just a lovely sweet malt palate - a dangerous combination.

This is easily one of the best Scotch Ales, if not the best, I've ever had. A nice full flavored delicious beer. Great work Justin!

I also had the chance to taste a sample of the Beer de Gourd (I hope I spelled the name correctly) that Mike created using German yeast. With notes of apple and cherry, it is a great example of the wonders that can be wrought from just malt, hops, yeast, and water.

I do not know if either of these will see wide release. I would guess that they will be put into firkins for special events.

Keep an eye out for both of these, you will not be disappointed!

Slainte!

Independence Brewing Stash IPA Cask at Black Star Coop 1/10/11

2011-01-04T09:45:00.000-08:00

Independence has been doing great things with their recently acquired casks. the Stash IPA is one of the best casks they do.

If just the opportunity to taste a cask version of this great beer isn't enough, then BeerTownAustin is throwing in their coveted mustache glass! Buy the Stash, keep the "stache" glass!!!

Independence Brewing 1st Saturday brewery tour and beer tasting

2011-01-03T14:22:00.000-08:00

Independence Brewing in south Austin has been opening its doors to the public for brewery tours and a sampling of their beers on the first Saturday of every month since 2004. The doors open at 1 PM, but the line starts forming at around 12:30 PM.

Here’s how the tour day works:
• It’s free to enter, take a tour, enjoy the band (there is a band most months), and just hang out. You have to be 21 to enter or have a parent or guardian with you.

• To get beer samples, you have to get there early enough to receive a wristband. They only hand out about 350 or so wristbands, depending on the amount of beer they have available that day. This is to ensure that anyone with a wristband can be reasonably assured of getting their three samples.

• The wristbands have three beer bottles printed on them. As you get a beer sample, the server will cross one off with a marker. Once you’ve had three samples, that’s it. The brewery cannot sell beer to consumers.

• Most folks make this a tailgate, bringing folding chairs, tents, grills, games, kids, and dogs. Just make sure the kids and dogs are okay in a crowded environment.

• There is usually a local food vendor present with food and drinks for sale.

• There are two bars, one inside and a temporary one setup outside.

Tours start around 1:15 PM to the right of the inside bar. They are very informal, so if you miss it, just ask one of the employees for a quick walk around. The brewers are happy to answer any questions.

Here’s a tip: The brewery gives out their samples in 9 ounce plastic cups, however, if you buy a commemorative pint glass for $6, they will fill your glass instead. There are also shirts and hats for sale, but they can only take cash, so bring some cash for food and souvenirs along with your ID.

http://www.independencebrewing.com

3913 Todd Ln #607
Austin, TX, 78744

Screw Examiner.com

2011-01-03T13:55:00.001-08:00

I have spent the last 6 months or so writing beer related articles for Examiner.com. Unfortunately, I do not post often enough to make the effort worthwhile. I would post more often, but I am forced to keep to my assigned subject and location.

So screw that.

I am returning to Blogger, sweet, easy to use Blogger.

I will post the articles I think are still relevant that I wrote for Examiner here shortly. I am really looking forward to this.

Slainte!

Thirsty Planet Brewing now on tap in Austin

2010-07-04T18:22:00.000-07:00

I just got off the phone with Brian Smittle, the Owner/Brewer of Thirsty Planet Brewing in south Austin. He reports that he just got back from making his first deliveries. That’s right; Austin’s newest brewery is now on tap.

Smittle has been in the brewing business for about 17 years, mostly as a part owner in a brewpub in Oklahoma. When the yearning to brew returned to him and it came time to don the rubber boots and slog through the sometimes messy work of brewing, he looked for a place that was community oriented. What he found was Austin.

Thirsty Planet currently has three beers:

Bucket Head IPA – “an aggressively hopped India Pale Ale.”

Next up is Yellow Armadillo Wheat, American wheat style ale.”

Last but not least is Thirsty Goat Amber, part of the proceeds of which will be donated to help buy farm animals for families in Third World nations. Smittle describes it as a “medium bodied beer, with a sweet, malty taste and finishes with light hop bitterness.”

You can now find Buckethead IPA at Houndstooth Coffee (4200 North Lamar) and at the Black Sheep Lodge (2108 South Lamar). Also look for it to appear at the Flying Saucer and the Draughthouse in Austin on Friday.

You can find Thirsty Planet brewing at http://www.thirstyplanet.net/ on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Austin-TX/Thirsty-Planet-Brewing-Company/346643788295 or follow them on Twitter at http://twitter.com/tpbrewing