Misc News – Dec 22

"Crown Brewing signatures like Special Force Ale will now be available on draught at restaurants and bars . . . also is about to begin selling is Special Force Ale in 22-ounce bottles in select liquor stores." Calumet Brewing will be their distributor.  article

Thank Heaven for Beer reviews Teddy Bear Kisses by Upland.

The latest gadget Brew Balls– makes sense for light ales. 1.005, 1.10, 1.20, 1.035, 1.055 density balls sink as fermentation progresses. Gives a quick look without breaking the seal. Sanitize in boiling water. Keep out of reach of children, especially the boiling water. Also available at Great Fermentations.

The International Breweries' Competition's Beer Stars were handed out last Saturday. Winners available in Indiana include (without doing a whale of cross referencing so error-prone – please correct in comments):

Marzen – Bronze – Sam Adams Octoberfest
Belgian – Gold – Du Bocq Gauloise Ambree – Silver – Affligem Blond
Belgian Dubbel – Bronze – Du Bockq Gauloise Brune
Belgian Tripel – Silver – Gouden Carolus – Bronze – Affligem Tripel
Pilsner – Bronze – Lagunitas Pils
Dry Stout – Silver – Rogue Shakespeare Stout
English Ale – Silver - Flying Dog Doggie Style
Imperial Stout – Silver - Sam Adams Imperial Stout
Porter – Gold - Baltika No6.
Hefeweizen – Silver – Schneider Unser Original
Kristallweizen – Bronze – Schneider Mein Kristall
Weizenbock – Silver – Schneider Meine Hopfenweisse
Specialty/Honey Beer – Gold - Sam Adams Honey Porter – Silver – Dogfish Head Midas Touch
      – Bronze – Mission Street Honey Blond (Trader Joe's brand brewed by Firestone-Walker)
Sweet Stout - Gold – Left Hand Milk Stout – Bronze – Sam Adams Cream Stout