Misc News – Dec 30

The Post-Tribune finds out Microbreweries, brewpubs wedge way into NWI market. and companion stories: Special Forces Ale brings Crown Brewery out of shadows and Homebrew winner now on tap at Crown Brewing.

And there we learn "The first three cases of Crown Brewing Special Forces Ale in 22-ounce bottles was sent out to Holiday Liquor in Cedar Lake [and]are available for purchase at the brewpub for $6.99."

Lafayette Brewing's latest Big Boris Barleywine will be released at the New Year's Eve party. 9.2%. "hints of alcohol in the finish". An American IPA will be out in mid Jan with Centennial and Amarillo.

Mad Anthony's, Shoreline, and Deano's Vino are also having New Years Eve parties.

Upland's Komodo Dragonfly Black IPA comes out in 6-packs and kegs on Jan 7th. 6.5%. 65 IBU. Dry hopped with a pinch of lavender.

Butler Winery's Bloomington homebrew shop has 15% off all "non-wine" items (including phone and email orders). Just through tomorrow.

Heavy Seas release schedule for 2010: Holy Sheet Uber Abbey Ale – January Siren Noire Chocolate Stout – Feb Big Dipa IIPA – March Red Sky at Night Belgian Saison – March thru May Letter of Marque Hop Rye Porter – April Below Decks Barrel Aged Barley Wine – May Smoke on the Water Smoked Imperial Porter – June Summer Ale – June thru September Hang Ten Weizen Dopplebock – July Prosit Imperial Oktoberfest – August The Great Pumpkin Imperial Pumpkin Ale – Sept The Greater Pumpkin Boubon Barrel Aged – Sept Winter Storm Imperial ESB – Oct thru Dec Below Decks Barley Wine – Nov You Tide Belgian Tripel – Nov

Stone's release schedule for 2010: Stone Old Guardian – 2/15 Stone Imperial Russian Stout – 4/19 Stone Anniversary Ale – 6/21 Stone Vertical Epic – 10/11 Stone Double Bastard Ale – 11/2

Meet Albert Christian Friedrich Wichmann, the owner from 1877 – 1881 of the brewery in Kendallville. Honest. Scroll down about 2/3 of the way on this page if you're not convinced.

Jay Brooks gives us the Top 10 Beer Stories of 2009.

Beer truck crashes in Papua New Guinea. 4,000 cases stolen by villagers. "Superintendent Tondop said he hopes common sense will return when everyone sobers up today." article

A reader points out It's been a great year for beer in Asheville.

Brewing News has a 41-question survey - with prizes.