Indiana Beer News – May 31

Naughty Girl. Click to biggify. Need we say more?

This Saturday’s Fest of Ale gets ink in the Clarksville News & Tribune.

Saturday: Keg Liquors Fest of Ale. 3-7pm. Clarksville. $25/$30
Saturday: Bloomington Craft Beer Festival. $35+$10 parking/$90. 3-7pm

If you’re in or visiting the Chicago area check Beeronaut’s daily beer events page.

The Indiana State Police (probably in the person of Patrick Stinson) have become so obnoxious poaching outside New Albany bars one has started a shuttle service. article Our advice and that of a Public House regular: Park a couple of blocks away, around a corner, not just down the street (or in a Kroger parking lot). Keep your eyes open while walking to your car. If you see the ISP parked in the shadows come back later (or do your Kroger shopping).

Meanwhile, in Gary, quotas of 10 arrests/tickets per day are making everyone despondent including cops, prosecutors, FOP, and the public. Only the guy who issued the order likes it. article  Paradoxically, the article states ”ISP spokesman Sgt. Dave Bursten said his department ‘does not utilize or support a quota system.’ Instead, troopers must make two traffic stops per hour while on patrol, and those stops should result in either a ticket or a warning.” Wanted: Doublespeak interpreter.

Dateline Cincinnati: Brewery District Announces Expanded Prohibition Resistance Tours

The Over-the-Rhine Brewery District Community Urban Redevelopment Corp. is proud to announce a summer walking version of the popular Prohibition Resistance tour of Cincinnati’s Over-the-Rhine brewing history. The summer version of tours is called “Prohibition Resistance: The Lager Tour” and will now be offered through September.

Starting May 21, 2011 and continuing at 1pm on Saturdays and Sundays through September, the 90-minute tour will explore the heart of Cincinnati’s brewery district. Tours will start and end at Findlay Market’s Over-the-Rhine Biergarten. Participants will see historic pre-Prohibition breweries like the original Christian Moerlein complex, Clyffside Brewery, and enter the deep underground lagering cellars of Jackson Brewery in the Clifton hillside. Reservations can be made at: www.CincinnatiBreweryTours.com. Tickets are $15 per person.

Slide show of the Anchor Brewery.

BBW takes on a new meaning for Hoppin’ Frog’s Naked Evil BBW – A non-oak-aged version of the Deliver Us from Evil Belgian Barley Wine.

Wanna kickstart a brewery in KC? The Thank Heaven For Beer bloggers are looking to get more involved.

Here’s a very organized chart showing the number of U.S. breweries and the total output. It’s from Beer Craft. You’ll see this book on the shelves.

Breweries peak in 1875 then taper down because of temperance movements and, in the 1890s, by consolidations. Some recovery after Prohibition is quashed in the 1950s until 1980 by national advertising and more, some say crazy, consolidations.

Volume rises high before prohibition but the real climb is from 1960 through 1980 when NFL, NBA, MLB, and even NASCAR were all brewery ads all the time. It’s been flat since 1990.

Fort Wayne Events - May 27

Cap n' Cork Maysville Road location will be having a FREE beer tasting from 5p.m.-7p.m. Must be 21 yrs. of age or older with valid photo ID to sample the beers.

Mad Anthony Brewing Company will be tapping a Cask-Conditioned Porter at 5p.m.

Three Pints Brewpub

Look what came in the mail today. Three Pints Brewpub “Now Brewing Our Own Beer”. Turns out they’ve been serving their own for 3 weeks now.

5020 Cambridge Way is an access road to the east of Ind 267 just north of I-70. You’ll see the sign if you look hard but there’s no sign on the building at all.

Open 7 days a week at 11am.

The nice new trellis makes a good biergarten or as we call it over here, an outdoor dining patio.

 

The brewery is the first thing you see as you walk in the door. Turn right for the bar. Enjoy.

 

They have a “Pints Plus Club” that costs $25 a year.

The tap list:

• Beatnik Blonde Wheat – Light American Wheat using Centennial and Columbus hops. A bit sweet. 5.1% 18 IBU
• Retired Red’s Ale – American Amber “A moderate alcohol level and hop bitterness from American hop varieties combined with a caramel sweetness make this a tasty, easy-drinking “session” beer. 4.8% 27 IBU
• Izzy’s IPA – English IPA the way Americans make it. 6.5% 50 IBU
• Brown – Northern-style or American Brown.
• Yoshi’s Nectar – Out right now but second batch coming up Friday. A Steam Beer. 5.2% 30 IBU.
• McClearen’s Scottish Ale – Also in between batches. 7.4% 23 IBU.

Also on tap: Sun King Sunlight Cream Ale, Osiris, and Wee Mac; Oaken Berrel Razz-Wheat; Upland Bad Elmer’s Porter and Dragonfly.

12 oz drafts are $3.50. 20 oz pints are $5.

A fairly accurate food menu is online. We heartily recommend the Maryland Blue Crab Cakes.

Food:
Appetizers: $7-12
Soups: $4-7
Salads: $8-9
Dinners: $10 (Jambalaya) - $25 (Filet Mignon)
Sandwiches: $7 (Pulled pork) - $9 (Pot Roast)
Desserts: $6

Indiana Beer News – May 24

The Brew-Ha-Ha sends out a press release:

Are you ready to tap into the Indiana beer scene? Look no further than the Phoenix Theatre’s 16th annual Brew-Ha-Ha Saturday June 25, 2011. Brew-Ha-Ha is an annual Indianapolis event with more than 20 Indiana microbreweries, you’re sure to find one that tickles your taste buds just right. Go ahead – try to taste them all. Though we certainly do not encourage this, and no such prize exists for accomplishing the feat, you’re sure to have a great time chugging away. What goes good with a stellar brew? Why, food and live music of course! With unlimited tastes of over 50 beers o n tap, an abundance of food and melodious tunes in the air, the Brew-Ha-Ha is sure to please. The event is held rain or shine! The fun begins at 3pm and goes until 7pm. Cost is $25 presale at www.phoenixtheatre.org or $30 the day of the event. For the courageous few who will attempt to sample all the delicious brews, $10 will cover your designated driver. Remember, cash only accepted the day of the event and you must be 21 or over to attend.  Come toss a few back that were made right here in Indiana! And like we always say – FEAR NO BEER!

The Beer Geeks show Scenes from the Illiana Mayfest.

Indiana Breweries, The Book. The video of the interview. Holl and Schweber for 4 minutes on WTHR.

True Brew, The Book, won first place in the Nonfiction category of the Women’s Press Club of Indiana. Cool.

Flying Dog’s Raging Bitch. Michigan doesn’t like it. “Nevertheless, Plaintiff, Flying Dog
Brewery, LLLP, (Flying Dog) insists on unleashing its "Raging Bitch" on Michigan's public well
before a proper determination of this case. Consistent with the plea for release on its label,
Flying Dog wants the Court to jump ahead of deliberate analysis in this case and rush to grant it
relief. But a matter as weighty as this must be handled in a restrained, thoughtful manner. A
preliminary injunction here would inflict this detrimental and admittedly inflammatory2 language
on captive audiences throughout Michigan, a harm that cannot be undone.” long brief

Former A-B InBev exec buys O'Fallon Brewery

Bell’s construction pictures.

After three years of research - this summer’s state fair fried food: Fried Beer. At least in Texas where a guy has applied for a patent. article

UpCup at Upland Brewery results 2011

Congrats to the top brewers honored by winning the Upland Brewery UPCUP 2011. This years winners are... (Drum roll):

Randy Jones, 1st place, of Indianapolis for his "Mother's Milk Sweet Stout." Randy brews with help of Tuxedo Park Brewers of Fountain Square, Indy.
Randy will work with Caleb Staton, Head Brewer of Upland, to brew this beer for the brewery

Jasan Mundy, 2nd place, of Bloomington for the "Kate Middleton after the divorce Ordinary Bitter" -- Jasan is with Bloomington Hop Jockeys Club

Frank Petrarca, 3rd place, of Indianapolis for his "Hefe for my Hunny" hefeweizen. Frank is with the Foam Blowers of Indiana Club.

There was an honorable mention this year due to the small judging points difference: Steven Llewellen of Bloomington for a Black IPA aged in Oak. Steve is with the Bloomington Hop Jockeys Club.

Thirteen judges and stewards sanctioned by the Beer Judge Certification Program were organized by National level Judge Ron Smith and volunteered all day at Upland. Staton keeps hands off except to thank judges and allow them to pick the top beers so the best beer can truly be brewed out of approximately 65 entries this year.

PR: Bloomington Craft Beer Fest – Cutters Brewing Co.

Reprinted press release:

BLOOMINGTON (May 19, 2011) – The newest microbrewery in Bloomington will be making it’s premiere at the inaugural Bloomington Craft Beer Fest on Saturday, June 4th, 2011. Cutters Brewing Co. Cutters Brewing Co. is owned and operated by long time friends and accomplished homebrewers Monte Speicher and Chris Inman as well as their spouses and business partners Amanda Speicher and Emma Inman.

They recently received government approval to brew at their brewery at 1927 S. Curry Pike. Their hand crafted and packaged beers will be available for purchase in and around Bloomington in late June. The public will be able to sample Cutters’ Monon Wheat, Empire Imperial Stout, and Half Court IPA at the Bloomington Craft Beer Fest.

Other Indiana breweries that will be offer beer samples includes: Bloomington’s Upland Brewing and Bloomington Brewing Company; Nashville’s Big Woods Brewing Company; New Albany’s New Albanian Brewing Company; Brazil’s Bee Creek Brewing Company; Evansville’s Turoni’s Main Street Brewery; Indianapolis’ Sun King Brewing Company, Rock Bottom Restaurant and Brewery (Downtown and College Park), Brugge Brasserie, Broad Ripple Brewpub, and Flat 12 Bierwerks; Plainfield’s Three Pints Brewpub; Noblesville’s Barley Island Brewing Company; Kokomo’s Half Moon Brewery and Restaurant; Lafayette’s People’s Brewing and Lafayette Brewing Company; Munster’s Three Floyds Brewing Company; Valparaiso’s Figure Eight Brewing Company; and Fort Wayne’s Mad Anthony Brewing Company.

The festival will be held on the property surrounding the Woolery Mill at 2200 West Tapp Road.

Tickets will be on sale at www.IndianaBeerFest.com. General admission tickets are $35 and include admission, a commemorative tasting glass, a tasting guide, and access to over 120 beers in 2 ounce pours. Parking at the festival will cost $10, but a free shuttle is being offered to and from the festival. The shuttle service will include stops at IU Stadium’s Purple Lot and downtown Bloomington on College Avenue between 6th and 7th Streets.

For those bringing a designated driver, admission for them is $10 but includes free parking and free soft drinks and bottled water.

A special “Bloomington Breweries Tour” tickets are being offered for $90. It includes lunch, tours and beer samples at Upland Brewing Company and Bloomington Brewing Company, admission into the Bloomington Craft Beer Fest, and bus transportation.

The Brewers of Indiana Guild, along with Best Beers, Bloomington Brewing Company, and Upland Brewing Company, are proud to present the first annual Bloomington Craft Beer Fest on Saturday, June 4^th, 2011 from 3pm to 7pm. The festival is also sponsored by Big Red Liquors, 92.3 WTTS, and VisitBloomington.com .

Proceeds from the festival will benefit the Hoosier Hills Food Bank and the Sycamore Land Trust.

Indiana Beer News – May 20

New Albanian has more specs and info about the Struise collaboration. B’Urban Trotter DIPA and Naughty Girl.

Great Crescent Brewery has label approval for Bourbon Barrel Stout in 16oz cans. ”This beer is a slightly bigger version of our regular stout that is aged in Maker’s Mark Bourbon barrels. This stout is about 7.5% ABV and 65 IBU’s to blend perfectly with the delicious aroma and flavor imparted by the bourbon and oak from the barrels.”

JeffE tells us “Barley Island will tap its very first Barleywine on Thurs, May 26th 6:00 pm at both locations (Noblesville and Broad Ripple).  Bum Rush Barleywine is American style with 100 IBUs and a strong intense malt flavor to balance the bitterness.  9.2% abv, samples, goblets and growlers.”

The next batch of Bell's Wedding Ale is destined for 750ml bottles. “Ale brewed with honey, coriander and orange peel.”

Georgia gets Sunday carryout sales. Can you say “Local Option”. Now the bluenosing starts. article

See The Stonemason’s Story. A must read.

Beer for Space Tourists: More Taste, Fewer Wet Burps is less so.

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Beer Laws status:

• HB 1325: Enrolled but completely changed to something vehicular rather than ID repeal. Introduced. Enrolled. Fascinating how this happens.
• SB 46 / HB 1088: Rational ID checking companion bills. Got nowhere.
• SB 78: Enrolled. ID check if looks under 40. Other stuff.
• SB 197: Cold beer dealers permit. Sunday sales at liquor stores. Got nowhere.
• SB 112: Stalled in the Senate, but not before the guts were stripped out. Introduced to allow distributors to deal in beer, wine, and liquor – something a nationwide chain distributor wants to move into Indiana. Died after amendments made it a permission slip so distributors can work for each other.
• HB 1093: Wet State Fair. Died. Sob.

Beer Tasting/Food Pairing Event - May 18

On Monday, May 23rd, Vince's Restaurant, Inc. (http://www.vincesfw.com/) will host a beer tasting along with foods paired with each of the five (5) beers being served. The event is from 6p.m.-8p.m. The cost is $20 per person (Must be 21 yrs. of age or older with valid photo ID) and seating is limited. Check out their website for more information about this event or call (260)748-0390 to make a reservation.

Indiana Beer News – May 18

The small brewer cap in Indiana has, indeed, been raised from 20,000 to 30,000 bbl. Three Floyds’ brewpub lives.

Flash. Belmont Beverages of Ft. Wayne is buying the Chalet Party Shoppe chain of Elkhart Co. article

KPCNEWS tells the world about Jeremiah Parker of Auburn and other MASH homebrewers. article "I'm not so sure you're going to see any major difference"

New Albanian, having run out of breweries to collaborate with, are making an APA with the Charlestown Pizza Company. blog

The Brewers Guild says “We are currently looking for volunteers for the Bloomington Craft Beer Fest on June 4. If you're interested, sign up here.”

Pole Day: Take it in from the Flat12 Suite, on the main straightaway, for just $75. Flat12 beer, catered food and great views from up above as they fill the first 11 slots in the field at the 2 1/2 mile oval. 317-635-2337 for availability and reservation.

The Beeronaut of Chicago Now tells about Dark Lord Day but the highlight is his 12 minute video.

What’s happening: More, including liquor store tastings, can be found at IndianaBeer’s Calendar.

Wed: Bloomington Brewing night. Beer Sellar, Castleton.
Wed: Sun King Tap Clearing Day at Flat Water, Indy.
Wed: Spring Beer Tasting. Deer Park Irish Pub. Ft. Wayne. $5. 6:30pm
Wed: Bell's night and Porter Firkin Tapping. MacNiven's, Indy. 5:30ish

Thurs: Nuvo Brewers Roundtable 2. The first one became True Brew. 4:30-6pm. At Sun King.
Thurs: Fist Full of Hops tapping. Sun King. 6-9pm
Thurs: People's Brewery night and Bourbon Barrel Black IPA Firkin Tapping. MacNiven's, Indy. 5:30ish

Fri: Ohio River Valley Folk Festival. Madison. $25
Fri: Sun King Cream III Firkin Tapping. MacNiven's, Indy. 5:30ish

Sat: Upland's UpCup Competition and AHA Rally.
Sat: Illiana Mayfest. Lake County Fairgrounds, Crown Point. $30/$45. 1-6pm.
Sat: Micro Beer Festival. Cap n' Cork, Lima Rd. Ft. Wayne. 2-4pm.

Mon: Mug Club party for tapping of Dunkelweizen. Granite City Ft. Wayne, Mishawaka, Indy.

Fort Wayne Upcoming Events - May 11

Cap n' Cork (www.capncork.com) - This Friday from 5p.m-7p.m. they will be having a FREE beer tasting (Must be 21 yrs. of age or older with valid photo ID). Sample beers from Upland, New Holland, North Coast, Southern Tier, and Timmermans to name a few. Come out and perhaps find a new beer to enjoy this summer!

Deer Park Irish Pub, 1530 Leesburg Road, (across from Saint Francis University) is having a Spring Beer Tasting on Wednesday, May 18th, starting at 6:30p.m. The cost is $5.00 and they will have bocks and spring beers available for sampling. Come out and join in the fun!

Remember to check the Calendar section of this website for beer events that not only take place in Indiana, but outside of Indiana as well.

Indiana Beer News – May 10

Big Woods Brewing is expanding again. Now they are building a pizzeria across the alley. 

Hoosier Beer Geeks’ Tailgate for Nothing 4, last weekend had been documented, of course. blog

Gose is dissected by Imbibe Magazine. Finds it in Minneapolis, Indianapolis, Austin, and Portland.

Urbain Coutteur of Struise Brewery came over the pond for a busy week in Indiana and Illinois brewing 4 collaboration beers:

• Shark Pants with Three Floyds. 260 IBU. 8.7%. Struise’s yeast. Belgian Double IPA. blog
• Small Animal Big Manchine with Half Acre and Pipeworks. Red sour ale. 8.5%. Red currents and cherries. Will be released in bombers. blog
• Naughty Girl with New Albanian. 6%. 69 IBU.
• IIPA with bourbon-soaked oak and mint wit New Albanian.

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This week’s happenings. More, including liquor store tastings, can be found at IndianaBeer’s Calendar.

Wed:

• Tapping of Naughty Scot. Rock Bottom, 86th St. Indy. 6pm
• Guest brewery and discussion. North Coast Brewing. Barley Island Restaurant and Brewhouse, Broad Ripple. 6:30pm

Thurs:

• Tapping of Goat Toppler Maibock. Rock Bottom, Downtown Indy (and Cincinnati). 6pm

Sat:

• Upland's UpCup Competition entries due. info
• International Beer Fest, Cleveland. 1-5pm & 7-11pm. $45 each session ($120 all 3 sessions).

Mon:

• Office Hours tasting. New Albanian's Public House. $5. 6:30-7:30.
• Sun King 3 Kings Re-release. Tomlinson Tap Room, Indy

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Remember Worthington White Shield? Now owned by Molson/Coors, William Worthington ale brands in the first quarter of 2011 exceeded that for the whole of 2010 after the company opened a microbrewery at its Burton on Trent site. article

Headline: Sapporo resumes production of beer-like beverage. Kicker, it’s a serious article.

This how to publish a press release: From the Dept. of Weird: Even Colder Coors

Today’s Argyle Sweater

Indiana Beer News – May 7

Congratulations to the folks who made it through Round 1 in the AHA’s National Homebrew Competition. Final round is June 16th.

• Light Lager 1st – Jason Mundy, Ellettsville, Hop Jockeys
• Light Lager 2nd – Brian Spaulding & Ross Heironimus, Ft. Wayne, MASH
• Amber Lager 2nd – Brian Steuerwald, Brownsburg, FBI
• English Pale Ale 1st – Tom Wallbank, Zionsville, FBI
• English Pale Ale 3rd – Jason Mundy, Ellettsville, Hop Jockeys
• American Ale 1st – Jim Matt, Indy, MECA
• Porter 2nd – Mark Schiess, Carmel, FBI
• Stout 3rd – Joe Werner, Indy, FBI
• German Wheat 1st – Wayne Patmore, Celestine
• German Wheat 3rd – Steve Llewellyn, Bloomington, Hop Jockeys
• Sour Ale 2nd – Mark Schiess, Carmel, FBI
• Sour Ale 3rd - Brian Steuerwald, Brownsburg, FBI
• Strong Ale 2nd - Mark Schiess, Carmel, FBI
• Strong Ale 3rd - Mark Schiess, Carmel, FBI
• Fruit Beer 3rd - Mark Schiess, Carmel, FBI
• Specialty Beer 2nd – Brian Spaulding and Wes Rader, Ft. Wayne, MASH
• Amber Hybrid 2nd – Carl Nelson and Kent Adler, Indy, FBI

New Albanian’s new bomber bottles get ink in the Courier-Journal. And the Public House’s new Bottle Menu is in effect. and the guest list is full of Indiana Beers.

Interested in Victorian British beers? Or the equipment in Victorian pubs? See Martyn Cornell’s “The 1900 Pub – the biggest surprise”.

Two Brothers has bought a 70,000 sq ft restaurant, America’s Historic Roundhouse, in Aurora to become a tied house. press release.

 

Schmalz is making a beer for the New York Public Library that is based on the handwritten recipe from G. Washington for Small Beer when he was in his 20s. They are only making 25 gallons but getting way more good publicity. press release

"Take a large Sifer (sifter) full of Bran Hops to your Taste. Boil these 3 hours then strain out 30 Gall(ons) into a cooler put in 3 Gall(ons) Molasses while the Beer is Scalding hot ... let this stand till it is little more than Blood warm then put in a quarter of Yea(s)t ..."

Want to rent a brewery for the afternoon. Maybe a backyard BBQ. In your backyard. You need BrewPub4U.

Feliz Cinco de Mayo!

This week at Powerhouse in Columbus, we are celebrating Cinco de Mayo with 4 beers on tap and one on the hand pull. Currently on: 1436 Dark Wheat, White River Brown, Diesel Oil Stout, Bourbon Diesel and Vanilla Stout on hand pull.

Things in Columbus are looking great with the completion of The Commons and more than one brew pub moving in.

Homebrewing - Fort Wayne - May 4

If you are new to homebrewing or contemplating about starting to homebrew, there are two homebrewing stores in Fort Wayne:

Brewers Art Supply (www.brewingart.com) and Hops & Harvest (www.hopsandharvest.com). Both stores offer brewing classes for the novice homebrewer and for the serious homebrewer. Check out the websites for their location and more information.

MASH (Mad Anthony Serious Homebrewers) (www.mashfortwayne.com) is a local homebrewing club for homebrewers to join. They have monthly meetings as well as events and entering homebrew competitions in and out of Indiana. Check out their website for more information.

Beers on Tap - May 4

Lafayette Brewing Company (Lafayette, IN) - The Maifest is now on tap. This is a Munich-style dunkel with an ABV of 6.2% and IBUs 32. In late May, they will have the Golden Lady IPA which is an American style IPA with an ABV of 6.1% and IBUs 80.

Bier Brewery (Indianapolis, IN) - On tap this week: Kolsch, Dunkelweiss, Wildflower Wheat, Belgian Blonde, PDG Pale, Cascadian Lite Ale, Barley Buddy Brown, and Belgian Witbier.

More Upcoming Events in and Around Fort Wayne - May 3

Granite City Food & Brewery - On Monday, May 9th, they will be tapping their Belgian Golden Ale (this is NOT a Mug Club party). On Monday, May 23rd, they will be having a Mug Club party for their Mug Club members for the tapping of their Dunkelweizen from 4p.m.-6p.m. They will have a complimentary appetizer buffet for Mug Club members and one guest. There is "No Cover Charge" "(Guests must purchase beer/speciality drinks)"

Germanfest (www.germanfest.org) in Fort Wayne takes place June 5-12th at Headwaters Park and at other locations throughout Fort Wayne, Allen County and northeast Indiana. The bier tent officially opens in the Pavilion at Headwaters Park on Wednesday, June 8th, at 10:30a.m. Join in the fun with German beers, German foods, German music, German souvenirs, and many other festival activities. Prost!


Bock and Rock (http://www.bockandrock.com/) in Minster, OH is being held on Saturday, July 30th. I attended this fun and well organized beer event last year which is located in a small West Central town with big beer flavor! The VIP brew master and speaker for this year's VIP portion of the event is Luke Purcell from Great Lakes Brewing Company. He will be sharing beers from GLBC that will only be available to VIP ticket holders. For more information about this event, go to the event's website shown above.

April Recap - May 3

A few weeks ago I visited three of the newest breweries in Indy: Flat12 Bierwerks (http://flat12.me/), Bier Brewery and Taproom (http://www.bierbrewery.com/) and Thr3e Wise Men Brewery (http://thr3ewisemen.com/). A wide selection of beers were available for sampling at all three establishments along with friendly, courteous service. The servers took the time to explain each of the beers that were sampled and were very interested in feedback from those that were sampling their beers. This was great to observe as they wanted not only positive feedback, but not so positive feedback as well. This is how it should be in my opinion. At Flat 12 Bierwerks, I sampled six (6) of their beers (they had more available but I wanted to pace myself and not have a ruined palate for the other two breweries). I enjoyed their Amber Ale the most as it had a very nice malty and not overly hoppy aroma and flavor. It was very easy to drink and in my opinion a nice session beer. At Bier Brewery and Taproom, they had seven (7) or so beers available for sampling. Of the six (6) that I sampled, I enjoyed the Four Banger Ale and the PDG Pale beers the most. They both had a nice hoppy presence, but not overly hoppy. At Thr3e Wisemen, they too have a large selection of beers to choose from and I had the three beer sampler in which one can choose which three beers to sample. Of the three that I chose, the Golden Zoe IPA was the best choice. Very nice hoppy flavor and true to style. If in Indy, do yourself a favor, and take the time to visit these new breweries and try their beers! I also stopped at Chumley's for a first-time visit. They have about 50 or so taps and 100 or so of bottled beers. A very, very good selection of beers to say the least.

If you think that WineTime (6210 Covington Rd., Ft. Wayne, IN 46804 (260)459-9463) only sells wine, think again! They sell single bottles of beer for $2/btl. or $12/sixer. They let you mix n' match if you choose to do so and they also have a Beer of the Month Club which is $22 + tax. On a recent visit there they had beers from these breweries: Minhas, Berghoff, Crown Valley, Boulder, Strangford Lough, Sherwood Forest, Spanish Peaks, Breckenridge, Stegmaier, Left Hand, Mendocino, Lake Front, Sprecher, and Two Brothers. Stop in and check out their beer selection and speak to Jeff Armstrong about his beer selection if there is something special you would like for him to try to acquire.

Upcoming Events in Fort Wayne: On Saturday, May 21st, from 2p.m.-4p.m., the "1st" Annual Micro Beer Festival at Northbrook will take place. I have received information that there will be 100+ micros available for sampling. This is a FREE event (Must be 21 yrs. of age or older with valid photo ID). The address for this event is 10020 Lima Road and look for the "huge blue and white tent behind Starbucks and in front of Cap n' Cork".

On June 18th, from 5p.m.-8p.m., S & V Liquors on Illinois Road will be having their "Summer Beer Bash" with approximately 50 different beers distributed by Aalco Distributing, Cavalier Distributing, Five Star Distributors, and World Class Beverages. This is a FREE in-store beer tasting (Must be 21 yrs. of age or older with valid photo ID). Also, representatives from Cheesemanstore.com will have many, many samples of their delicious cheeses for sampling and purchasing.

Remember, to keep checking the Calendar section of this website for beer events that not only take place in Indiana, but outside of Indiana as well.

Fountain Square Brewing Update

Skip DuVall writes:

“Thought I'd give you an update on what we are doing.  Still planning on opening late summer/early fall this year.  I've brewed a few test batches that have gone over pretty well with some volunteer "testers" that we have brought in. So far the blonde and pale seem to be where we want them to be with a little tweaking going on with our porter.  We are experimenting with a cranberry-American wheat beer that I'll update you on.

Attached are a couple of pictures of our test system that we call "Frankenstein".

Their Facebook page has more, including details about getting on their tasting invitation list.

Dark Lord Day - 2011

After a reported 10,000 people at last year’s giant tapping party, Three Floyds had to do something to keep the thing sorta manageable. This year, we’re told, 6,000 tickets were issued and you needed that ticket to not only buy some Dark Lord (4 bottles at a pretty darn cheap $15 each), but to get into the parking lot, buy any other beer, food, sample guest beers, etc.

Still, 6,000 people is more than the parking lot can hold. It was thick with humanity and beer. This change did what was intended; to limit the attendance, plain and simple.

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Many smart folks picnicked across the street on the lawns. Worked pretty good. Most groups were 4 to 6 people but it’s hard to pin down origins when people merge into and out of these small communities at will. All you need is an empty glass or a full bottle (or both) and you’ll meet serious beer folk from all over while sharing serious beers from all over. A better day can’t be had.

 

The line for Dark Lord was just as long as in the past, despite splitting into three groups by time. From the corner to the right of this pictures, it went to the front gate, doubled around twice inside, then headed for the back of the building.

The line could have moved faster but it didn’t need to because no one was in a hurry. The only chokepoint was the sole person assigned to the back door inspecting tickets, trading tickets for scratch-offs (later, later), and explaining the scratch-offs.

Dark Lord sellers inside were really a bit bored. Leaving the Dark Lord room, things were right back to gleefully gloriously hectic. Souvenirs, T-shirts, more bottles or cases of other Three Floyds beers, Half-pints of many guest beers, and the band de hour all crowded into the brewhouse itself.

A ton bunch of guest beers poured at $5 each satisfied the “gotta have another rare beer” syndrome. (list at HBG).

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 This guy is showing off his scratch-off – a winning one.

Left – That’s a share bottle with a capital share.
Right – It became a tradition to line up the empties along the street for collectors.

Randy Mosher was signing his Tasting Beer and Radical Brewing books.

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About those scratch-offs. At the last minute Three Floyds announced each ticket would get a scratch-off ticket that could win the right to buy, for $50, a bottle of a hand-signed, numbered, really rare bottle of either Darklord aged in Pappy Van Winkle 23 year barrels, Darklord aged in brandy barrels, Darklord aged in brandy barrels with vanilla beans, Darklord de Muerte, DL aged in bourbon barrels with ancho and guajillo peppers.

The best spot across the street was occupied by a group who met here from both coasts and Chicago. Some were there from The Full Pint blog based in LA. Also met some of the folks behind BeerDownload.com, a podcast going through a 256-beer bracket.

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Bidding on Ebay now seems to run around the $40+ area and a bottle of the Brandy Barrel Aged Vanilla has a bid of $237.50

More reports:

Hoosier Beer Geeks (see if you can find Bob in their panorama). And a second post.

The Chicagoist.

Post Tribune.

Chicago Tribune.

Dark Lord Weekend

This was a busy weekend for lots of people. Not the least being a couple of easterners showing off their new Indiana Breweries book. Nate (left) and John (2nd left) made 7 stops in Indy including 2 morning TV shows and a book store, stops at both breweries in Lafayette, and ended Saturday at the Beer Geeks Pub in Highland. They got within 5 miles of Three Floyds and the 6,000 people who would have snatched up books.

The interview on WISH-TV’s Indy Style is available online where they show off 3WM’s blackberry wheat, Flat 12’s wheat, Sun King’s Alt, and Bier’s . Love Nate’s headband by the way.

Me, I hit 3WM and SK before heading north to Shoreline, Figure 8 Brewing, Crown Brewing, Beer Geeks Pub, Bone Dry, DLD, and repeats at Beer Geeks and Bone Dry. A mellow trip.

Shoreline’s menu board

Figure 8’s Menu

Tanks at Figure 8 are crowded in everywhere.

Tom has rented out the second spot down the line of offices to use as storage. The tap room is busy and a pinball machine stuffed in the corner adds another reason to stick around for another pint. For speed at the Dutch door ordering station, they have growlers pre-prepared using counter-pressure filling. The customer doesn’t have to wait and it will keep unopened up to a week.

Crown Sampler pack. 6 generous pours for $6.50.

The Beer Geeks Pub in Highland became a second home for some visitors. Not crowded. Great menu (beer that is, there’s no food at all). Even the Hoosier Beer Geeks were there on Friday. Saturday, after a full Dark Lord Day, it was still a bit subdued. John and Nate were on their next-to-the-last stop on the book tour.

 

Indiana Beer News – May 2

Four Horsemen gets ink and a picture in the South Bend Tribune. Here’s some new information.

Location: Corner of Fellows and Bronson – near southeast side.
Brewer: Stephen Foster.
Opening: June. They are brewing test batches now.
Production brewery, bottling, with a tap room that seats 50 (open Thurs, Fri, Sat evenings).

Steve Hershberger tells an upbeat story about Flat 12’s impact on the neighborhood in just 4 months. blog 

Tastes:

• Sun King 1887 German-Style Alt - All the Alt-ness without the sharp middle so often associated with the style when made on this side of the pond. 6%.
• Thr3e Wise Men Golden Zoe – Centennial American Pale. Delicious. 5.1%. The board says 82 IBU but this seems high since Golden Zoe can be followed by another Golden Zoe without an attack of bitter beer face.
• Brugge Brasserie Bokkenrijder – Dry-hopped pale ale (American ingredients) fermented with Belgian yeast. Has a big Belgian yeast bite with more bite from the upfront bitterness. This prepares you for a spicy sweet finish. Not a Drambuie finish but think in that direction. 9%.
• Brugge Rojato Imperial Red – Made, again, with Belgian yeast. Interesting.
• Brugge Harvey – A blackberry wheat version of Pooka (which is a boysenberry wheat with a brett basis). Intense fruit followed quickly by sour domination.
• Shoreline Big Bella – Bigger and sharper than I remember.
• Figure 8 Brewing Camp 4 English Nut Brown – Robust southern brown style which tends toward an American interpretation of a dark mild at 5%.
• Figure 8 Jumbo Love – They say Barleywine. Has lots of Old Ale character reminiscent of Wadworth Old Timer.
• Figure 8 Devil’s Drip Tripel – Ugly, soapy apricot-colored look. Nose is all Belgian with some cinnamon and banana. Spicy on the tongue. True to style.
• Crown Brewing Industrial Porter – Rick, thick, creamy porter with roastiness and a bit of burnt toastiness. A+
• Crown Fade to Black – Someone had to make an Imperial Black IPA. At 9% this qualifies and is worthy. Is there no end to new styles?
• Crown Jailhouse Bock – Chewy sweet amber bock.
• Crown Alkoholika Blonde Dopplebock – Thick alcoholic body. Earthy in a very welcome way.
• Crown 2010 Alkoholika – Much the same. Enjoy the nuances.
• Crown 2010 Barrel-aged Alkoholika – A great chance to see what the barrel can do to a good beer. Everything blends with plenty of wood and bourbon mixed in. I’d guess 6-month in the barrel. Served in samplers only and only by request. Get it while it lasts.

 Sun King is now officially everywhere

Don’t listen when someone tells you to check out Growlers in Highland. Yes, they have 20 taps but only 2 of them are remotely interesting.

Marston’s Oyster Stout is coming to America. This is a good thing.