Phoenix Theatre Brew-Ha-Ha 2011

Another year, another day of perfect weather for the Phoenix Theatre Brew-Ha-Ha. Ha Ha. This was the first year in a while that 90°+ wasn’t the bane of all the breweries and attendees. Indeed, a nice day and a huge crowd.

The Lebanon American Legion calliope boat/trailer entertained the set-up crews before the bands (Bobbie Lancaster, Finding Fred, and The Subpoenas) played.

Fountain Square Brewing Co. made their public debut with   a wide range of test beers and an innovative 1 litre backkpack pourer working the crowd.

 

Jeff Eaton (Barley Island) and Tom Hynes (Three Pints Brewpub) discussed the business of suburban brewpubs.

Roderick and Kiera Landess are expanding their brewery in Richmond

Sun King, the Ram and others had special pourings through the day.

 

 

 

It didn’t take long for the block to become crowded. Two hours into the festival it became very crowded. We’re not going to speculate on the count but next year an attendee limit or a larger venue will be likely.

People who live on that block of Park Ave. were, again, very gracious, helping both brewers and the crowd alike. By 5pm, the lines stretched from door to across the street at Sun King, Half Moon, Upland, Broad Ripple Brewpub, Thr3e Wise Men, Bier, The Rock Bottoms, People’s, Bee Creek, Power House, and every other brewery pouring (as this 1-minute video shows).

And the typical line at the portapotties. This one was odd that it stretched across Abbey Road.

 

All in all, a lot of people got to try a lot of good beer. Cavalier was pouring from their excellent repertoire, breweries were pouring from their back rooms, food was good and not overpriced. People realized they needed to get a sample and immediately stand in the next line. The 16th year of good times for the Phoenix Theatre Brew-Ha-Ha.

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

Misc News – July 12

Indiana Microbrewers Festival Beer lists:

• Indiana Beers
• Out of State Beers from World Class Beverages
• Out of State Beers from Cavalier, Monarch, Zink, etc.
• World Class Beverages' Hopapalooza truck.

We're told Upland sold 160 growlers on the 4th of July.

Ex-Indy guy Greg Christmas got quoted in the New York Times about energy saving at Dogfish Head. It's also rumored he will be prominent in the Discovery Channel's Brewed series. And he's working on a retail Randall the DFH will be offering for $300. Don't quote me on any of this though.

Here is an interesting review of what you can learn from Daniel Okrent's Last Call: The Rise and Fall of Prohibition. And here's his interview on the Daily Show.

Ryan McCracken of Boss Nacho has posted a 10 minute video of the Phoenix Theatre Brew-Ha-Ha. Lots of interviews with the brewers.

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Even though inflation is at an all-time low, the price of a Maß (one litre) at Oktoberfest will go up again this year. Oktoberfest is Sept 18 – Oct 3.

• 2005: €6.65 – 7.10 ($8.40 - $9.00)
• 2006: €6.95 – 7.50
• 2007: €7.30 – 7.90
• 2008: €8.00 – 8.30
• 2009: €8.10 – 8.60
• 2010: €8.30 – 8.90 ($10.50 - $11.25)

Excerpts from the Official Wiesn-Dictionary:

aufstöin (v.) to donate a beer.

Biafuizl (n.) beer mat, is often used by the waitress/waiter as a note pad where dashes indicates the quantity of beer ordered by the guest.

Bierdimpfe (n.) notorious beer drinker, "tavern potato".

bieseln (v.) term for "to take a leak"

Blembe (n.) should not exist, bad beer.

Dampf (n.) occurs after some Maß beer, the intoxication.

eikastln (v.) to put in prison, to arrest.

Fetznrausch (n.) totally drunk.

Fingahackln (n.) Bavarian sport. Two men hook their middle fingers and try to pull the opponent over the table. Popular activity at the Oktoberfest.

Heisl (n.) toilet.

Maßkruagstemma (n.) a contest, where the contestant must hold one maß beer with straight arms. The one who can carry the beer longest, wins.

Mognschoaß (n.) belch, eructation.

nimma (adj.) no more.

Noagerl (n.) the last remainder of a beverage in a glass.

ogschdocha (adj.) tipsy.

Schuaplattler (n.) Bavarian group dance for men, where you clap your hands on the thighs and the shanks.

Schoaß (n.) methane containing, foul smelling puff, often caused by digestion procedures. Not popular in the beer tents.

Wampn (n.) patronising expression for a oversized oft hanging belly. Caused either through a large consumption of foods with a high fat content or beer.

zupf de (v.) back off, get lost.

Brew Ha Ha photos take 2

Some more photos of this year's Brew Ha Ha can be found here. Thanks, Bob.

Misc News

Roger Baylor doesn't have specific dates yet for some July/August specials at Rich O's.

• On or about July 6 – Three real ciders on the handpull - Yarlington Mill, Scrumpy and Norman (single varietal).
• Sometime in July – Brooklyn Brewery and Magic Hat nights.
• On or about Aug 1 – Lambic by the Glass. Some Cantillon by the keg. More Drie Fonteinen.
• On or about Aug 28 – Sandkerwa. All beer Bambug plus Franconian drafts from smaller breweries.

About 800 people at the Brew-Ha-Ha. Hot and no breeze but enough shade. Bands were OK. Omar always gets the spot in front of the speakers. Cavalier had a much bigger presence than World Class.

Best of the Fest: New Albanian served a Port barrel aged version of Beak's Best Bitter. Sweet grapes replace the bitter finish. Unexpected and very good. New Albanian came with kegs, people, tent, handouts, etc. John Campbell is certainly making a difference – 2 years ago NA dropped off a couple of kegs but didn't have anyone to pour or promote.

Worst of the Fest: Are there any handwriting experts out there that can help with my last important note from the Brew-Ha-Ha?

Sun King tells us they plan to brew their first batch Tuesday. To break in the brewery the right way the first batch will be a Barley Wine named Johann – an homage to John Handley, the Ram's first head brewer. Johann will use Maris Otter, Golden Promise, and a slurry of 10 different ale yeasts. Look for it at a party in January at the earliest.

A quick tutorial on having a beer tasting party.

The New York Times looks at Chicago’s New Wave of Microbrews.

Works of art: Lei Xue's Porzellan, handbemalt.

Your AB lineup for 2009

Phoenix Theatre's Brew Ha Ha 2009

We dropped by the Phoenix Theatre's Brew Ha Ha for some beer and merriment