Friday, December 21, 2007

Gravity Head 2008 preview: No incredible lightness of being in this bunch.

We’re a small company compared to many, and the NABC brewery crew has responsibilities that range a bit outside the normal job descriptions in the brewhouse. I suspect that this is the case in similar sized establishments, where everyone pitches in to do what’s necessary.

In essence, Jesse, Jared and Tony often take time out to help me with the organizational responsibilities entailed by our huge list of outside “guest” draft beers, for which we’re widely noted, and that require much in the way of effort to store and prepare for pouring. Lines need to be cleaned, tavern heads replaced, markers affixed, and chalkboards updated. I used to do much of it myself, but those days are gone.

On Wednesday they gathered to ask whether all the Gravity Head beers for 2008 were already purchased and in storage in Cellar 3. It seems that having purchased the new walk-in only a few short months ago, it’s already stacked to the ceiling with future fest beers. Until recently many were Saturnalia kegs, but these are beginning to deplete slightly as December unfolds.

Most of the remainder await Gravity Head.

It’s time then to take stock, queue the taxicabs and offer a preview. On February 29, 2008, we kick off Gravity Head 2008. It’s the tenth anniversary Gravity Head, and it’s a Leap Year starting date. If there’s a full moon rising on that date, I’m not certain our liability insurance will remain in force, so let's hope not.

To the best of my knowledge, all the following kegs are confirmed, with most already in-house, and a scant few resting at one or another wholesaler. I’ll periodically update and republish the list as we get closer to the show.

We don’t have a slogan yet. Your thoughts are appreciated.

BELGIUM
De Dolle Dulle Teve (“Mad Bitch” 10% abv
*Dupont Moinette Brune 8.5% abv
*Dupont Moinette Blonde 8.5% abv
Regenboog Guido 8% abv
*Podge Belgian Imperial Stout 10.5% abv

GERMANY
EKU 28 11% abv
Ettaler Curator Doppelbock 9% abv

ITALY
*Birra Integrale La Birra di Natale 8.5% abv

UNITED KINGDOM
Gales Prize Old Ale (1998) 9% abv
JW Lees Vintage Harvest Ale (barrel aged; TBA) 11.5% abv

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Avery “The Czar” 11.73% abv
*Avery Fourteen 9.46% abv
*Avery “The Kaiser” 9.37% abv
BBC (Main & Clay) Bearded Pat's Barley Wine 2006 circa 10% abv
Bell's Batch 6000 10.5% abv
Bell's Expedition Stout 2006 11.5% abv
Clipper City Below Decks Barleywine 11% abv
*Dark Horse Scotty Karate Scotch Ale 9.75% abv
*Dogfish Head Fort 18% abv
Founders Imperial Stout 10% abv
Great Divide Old Ruffian Barley Wine 10.2% abv
Left Hand Imperial Stout 10.4% abv
NABC (more than one; specific selections TBA)
New Holland Dragon’s Milk 9% abv
New Holland Pilgrim's Dole 10% abv
Rogue XS Old Crustacean Barley Wine Vintage TBA 11.3% abv
Rogue John’s Locker Stock Imperial Porter ‘007 7.77% abv
Rogue XS Imperial Stout 11% abv
*Schlafly Imperial Stout
*Shmaltz He’Brew Jewbelation Eleven 11% abv
Shmaltz He’Brew Genesis 10:10 2006 10% abv
Shmaltz He’Brew Bittersweet Lenny's RIPA 10% abv
Stone Double Bastard 2005 10% abv
Stone Imperial Russian Stout 10.8% abv
Stone Old Guardian Barley Wine 2006 11.2% abv
*Stone XI – 11th Anniversary Ale 8.7% abv
*Three Floyds Fantabulous Resplendence X Anniversary 10.5% abv

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