The Kubler-Ross model and the sad scourge of swill.

The Wikipedia juggernaut helpfully defines the Kübler-Ross model:

The Kübler-Ross model describes, in five discrete stages, the process by which people deal with grief and tragedy, especially when diagnosed with a terminal illness. The model was introduced by Elizabeth Kübler-Ross in her 1969 book "On Death and Dying". The stages have become well-known as the "Five Stages of Grief".

During the course of my long career in selflessly assisting beer drinkers to overcome their attachment to mass-market swill, I’ve received many comments, and these suggest that the process of surrendering long-held (although sadly errant) beliefs about beer indeed brings many people to a place resembling that of the "Five Stages of Grief".

The five stages of grief that pertain to the tragedy of swill are:

Denial: "It just can’t be happening that my ice-cold Bud Light no longer lights my fire."

Anger: "Why me? It’s not fair that Roger made me drink that good, expensive beer … and now my Silver Bullet tastes awful!"

Bargaining: "Just let me enjoy one more evening at (insert name of preferred dive bar, meat market or sporting venue) so I can give my Miller Lite a proper, respectful goodbye."

Depression: "I’m so sad, why bother drinking beer at all, good or bad?"

Acceptance: "It’s going to be all right, and swill is no longer a part of my life. Thank you, Roger."

You’re all quite welcome, thank you.

It makes me feel good that you’ve navigated these stages of grief, and have come to terms with swill’s absence. Good beers are a bit more expensive, to be sure, but just think of your enhanced self-esteem and increased fluency in the realm of genuine quality.

Pat yourself upon the rump. You’ve arrived. Feel good. Swill won’t be around any longer to diminish you. The monster’s gone; he’s on the run, and your Publican’s here.

In fact, this swill recovery program might prove to be a whole new (and lucrative) revenue stream for me, not to mention the self-help book … and the required drinking materials.

Anyone seen that bottle of Rodenbach Grand Cru that I stashed in the basement?

Gravity Head lineupdate for Saturday, March 29.

Updated 12:24 p.m.

It's the 26th day of Gravity Head 2008, and it's safe to say that we've never dispensed strong beers this fast in the ten years since the debut in 1999. Everything that remains in-house is currently on tap.

As for those selections left to be delivered, we know that Dark Horse Double Crooked Tree IPA was kegged earlier in the week and should be heading our way very soon. Ola Dubh (Old Engine Oil Special Reserve) should be in stock on Wednesday, April 2. De Glazen Toren Canaster Winter Scotch and De Glazen Toren Cuvee Angelique will not be here before Wednesday, April 16, by which point there'll be no Gravity Head beers still pouring, but that's okay; dispensing will take place as soon after delivery as possible.

Here’s the lineup as it stands at opening on Saturday, March 29.

UNITED STATES
Clipper City Below Decks Barleywine 11% abv
Great Divide Old Ruffian Barley Wine 10.2% abv
Stone Imperial Russian Stout 10.8% abv
Stone Old Guardian Barley Wine (2006) 11.2% abv
Upland Ard-Ri Imperial Irish-style Red Ale 8.7% abv

WORLD
Regenboog Guido 8% abv
*Regenboog 't Smisje Catherine The Great Imperial Stout 10% abv

----

Here are the beers yet to be poured, and are in transit during the month of March:

BELGIUM
*De Glazen Toren Canaster Winter Scotch 9.5% abv
*De Glazen Toren Cuvee Angelique 8% abv

SCOTLAND
*Ola Dubh - Old Engine Oil Special Reserve, conditioned in Highland Park 30 Year Old Scotch Barrels 8% abv (Mid-March delivery projected)

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Dark Horse Double Crooked Tree IPA 13.6% abv

----

R.I.P. – depleted kegs

UNITED STATES
*Avery Fourteen 9.46% abv
Avery Old Jubilation 8% abv
Avery “The Czar” 11.73% abv
*Avery “The Kaiser” 9.37% abv
BBC (Main & Clay) Bearded Pat's Barley Wine (2006; circa 10% abv)
*BBC (Main & Clay) The Queen's Knickers 8% abv
*BBC (Shelbyville Road) Kick in the Baltic Porter 8.5% abv
Bell's Batch 6000 (2004) 10.5% abv
Bell's Expedition Stout 2006 11.5% abv
Bell's Hopslam 10% abv (poured 3 kegs of 3)
Bell's Sparkling Ale 9% abv
Boulder Mojo Risin' Double IPA 10% abv
*Brooklyn Brewery Extra Brune 8.5% abv
Brooklyn Brewery Monster Ale 11.8% abv
*Brugge Brasserie Triple de Ripple 11% abv
*Dark Horse Scotty Karate Scotch Ale 9.75% abv
Dogfish Head 120 Minute IPA 20% abv
*Dogfish Head Fort 18% abv
Flying Dog Gonzo Imperial Porter 9.5% abv
*Founders Imperial Stout 10% abv
Left Hand Imperial Stout 10.4% abv
NABC Malcolm's Old Setters Ale 10.5% abv (cask-conditioned firkin)
NABC Oak Aged V (Fifth Anniversary Ale) 10% abv
NABC Thunderfoot (2007) 10% abv
New Holland Dragon’s Milk 9% abv
New Holland Pilgrim's Dole 10% abv
*New Holland Night Tripper 10.8% abv
Rogue John’s Locker Stock Imperial Porter ‘007 7.77% abv
Rogue XS Imperial Stout 11% abv
Rogue XS Old Crustacean Barley Wine 2004, 11.3% abv
*Schlafly Imperial Stout 10.5% abv
Shmaltz He’Brew Genesis 10:10 (2006) 10% abv
*Shmaltz He’Brew Jewbelation Eleven 11% abv (pouring keg 2 of 2)
Shmaltz He’Brew Bittersweet Lenny's RIPA 10% abv
Stone Double Bastard (2005) 10% abv
*Stone XI – 11th Anniversary Ale 8.7% abv
*Three Floyds Fantabulous Resplendence X Anniversary 10.5% abv

WORLD
Burton Bridge Tom Sykes Old Ale UK (cask-conditioned) 10% abv
De Dolle Dulle Teve (“Mad Bitch”) BELGIUM, 10% abv
De Dolle Stille Nacht 12% abv
Delirium Noel BELGIUM 10% abv
*Dupont Moinette Blonde BELGIUM 8.5% abv
*Dupont Moinette Brune BELGIUM 8.5% abv
EKU 28 GERMANY, 11% abv
Ettaler Curator Doppelbock GERMANY, 9% abv
JW Lees Vintage Harvest Ale (cask-conditioned; Calvados barrel aged) UK, 11.5% abv
Gales Prize Old Ale UK (1998), 9% abv
Kasteel Rouge BELGIUM, 8% abv
Koningshoeven La Trappe Quadrupel NETHERLANDS, 10% abv
*Podge Belgian Imperial Stout BELGIUM, 10.5% abv
*Regenboog 't Smisje Harvest Ale ('t Smisje Kerst aged in a JW Lees Calvados wooden pin) BELGIUM, 12% abv

Gravity Head lineupdate for Friday, March 28.

Updated 9:52 a.m.

It's the 25th day of Gravity Head 2008, and it's safe to say that we've never dispensed strong beers this fast in the ten years since the debut in 1999. Almost fifty beers are gone, and everything that remains is currently on tap.

As for those selections left to be delivered, we know that Dark Horse Double Crooked Tree IPA was kegged earlier in the week and should be heading our way very soon. Ola Dubh (Old Engine Oil Special Reserve) should be in stock on Wednesday, April 2. De Glazen Toren Canaster Winter Scotch and De Glazen Toren Cuvee Angelique will not be here before Wednesday, April 16, by which point there'll be no Gravity Head beers still pouring, but that's okay; dispensing will take place as soon after delivery as possible.

Here’s the lineup as it stands at opening on Friday, March 28.

UNITED STATES
Avery Old Jubilation 8% abv
*BBC (Shelbyville Road) Kick in the Baltic Porter 8.5% abv
Clipper City Below Decks Barleywine 11% abv
Great Divide Old Ruffian Barley Wine 10.2% abv
Shmaltz He’Brew Bittersweet Lenny's RIPA 10% abv
Stone Imperial Russian Stout 10.8% abv
Stone Old Guardian Barley Wine (2006) 11.2% abv
Upland Ard-Ri Imperial Irish-style Red Ale 8.7% abv

WORLD
Regenboog Guido 8% abv
*Regenboog 't Smisje Catherine The Great Imperial Stout 10% abv

----

Here are the beers yet to be poured, and are in transit during the month of March:

BELGIUM
*De Glazen Toren Canaster Winter Scotch 9.5% abv
*De Glazen Toren Cuvee Angelique 8% abv

SCOTLAND
*Ola Dubh - Old Engine Oil Special Reserve, conditioned in Highland Park 30 Year Old Scotch Barrels 8% abv (Mid-March delivery projected)

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Dark Horse Double Crooked Tree IPA 13.6% abv

----

R.I.P. – depleted kegs

UNITED STATES
*Avery Fourteen 9.46% abv
Avery “The Czar” 11.73% abv
*Avery “The Kaiser” 9.37% abv
BBC (Main & Clay) Bearded Pat's Barley Wine (2006; circa 10% abv)
*BBC (Main & Clay) The Queen's Knickers 8% abv
Bell's Batch 6000 (2004) 10.5% abv
Bell's Expedition Stout 2006 11.5% abv
Bell's Hopslam 10% abv (poured 3 kegs of 3)
Bell's Sparkling Ale 9% abv
Boulder Mojo Risin' Double IPA 10% abv
*Brooklyn Brewery Extra Brune 8.5% abv
Brooklyn Brewery Monster Ale 11.8% abv
*Brugge Brasserie Triple de Ripple 11% abv
*Dark Horse Scotty Karate Scotch Ale 9.75% abv
Dogfish Head 120 Minute IPA 20% abv
*Dogfish Head Fort 18% abv
Flying Dog Gonzo Imperial Porter 9.5% abv
*Founders Imperial Stout 10% abv
Left Hand Imperial Stout 10.4% abv
NABC Malcolm's Old Setters Ale 10.5% abv (cask-conditioned firkin)
NABC Oak Aged V (Fifth Anniversary Ale) 10% abv
NABC Thunderfoot (2007) 10% abv
New Holland Dragon’s Milk 9% abv
New Holland Pilgrim's Dole 10% abv
*New Holland Night Tripper 10.8% abv
Rogue John’s Locker Stock Imperial Porter ‘007 7.77% abv
Rogue XS Imperial Stout 11% abv
Rogue XS Old Crustacean Barley Wine 2004, 11.3% abv
*Schlafly Imperial Stout 10.5% abv
Shmaltz He’Brew Genesis 10:10 (2006) 10% abv
*Shmaltz He’Brew Jewbelation Eleven 11% abv (pouring keg 2 of 2)
Stone Double Bastard (2005) 10% abv
*Stone XI – 11th Anniversary Ale 8.7% abv
*Three Floyds Fantabulous Resplendence X Anniversary 10.5% abv

WORLD
Burton Bridge Tom Sykes Old Ale UK (cask-conditioned) 10% abv
De Dolle Dulle Teve (“Mad Bitch”) BELGIUM, 10% abv
De Dolle Stille Nacht 12% abv
Delirium Noel BELGIUM 10% abv
*Dupont Moinette Blonde BELGIUM 8.5% abv
*Dupont Moinette Brune BELGIUM 8.5% abv
EKU 28 GERMANY, 11% abv
Ettaler Curator Doppelbock GERMANY, 9% abv
JW Lees Vintage Harvest Ale (cask-conditioned; Calvados barrel aged) UK, 11.5% abv
Gales Prize Old Ale UK (1998), 9% abv
Kasteel Rouge BELGIUM, 8% abv
Koningshoeven La Trappe Quadrupel NETHERLANDS, 10% abv
*Podge Belgian Imperial Stout BELGIUM, 10.5% abv

*Regenboog 't Smisje Harvest Ale ('t Smisje Kerst aged in a JW Lees Calvados wooden pin) BELGIUM, 12% abv

Gravity Head lineupdate for Thursday, March 27.

Updated 1:24 p.m.

Here’s the lineup as it stands at opening on Thursday, March 27.

UNITED STATES
Avery Old Jubilation 8% abv
*BBC (Shelbyville Road) Kick in the Baltic Porter 8.5% abv
Clipper City Below Decks Barleywine 11% abv
Great Divide Old Ruffian Barley Wine 10.2% abv
Shmaltz He’Brew Bittersweet Lenny's RIPA 10% abv
Stone Imperial Russian Stout 10.8% abv
Stone Old Guardian Barley Wine (2006) 11.2% abv
Upland Ard-Ri Imperial Irish-style Red Ale 8.7% abv

WORLD
Regenboog Guido 8% abv
*Regenboog 't Smisje Harvest Ale ('t Smisje Kerst aged in a JW Lees Calvados wooden pin) BELGIUM, 12% abv
*Regenboog 't Smisje Catherine The Great Imperial Stout 10% abv

----

Here are the beers yet to be poured, and are in transit during the month of March:

BELGIUM
*De Glazen Toren Canaster Winter Scotch 9.5% abv
*De Glazen Toren Cuvee Angelique 8% abv

SCOTLAND
*Ola Dubh - Old Engine Oil Special Reserve, conditioned in Highland Park 30 Year Old Scotch Barrels 8% abv (Mid-March delivery projected)

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Dark Horse Double Crooked Tree IPA 13.6% abv

----

R.I.P. – depleted kegs

UNITED STATES
*Avery Fourteen 9.46% abv
Avery “The Czar” 11.73% abv
*Avery “The Kaiser” 9.37% abv
BBC (Main & Clay) Bearded Pat's Barley Wine (2006; circa 10% abv)
*BBC (Main & Clay) The Queen's Knickers 8% abv
Bell's Batch 6000 (2004) 10.5% abv
Bell's Expedition Stout 2006 11.5% abv
Bell's Hopslam 10% abv (poured 3 kegs of 3)
Bell's Sparkling Ale 9% abv
Boulder Mojo Risin' Double IPA 10% abv
*Brooklyn Brewery Extra Brune 8.5% abv
Brooklyn Brewery Monster Ale 11.8% abv
*Brugge Brasserie Triple de Ripple 11% abv
*Dark Horse Scotty Karate Scotch Ale 9.75% abv
Dogfish Head 120 Minute IPA 20% abv
*Dogfish Head Fort 18% abv
Flying Dog Gonzo Imperial Porter 9.5% abv
*Founders Imperial Stout 10% abv
Left Hand Imperial Stout 10.4% abv
NABC Malcolm's Old Setters Ale 10.5% abv (cask-conditioned firkin)
NABC Oak Aged V (Fifth Anniversary Ale) 10% abv
NABC Thunderfoot (2007) 10% abv
New Holland Dragon’s Milk 9% abv
New Holland Pilgrim's Dole 10% abv
*New Holland Night Tripper 10.8% abv
Rogue John’s Locker Stock Imperial Porter ‘007 7.77% abv
Rogue XS Imperial Stout 11% abv
Rogue XS Old Crustacean Barley Wine 2004, 11.3% abv
*Schlafly Imperial Stout 10.5% abv
Shmaltz He’Brew Genesis 10:10 (2006) 10% abv
*Shmaltz He’Brew Jewbelation Eleven 11% abv (pouring keg 2 of 2)
Stone Double Bastard (2005) 10% abv
*Stone XI – 11th Anniversary Ale 8.7% abv
*Three Floyds Fantabulous Resplendence X Anniversary 10.5% abv

WORLD
Burton Bridge Tom Sykes Old Ale UK (cask-conditioned) 10% abv
De Dolle Dulle Teve (“Mad Bitch”) BELGIUM, 10% abv
De Dolle Stille Nacht 12% abv
Delirium Noel BELGIUM 10% abv
*Dupont Moinette Blonde BELGIUM 8.5% abv
*Dupont Moinette Brune BELGIUM 8.5% abv
EKU 28 GERMANY, 11% abv
Ettaler Curator Doppelbock GERMANY, 9% abv
JW Lees Vintage Harvest Ale (cask-conditioned; Calvados barrel aged) UK, 11.5% abv
Gales Prize Old Ale UK (1998), 9% abv
Kasteel Rouge BELGIUM, 8% abv
Koningshoeven La Trappe Quadrupel NETHERLANDS, 10% abv
*Podge Belgian Imperial Stout BELGIUM, 10.5% abv

Gravity Head lineupdate for Wednesday, March 26.

Updated 8:58 a.m.

It's Day 23 of Gravity Head 2008, and there are only four beers remaining to be tapped. Already we're beginning to rotate non-gravity beers on to the vacated taps, and all in all, this has been the fastest moving Gravity Head ever -- hands down.

Here’s the lineup as it stands at opening on Wednesday, March 26.

UNITED STATES
Avery Old Jubilation 8% abv
*BBC (Shelbyville Road) Kick in the Baltic Porter 8.5% abv
Clipper City Below Decks Barleywine 11% abv
Great Divide Old Ruffian Barley Wine 10.2% abv
Rogue XS Imperial Stout 11% abv
Shmaltz He’Brew Bittersweet Lenny's RIPA 10% abv
Stone Imperial Russian Stout 10.8% abv
Stone Old Guardian Barley Wine (2006) 11.2% abv
Upland Ard-Ri Imperial Irish-style Red Ale 8.7% abv

WORLD
De Dolle Dulle Teve (“Mad Bitch”) BELGIUM 10% abv ENCORE/LAST KEG
Regenboog Guido 8% abv
*Regenboog 't Smisje Harvest Ale ('t Smisje Kerst aged in a JW Lees Calvados wooden pin) BELGIUM, 12% abv
*Regenboog 't Smisje Catherine The Great Imperial Stout 10% abv

----

Here are the beers yet to be poured, and are in transit during the month of March:

BELGIUM
*De Glazen Toren Canaster Winter Scotch 9.5% abv
*De Glazen Toren Cuvee Angelique 8% abv

SCOTLAND
*Ola Dubh - Old Engine Oil Special Reserve, conditioned in Highland Park 30 Year Old Scotch Barrels 8% abv (Mid-March delivery projected)

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Dark Horse Double Crooked Tree IPA 13.6% abv

----

R.I.P. – depleted kegs

UNITED STATES
*Avery Fourteen 9.46% abv
Avery “The Czar” 11.73% abv
*Avery “The Kaiser” 9.37% abv
BBC (Main & Clay) Bearded Pat's Barley Wine (2006; circa 10% abv)
*BBC (Main & Clay) The Queen's Knickers 8% abv
Bell's Batch 6000 (2004) 10.5% abv
Bell's Expedition Stout 2006 11.5% abv
Bell's Hopslam 10% abv (poured 3 kegs of 3)
Bell's Sparkling Ale 9% abv
Boulder Mojo Risin' Double IPA 10% abv
*Brooklyn Brewery Extra Brune 8.5% abv
Brooklyn Brewery Monster Ale 11.8% abv
*Brugge Brasserie Triple de Ripple 11% abv
*Dark Horse Scotty Karate Scotch Ale 9.75% abv
Dogfish Head 120 Minute IPA 20% abv
*Dogfish Head Fort 18% abv
Flying Dog Gonzo Imperial Porter 9.5% abv
*Founders Imperial Stout 10% abv
Left Hand Imperial Stout 10.4% abv
NABC Malcolm's Old Setters Ale 10.5% abv (cask-conditioned firkin)
NABC Oak Aged V (Fifth Anniversary Ale) 10% abv
NABC Thunderfoot (2007) 10% abv
New Holland Dragon’s Milk 9% abv
New Holland Pilgrim's Dole 10% abv
*New Holland Night Tripper 10.8% abv
Rogue John’s Locker Stock Imperial Porter ‘007 7.77% abv
Rogue XS Old Crustacean Barley Wine 2004, 11.3% abv
*Schlafly Imperial Stout 10.5% abv
Shmaltz He’Brew Genesis 10:10 (2006) 10% abv
*Shmaltz He’Brew Jewbelation Eleven 11% abv (pouring keg 2 of 2)
Stone Double Bastard (2005) 10% abv
*Stone XI – 11th Anniversary Ale 8.7% abv
*Three Floyds Fantabulous Resplendence X Anniversary 10.5% abv

WORLD
Burton Bridge Tom Sykes Old Ale UK (cask-conditioned) 10% abv
De Dolle Dulle Teve (“Mad Bitch”) BELGIUM, 10% abv
De Dolle Stille Nacht 12% abv
Delirium Noel BELGIUM 10% abv
*Dupont Moinette Blonde BELGIUM 8.5% abv
*Dupont Moinette Brune BELGIUM 8.5% abv
EKU 28 GERMANY, 11% abv
Ettaler Curator Doppelbock GERMANY, 9% abv
JW Lees Vintage Harvest Ale (cask-conditioned; Calvados barrel aged) UK, 11.5% abv
Gales Prize Old Ale UK (1998), 9% abv
Kasteel Rouge BELGIUM, 8% abv
Koningshoeven La Trappe Quadrupel NETHERLANDS, 10% abv
*Podge Belgian Imperial Stout BELGIUM, 10.5% abv

Gravity Head lineupdate for Tuesday, March 25.

Updated 1:58 p.m.

It's Day 22 of Gravity Head 2008, and there are only five beers remaining to be tapped. Already we're beginning to rotate non-gravity beers on to the vacated taps, and all in all, this has been the fastest moving Gravity Head ever -- hands down.

I learned yesterday that Dark Horse Double Crooked Tree IPA has not left the brewery, but is supposed to be on the way.

Here’s the lineup as it stands at opening on Tuesday, March 25.

UNITED STATES
Avery Old Jubilation 8% abv
BBC (Main & Clay) Bearded Pat's Barley Wine (2006; circa 10% abv)
*BBC (Shelbyville Road) Kick in the Baltic Porter 8.5% abv
Brooklyn Brewery Monster Ale 11.8% abv
Clipper City Below Decks Barleywine 11% abv
Rogue XS Imperial Stout 11% abv
Shmaltz He’Brew Bittersweet Lenny's RIPA 10% abv
Stone Imperial Russian Stout 10.8% abv
Stone Old Guardian Barley Wine (2006) 11.2% abv
Upland Ard-Ri Imperial Irish-style Red Ale 8.7% abv

WORLD
De Dolle Dulle Teve (“Mad Bitch”) BELGIUM 10% abv ENCORE/LAST KEG
Regenboog Guido 8% abv
*Regenboog 't Smisje Harvest Ale ('t Smisje Kerst aged in a JW Lees Calvados wooden pin) BELGIUM, 12% abv
*Regenboog 't Smisje Catherine The Great Imperial Stout 10% abv

----

Here are the beers yet to be poured.

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Great Divide Old Ruffian Barley Wine 10.2% abv

----

In transit during the month of March:

BELGIUM
*De Glazen Toren Canaster Winter Scotch 9.5% abv
*De Glazen Toren Cuvee Angelique 8% abv

SCOTLAND
*Ola Dubh - Old Engine Oil Special Reserve, conditioned in Highland Park 30 Year Old Scotch Barrels 8% abv (Mid-March delivery projected)

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Dark Horse Double Crooked Tree IPA 13.6% abv

----

R.I.P. – depleted kegs

UNITED STATES
*Avery Fourteen 9.46% abv
Avery “The Czar” 11.73% abv
*Avery “The Kaiser” 9.37% abv
*BBC (Main & Clay) The Queen's Knickers 8% abv
Bell's Batch 6000 (2004) 10.5% abv
Bell's Expedition Stout 2006 11.5% abv
Bell's Hopslam 10% abv (poured 3 kegs of 3)
Bell's Sparkling Ale 9% abv
Boulder Mojo Risin' Double IPA 10% abv
*Brooklyn Brewery Extra Brune 8.5% abv
*Brugge Brasserie Triple de Ripple 11% abv
*Dark Horse Scotty Karate Scotch Ale 9.75% abv
Dogfish Head 120 Minute IPA 20% abv
*Dogfish Head Fort 18% abv
Flying Dog Gonzo Imperial Porter 9.5% abv
*Founders Imperial Stout 10% abv
Left Hand Imperial Stout 10.4% abv
NABC Malcolm's Old Setters Ale 10.5% abv (cask-conditioned firkin)
NABC Oak Aged V (Fifth Anniversary Ale) 10% abv
NABC Thunderfoot (2007) 10% abv
New Holland Dragon’s Milk 9% abv
New Holland Pilgrim's Dole 10% abv
*New Holland Night Tripper 10.8% abv
Rogue John’s Locker Stock Imperial Porter ‘007 7.77% abv
Rogue XS Old Crustacean Barley Wine 2004, 11.3% abv
*Schlafly Imperial Stout 10.5% abv
Shmaltz He’Brew Genesis 10:10 (2006) 10% abv
*Shmaltz He’Brew Jewbelation Eleven 11% abv (pouring keg 2 of 2)
Stone Double Bastard (2005) 10% abv
*Stone XI – 11th Anniversary Ale 8.7% abv
*Three Floyds Fantabulous Resplendence X Anniversary 10.5% abv

WORLD
Burton Bridge Tom Sykes Old Ale UK (cask-conditioned) 10% abv
De Dolle Dulle Teve (“Mad Bitch”) BELGIUM, 10% abv
De Dolle Stille Nacht 12% abv
Delirium Noel BELGIUM 10% abv
*Dupont Moinette Blonde BELGIUM 8.5% abv
*Dupont Moinette Brune BELGIUM 8.5% abv
EKU 28 GERMANY, 11% abv
Ettaler Curator Doppelbock GERMANY, 9% abv
JW Lees Vintage Harvest Ale (cask-conditioned; Calvados barrel aged) UK, 11.5% abv
Gales Prize Old Ale UK (1998), 9% abv
Kasteel Rouge BELGIUM, 8% abv
Koningshoeven La Trappe Quadrupel NETHERLANDS, 10% abv
*Podge Belgian Imperial Stout BELGIUM, 10.5% abv

Gravity Head lineupdate for Monday, March 24.

Updated 1:58 p.m.

Here’s the lineup as it stands at opening on Monday, March 24.

UNITED STATES
Avery Old Jubilation 8% abv
BBC (Main & Clay) Bearded Pat's Barley Wine (2006; circa 10% abv)
*BBC (Shelbyville Road) Kick in the Baltic Porter 8.5% abv
Brooklyn Brewery Monster Ale 11.8% abv
Clipper City Below Decks Barleywine 11% abv
Rogue XS Imperial Stout 11% abv
Shmaltz He’Brew Bittersweet Lenny's RIPA 10% abv
Stone Imperial Russian Stout 10.8% abv
Stone Old Guardian Barley Wine (2006) 11.2% abv
Upland Ard-Ri Imperial Irish-style Red Ale 8.7% abv

WORLD
De Dolle Dulle Teve (“Mad Bitch”) BELGIUM 10% abv ENCORE/LAST KEG
Regenboog Guido 8% abv
*Regenboog 't Smisje Harvest Ale ('t Smisje Kerst aged in a JW Lees Calvados wooden pin) BELGIUM, 12% abv
*Regenboog 't Smisje Catherine The Great Imperial Stout 10% abv

----

Here are the beers yet to be poured.

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Great Divide Old Ruffian Barley Wine 10.2% abv

----

In transit during the month of March:

BELGIUM
*De Glazen Toren Canaster Winter Scotch 9.5% abv
*De Glazen Toren Cuvee Angelique 8% abv

SCOTLAND
*Ola Dubh - Old Engine Oil Special Reserve, conditioned in Highland Park 30 Year Old Scotch Barrels 8% abv (Mid-March delivery projected)

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Dark Horse Double Crooked Tree IPA 13.6% abv

----

R.I.P. – depleted kegs

UNITED STATES
*Avery Fourteen 9.46% abv
Avery “The Czar” 11.73% abv
*Avery “The Kaiser” 9.37% abv
*BBC (Main & Clay) The Queen's Knickers 8% abv
Bell's Batch 6000 (2004) 10.5% abv
Bell's Expedition Stout 2006 11.5% abv
Bell's Hopslam 10% abv (poured 3 kegs of 3)
Bell's Sparkling Ale 9% abv
Boulder Mojo Risin' Double IPA 10% abv
*Brooklyn Brewery Extra Brune 8.5% abv
*Brugge Brasserie Triple de Ripple 11% abv
*Dark Horse Scotty Karate Scotch Ale 9.75% abv
Dogfish Head 120 Minute IPA 20% abv
*Dogfish Head Fort 18% abv
Flying Dog Gonzo Imperial Porter 9.5% abv
*Founders Imperial Stout 10% abv
Left Hand Imperial Stout 10.4% abv
NABC Malcolm's Old Setters Ale 10.5% abv (cask-conditioned firkin)
NABC Oak Aged V (Fifth Anniversary Ale) 10% abv
NABC Thunderfoot (2007) 10% abv
New Holland Dragon’s Milk 9% abv
New Holland Pilgrim's Dole 10% abv
*New Holland Night Tripper 10.8% abv
Rogue John’s Locker Stock Imperial Porter ‘007 7.77% abv
Rogue XS Old Crustacean Barley Wine 2004, 11.3% abv
*Schlafly Imperial Stout 10.5% abv
Shmaltz He’Brew Genesis 10:10 (2006) 10% abv
*Shmaltz He’Brew Jewbelation Eleven 11% abv (pouring keg 2 of 2)
Stone Double Bastard (2005) 10% abv
*Stone XI – 11th Anniversary Ale 8.7% abv
*Three Floyds Fantabulous Resplendence X Anniversary 10.5% abv

WORLD
Burton Bridge Tom Sykes Old Ale UK (cask-conditioned) 10% abv
De Dolle Dulle Teve (“Mad Bitch”) BELGIUM, 10% abv
De Dolle Stille Nacht 12% abv
Delirium Noel BELGIUM 10% abv
*Dupont Moinette Blonde BELGIUM 8.5% abv
*Dupont Moinette Brune BELGIUM 8.5% abv
EKU 28 GERMANY, 11% abv
Ettaler Curator Doppelbock GERMANY, 9% abv
JW Lees Vintage Harvest Ale (cask-conditioned; Calvados barrel aged) UK, 11.5% abv
Gales Prize Old Ale UK (1998), 9% abv
Kasteel Rouge BELGIUM, 8% abv
Koningshoeven La Trappe Quadrupel NETHERLANDS, 10% abv
*Podge Belgian Imperial Stout BELGIUM, 10.5% abv

Gravity Head lineupdate for Saturday, March 22.

Updated 10:08 a.m.

Note that the Prost room will be open this evening for non-smoking college basketball viewing.

Here’s the lineup as it stands at opening on Saturday, March 22.

UNITED STATES
Avery Old Jubilation 8% abv
BBC (Main & Clay) Bearded Pat's Barley Wine (2006; circa 10% abv)
*BBC (Shelbyville Road) Kick in the Baltic Porter 8.5% abv
Bell's Expedition Stout 2006 11.5% abv
Brooklyn Brewery Monster Ale 11.8% abv
Clipper City Below Decks Barleywine 11% abv
Flying Dog Gonzo Imperial Porter 9.5% abv
Rogue XS Imperial Stout 11% abv
Shmaltz He’Brew Bittersweet Lenny's RIPA 10% abv
Stone Imperial Russian Stout 10.8% abv
Upland Ard-Ri Imperial Irish-style Red Ale 8.7% abv

WORLD
De Dolle Dulle Teve (“Mad Bitch”) BELGIUM 10% abv ENCORE/LAST KEG
Ettaler Curator Doppelbock GERMANY, 9% abv
Regenboog Guido 8% abv
*Regenboog 't Smisje Harvest Ale ('t Smisje Kerst aged in a JW Lees Calvados wooden pin) BELGIUM, 12% abv
----

Here are the beers yet to be poured.

BELGIUM
Regenboog Guido 8% abv
*Regenboog 't Smisje Catherine The Great Imperial Stout 10% abv

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Great Divide Old Ruffian Barley Wine 10.2% abv
Stone Old Guardian Barley Wine (2006) 11.2% abv

----

In transit during the month of March:

BELGIUM
*De Glazen Toren Canaster Winter Scotch 9.5% abv
*De Glazen Toren Cuvee Angelique 8% abv

SCOTLAND
*Ola Dubh - Old Engine Oil Special Reserve, conditioned in Highland Park 30 Year Old Scotch Barrels 8% abv (Mid-March delivery projected)

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Dark Horse Double Crooked Tree IPA 13.6% abv

----

R.I.P. – depleted kegs

UNITED STATES
*Avery Fourteen 9.46% abv
Avery “The Czar” 11.73% abv
*Avery “The Kaiser” 9.37% abv
*BBC (Main & Clay) The Queen's Knickers 8% abv
Bell's Batch 6000 (2004) 10.5% abv
Bell's Hopslam 10% abv (poured 3 kegs of 3)
Bell's Sparkling Ale 9% abv
Boulder Mojo Risin' Double IPA 10% abv
*Brooklyn Brewery Extra Brune 8.5% abv
*Brugge Brasserie Triple de Ripple 11% abv
*Dark Horse Scotty Karate Scotch Ale 9.75% abv
Dogfish Head 120 Minute IPA 20% abv
*Dogfish Head Fort 18% abv
*Founders Imperial Stout 10% abv
Left Hand Imperial Stout 10.4% abv
NABC Malcolm's Old Setters Ale 10.5% abv (cask-conditioned firkin)
NABC Oak Aged V (Fifth Anniversary Ale) 10% abv
NABC Thunderfoot (2007) 10% abv
New Holland Dragon’s Milk 9% abv
New Holland Pilgrim's Dole 10% abv
*New Holland Night Tripper 10.8% abv
Rogue John’s Locker Stock Imperial Porter ‘007 7.77% abv
Rogue XS Old Crustacean Barley Wine 2004, 11.3% abv
*Schlafly Imperial Stout 10.5% abv
Shmaltz He’Brew Genesis 10:10 (2006) 10% abv
*Shmaltz He’Brew Jewbelation Eleven 11% abv (pouring keg 2 of 2)
Stone Double Bastard (2005) 10% abv
*Stone XI – 11th Anniversary Ale 8.7% abv
*Three Floyds Fantabulous Resplendence X Anniversary 10.5% abv

WORLD
Burton Bridge Tom Sykes Old Ale UK (cask-conditioned) 10% abv
De Dolle Dulle Teve (“Mad Bitch”) BELGIUM, 10% abv
De Dolle Stille Nacht 12% abv
Delirium Noel BELGIUM 10% abv
*Dupont Moinette Blonde BELGIUM 8.5% abv
*Dupont Moinette Brune BELGIUM 8.5% abv
EKU 28 GERMANY, 11% abv
JW Lees Vintage Harvest Ale (cask-conditioned; Calvados barrel aged) UK, 11.5% abv
Gales Prize Old Ale UK (1998), 9% abv
Kasteel Rouge BELGIUM, 8% abv
Koningshoeven La Trappe Quadrupel NETHERLANDS, 10% abv
*Podge Belgian Imperial Stout BELGIUM, 10.5% abv

Gravity Head lineupdate for Friday, March 21.

Updated 4:56 p.m.

Note that the Prost room will be open this evening for non-smoking college basketball viewing.

Here’s the lineup as it stands at opening on Friday, March 21.

UNITED STATES
Avery Old Jubilation 8% abv
BBC (Main & Clay) Bearded Pat's Barley Wine (2006; circa 10% abv)
*BBC (Shelbyville Road) Kick in the Baltic Porter 8.5% abv
Bell's Expedition Stout 2006 11.5% abv
Brooklyn Brewery Monster Ale 11.8% abv
Clipper City Below Decks Barleywine 11% abv
Flying Dog Gonzo Imperial Porter 9.5% abv
New Holland Dragon’s Milk 9% abv
Rogue XS Imperial Stout 11% abv
Shmaltz He’Brew Bittersweet Lenny's RIPA 10% abv
Upland Ard-Ri Imperial Irish-style Red Ale 8.7% abv

WORLD
De Dolle Dulle Teve (“Mad Bitch”) BELGIUM 10% abv ENCORE/LAST KEG
Ettaler Curator Doppelbock GERMANY, 9% abv
Regenboog Guido 8% abv
*Regenboog 't Smisje Harvest Ale ('t Smisje Kerst aged in a JW Lees Calvados wooden pin) BELGIUM, 12% abv
----

Here are the beers yet to be poured.

BELGIUM
Regenboog Guido 8% abv
*Regenboog 't Smisje Catherine The Great Imperial Stout 10% abv

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Great Divide Old Ruffian Barley Wine 10.2% abv
Stone Imperial Russian Stout 10.8% abv
Stone Old Guardian Barley Wine (2006) 11.2% abv

----

In transit during the month of March:

BELGIUM
*De Glazen Toren Canaster Winter Scotch 9.5% abv
*De Glazen Toren Cuvee Angelique 8% abv

SCOTLAND
*Ola Dubh - Old Engine Oil Special Reserve, conditioned in Highland Park 30 Year Old Scotch Barrels 8% abv (Mid-March delivery projected)

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Dark Horse Double Crooked Tree IPA 13.6% abv

----

R.I.P. – depleted kegs

UNITED STATES
*Avery Fourteen 9.46% abv
Avery “The Czar” 11.73% abv
*Avery “The Kaiser” 9.37% abv
*BBC (Main & Clay) The Queen's Knickers 8% abv
Bell's Batch 6000 (2004) 10.5% abv
Bell's Hopslam 10% abv (poured 3 kegs of 3)
Bell's Sparkling Ale 9% abv
Boulder Mojo Risin' Double IPA 10% abv
*Brooklyn Brewery Extra Brune 8.5% abv
*Brugge Brasserie Triple de Ripple 11% abv
*Dark Horse Scotty Karate Scotch Ale 9.75% abv
Dogfish Head 120 Minute IPA 20% abv
*Dogfish Head Fort 18% abv
*Founders Imperial Stout 10% abv
Left Hand Imperial Stout 10.4% abv
NABC Malcolm's Old Setters Ale 10.5% abv (cask-conditioned firkin)
NABC Oak Aged V (Fifth Anniversary Ale) 10% abv
NABC Thunderfoot (2007) 10% abv
New Holland Pilgrim's Dole 10% abv
*New Holland Night Tripper 10.8% abv
Rogue John’s Locker Stock Imperial Porter ‘007 7.77% abv
Rogue XS Old Crustacean Barley Wine 2004, 11.3% abv
*Schlafly Imperial Stout 10.5% abv
Shmaltz He’Brew Genesis 10:10 (2006) 10% abv
*Shmaltz He’Brew Jewbelation Eleven 11% abv (pouring keg 2 of 2)
Stone Double Bastard (2005) 10% abv
*Stone XI – 11th Anniversary Ale 8.7% abv
*Three Floyds Fantabulous Resplendence X Anniversary 10.5% abv

WORLD
Burton Bridge Tom Sykes Old Ale UK (cask-conditioned) 10% abv
De Dolle Dulle Teve (“Mad Bitch”) BELGIUM, 10% abv
De Dolle Stille Nacht 12% abv
Delirium Noel BELGIUM 10% abv
*Dupont Moinette Blonde BELGIUM 8.5% abv
*Dupont Moinette Brune BELGIUM 8.5% abv
EKU 28 GERMANY, 11% abv
JW Lees Vintage Harvest Ale (cask-conditioned; Calvados barrel aged) UK, 11.5% abv
Gales Prize Old Ale UK (1998), 9% abv
Kasteel Rouge BELGIUM, 8% abv
Koningshoeven La Trappe Quadrupel NETHERLANDS, 10% abv
*Podge Belgian Imperial Stout BELGIUM, 10.5% abv

NABC, Buckhead, craft beer and Thunder Over Louisville, April 12.

NABC will be doing a split squad for Saturday, April 12, with Jesse, Jared, John and Roger (the token "non-J") in St. Louis for Schlafly's annual repeal-of-prohibition party, and Tony running the brewery crew at Buckhead Mountain Grill on the waterfront in Jeffersonville for its 2008 Thunder Craft Beer Extravaganza.

I refer, of course, to the Louisville area phenomenon known as Thunder over Louisville, a fireworks blow-out that heralds the arrival of Derby Festival, which owing to the weirdness of the calendar provides three weeks of partying this year before the horse race is actually run.

Here’s the pitch, and given what things cost during Thunder, it isn't a bad one at all.

Buckhead Mountain Grill's 2008 Thunder Craft Beer Extravaganza is a VIP Microbrew Tent featuring breweries such as NABC, Brugge Brasserie, Wabash Valley, Oaken Barrel, Barley Island, Three Floyds, Cumberland Brews, BBC, Browning’s and Upland.

Tickets are $75 and you'll receive $10 worth of tickets toward beer (cash after that for full pours, though I think samples are possible), the chance to meet people from the breweries, an all-day food buffet, plus prime real estate and river access for viewing the air show and fireworks. Must be 21 years of age, reservations and identification required. Families are welcome, and non-alcoholic drinks are included.

Go straight to the source for information and reservations: Kelly Leonardo of Buckhead Mountain Grill at 502-899-3030 Ext. 222.

Gravity Head lineupdate for Thursday, March 20.

Updated 10:32 a.m.

It's Day 18 of Gravity Head, and for the first time, there are no lineup changes to report. Note that the Prost room will be open this evening for non-smoking college basketball viewing, with the Publican himself pulling duty as server -- no difficult requests, please.

Here’s the lineup as it stands at opening on Thursday, March 20.

UNITED STATES
Avery Old Jubilation 8% abv
BBC (Main & Clay) Bearded Pat's Barley Wine (2006; circa 10% abv)
*BBC (Main & Clay) The Queen's Knickers 8% abv
*BBC (Shelbyville Road) Kick in the Baltic Porter 8.5% abv
Bell's Expedition Stout 2006 11.5% abv
Brooklyn Brewery Monster Ale 11.8% abv
Clipper City Below Decks Barleywine 11% abv
Flying Dog Gonzo Imperial Porter 9.5% abv
New Holland Dragon’s Milk 9% abv
Rogue XS Imperial Stout 11% abv
Shmaltz He’Brew Bittersweet Lenny's RIPA 10% abv
Upland Ard-Ri Imperial Irish-style Red Ale 8.7% abv

WORLD
De Dolle Stille Nacht 12% abv
Ettaler Curator Doppelbock GERMANY, 9% abv
*Regenboog 't Smisje Harvest Ale ('t Smisje Kerst aged in a JW Lees Calvados wooden pin) BELGIUM, 12% abv
----

Here are the beers yet to be poured.

BELGIUM
Regenboog Guido 8% abv
*Regenboog 't Smisje Catherine The Great Imperial Stout 10% abv

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Great Divide Old Ruffian Barley Wine 10.2% abv
Stone Imperial Russian Stout 10.8% abv
Stone Old Guardian Barley Wine (2006) 11.2% abv

----

In transit during the month of March:

BELGIUM
*De Glazen Toren Canaster Winter Scotch 9.5% abv
*De Glazen Toren Cuvee Angelique 8% abv

SCOTLAND
*Ola Dubh - Old Engine Oil Special Reserve, conditioned in Highland Park 30 Year Old Scotch Barrels 8% abv (Mid-March delivery projected)

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Dark Horse Double Crooked Tree IPA 13.6% abv

----

R.I.P. – depleted kegs

UNITED STATES
*Avery Fourteen 9.46% abv
Avery “The Czar” 11.73% abv
*Avery “The Kaiser” 9.37% abv
Bell's Batch 6000 (2004) 10.5% abv
Bell's Hopslam 10% abv (poured 3 kegs of 3)
Bell's Sparkling Ale 9% abv
Boulder Mojo Risin' Double IPA 10% abv
*Brooklyn Brewery Extra Brune 8.5% abv
*Brugge Brasserie Triple de Ripple 11% abv
*Dark Horse Scotty Karate Scotch Ale 9.75% abv
Dogfish Head 120 Minute IPA 20% abv
*Dogfish Head Fort 18% abv
*Founders Imperial Stout 10% abv
Left Hand Imperial Stout 10.4% abv
NABC Malcolm's Old Setters Ale 10.5% abv (cask-conditioned firkin)
NABC Oak Aged V (Fifth Anniversary Ale) 10% abv
NABC Thunderfoot (2007) 10% abv
New Holland Pilgrim's Dole 10% abv
*New Holland Night Tripper 10.8% abv
Rogue John’s Locker Stock Imperial Porter ‘007 7.77% abv
Rogue XS Old Crustacean Barley Wine 2004, 11.3% abv
*Schlafly Imperial Stout 10.5% abv
Shmaltz He’Brew Genesis 10:10 (2006) 10% abv
*Shmaltz He’Brew Jewbelation Eleven 11% abv (pouring keg 2 of 2)
Stone Double Bastard (2005) 10% abv
*Stone XI – 11th Anniversary Ale 8.7% abv
*Three Floyds Fantabulous Resplendence X Anniversary 10.5% abv

WORLD
Burton Bridge Tom Sykes Old Ale UK (cask-conditioned) 10% abv
De Dolle Dulle Teve (“Mad Bitch”) BELGIUM, 10% abv
Delirium Noel BELGIUM 10% abv
*Dupont Moinette Blonde BELGIUM 8.5% abv
*Dupont Moinette Brune BELGIUM 8.5% abv
EKU 28 GERMANY, 11% abv
JW Lees Vintage Harvest Ale (cask-conditioned; Calvados barrel aged) UK, 11.5% abv
Gales Prize Old Ale UK (1998), 9% abv
Kasteel Rouge BELGIUM, 8% abv
Koningshoeven La Trappe Quadrupel NETHERLANDS, 10% abv
*Podge Belgian Imperial Stout BELGIUM, 10.5% abv

Gravity Head lineupdate for Wednesday, March 19.

Updated 3:00 p.m.

Here’s the lineup as it stands at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 19.

UNITED STATES
Avery Old Jubilation 8% abv
BBC (Main & Clay) Bearded Pat's Barley Wine (2006; circa 10% abv)
*BBC (Main & Clay) The Queen's Knickers 8% abv
*BBC (Shelbyville Road) Kick in the Baltic Porter 8.5% abv
Bell's Expedition Stout 2006 11.5% abv
Brooklyn Brewery Monster Ale 11.8% abv
Clipper City Below Decks Barleywine 11% abv
Flying Dog Gonzo Imperial Porter 9.5% abv
New Holland Dragon’s Milk 9% abv
Rogue XS Imperial Stout 11% abv
Shmaltz He’Brew Bittersweet Lenny's RIPA 10% abv
Upland Ard-Ri Imperial Irish-style Red Ale 8.7% abv

WORLD
De Dolle Stille Nacht 12% abv
Ettaler Curator Doppelbock GERMANY, 9% abv
*Regenboog 't Smisje Harvest Ale ('t Smisje Kerst aged in a JW Lees Calvados wooden pin) BELGIUM, 12% abv
----

Here are the beers yet to be poured.

BELGIUM
Regenboog Guido 8% abv
*Regenboog 't Smisje Catherine The Great Imperial Stout 10% abv

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Great Divide Old Ruffian Barley Wine 10.2% abv
Stone Imperial Russian Stout 10.8% abv
Stone Old Guardian Barley Wine (2006) 11.2% abv

----

In transit during the month of March:

BELGIUM
*De Glazen Toren Canaster Winter Scotch 9.5% abv
*De Glazen Toren Cuvee Angelique 8% abv

SCOTLAND
*Ola Dubh - Old Engine Oil Special Reserve, conditioned in Highland Park 30 Year Old Scotch Barrels 8% abv (Mid-March delivery projected)

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Dark Horse Double Crooked Tree IPA 13.6% abv

----

R.I.P. – depleted kegs

UNITED STATES
*Avery Fourteen 9.46% abv
Avery “The Czar” 11.73% abv
*Avery “The Kaiser” 9.37% abv
Bell's Batch 6000 (2004) 10.5% abv
Bell's Hopslam 10% abv (poured 3 kegs of 3)
Bell's Sparkling Ale 9% abv
Boulder Mojo Risin' Double IPA 10% abv
*Brooklyn Brewery Extra Brune 8.5% abv
*Brugge Brasserie Triple de Ripple 11% abv
*Dark Horse Scotty Karate Scotch Ale 9.75% abv
Dogfish Head 120 Minute IPA 20% abv
*Dogfish Head Fort 18% abv
*Founders Imperial Stout 10% abv
Left Hand Imperial Stout 10.4% abv
NABC Malcolm's Old Setters Ale 10.5% abv (cask-conditioned firkin)
NABC Oak Aged V (Fifth Anniversary Ale) 10% abv
NABC Thunderfoot (2007) 10% abv
New Holland Pilgrim's Dole 10% abv
*New Holland Night Tripper 10.8% abv
Rogue John’s Locker Stock Imperial Porter ‘007 7.77% abv
Rogue XS Old Crustacean Barley Wine 2004, 11.3% abv
*Schlafly Imperial Stout 10.5% abv
Shmaltz He’Brew Genesis 10:10 (2006) 10% abv
*Shmaltz He’Brew Jewbelation Eleven 11% abv (pouring keg 2 of 2)
Stone Double Bastard (2005) 10% abv
*Stone XI – 11th Anniversary Ale 8.7% abv
*Three Floyds Fantabulous Resplendence X Anniversary 10.5% abv

WORLD
Burton Bridge Tom Sykes Old Ale UK (cask-conditioned) 10% abv
De Dolle Dulle Teve (“Mad Bitch”) BELGIUM, 10% abv
Delirium Noel BELGIUM 10% abv
*Dupont Moinette Blonde BELGIUM 8.5% abv
*Dupont Moinette Brune BELGIUM 8.5% abv
EKU 28 GERMANY, 11% abv
JW Lees Vintage Harvest Ale (cask-conditioned; Calvados barrel aged) UK, 11.5% abv
Gales Prize Old Ale UK (1998), 9% abv
Kasteel Rouge BELGIUM, 8% abv
Koningshoeven La Trappe Quadrupel NETHERLANDS, 10% abv
*Podge Belgian Imperial Stout BELGIUM, 10.5% abv

Gravity Head lineupdate for Tuesday, March 18.

Updated 11:20 a.m.

Thirty-six (36) are down out of 62 total as we head into Day 16 of Gravity Head 2008.

Non-gravity items of interest: Both Schlenkerla Fastenbier (Lenten smoked lager) and the firkin of cask-conditioned WinterCoat Vildmose (Denmark; 5.8% abv; brown ale with a touch of peat smoke, and spicing that includes bog myrtle and rowan berries) remain on tap today.

----

Here’s the lineup as it stands at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 18. To make room for the Kells Irish Lager, the Gravity Head keg of BBC (Main & Clay) Bearded Pat's Barley Wine (2006; circa 10% abv) is taking the day off. It will return when the Kells is gone.

UNITED STATES
Avery Old Jubilation 8% abv
*BBC (Main & Clay) The Queen's Knickers 8% abv
*BBC (Shelbyville Road) Kick in the Baltic Porter 8.5% abv
Bell's Expedition Stout 2006 11.5% abv
Brooklyn Brewery Monster Ale 11.8% abv
Clipper City Below Decks Barleywine 11% abv
New Holland Dragon’s Milk 9% abv
*New Holland Night Tripper 10.8% abv
Rogue XS Imperial Stout 11% abv
*Schlafly Imperial Stout 10.5% abv
Shmaltz He’Brew Bittersweet Lenny's RIPA 10% abv
Upland Ard-Ri Imperial Irish-style Red Ale 8.7% abv

WORLD
De Dolle Stille Nacht 12% abv
Ettaler Curator Doppelbock GERMANY, 9% abv
*Regenboog 't Smisje Harvest Ale ('t Smisje Kerst aged in a JW Lees Calvados wooden pin) BELGIUM, 12% abv
----

Here are the beers yet to be poured.

BELGIUM
Regenboog Guido 8% abv
*Regenboog 't Smisje Catherine The Great Imperial Stout 10% abv

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Flying Dog Gonzo Imperial Porter 9.5% abv
Great Divide Old Ruffian Barley Wine 10.2% abv
Stone Imperial Russian Stout 10.8% abv
Stone Old Guardian Barley Wine (2006) 11.2% abv

----

In transit during the month of March:

BELGIUM
*De Glazen Toren Canaster Winter Scotch 9.5% abv
*De Glazen Toren Cuvee Angelique 8% abv

SCOTLAND
*Ola Dubh - Old Engine Oil Special Reserve, conditioned in Highland Park 30 Year Old Scotch Barrels 8% abv (Mid-March delivery projected)

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Dark Horse Double Crooked Tree IPA 13.6% abv

----

R.I.P. – depleted kegs

UNITED STATES
*Avery Fourteen 9.46% abv
Avery “The Czar” 11.73% abv
*Avery “The Kaiser” 9.37% abv
Bell's Batch 6000 (2004) 10.5% abv
Bell's Hopslam 10% abv (poured 3 kegs of 3)
Bell's Sparkling Ale 9% abv
Boulder Mojo Risin' Double IPA 10% abv
*Brooklyn Brewery Extra Brune 8.5% abv
*Brugge Brasserie Triple de Ripple 11% abv
*Dark Horse Scotty Karate Scotch Ale 9.75% abv
Dogfish Head 120 Minute IPA 20% abv
*Dogfish Head Fort 18% abv
*Founders Imperial Stout 10% abv
Left Hand Imperial Stout 10.4% abv
NABC Malcolm's Old Setters Ale 10.5% abv (cask-conditioned firkin)
NABC Oak Aged V (Fifth Anniversary Ale) 10% abv
NABC Thunderfoot (2007) 10% abv
New Holland Pilgrim's Dole 10% abv
Rogue John’s Locker Stock Imperial Porter ‘007 7.77% abv
Rogue XS Old Crustacean Barley Wine 2004, 11.3% abv
Shmaltz He’Brew Genesis 10:10 (2006) 10% abv
*Shmaltz He’Brew Jewbelation Eleven 11% abv (pouring keg 2 of 2)
Stone Double Bastard (2005) 10% abv
*Stone XI – 11th Anniversary Ale 8.7% abv
*Three Floyds Fantabulous Resplendence X Anniversary 10.5% abv

WORLD
Burton Bridge Tom Sykes Old Ale UK (cask-conditioned) 10% abv
De Dolle Dulle Teve (“Mad Bitch”) BELGIUM, 10% abv
Delirium Noel BELGIUM 10% abv
*Dupont Moinette Blonde BELGIUM 8.5% abv
*Dupont Moinette Brune BELGIUM 8.5% abv
EKU 28 GERMANY, 11% abv
JW Lees Vintage Harvest Ale (cask-conditioned; Calvados barrel aged) UK, 11.5% abv
Gales Prize Old Ale UK (1998), 9% abv
Kasteel Rouge BELGIUM, 8% abv
Koningshoeven La Trappe Quadrupel NETHERLANDS, 10% abv
*Podge Belgian Imperial Stout BELGIUM, 10.5% abv

Gravity Head St. Patrick's Day lineupdate for Monday, March 17.

Updated 10:20 a.m.

Thirty-four (34) down out of 62 total as we head into Day 15 of Gravity Head 2008, which also happens to be St. Patrick's Day.

Accordingly, our annual color-coded homage to Irishness in beer styles will be offered, including Bell's Expedition Stout (2006 11.5% abv); Upland Ard-Ri Imperial Irish-style Red Ale (8.7% abv) and Rogue Kells Irish Lager, the latter a non-Gravity selection. See "NABC and Saturday's St. Patrick's Day Parade in Louisville" for photos of our wet ride during Saturday's parade in Louisville.

Note also that the only green-colored beer available for St. Patrick’s Day will be bottled Berliner Weiss with woodruff syrup. That won’t stop seemingly clever people from asking for it.

Non-gravity items of interest: Both Schlenkerla Fastenbier (Lenten smoked lager) and the firkin of cask-conditioned WinterCoat Vildmose (Denmark; 5.8% abv; brown ale with a touch of peat smoke, and spicing that includes bog myrtle and rowan berries) remain on tap today.

----

Here’s the lineup as it stands at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, March 17. To make room for the Kells, the Gravity Head keg of BBC (Main & Clay) Bearded Pat's Barley Wine (2006; circa 10% abv) is taking the day off:

UNITED STATES
Avery Old Jubilation 8% abv
*BBC (Main & Clay) The Queen's Knickers 8% abv
*BBC (Shelbyville Road) Kick in the Baltic Porter 8.5% abv
Bell's Expedition Stout 2006 11.5% abv
Bell's Sparkling Ale 9% abv
Clipper City Below Decks Barleywine 11% abv
New Holland Dragon’s Milk 9% abv
*New Holland Night Tripper 10.8% abv
Rogue XS Imperial Stout 11% abv
*Schlafly Imperial Stout 10.5% abv
Shmaltz He’Brew Bittersweet Lenny's RIPA 10% abv
Upland Ard-Ri Imperial Irish-style Red Ale 8.7% abv

WORLD
*Dupont Moinette Brune BELGIUM 8.5% abv
Ettaler Curator Doppelbock GERMANY, 9% abv
*Regenboog 't Smisje Harvest Ale ('t Smisje Kerst aged in a JW Lees Calvados wooden pin) BELGIUM, 12% abv
----

Here are the beers yet to be poured.

BELGIUM
De Dolle Stille Nacht 12% abv
Regenboog Guido 8% abv
*Regenboog 't Smisje Catherine The Great Imperial Stout 10% abv

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Brooklyn Brewery Monster Ale 11.8% abv
Flying Dog Gonzo Imperial Porter 9.5% abv
Great Divide Old Ruffian Barley Wine 10.2% abv
Stone Imperial Russian Stout 10.8% abv
Stone Old Guardian Barley Wine (2006) 11.2% abv

----

In transit during the month of March:

BELGIUM
*De Glazen Toren Canaster Winter Scotch 9.5% abv
*De Glazen Toren Cuvee Angelique 8% abv

SCOTLAND
*Ola Dubh - Old Engine Oil Special Reserve, conditioned in Highland Park 30 Year Old Scotch Barrels 8% abv (Mid-March delivery projected)

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Dark Horse Double Crooked Tree IPA 13.6% abv

----

R.I.P. – depleted kegs

UNITED STATES
*Avery Fourteen 9.46% abv
Avery “The Czar” 11.73% abv
*Avery “The Kaiser” 9.37% abv
Bell's Batch 6000 (2004) 10.5% abv
Bell's Hopslam 10% abv (poured 3 kegs of 3)
Boulder Mojo Risin' Double IPA 10% abv
*Brooklyn Brewery Extra Brune 8.5% abv
*Brugge Brasserie Triple de Ripple 11% abv
*Dark Horse Scotty Karate Scotch Ale 9.75% abv
Dogfish Head 120 Minute IPA 20% abv
*Dogfish Head Fort 18% abv
*Founders Imperial Stout 10% abv
Left Hand Imperial Stout 10.4% abv
NABC Malcolm's Old Setters Ale 10.5% abv (cask-conditioned firkin)
NABC Oak Aged V (Fifth Anniversary Ale) 10% abv
NABC Thunderfoot (2007) 10% abv
New Holland Pilgrim's Dole 10% abv
Rogue John’s Locker Stock Imperial Porter ‘007 7.77% abv
Rogue XS Old Crustacean Barley Wine 2004, 11.3% abv
Shmaltz He’Brew Genesis 10:10 (2006) 10% abv
*Shmaltz He’Brew Jewbelation Eleven 11% abv (pouring keg 2 of 2)
Stone Double Bastard (2005) 10% abv
*Stone XI – 11th Anniversary Ale 8.7% abv
*Three Floyds Fantabulous Resplendence X Anniversary 10.5% abv

WORLD
Burton Bridge Tom Sykes Old Ale UK (cask-conditioned) 10% abv
De Dolle Dulle Teve (“Mad Bitch”) BELGIUM, 10% abv
Delirium Noel BELGIUM 10% abv
*Dupont Moinette Blonde BELGIUM 8.5% abv
EKU 28 GERMANY, 11% abv
JW Lees Vintage Harvest Ale (cask-conditioned; Calvados barrel aged) UK, 11.5% abv
Gales Prize Old Ale UK (1998), 9% abv
Kasteel Rouge BELGIUM, 8% abv
Koningshoeven La Trappe Quadrupel NETHERLANDS, 10% abv
*Podge Belgian Imperial Stout BELGIUM, 10.5% abv

NABC and Saturday's St. Patrick's Day Parade in Louisville.

On Saturday, we loaded up a vintage fire truck (with swimming pool, but not filled with water) and participated in the annual St. Patrick's Parade on the Baxter/Bardstown Rd corridor in Louisville. It began on Broadway at 3:00 p.m. and ends at the Mid City Mall a couple of hours later.

As you'll notice from the photos above, the three or so hours of rain that fell Saturday coincided perfectly with the time we spent standing atop the fire truck.

But it was fun, and look for future recurrences.

"Erin Go Blah" - a reprint.

Publican's note: "Bar" none, this commentary on the St. Patrick's Day holiday, originally written by bartender Chris Halleron some years back for the “Hot Trub” e-newsletter, is the best I've ever read. Permission to reprint has been provided by the author.

----

Recently a friend asked if I was free to do something on the weekend of March (16-17), but I explained that asking a bartender to take those days off is like asking an accountant to blow off work on April 14. It is the busy season for bartenders, when we get to see all those cheapskate rookies who haven't spent a dime in the bar since they threw up in the corner on New Year's Eve but now decide to poke their heads out of their holes and celebrate the Feast of St. Patrick.

While most people celebrate St. Patrick's Day on March 17, where I come from it seems to last longer than Mardi Gras in N'Awlins (coincidentally, that's also taking place right now). Hoboken, New Jersey, where I tend bar, has its parade the first Saturday of March every year, so as not to compete with the mega-parade across the Hudson in Manhattan on the actual St. Patrick's Day. Other communities in New Jersey spread their celebrations out in the interim, creating one thick fog of overindulgence week after week until finally the corned beef and cabbage comes out and everybody is too sick to eat it.

Normally I'd be all for such a celebration, but for the fact that somebody has to work these things-and once again that somebody is me. While I'm surely preaching to the choir with this column, I'd like to share some misconceptions and social faux pas regarding St. Patrick's Day that I've had the displeasure of observing over years:

· "Kiss Me I'm Irish" buttons will get you nowhere with the ladies.

· There is no "Official" Beer of St. Patrick's Day. Despite all its recent financial difficulties, the Catholic Church has yet to seek corporate sponsorship of its saints' feast days (though it may only be a matter of time…).

· The same goes for "Official" St. Patrick's Day Headquarters--as if that stinky dive down the street with the broken urinal would actually be the epicenter of the world's St. Patrick's Day celebration.

· Just because Mario's Bar and Grill has a shamrock in the window, it doesn't necessarily make it an Irish bar.

· In most circles, House of Pain's "Jump Around" is not considered traditional Irish music.

· Ask any brewer and they'll tell you--when a beer turns green it's a BAD thing.

· Killian's Irish Red is made in Golden, Colorado, not Enniscorthy, Ireland.

· Killarney's is from St. Louis, Missouri, not Killarney, Ireland.

· The number-one selling lager in Ireland is Budweiser.

· Guinness is most certainly not a microbrewery (I can't make this stuff up--I swear I actually heard someone say that once).

· Asking a bartender to put a shamrock on the top of a well-poured Guinness is like asking Da Vinci to put a mustache on the Mona Lisa.

· Not only is the "Irish Car Bomb" (a pint glass half full of Guinness with a shot glass of Bailey’s and Jameson dropped in) an appalling name for a drink, the waste of Guinness and Jameson in some novelty shooter is nothing short of blasphemy. Save the “Boilermakers” for the Milwaukee’s Best and enjoy a quality beverage the way it's meant to be enjoyed.

· A pint of Guinness takes awhile to be poured properly--if you're in a hurry then order something else.

· Guinness in a plastic cup is a travesty, no matter how busy the bar is.

· The plural of Guinness is Guinness, not Guinnesses.

· More often than not, Irish people (by that, I mean people born and raised in Ireland) couldn't give a rat's arse what town your great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-grandfather left during the Potato Famine.

· There is no room for a discussion of Irish politics in a crowded bar.

· The stereotype of drunken Irish bar-fighters applies mostly to Irish-Americans.

· The Irish pastime of hurling is not what most people in this country think it means.

· No matter what you may have heard or read, a traditional Irish breakfast DOES NOT consist of a six-pack and a potato.

· No, I'd rather not wear a silly plastic green hat while I'm working, but thanks for the offer.

· There is no "siesta" napping on the bar for St. Patrick's Day--you have that confused with Cinco de Mayo, which is two months away.

· Just because the bar is open all day and all night doesn't necessarily mean you have to be there drinking the whole time.

· Just because you gave me a big tip doesn't give you carte blanche for being an @$$hole!!!

Despite all my bitches, gripes and complaints, I'm well aware that there's a lot of earning of the green that goes along with the wearing of the green. So it looks like I'll once again have to "Er-Grin 'n' Go Bear-it" as I look forward to the pot o' gold at the end o' me rainbow--the long, messy rainbow that it is.

In the meantime, may the road rise to meet the rest o' ye, and Sláinte--from the bitter bollocks behind the bar.

Gravity Head lineupdate for Saturday, March 15.

Updated 10:55 a.m.

Three more Gravity Head listed selections floated on Thursday. Today marks the 14th business day since Gravity Head 2008 began, and by my calculation ...

16 beers are currently tapped
15 beers are yet to be tapped
31 beers are gone

Non-gravity items of interest still include Schlenkerla Fastenbier, the Brauerei Heller-Trum's special annual Lenten smoked lager, and a firkin of cask-conditioned WinterCoat Vildmose (Denmark; 5.8% abv), a brown ale with a touch of peat smoke, and spicing that includes bog myrtle and rowan berries from a nature preserve near the brewery.

----

Here’s the lineup as it stands at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 15:

UNITED STATES
*Avery Fourteen 9.46% abv
Avery Old Jubilation 8% abv
BBC (Main & Clay) Bearded Pat's Barley Wine (2006) circa 10% abv
*BBC (Main & Clay) The Queen's Knickers 8% abv
*BBC (Shelbyville Road) Kick in the Baltic Porter 8.5% abv
Bell's Sparkling Ale 9% abv
*Brugge Brasserie Triple de Ripple 11% abv
Clipper City Below Decks Barleywine 11% abv
New Holland Pilgrim's Dole 10% abv
Rogue XS Imperial Stout 11% abv
*Schlafly Imperial Stout 10.5% abv
Shmaltz He’Brew Bittersweet Lenny's RIPA 10% abv
Upland Ard-Ri Imperial Irish-style Red Ale 8.7% abv

WORLD
*Dupont Moinette Brune BELGIUM 8.5% abv
Ettaler Curator Doppelbock GERMANY, 9% abv
*Regenboog 't Smisje Harvest Ale ('t Smisje Kerst aged in a JW Lees Calvados wooden pin) BELGIUM, 12% abv

----

Here are the beers yet to be poured. First, those that already have been scheduled to appear at specific times during Gravity Head 2008.

Monday, March 17 (St. Patrick’s Day) :
Bell's Expedition Stout 2006 11.5% abv
Upland Ard-Ri Imperial Irish-style Red Ale 8.7% abv (on tap now)

Now the rest:

BELGIUM
De Dolle Stille Nacht 12% abv
Regenboog Guido 8% abv
*Regenboog 't Smisje Catherine The Great Imperial Stout 10% abv

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Brooklyn Brewery Monster Ale 11.8% abv
Flying Dog Gonzo Imperial Porter 9.5% abv
Great Divide Old Ruffian Barley Wine 10.2% abv
New Holland Dragon’s Milk 9% abv
*New Holland Night Tripper 10.8% abv
Stone Imperial Russian Stout 10.8% abv
Stone Old Guardian Barley Wine (2006) 11.2% abv

----

In transit during the month of March:

BELGIUM
*De Glazen Toren Canaster Winter Scotch 9.5% abv
*De Glazen Toren Cuvee Angelique 8% abv

SCOTLAND
*Ola Dubh - Old Engine Oil Special Reserve, conditioned in Highland Park 30 Year Old Scotch Barrels 8% abv (Mid-March delivery projected)

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Dark Horse Double Crooked Tree IPA 13.6% abv

----

R.I.P. – depleted kegs

UNITED STATES
Avery “The Czar” 11.73% abv
*Avery “The Kaiser” 9.37% abv
Bell's Batch 6000 (2004) 10.5% abv
Bell's Hopslam 10% abv (poured 3 kegs of 3)
Boulder Mojo Risin' Double IPA 10% abv
*Brooklyn Brewery Extra Brune 8.5% abv
*Dark Horse Scotty Karate Scotch Ale 9.75% abv
Dogfish Head 120 Minute IPA 20% abv
*Dogfish Head Fort 18% abv
*Founders Imperial Stout 10% abv
Left Hand Imperial Stout 10.4% abv
NABC Malcolm's Old Setters Ale 10.5% abv (cask-conditioned firkin)
NABC Oak Aged V (Fifth Anniversary Ale) 10% abv
NABC Thunderfoot (2007) 10% abv
Rogue John’s Locker Stock Imperial Porter ‘007 7.77% abv
Rogue XS Old Crustacean Barley Wine 2004, 11.3% abv
Shmaltz He’Brew Genesis 10:10 (2006) 10% abv
*Shmaltz He’Brew Jewbelation Eleven 11% abv (pouring keg 2 of 2)
Stone Double Bastard (2005) 10% abv
*Stone XI – 11th Anniversary Ale 8.7% abv
*Three Floyds Fantabulous Resplendence X Anniversary 10.5% abv

WORLD
Burton Bridge Tom Sykes Old Ale UK (cask-conditioned) 10% abv
De Dolle Dulle Teve (“Mad Bitch”) BELGIUM, 10% abv
Delirium Noel BELGIUM 10% abv
*Dupont Moinette Blonde BELGIUM 8.5% abv
EKU 28 GERMANY, 11% abv
JW Lees Vintage Harvest Ale (cask-conditioned; Calvados barrel aged) UK, 11.5% abv
Gales Prize Old Ale UK (1998), 9% abv
Kasteel Rouge BELGIUM, 8% abv
Koningshoeven La Trappe Quadrupel NETHERLANDS, 10% abv
*Podge Belgian Imperial Stout BELGIUM, 10.5% abv

Gravity Head lineupdate for Friday, March 14.

Updated 5:27 p.m.

Two more Gravity Head listed selections floated on Thursday. The big news today on Day 13 of Gravity Head 2008 is the tapping of Regenboog 't Smisje Harvest Ale ('t Smisje Kerst aged in a 5-gallon JW Lees Calvados wooden pin) from Belgium, one of only three pins shipped to the United States, and the single most expensive beer we've ever served on draft.

Non-gravity items of interest include Schlenkerla Fastenbier, the Brauerei Heller-Trum's special annual Lenten smoked lager, and a firkin of cask-conditioned WinterCoat Vildmose (Denmark; 5.8% abv), a brown ale with a touch of peat smoke, and spicing that includes bog myrtle and rowan berries from a nature preserve near the brewery.

----

Here’s the lineup as it stands at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, March 14:

UNITED STATES
*Avery Fourteen 9.46% abv
Avery “The Czar” 11.73% abv
BBC (Main & Clay) Bearded Pat's Barley Wine (2006) circa 10% abv
*BBC (Main & Clay) The Queen's Knickers 8% abv
*BBC (Shelbyville Road) Kick in the Baltic Porter 8.5% abv
Bell's Sparkling Ale 9% abv
*Brugge Brasserie Triple de Ripple 11% abv
Clipper City Below Decks Barleywine 11% abv
New Holland Pilgrim's Dole 10% abv
*Schlafly Imperial Stout 10.5% abv
Shmaltz He’Brew Bittersweet Lenny's RIPA 10% abv
Upland Ard-Ri Imperial Irish-style Red Ale 8.7% abv

WORLD
*Dupont Moinette Blonde BELGIUM 8.5% abv
*Dupont Moinette Brune BELGIUM 8.5% abv
Ettaler Curator Doppelbock GERMANY, 9% abv
*Regenboog 't Smisje Harvest Ale ('t Smisje Kerst aged in a JW Lees Calvados wooden pin) BELGIUM, 12% abv

----

Here are the beers yet to be poured. First, those that already have been scheduled to appear at specific times during Gravity Head 2008.

Monday, March 17 (St. Patrick’s Day) :
Bell's Expedition Stout 2006 11.5% abv
Upland Ard-Ri Imperial Irish-style Red Ale 8.7% abv (on tap now)

Now the rest:

BELGIUM
De Dolle Stille Nacht 12% abv
Regenboog Guido 8% abv
*Regenboog 't Smisje Catherine The Great Imperial Stout 10% abv

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Avery Old Jubilation 8% abv
Brooklyn Brewery Monster Ale 11.8% abv
Flying Dog Gonzo Imperial Porter 9.5% abv
Great Divide Old Ruffian Barley Wine 10.2% abv
New Holland Dragon’s Milk 9% abv
*New Holland Night Tripper 10.8% abv
Rogue XS Imperial Stout 11% abv
Stone Imperial Russian Stout 10.8% abv
Stone Old Guardian Barley Wine (2006) 11.2% abv

----

In transit during the month of March:

BELGIUM
*De Glazen Toren Canaster Winter Scotch 9.5% abv
*De Glazen Toren Cuvee Angelique 8% abv

SCOTLAND
*Ola Dubh - Old Engine Oil Special Reserve, conditioned in Highland Park 30 Year Old Scotch Barrels 8% abv (Mid-March delivery projected)

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Dark Horse Double Crooked Tree IPA 13.6% abv

----

R.I.P. – depleted kegs

UNITED STATES
*Avery “The Kaiser” 9.37% abv
Bell's Batch 6000 (2004) 10.5% abv
Bell's Hopslam 10% abv (poured 3 kegs of 3)
Boulder Mojo Risin' Double IPA 10% abv
*Brooklyn Brewery Extra Brune 8.5% abv
*Dark Horse Scotty Karate Scotch Ale 9.75% abv
Dogfish Head 120 Minute IPA 20% abv
*Dogfish Head Fort 18% abv
*Founders Imperial Stout 10% abv
Left Hand Imperial Stout 10.4% abv
NABC Malcolm's Old Setters Ale 10.5% abv (cask-conditioned firkin)
NABC Oak Aged V (Fifth Anniversary Ale) 10% abv
NABC Thunderfoot (2007) 10% abv
Rogue John’s Locker Stock Imperial Porter ‘007 7.77% abv
Rogue XS Old Crustacean Barley Wine 2004, 11.3% abv
Shmaltz He’Brew Genesis 10:10 (2006) 10% abv
*Shmaltz He’Brew Jewbelation Eleven 11% abv (pouring keg 2 of 2)
Stone Double Bastard (2005) 10% abv
*Stone XI – 11th Anniversary Ale 8.7% abv
*Three Floyds Fantabulous Resplendence X Anniversary 10.5% abv

WORLD
Burton Bridge Tom Sykes Old Ale UK (cask-conditioned) 10% abv
De Dolle Dulle Teve (“Mad Bitch”) BELGIUM, 10% abv
Delirium Noel BELGIUM 10% abv
EKU 28 GERMANY, 11% abv
JW Lees Vintage Harvest Ale (cask-conditioned; Calvados barrel aged) UK, 11.5% abv
Gales Prize Old Ale UK (1998), 9% abv
Kasteel Rouge BELGIUM, 8% abv
Koningshoeven La Trappe Quadrupel NETHERLANDS, 10% abv
*Podge Belgian Imperial Stout BELGIUM, 10.5% abv

Gravity Head lineupdate for Thursday, March 13.

Thanks to everyone who came in last night as Schlafly's local rep, Scott Shreffler, dispensed pints of Schlafly Imperial Stout and samples of the same beer aged in bourbon barrels.

Schlenkerla Fastenbier, the Brauerei Heller-Trum's special annual Lenten smoked lager, continues pouring today.

----

Here’s the lineup as it stands at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 13:

UNITED STATES
*Avery Fourteen 9.46% abv
Avery “The Czar” 11.73% abv
BBC (Main & Clay) Bearded Pat's Barley Wine (2006) circa 10% abv
*BBC (Main & Clay) The Queen's Knickers 8% abv
*BBC (Shelbyville Road) Kick in the Baltic Porter 8.5% abv
Bell's Sparkling Ale 9% abv
*Brugge Brasserie Triple de Ripple 11% abv
Clipper City Below Decks Barleywine 11% abv
Dogfish Head 120 Minute IPA 20% abv
New Holland Pilgrim's Dole 10% abv
*Schlafly Imperial Stout 10.5% abv
Shmaltz He’Brew Bittersweet Lenny's RIPA 10% abv

WORLD
Burton Bridge Tom Sykes Old Ale UK (cask-conditioned) 10% abv
*Dupont Moinette Blonde BELGIUM 8.5% abv
*Dupont Moinette Brune BELGIUM 8.5% abv
EKU 28 GERMANY, 11% abv

----

Here are the beers yet to be poured. First, those that already have been scheduled to appear at specific times during Gravity Head 2008.

Friday, March 14:
*Regenboog 't Smisje Harvest Ale ('t Smisje Kerst aged in a JW Lees Calvados wooden pin) 12% abv

Monday, March 17 (St. Patrick’s Day) :
Bell's Expedition Stout 2006 11.5% abv
Upland Ard-Ri Imperial Irish-style Red Ale 8.7% abv

Now the rest:

BELGIUM
De Dolle Stille Nacht 12% abv
Regenboog Guido 8% abv
*Regenboog 't Smisje Catherine The Great Imperial Stout 10% abv

GERMANY
Ettaler Curator Doppelbock 9% abv

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Avery Old Jubilation 8% abv
Brooklyn Brewery Monster Ale 11.8% abv
Flying Dog Gonzo Imperial Porter 9.5% abv
Great Divide Old Ruffian Barley Wine 10.2% abv
New Holland Dragon’s Milk 9% abv
*New Holland Night Tripper 10.8% abv
Rogue XS Imperial Stout 11% abv
Stone Imperial Russian Stout 10.8% abv
Stone Old Guardian Barley Wine (2006) 11.2% abv

----

In transit during the month of March:

BELGIUM
*De Glazen Toren Canaster Winter Scotch 9.5% abv
*De Glazen Toren Cuvee Angelique 8% abv

SCOTLAND
*Ola Dubh - Old Engine Oil Special Reserve, conditioned in Highland Park 30 Year Old Scotch Barrels 8% abv (Mid-March delivery projected)

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Dark Horse Double Crooked Tree IPA 13.6% abv

----

R.I.P. – depleted kegs

UNITED STATES
*Avery “The Kaiser” 9.37% abv
Bell's Batch 6000 (2004) 10.5% abv
Bell's Hopslam 10% abv (poured 3 kegs of 3)
Boulder Mojo Risin' Double IPA 10% abv
*Brooklyn Brewery Extra Brune 8.5% abv
*Dark Horse Scotty Karate Scotch Ale 9.75% abv
*Dogfish Head Fort 18% abv
*Founders Imperial Stout 10% abv
Left Hand Imperial Stout 10.4% abv
NABC Malcolm's Old Setters Ale 10.5% abv (cask-conditioned firkin)
NABC Oak Aged V (Fifth Anniversary Ale) 10% abv
NABC Thunderfoot (2007) 10% abv
Rogue John’s Locker Stock Imperial Porter ‘007 7.77% abv

Rogue XS Old Crustacean Barley Wine 2004, 11.3% abv
Shmaltz He’Brew Genesis 10:10 (2006) 10% abv
*Shmaltz He’Brew Jewbelation Eleven 11% abv (pouring keg 2 of 2)

Stone Double Bastard (2005) 10% abv
*Stone XI – 11th Anniversary Ale 8.7% abv
*Three Floyds Fantabulous Resplendence X Anniversary 10.5% abv

WORLD
De Dolle Dulle Teve (“Mad Bitch”) BELGIUM, 10% abv
Delirium Noel BELGIUM 10% abv
JW Lees Vintage Harvest Ale (cask-conditioned; Calvados barrel aged) UK, 11.5% abv
Gales Prize Old Ale UK (1998), 9% abv
Kasteel Rouge BELGIUM, 8% abv
Koningshoeven La Trappe Quadrupel NETHERLANDS, 10% abv
*Podge Belgian Imperial Stout BELGIUM, 10.5% abv

Gravity Head lineupdate for Wednesday, March 12.

Schlafly's local rep Scott Shreffler will be at the Public House tonight at 6:00 p.m. for a special promotion with his Schlafly Imperial Stout (10.5% abv). While supplies last, and first-come, first-served, we'll be pouring Schlafly Imperial Stout in 16-oz signature glasses at the pint prince, and you get to keep the glass. This is a rare exception to the 10-0z pour rule during Gravity Head, so come and take advantage of it.

Note also that our only two kegs (this year) of Schlenkerla Fastenbier, the Brauerei Heller-Trum's special annual Lenten smoked lager, began pouring today. Fastenbier is 50% smoked malt and 50% Pilsner malt, and it needs to be gone by Easter Sunday (March 23). Somehow, I don't think that's going to be a problem.

----

Here’s the lineup as it stands at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 12:

UNITED STATES
*Avery Fourteen 9.46% abv
Avery “The Czar” 11.73% abv
BBC (Main & Clay) Bearded Pat's Barley Wine (2006) circa 10% abv
*BBC (Main & Clay) The Queen's Knickers 8% abv
*BBC (Shelbyville Road) Kick in the Baltic Porter 8.5% abv
Bell's Sparkling Ale 9% abv
Dogfish Head 120 Minute IPA 20% abv
New Holland Pilgrim's Dole 10% abv
Rogue XS Old Crustacean Barley Wine 2004, 11.3% abv
*Schlafly Imperial Stout 10.5% abv
Shmaltz He’Brew Bittersweet Lenny's RIPA 10% abv
Stone Double Bastard (2005) 10% abv

WORLD
Burton Bridge Tom Sykes Old Ale UK (cask-conditioned) 10% abv
*Dupont Moinette Blonde BELGIUM 8.5% abv
*Dupont Moinette Brune BELGIUM 8.5% abv
EKU 28 GERMANY, 11% abv

----

Here are the beers yet to be poured. First, those that already have been scheduled to appear at specific times during Gravity Head 2008.

Friday, March 14:
*Regenboog 't Smisje Harvest Ale ('t Smisje Kerst aged in a JW Lees Calvados wooden pin) 12% abv

Monday, March 17 (St. Patrick’s Day) :
Bell's Expedition Stout 2006 11.5% abv
Upland Ard-Ri Imperial Irish-style Red Ale 8.7% abv

Now the rest:

BELGIUM
De Dolle Stille Nacht 12% abv
Regenboog Guido 8% abv
*Regenboog 't Smisje Catherine The Great Imperial Stout 10% abv

GERMANY
Ettaler Curator Doppelbock 9% abv

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Avery Old Jubilation 8% abv
Brooklyn Brewery Monster Ale 11.8% abv
*Brugge Brasserie Triple de Ripple 11% abv
Clipper City Below Decks Barleywine 11% abv
Flying Dog Gonzo Imperial Porter 9.5% abv
Great Divide Old Ruffian Barley Wine 10.2% abv
New Holland Dragon’s Milk 9% abv
*New Holland Night Tripper 10.8% abv
Rogue XS Imperial Stout 11% abv
Stone Imperial Russian Stout 10.8% abv
Stone Old Guardian Barley Wine (2006) 11.2% abv

----

In transit during the month of March:

BELGIUM
*De Glazen Toren Canaster Winter Scotch 9.5% abv
*De Glazen Toren Cuvee Angelique 8% abv

SCOTLAND
*Ola Dubh - Old Engine Oil Special Reserve, conditioned in Highland Park 30 Year Old Scotch Barrels 8% abv (Mid-March delivery projected)

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Dark Horse Double Crooked Tree IPA 13.6% abv

----

R.I.P. – depleted kegs

UNITED STATES
*Avery “The Kaiser” 9.37% abv
Bell's Batch 6000 (2004) 10.5% abv
Bell's Hopslam 10% abv (poured 3 kegs of 3)
Boulder Mojo Risin' Double IPA 10% abv
*Brooklyn Brewery Extra Brune 8.5% abv
*Dark Horse Scotty Karate Scotch Ale 9.75% abv
*Dogfish Head Fort 18% abv
*Founders Imperial Stout 10% abv
Left Hand Imperial Stout 10.4% abv
NABC Malcolm's Old Setters Ale 10.5% abv (cask-conditioned firkin)
NABC Oak Aged V (Fifth Anniversary Ale) 10% abv
NABC Thunderfoot (2007) 10% abv
Rogue John’s Locker Stock Imperial Porter ‘007 7.77% abv
Shmaltz He’Brew Genesis 10:10 (2006) 10% abv
*Shmaltz He’Brew Jewbelation Eleven 11% abv (pouring keg 2 of 2)
*Stone XI – 11th Anniversary Ale 8.7% abv
*Three Floyds Fantabulous Resplendence X Anniversary 10.5% abv

WORLD
De Dolle Dulle Teve (“Mad Bitch”) BELGIUM, 10% abv
Delirium Noel BELGIUM 10% abv
JW Lees Vintage Harvest Ale (cask-conditioned; Calvados barrel aged) UK, 11.5% abv
Gales Prize Old Ale UK (1998), 9% abv
Kasteel Rouge BELGIUM, 8% abv
Koningshoeven La Trappe Quadrupel NETHERLANDS, 10% abv
*Podge Belgian Imperial Stout BELGIUM, 10.5% abv

Schlafly Imperial Stout pint glass promo Wednesday night.

Gravity Head lineupdate for Tuesday, March 11 ... and tomorrow's Schlafly promotion details.

Gravity Head lineupdate for Tuesday, March 11 ... and tomorrow's Schlafly promotion details.

The only change in the Gravity Head lineup since Monday is ...

Add:
Dogfish Head 120 Minute IPA 20% abv (4-oz pours only)

Subtract:
Bell's Hopslam 10% abv (3 of 3 full kegs consumed since February 29)

Several kegs are ready to pop, so expect big changes for Wednesday.

Note also that tomorrow (Wednesday, March 12) Schlafly's local rep Scott Shreffler will be at the Public House for a special promotion with his Schlafly Imperial Stout (10.5% abv). While supplies last, and first-come, first-served, we'll be pouring Schlafly Imperial Stout in 16-oz signature glasses at the pint prince, and you get to keep the glass. This is a rare exception to the 10-0z pour rule during Gravity Head, so come and take advantage of it.

Gravity Head lineupdate for Monday, March 10.

It only seems like Gravity Head has been playing forever. Today is Day 9, with depletions slowed a bit by the wintry weather the past weekend.

----

Here’s the lineup as it stands at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, March 10:

UNITED STATES
*Avery Fourteen 9.46% abv
Avery “The Czar” 11.73% abv
BBC (Main & Clay) Bearded Pat's Barley Wine (2006) circa 10% abv
*BBC (Main & Clay) The Queen's Knickers 8% abv
Bell's Hopslam 10% abv (pouring keg 2 of 3)
Bell's Sparkling Ale 9% abv
*Founders Imperial Stout 10% abv
New Holland Pilgrim's Dole 10% abv
Rogue John’s Locker Stock Imperial Porter ‘007 7.77% abv
Rogue XS Old Crustacean Barley Wine 2004, 11.3% abv
Shmaltz He’Brew Bittersweet Lenny's RIPA 10% abv
Stone Double Bastard (2005) 10% abv

WORLD
Burton Bridge Tom Sykes Old Ale UK (cask-conditioned) 10% abv
*Dupont Moinette Blonde BELGIUM 8.5% abv
*Dupont Moinette Brune BELGIUM 8.5% abv
EKU 28 GERMANY, 11% abv
Gales Prize Old Ale UK (1998), 9% abv

----

Here are the beers yet to be poured. First, those that already have been scheduled to appear at specific times during Gravity Head 2008.

Wednesday, March 12:
*Schlafly Imperial Stout 10.5% abv

Friday, March 14:
*Regenboog 't Smisje Harvest Ale ('t Smisje Kerst aged in a JW Lees Calvados wooden pin) 12% abv

Monday, March 17 (St. Patrick’s Day) :
Bell's Expedition Stout 2006 11.5% abv
Upland Ard-Ri Imperial Irish-style Red Ale 8.7% abv

Now the rest:

BELGIUM
De Dolle Stille Nacht 12% abv
Regenboog Guido 8% abv
*Regenboog 't Smisje Catherine The Great Imperial Stout 10% abv

GERMANY
Ettaler Curator Doppelbock 9% abv

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Avery Old Jubilation 8% abv
*BBC (Shelbyville Road) Kick in the Baltic Porter 8.5% abv
Brooklyn Brewery Monster Ale 11.8% abv
*Brugge Brasserie Triple de Ripple 11% abv
Clipper City Below Decks Barleywine 11% abv
Dogfish Head 120 Minute IPA 20% abv
Flying Dog Gonzo Imperial Porter 9.5% abv
Great Divide Old Ruffian Barley Wine 10.2% abv
New Holland Dragon’s Milk 9% abv
*New Holland Night Tripper 10.8% abv
Rogue XS Imperial Stout 11% abv
Stone Imperial Russian Stout 10.8% abv
Stone Old Guardian Barley Wine (2006) 11.2% abv

----

In transit during the month of March:

BELGIUM
*De Glazen Toren Canaster Winter Scotch 9.5% abv
*De Glazen Toren Cuvee Angelique 8% abv

SCOTLAND
*Ola Dubh - Old Engine Oil Special Reserve, conditioned in Highland Park 30 Year Old Scotch Barrels 8% abv (Mid-March delivery projected)

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Dark Horse Double Crooked Tree IPA 13.6% abv

----

R.I.P. – depleted kegs

UNITED STATES
*Avery “The Kaiser” 9.37% abv
Bell's Batch 6000 (2004) 10.5% abv
Boulder Mojo Risin' Double IPA 10% abv
*Brooklyn Brewery Extra Brune 8.5% abv
*Dark Horse Scotty Karate Scotch Ale 9.75% abv
*Dogfish Head Fort 18% abv
Left Hand Imperial Stout 10.4% abv
NABC Malcolm's Old Setters Ale 10.5% abv (cask-conditioned firkin)
NABC Oak Aged V (Fifth Anniversary Ale) 10% abv
NABC Thunderfoot (2007) 10% abv
Shmaltz He’Brew Genesis 10:10 (2006) 10% abv
*Shmaltz He’Brew Jewbelation Eleven 11% abv (pouring keg 2 of 2)
*Stone XI – 11th Anniversary Ale 8.7% abv
*Three Floyds Fantabulous Resplendence X Anniversary 10.5% abv

WORLD
De Dolle Dulle Teve (“Mad Bitch”) BELGIUM, 10% abv
Delirium Noel BELGIUM 10% abv
JW Lees Vintage Harvest Ale (cask-conditioned; Calvados barrel aged) UK, 11.5% abv
Kasteel Rouge BELGIUM, 8% abv
Koningshoeven La Trappe Quadrupel NETHERLANDS, 10% abv
*Podge Belgian Imperial Stout BELGIUM, 10.5% abv

Five Gravity Head beers that I've enjoyed in 2008.

Gravity Head 2008’s seemingly inexorable momentum finally met a temporarily immovable force in the form of Friday’s near-record snowfall, which left the Louisville metro area very quiet for much of Saturday even though unexpected afternoon sunshine helped clear the roads enough to bring some people back out later in the evening.

Don’t worry. Temps will be back to 60 degrees during the coming week.

Counting all sizes of kegs the same, we’ve emptied 22 kegs since February 29. Even with the snowfall, that’s certainly a record pace, and there are plenty more yet to be sampled. Of course, the inevitable question every year has to do with favorites, so here are five gravity beers I’ve particularly enjoyed so far in 2008.

NABC Thunderfoot (2007) 10% abv … Yes, it’s an NABC house beer, and yes, I’m biased. In this case, the bias is entirely justified. I enjoyed the short-lived, year-old Thunderfoot more than the other Imperial Stouts that have appeared so far.

Brooklyn Brewery Extra Brune 8.5% abv … Somewhat of a surprise to me, an American-made Belgian style with incredible yeast esters that reminded me just a bit of the Aventinus bubblegum effect. As good as this was, I had no business drinking four of them on an empty stomach last Saturday. But I did. Shame on me.

Bell's Batch 6000 (2004) 10.5% abv … Barley wines have oddly fallen out of fashion at Gravity Head, and I couldn’t begin to tell you why, except that times and customers change. This 4-yr old was superb, as was a matching Old Crustacean and the nearly two-year old BBC Bearded Pat’s, and yet the latter two are still pouring.

Avery Fourteen 9.46% abv … Cut from the same bolt of cloth as the Stone 11th Anniversary, with both somewhere in the range of Black IPA. Given the traditional hoppiness of beers like Sierra Nevada Porter, such gravity escalations seem perfectly natural.

Burton Bridge Tom Sykes Old Ale UK (cask-conditioned) 10% abv … Perhaps the simplest ale on tap during Gravity Head, with one malt, one hop and some sugar in the English fashion. Maybe it’s the yeast that lends such complexity to elegant simplicity.

CPC's Shawn Vest recaps last week's Belgian beer dinner at Corbett's.

Having been overwhelmed recently in every significant way, I just haven't had the time to report on last Tuesday's excellent Belgian/Wetten Importers beer dinner at Corbett's - An American Place.

I previewed the dinner here: March 4 Corbett's beer dinner menu and pairings.

I rode over the Louisville's vast East End exurb for the evening with Shawn Vest, owner of Charlestown Pizza Company, who later posted a quick review at the Louisville Restaurant Forum. I'm reprinting it here, and earnestly hope that Shawn doesn't mind my doing so. His review sums it up for me, too.

---

Delirium Tremens with Duck Confit in Brick Pastry, Pear-Ginger Marmalade was fantastic, the marmalade was perfect with the confit and the delirium's sweetness balanced the flavors well

Parsnip Soup, Creme Fraiche/ Gouden Carolus Ambrio - better than i expected, although i'm not sure if i'd like the parsnip without the cayenne oil, the ambrio played very nicely with the parsnips and accented the creme fraiche and cayenne oil

the short ribs were very nice with the kasteel, the flavors really popped with the reduction using the beer, the short ribs were actually huge and the meat was incredibly tender and well seasoned

Floris Apple Wit Sorbet, Apple Chipperfect, the floris was lighter than i expected and melted with the sorbet, while the apple chip added nice textures (the floris may have also been good over ice cream as a float), the sorbet was made with the floris and the flavors of course were very complimentary

Braised Veal, Hoisin Glaze, Peanut Lo Mein/ Gouden Carolus Cru of the Emperor, 2007

my favorite pairing of the evening, the peanuts and the hoisin really accentuated the nuttiness of the beer, and flavors improved as the dish and the beer intermingled

Thyme Brulee, Rhurbarb Gelee, Chocolate Beignet/ St. Louis Framboise

my least favorite of the evening, the framboise was very pleasant, but the dishes were not as good as i had hoped they would bemy bias could be related to a distinct apathy for rhubarb and serious doubts about the words "thyme" and "brulee" being used together; but the chocolate beignet was not the exception, too bitter and too chewy for methe gelee was much better than expected, but the thyme and brulee were not the greatest combination although the blueberry sauce on the brulee was excellent and the texture of the brulee was good, these dishes though were not elevated by the framboise, and thus a disappointment

overall though a great evening; a decent drive from Indiana, but worth the effort and the cost, and excellent service

elegant seating - we were in the cellar, a very old world european feel, stone walls, exposed floor joist in the ceiling, stone floors ... nice ambient music at the right levels

A fine example of what great beer can do in a fine dining setting

Pete Larsen, Dave Gausepohl, & Carrie Crouch did a great job of hosting and educating - thanks

Gravity Head lineupdate for Friday, March 7.

I'm not often surprised, but this is one of those times. Gravity Head selections are depleting at an unprecedented rate; counting multiples, we're 20 kegs lighter than last Friday, and that's almost 1/3 of the way through the total. Remember that when you come into the Public House, we've displayed tags for the depleted selections so progress can be monitored. They're in the front room, snaking their way atop the blackboard.

----

Here’s the lineup as it stands at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, March 7:

UNITED STATES
*Avery Fourteen 9.46% abv
Avery “The Czar” 11.73% abv
BBC (Main & Clay) Bearded Pat's Barley Wine (2006) circa 10% abv
*BBC (Main & Clay) The Queen's Knickers 8% abv
Bell's Hopslam 10% abv (pouring keg 2 of 3)
*Brooklyn Brewery Extra Brune 8.5% abv
*Founders Imperial Stout 10% abv
New Holland Pilgrim's Dole 10% abv
Rogue John’s Locker Stock Imperial Porter ‘007 7.77% abv
Rogue XS Old Crustacean Barley Wine 2004, 11.3% abv
Shmaltz He’Brew Genesis 10:10 (2006) 10% abv
Stone Double Bastard (2005) 10% abv

WORLD
Burton Bridge Tom Sykes Old Ale UK (cask-conditioned) 10% abv
*Dupont Moinette Blonde BELGIUM 8.5% abv
EKU 28 GERMANY, 11% abv
Gales Prize Old Ale UK (1998), 9% abv
Kasteel Rouge BELGIUM, 8% abv

----

Here are the beers yet to be poured. First, those that already have been scheduled to appear at specific times during Gravity Head 2008.

Wednesday, March 12:
*Schlafly Imperial Stout 10.5% abv

Monday, March 17 (St. Patrick’s Day) :
Bell's Expedition Stout 2006 11.5% abv
Upland Ard-Ri Imperial Irish-style Red Ale 8.7% abv

Now the rest:

BELGIUM
De Dolle Stille Nacht 12% abv
*Dupont Moinette Brune 8.5% abv
Regenboog Guido 8% abv
*Regenboog 't Smisje Catherine The Great Imperial Stout 10% abv
*Regenboog 't Smisje Harvest Ale ('t Smisje Kerst aged in a JW Lees Calvados wooden pin) 12% abv

GERMANY
Ettaler Curator Doppelbock 9% abv

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Avery Old Jubilation 8% abv
*BBC (Shelbyville Road) Kick in the Baltic Porter 8.5% abv
Bell's Sparkling Ale 9% abv
Brooklyn Brewery Monster Ale 11.8% abv
*Brugge Brasserie Triple de Ripple 11% abv
Clipper City Below Decks Barleywine 11% abv
Dogfish Head 120 Minute IPA 20% abv
Flying Dog Gonzo Imperial Porter 9.5% abv
Great Divide Old Ruffian Barley Wine 10.2% abv
New Holland Dragon’s Milk 9% abv
*New Holland Night Tripper 10.8% abv
Rogue XS Imperial Stout 11% abv
Shmaltz He’Brew Bittersweet Lenny's RIPA 10% abv
Stone Imperial Russian Stout 10.8% abv
Stone Old Guardian Barley Wine (2006) 11.2% abv

----

In transit during the month of March:

BELGIUM
*De Glazen Toren Canaster Winter Scotch 9.5% abv
*De Glazen Toren Cuvee Angelique 8% abv

SCOTLAND
*Ola Dubh - Old Engine Oil Special Reserve, conditioned in Highland Park 30 Year Old Scotch Barrels 8% abv (Mid-March delivery projected)

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Dark Horse Double Crooked Tree IPA 13.6% abv

----

R.I.P. – depleted kegs

UNITED STATES
*Avery “The Kaiser” 9.37% abv
Bell's Batch 6000 (2004) 10.5% abv
Boulder Mojo Risin' Double IPA 10% abv
*Dark Horse Scotty Karate Scotch Ale 9.75% abv
*Dogfish Head Fort 18% abv
Left Hand Imperial Stout 10.4% abv
NABC Malcolm's Old Setters Ale 10.5% abv (cask-conditioned firkin)
NABC Oak Aged V (Fifth Anniversary Ale) 10% abv
NABC Thunderfoot (2007) 10% abv
*Shmaltz He’Brew Jewbelation Eleven 11% abv (pouring keg 2 of 2)
*Stone XI – 11th Anniversary Ale 8.7% abv
*Three Floyds Fantabulous Resplendence X Anniversary 10.5% abv

WORLD
De Dolle Dulle Teve (“Mad Bitch”) BELGIUM, 10% abv
Delirium Noel BELGIUM 10% abv
JW Lees Vintage Harvest Ale (cask-conditioned; Calvados barrel aged) UK, 11.5% abv
Koningshoeven La Trappe Quadrupel NETHERLANDS, 10% abv
*Podge Belgian Imperial Stout BELGIUM, 10.5% abv

Gravity Head lineupdate for Thursday, March 6.

Kegs keep popping ... when you come into the Public House, we've displayed tags for the depleted selections so progress can be monitored.

----

Here’s the lineup as it stands at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 6:

UNITED STATES
Avery “The Czar” 11.73% abv
BBC (Main & Clay) Bearded Pat's Barley Wine (2006) circa 10% abv
Bell's Hopslam 10% abv (pouring keg 2 of 3)
Boulder Mojo Risin' Double IPA 10% abv
*Brooklyn Brewery Extra Brune 8.5% abv
*Founders Imperial Stout 10% abv
Left Hand Imperial Stout 10.4% abv
New Holland Pilgrim's Dole 10% abv
Rogue John’s Locker Stock Imperial Porter ‘007 7.77% abv
Rogue XS Old Crustacean Barley Wine 2004, 11.3% abv
Shmaltz He’Brew Genesis 10:10 (2006) 10% abv
Stone Double Bastard (2005) 10% abv

WORLD
Burton Bridge Tom Sykes Old Ale UK (cask-conditioned) 10% abv
EKU 28 GERMANY, 11% abv
Gales Prize Old Ale UK (1998), 9% abv
Kasteel Rouge BELGIUM, 8% abv
Koningshoeven La Trappe Quadrupel NETHERLANDS, 10% abv

----

Here are the beers yet to be poured. First, those that already have been scheduled to appear at specific times during Gravity Head 2008.

Wednesday, March 12:
*Schlafly Imperial Stout 10.5% abv

Monday, March 17 (St. Patrick’s Day) :
Bell's Expedition Stout 2006 11.5% abv
Upland Ard-Ri Imperial Irish-style Red Ale 8.7% abv

Now the rest:

BELGIUM
De Dolle Stille Nacht 12% abv
*Dupont Moinette Brune 8.5% abv
*Dupont Moinette Blonde 8.5% abv
Regenboog Guido 8% abv
*Regenboog 't Smisje Catherine The Great Imperial Stout 10% abv
*Regenboog 't Smisje Harvest Ale ('t Smisje Kerst aged in a JW Lees Calvados wooden pin) 12% abv

GERMANY
Ettaler Curator Doppelbock 9% abv

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
*Avery Fourteen 9.46% abv
Avery Old Jubilation 8% abv
*BBC (Main & Clay) The Queen's Knickers 8% abv
*BBC (Shelbyville Road) Kick in the Baltic Porter 8.5% abv
Bell's Sparkling Ale 9% abv
Brooklyn Brewery Monster Ale 11.8% abv
*Brugge Brasserie Triple de Ripple 11% abv
Clipper City Below Decks Barleywine 11% abv
Dogfish Head 120 Minute IPA 20% abv
Flying Dog Gonzo Imperial Porter 9.5% abv
Great Divide Old Ruffian Barley Wine 10.2% abv
New Holland Dragon’s Milk 9% abv
*New Holland Night Tripper 10.8% abv
Rogue XS Imperial Stout 11% abv
Shmaltz He’Brew Bittersweet Lenny's RIPA 10% abv
Stone Imperial Russian Stout 10.8% abv
Stone Old Guardian Barley Wine (2006) 11.2% abv

----

In transit during the month of March:

BELGIUM
*De Glazen Toren Canaster Winter Scotch 9.5% abv
*De Glazen Toren Cuvee Angelique 8% abv

SCOTLAND
*Ola Dubh - Old Engine Oil Special Reserve, conditioned in Highland Park 30 Year Old Scotch Barrels 8% abv (Mid-March delivery projected)

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Dark Horse Double Crooked Tree IPA 13.6% abv

----

R.I.P. – depleted kegs

UNITED STATES
*Avery “The Kaiser” 9.37% abv
Bell's Batch 6000 (2004) 10.5% abv
*Dark Horse Scotty Karate Scotch Ale 9.75% abv
*Dogfish Head Fort 18% abv
NABC Malcolm's Old Setters Ale 10.5% abv (cask-conditioned firkin)
NABC Oak Aged V (Fifth Anniversary Ale) 10% abv
NABC Thunderfoot (2007) 10% abv
*Shmaltz He’Brew Jewbelation Eleven 11% abv (pouring keg 2 of 2)
*Stone XI – 11th Anniversary Ale 8.7% abv
*Three Floyds Fantabulous Resplendence X Anniversary 10.5% abv

WORLD
De Dolle Dulle Teve (“Mad Bitch”) BELGIUM, 10% abv
Delirium Noel 10% abv
JW Lees Vintage Harvest Ale (cask-conditioned; Calvados barrel aged) UK, 11.5% abv
*Podge Belgian Imperial Stout BELGIUM, 10.5% abv

Gravity Head lineupdate for Wednesday, March 5.

See yesterday's Gravity Head lineupdate for Tuesday, March 4 for the broad overview, with the following news for Wednesday:

NABC Oak Aged V (Fifth Anniversary Ale) and Stone XI – 11th Anniversary Ale both are depleted, and Stone Double Bastard (2005; 10% abv) is now on tap. With the departure of NABC V, we shrink back to the Rich O's group of taps, which is why V is not being replaced with a Gravity Head listed selection.

Gravity Head lineupdate for Tuesday, March 4.

There are a couple of changes since Monday, a couple more expected tonight, and a delivery tomorrow. Among the selections expected to be pouring in the next couple of days are Stone Double Bastard (2005) and New Holland Dragon's Milk.

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Here’s the lineup as it stands at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 4:

UNITED STATES
*Avery “The Kaiser” 9.37% abv
BBC (Main & Clay) Bearded Pat's Barley Wine (2006) circa 10% abv
Bell's Hopslam 10% abv (pouring keg 2 of 3)
Boulder Mojo Risin' Double IPA 10% abv
*Brooklyn Brewery Extra Brune 8.5% abv
*Founders Imperial Stout 10% abv
Left Hand Imperial Stout 10.4% abv
NABC Malcolm's Old Setters Ale 10.5% abv (cask-conditioned firkin)
NABC Oak Aged V (Fifth Anniversary Ale) 10% abv
New Holland Pilgrim's Dole 10% abv
Rogue John’s Locker Stock Imperial Porter ‘007 7.77% abv
Rogue XS Old Crustacean Barley Wine 2004, 11.3% abv
*Shmaltz He’Brew Jewbelation Eleven 11% abv (pouring keg 2 of 2)
*Stone XI – 11th Anniversary Ale 8.7% abv

WORLD
EKU 28 GERMANY, 11% abv
Gales Prize Old Ale UK (1998), 9% abv
JW Lees Vintage Harvest Ale (cask-conditioned; Calvados barrel aged) UK, 11.5% abv
Kasteel Rouge 8% abv
Koningshoeven La Trappe Quadrupel NETHERLANDS, 10% abv

----

Here are the beers yet to be poured. First, those that already have been scheduled to appear at specific times during Gravity Head 2008.

Wednesday, March 12:
*Schlafly Imperial Stout 10.5% abv

Monday, March 17 (St. Patrick’s Day) :
Bell's Expedition Stout 2006 11.5% abv
Upland Ard-Ri Imperial Irish-style Red Ale 8.7% abv

Now the rest:

BELGIUM
De Dolle Stille Nacht 12% abv
*Dupont Moinette Brune 8.5% abv
*Dupont Moinette Blonde 8.5% abv
Regenboog Guido 8% abv
*Regenboog 't Smisje Catherine The Great Imperial Stout 10% abv
*Regenboog 't Smisje Harvest Ale ('t Smisje Kerst aged in a JW Lees Calvados wooden pin) 12% abv

GERMANY
Ettaler Curator Doppelbock 9% abv

UNITED KINGDOM
Burton Bridge Tom Sykes Old Ale (cask-conditioned)

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
*Avery Fourteen 9.46% abv
Avery Old Jubilation 8% abv
Avery “The Czar” 11.73% abv
*BBC (Main & Clay) The Queen's Knickers 8% abv
*BBC (Shelbyville Road) Kick in the Baltic Porter 8.5% abv
Bell's Sparkling Ale 9% abv
Brooklyn Brewery Monster Ale 11.8% abv
*Brugge Brasserie Triple de Ripple 11% abv
Clipper City Below Decks Barleywine 11% abv
Dogfish Head 120 Minute IPA 20% abv
Flying Dog Gonzo Imperial Porter 9.5% abv
Great Divide Old Ruffian Barley Wine 10.2% abv
New Holland Dragon’s Milk 9% abv
*New Holland Night Tripper 10.8% abv
Rogue XS Imperial Stout 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

----

In transit during the month of March:

BELGIUM
*De Glazen Toren Canaster Winter Scotch 9.5% abv
*De Glazen Toren Cuvee Angelique 8% abv

SCOTLAND
*Ola Dubh - Old Engine Oil Special Reserve, conditioned in Highland Park 30 Year Old Scotch Barrels 8% abv (Mid-March delivery projected)

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Dark Horse Double Crooked Tree IPA 13.6% abv

----

R.I.P. – depleted kegs

UNITED STATES
Bell's Batch 6000 (2004) 10.5% abv
*Dark Horse Scotty Karate Scotch Ale 9.75% abv
*Dogfish Head Fort 18% abv
NABC Thunderfoot (2007) 10% abv
*Three Floyds Fantabulous Resplendence X Anniversary 10.5% abv

WORLD
De Dolle Dulle Teve (“Mad Bitch”) BELGIUM, 10% abv
Delirium Noel 10% abv
*Podge Belgian Imperial Stout BELGIUM, 10.5% abv

Gravity Head 2008 lineupdate.

It was another sales record for Gravity Head opening weekend, and thanks again to everyone for their efforts. There'll be periodic updates from here until the kegs run dry. The sprint is over … and now the long haul into April begins.

----

Here’s the lineup as it stands at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, March 3:

UNITED STATES
*Avery “The Kaiser” 9.37% abv
BBC (Main & Clay) Bearded Pat's Barley Wine (2006) circa 10% abv
Bell's Hopslam 10% abv (pouring keg 2 of 3)
Boulder Mojo Risin' Double IPA 10% abv
*Brooklyn Brewery Extra Brune 8.5% abv
*Dark Horse Scotty Karate Scotch Ale 9.75% abv
*Founders Imperial Stout 10% abv
NABC Malcolm's Old Setters Ale 10.5% abv (cask-conditioned firkin)
NABC Oak Aged V (Fifth Anniversary Ale) 10% abv
New Holland Pilgrim's Dole 10% abv
Rogue John’s Locker Stock Imperial Porter ‘007 7.77% abv
Rogue XS Old Crustacean Barley Wine 2004, 11.3% abv
*Shmaltz He’Brew Jewbelation Eleven 11% abv (pouring keg 2 of 2)
*Stone XI – 11th Anniversary Ale 8.7% abv

WORLD
Delirium Noel 10% abv
EKU 28 GERMANY, 11% abv
Gales Prize Old Ale UK (1998), 9% abv
JW Lees Vintage Harvest Ale (cask-conditioned; Calvados barrel aged) UK, 11.5% abv

----

Here are the beers yet to be poured. First, those that already have been scheduled to appear at specific times during Gravity Head 2008.

Monday, March 17 (St. Patrick’s Day) :Bell's Expedition Stout 2006 11.5% abvUpland Ard-Ri Imperial Irish-style Red Ale 8.7% abv

Now the rest:

BELGIUM
*Dupont Moinette Brune 8.5% abv
*Dupont Moinette Blonde 8.5% abv
Kasteel Rouge 8% abv
Regenboog Guido 8% abv

GERMANY
Ettaler Curator Doppelbock 9% abv

NETHERLANDS
Koningshoeven La Trappe Quadrupel 10% abv

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
*Avery Fourteen 9.46% abv
Avery Old Jubilation 8% abv
Avery “The Czar” 11.73% abv
*BBC (Main & Clay) The Queen's Knickers 8% abv
Bell's Sparkling Ale 9% abv
Brooklyn Brewery Monster Ale 11.8% abv
*Brugge Brasserie Triple de Ripple 11% abv
Clipper City Below Decks Barleywine 11% abv
Dogfish Head 120 Minute IPA 20% abv
Flying Dog Gonzo Imperial Porter 9.5% abv
Great Divide Old Ruffian Barley Wine 10.2% abv
Left Hand Imperial Stout 10.4% abv
New Holland Dragon’s Milk 9% abv
*New Holland Night Tripper 10.8% abv
Rogue XS Imperial Stout 11% abv
*Schlafly Imperial Stout 10.5% 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

----

In transit during the month of March:

BELGIUM
De Dolle Stille Nacht 12% abv
*De Glazen Toren Canaster Winter Scotch 9.5% abv
*De Glazen Toren Cuvee Angelique 8% abv
*Regenboog 't Smisje Catherine The Great Imperial Stout 10% abv
*Regenboog 't Smisje Harvest Ale ('t Smisje Kerst aged in a JW Lees Calvados wooden pin) 12% abv

SCOTLAND
*Ola Dubh - Old Engine Oil Special Reserve, conditioned in Highland Park 30 Year Old Scotch Barrels 8% abv (Mid-March delivery projected)

UNITED KINGDOM
Burton Bridge Tom Sykes Old Ale (cask-conditioned)

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
*BBC (Shelbyville Road) Kick in the Baltic Porter 8.5% abv
Dark Horse Double Crooked Tree IPA 13.6% abv

----

R.I.P. – depleted kegs

UNITED STATES
Bell's Batch 6000 (2004) 10.5% abv
*Dogfish Head Fort 18% abv
NABC Thunderfoot (2007) 10% abv
*Three Floyds Fantabulous Resplendence X Anniversary 10.5% abv

WORLD
De Dolle Dulle Teve (“Mad Bitch”) BELGIUM, 10% abv
*Podge Belgian Imperial Stout BELGIUM, 10.5% abv

Digging out from under Gravity Head opening weekend.

I'm heading back in now to take stock of the lineup changes and get an update posted here, but in the interim, here's an anecdote about baseball legend Mickey Mantle, as told by Jim Bouton in his book, "Ball Four."

The Yankees were playing sometime in the early 1960's, and Mantle arrived at the ballpark massively hungover. He was given the day off by the manager, but late in the game, with the Yanks behind, he was needed to pinch-hit.

Half-blind with pain and the effects of dissipation, Mantle hit a game-winning homer.

He returned to the dugout to greet his cheering teammates and said, to no one in particular, something on the order of "you've no clue how hard that really was."

Thanks to everyone who worked, drank, helped, and baby-sat me over the past weekend. You know who you are.

Podge out, Founders in, Lees on and Gravity Head in full swing.

Gravity Head 2008 kicked off on Friday night amid a crushing sea of humanity. Here's the first list update.

Podge Belgian Imperial Stout, winner of the fan vote for the 18th starting slot, also is the first casualty. It has been replaced by Founders Imperial Stout.

Also, the cask-conditioned pin of JW Lees Vintage Harvest Ale (Calvados barrel aged) has been tapped and is pouring.

Gravity Head tailgate breakfast party on the WHAS-11 morning show.

The few, the proud and the insomniacs gathered at the Public House on Friday morning for a WHAS-11 television remote feed hosted by local luminary Terry Meiners.

I arrived at 4:30 a.m. to find the cameraman already in the building working on lighting, courtesy of dedicated NABC employees Jason, Kallie and Tony, who arrived at 3:30 a.m.

All along, the plan was to assemble the diehards for a tailgate bratwurst breakfast party to accompany the telvision coverage, and so it went. Kat, Timmy H., Chris Shireman and yours truly were interviewed by Meiners.

Jason Masingo grilled weenies, Jim Bell brought Krispy Kremes and took the great photos displayed below, and Ed "Coffee Guy" Needham kept us caffeinated. We had between 15 and 20 in attendance. You don't know how much it means to me that these people turned out at such an early hour.

At roughly 7:01 a.m., Jason and George Arensman had the first two Gravity halvers of the day, both Avery "The Kaiser."

Here's a roughly chronological record of the proceedings.