I posted a brief state of the Saturday morning Gravity Head union piece at NA Confidential:
Happy Gravity Head to you, too.
The jury's out on Bon Chien, which was scratched and replaced by Black Albert, which proved exquisite. The Swiss beer's brewer (ironically, he's stateside now) believes Bon Chien needs more time in the keg to mature, so I suppose we'll tuck it back into Cellar #3 and make another attempt in June or July.
The Bell's Expedition/Double Cream blend was an obvious hit, as was the Scotch-heavy Ola Dubh. The Bell's blend was only a quarter-barrel and may already have blown. I didn't make it to the Moylan's or Het Anker.
Once I make it into work later this morning, there'll be a fresh overview here. Before then, build-out progress at Bank Street needs to be assessed. On Sunday, I'll get the lineupdate page started.
See you in a couple of hours.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
Gravity Head 2009 is under way ... note these corrections.
Gravity Head Tailgate Breakfast is winding down, and the taps (well, most of them) are flowing.
Early corrections: Het Anker Cuvee Van de Keizer is the Rood (pale), not the Blauw (dark).
L'Abbaye de Saint Bon-Chien has been scratched from the starting lineup. Unfortunately, it had gone bad. That's a disappointment, but it happens. Once we decide the replacement, I'll be back to update this posting.
Early corrections: Het Anker Cuvee Van de Keizer is the Rood (pale), not the Blauw (dark).
L'Abbaye de Saint Bon-Chien has been scratched from the starting lineup. Unfortunately, it had gone bad. That's a disappointment, but it happens. Once we decide the replacement, I'll be back to update this posting.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Enjoy Gravity Head and help Matt Nash jump into the river for Special Olympics.
Gravity Head begins tomorrow. Have a good time, and let someone else do the driving ... like Matt, whose girlfriend Amy forwarded the following.
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Don’t drive into the river … help Matt Nash jump into the river.
Support Special Olympics & polar bear plunge 2009.
Matt Nash will be providing rides home on opening night of gravity head 2009 between 8pm and ?, with donations going to the Special Olympics.
Matt Nash is a native of New Albany and Amy Weatherford’s boyfriend. This will be his third year of participating in the polar bear plunge.
The car has room for up to 4 people … (3 fit snug in back) but no one in the trunk, hehehe.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Quick Gravity Head links.
The smoke has cleared. Here is the revised and updated list of starters for Gravity Head 2009: The Liver Olympics: Starting lineup.
Here is the link to the Gravity Form official program. It includes the revised schedule of events.
Don't forget Thursday evening's The Night Before Gravity Head: “Liver Olympics Limbering Up with Sierra Nevada” promotion, and if you're willing, Friday morning's pajama party: Gravity Head Tailgate Breakfast, which starts at 7:00 a.m.
Here is the link to the Gravity Form official program. It includes the revised schedule of events.
Don't forget Thursday evening's The Night Before Gravity Head: “Liver Olympics Limbering Up with Sierra Nevada” promotion, and if you're willing, Friday morning's pajama party: Gravity Head Tailgate Breakfast, which starts at 7:00 a.m.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Bell's Bourbon Barrel Aged Expedition Double Cream Blend is the winner.
The votes are in: Bell's Bourbon Barrel Aged Expedition Double Cream Blend is the clear winner of the balloting for 17th tap on opening night for Gravity Head this Friday.
I'll post the vote totals later. It wasn't close.
I'll post the vote totals later. It wasn't close.
Gravity Head 2009: A Tuesday update as the Liver Olympics draw nearer.
Where to begin?
First we must complete the starting lineup for this year's Liver Olympics.
Voting for what is now the 17th and final keg (not firkin) starter ends today at Noon.
Vote for just one, and submit to your choice to me at this e-mail address - istanbul85(at)yahoo.com - today (Tuesday, February 24, 2009) before 12:00 Noon.
It is for the 17th, not 16th, starter because yesterday we added a keg of NABC's Malcolm's Old Setter's Ale to the lineup to compensate for the loss of the "mystery kegs" that were to have been brought by Dogfish Head's John Freyer, who had to cancel his trip down from Chicago.
If circumstance dictates, there remains a possibility that mystery beer will be tapped on the little keg box in Prost. If you're a member of the FOSSILS or LAGERS homebrew clubs and are enjoying Friday evening seating in Prost, you'll be the first to know if this happens.
The Official Gravity Form event program is posted at or web site, and can be downloaded here: http://www.newalbanian.com/downloads/Gravity%20Head%202009%20Program.pdf
Don't forget our two special Liver Olympics kick-off events:
Thursday, February 26
The Night Before Gravity Head: “Liver Olympics Limbering Up with Sierra Nevada”
Sierra Nevada’s representative in Indiana, Steve Thiel, will be in town to preside over a Sierra Nevada bottle tasting at Keg Liquors (617 E. Lewis & Clark Parkway, Clarksville) from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Check out the Keg’s tasting first, and then come to the Public House for a Gravity Head draft preview and bonus (the beers will be on tap and available throughout the day):
Sierra Nevada Bigfoot Barleywine … year-old 2008 release
Sierra Nevada Double Debockel … limited seasonal availability
Sierra Nevada Chico IPA … Indiana’s only keg from the second batch of an “accidental” ale that has seldom been spotted outside the state of California. 7.2% abv
Friday, February 27
“Gravity Tailgate Breakfast”
In 2008, a hardy band of early-rising regulars convened for gravity breakfast with Terry Meiners of WHAS television in Louisville. In 2009, we’re tweaking the concept by starting slightly later in the morning, 7:00 a.m., when it’s actually legal to drink beer in Hoosierland. There’ll be doughnuts, Ed Needham's homeroasted coffee and Founders Breakfast Stout. Stop by and get into the spirit before you go to work. Why even go to work?
First we must complete the starting lineup for this year's Liver Olympics.
Voting for what is now the 17th and final keg (not firkin) starter ends today at Noon.
Vote for just one, and submit to your choice to me at this e-mail address - istanbul85(at)yahoo.com - today (Tuesday, February 24, 2009) before 12:00 Noon.
It is for the 17th, not 16th, starter because yesterday we added a keg of NABC's Malcolm's Old Setter's Ale to the lineup to compensate for the loss of the "mystery kegs" that were to have been brought by Dogfish Head's John Freyer, who had to cancel his trip down from Chicago.
If circumstance dictates, there remains a possibility that mystery beer will be tapped on the little keg box in Prost. If you're a member of the FOSSILS or LAGERS homebrew clubs and are enjoying Friday evening seating in Prost, you'll be the first to know if this happens.
The Official Gravity Form event program is posted at or web site, and can be downloaded here: http://www.newalbanian.com/downloads/Gravity%20Head%202009%20Program.pdf
Don't forget our two special Liver Olympics kick-off events:
Thursday, February 26
The Night Before Gravity Head: “Liver Olympics Limbering Up with Sierra Nevada”
Sierra Nevada’s representative in Indiana, Steve Thiel, will be in town to preside over a Sierra Nevada bottle tasting at Keg Liquors (617 E. Lewis & Clark Parkway, Clarksville) from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Check out the Keg’s tasting first, and then come to the Public House for a Gravity Head draft preview and bonus (the beers will be on tap and available throughout the day):
Sierra Nevada Bigfoot Barleywine … year-old 2008 release
Sierra Nevada Double Debockel … limited seasonal availability
Sierra Nevada Chico IPA … Indiana’s only keg from the second batch of an “accidental” ale that has seldom been spotted outside the state of California. 7.2% abv
Friday, February 27
“Gravity Tailgate Breakfast”
In 2008, a hardy band of early-rising regulars convened for gravity breakfast with Terry Meiners of WHAS television in Louisville. In 2009, we’re tweaking the concept by starting slightly later in the morning, 7:00 a.m., when it’s actually legal to drink beer in Hoosierland. There’ll be doughnuts, Ed Needham's homeroasted coffee and Founders Breakfast Stout. Stop by and get into the spirit before you go to work. Why even go to work?
Saturday, February 21, 2009
C-J previews approaching micobrew-paired beer dinner at the Windsor.
From Steve Coomes in today's Courier-Journal, (somewhat) final notice of Monday evening's beer dinner at the Windsor. Thanks to Isaac for the mention.
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Windsor Restaurant hosting microbrew-paired dinner
Windsor Restaurant & Garden (148 E. Market St.) in New Albany, Ind., will host a microbrew-paired dinner led by one of the area's best-known hop heads, Roger Baylor, co-owner of the New Albanian Brewing Co. and Rich O's Public House. The event is 6:30 on Monday night, Feb. 23.
Windsor manager Isaac Fox said chef Justin McMillen's meal will combine foods and brews from Kentucky and Indiana for a truly homegrown event. Cost is $55, and reservations are required.
"Roger's great at giving all the background of the beers and talking about the pairings," said Fox. "You can tell he loves doing these and that he knows what he's talking about."
On the menu for the evening: a pistachio and goat cheese salad paired with Brugge White; coq au bier (Cornish hen braised in Barley Island's Flat Top Wheat) paired with Barley Island Dirty Helen; braised short ribs with porcini and thyme reduction paired with Oaken Barrel Snake Pit Porter; a variety of local cheeses paired with Brugge Triple and New Albanian Hoptimus; and espresso creme brulee paired with Bluegrass Brewing Co. Jefferson Reserve Bourbon Barrel Stout filtered through Hob Knob Espresso Beans.
For more information, call (812) 944-9688.
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Windsor Restaurant hosting microbrew-paired dinner
Windsor Restaurant & Garden (148 E. Market St.) in New Albany, Ind., will host a microbrew-paired dinner led by one of the area's best-known hop heads, Roger Baylor, co-owner of the New Albanian Brewing Co. and Rich O's Public House. The event is 6:30 on Monday night, Feb. 23.
Windsor manager Isaac Fox said chef Justin McMillen's meal will combine foods and brews from Kentucky and Indiana for a truly homegrown event. Cost is $55, and reservations are required.
"Roger's great at giving all the background of the beers and talking about the pairings," said Fox. "You can tell he loves doing these and that he knows what he's talking about."
On the menu for the evening: a pistachio and goat cheese salad paired with Brugge White; coq au bier (Cornish hen braised in Barley Island's Flat Top Wheat) paired with Barley Island Dirty Helen; braised short ribs with porcini and thyme reduction paired with Oaken Barrel Snake Pit Porter; a variety of local cheeses paired with Brugge Triple and New Albanian Hoptimus; and espresso creme brulee paired with Bluegrass Brewing Co. Jefferson Reserve Bourbon Barrel Stout filtered through Hob Knob Espresso Beans.
For more information, call (812) 944-9688.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Friday Gravity Head update: Program editing slogs forward.
Education sometimes extends to the educator, and this has been true this year as I've prepared the Gravity "Liver Olympics" Head official program.
My initial resolution was to do it differently, primarily because five years of the same format has me wanting to scream in agony. Then, in keeping with the direction we're hoping to follow a bit later this year with the bottled beer list, there came the inspiration to organize the selections by style.
In turn: Does some semblance of wood or barrel aging determine style before or after considering the beer itself, i.e., should a bourbon barrel stout be listed by barrel-aged, or by stout? I decided that barrel-aging in any variety should take priority over the style, which also must be noted ... which is an exception to whatever other writing style guidelines used to maintain consistency.
I noticed that I'd listed Dogfish Head's Pala Santo Marron as "off the wall" and not "barrel-aged" -- but the whole point is the Paraguayan wood, right?
My point is two fold:
(1) Sorry it has taken so long to get the programs finished. Now you know why.
(2) The final program version will, in fact, be official ... forget anything else 've told you.
And, don't forget to vote. After ten tallies, it's 2-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1, but I'm not going to tell you which keg has the lead.
My initial resolution was to do it differently, primarily because five years of the same format has me wanting to scream in agony. Then, in keeping with the direction we're hoping to follow a bit later this year with the bottled beer list, there came the inspiration to organize the selections by style.
In turn: Does some semblance of wood or barrel aging determine style before or after considering the beer itself, i.e., should a bourbon barrel stout be listed by barrel-aged, or by stout? I decided that barrel-aging in any variety should take priority over the style, which also must be noted ... which is an exception to whatever other writing style guidelines used to maintain consistency.
I noticed that I'd listed Dogfish Head's Pala Santo Marron as "off the wall" and not "barrel-aged" -- but the whole point is the Paraguayan wood, right?
My point is two fold:
(1) Sorry it has taken so long to get the programs finished. Now you know why.
(2) The final program version will, in fact, be official ... forget anything else 've told you.
And, don't forget to vote. After ten tallies, it's 2-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1, but I'm not going to tell you which keg has the lead.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Gravity Head starters named; vote now for the 16th and final keg (not firkin) starter.
Once again for the upcoming 11th edition of Gravity Head’s “Liver Olympics,” we’re allowing the fans to vote on the beer that will occupy the 16th tap.
Note: The starting lineup can be found here.
When making your choice, please remember that the beers listed below are the only ones eligible for selection. The list here has been edited to remove the beers already selected to start, firkins (we can pour only one at a time on hand pull), ones already designated to appear on specific dates, and those that remain in transit.
Vote for just one, and submit to your choice to me at this e-mail address - istanbul85(at)yahoo.com - before Noon on Tuesday, February 24, 2009.
The beers are American unless noted, and * signifies that it’s never been on tap at the Public House.
Have fun!
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BARLEY WINE (AND ONE WHEAT WINE)
*Dogfish Head Olde School Barleywine … 15.04%
Great Divide Old Ruffian Barley Wine … 10.2%
*Mad River JBC (John Barleycorn) … circa 9.5%
Sierra Nevada Bigfoot Barley Wine 2008 … 9.6%
Stone Old Guardian Barley Wine (12-13-07) … 9.9%
Three Floyds Behemoth Blonde Barley Wine … 12.5%
Two Brothers Bare Tree 2007 … 11%
BARREL CONDITIONED
*BBC (Main & Clay) Olde Ale (2008; French oak red wine barrel aged Queen’s Knickers) … circa 9%
*BBC (St. Matthews) Knob Creek Aged Russian Imperial Porter … 12%
*Bell's Bourbon Barrel Aged Expedition/Double Cream Blend … circa 9%
*Founders Backwoods Bastard … 9.2%
New Holland Dragon’s Milk (bourbon barrel-aged) … 9%
BELGIAN-SYLE DIVERSE STRONG ALES
*Schlafly Tripel … 10.78%
*Strubbe Keyte Dobbelen Tripel … Belgium … 9.2%
IMPERIAL IPA/DOUBLE IPA
*Avery Ale to the Chief … 8.75%
Boulder Mojo Risin’ Double IPA … 10.5%
*Founders Double Trouble IPA … 9.4%
Stone Double Bastard 10-19-2006 … 10%
Victory Hop Wallop … 8.5%
IMPERIAL/BALTIC PORTER
Bluegrass Brewing Company Kick in the Baltic Porter … 9%
*Rogue XS Imperial Porter … 8.2%
IMPERIAL STOUT
Alvinne Podge Belgian Imperial Stout … Belgium … 10.5%
Avery The Czar … 10.77%
Bell's Expedition Stout 10-23-06 … 10.5%
Left Hand Imperial Stout … 10.4%
OFF THE WALL
Dogfish Head Palo Santo Marron (Holy Tree Brown) … 12%
Stone XI – 11th Anniversary Ale … 8.7%
OLD ALE
NABC Malcolm’s Old Setter’s Ale 2007 … circa 12%
STRONG LAGER
*Hofstetten Granit Bock (stone lager) … Austria … 7.3%
Samichlaus Bier … Austria … 14%
*Samichlaus Bier Helles … Austria … 14%
QUADRUPEL
Avery “The Reverend” … 10%
*Browning’s Quadrupel … circa 10%
Regenboog ‘t Smisje BBBourgondier … Belgium … 12%
WINTER SEASONAL
De Dolle Stille Nacht … Belgium … 12%
Note: The starting lineup can be found here.
When making your choice, please remember that the beers listed below are the only ones eligible for selection. The list here has been edited to remove the beers already selected to start, firkins (we can pour only one at a time on hand pull), ones already designated to appear on specific dates, and those that remain in transit.
Vote for just one, and submit to your choice to me at this e-mail address - istanbul85(at)yahoo.com - before Noon on Tuesday, February 24, 2009.
The beers are American unless noted, and * signifies that it’s never been on tap at the Public House.
Have fun!
----
BARLEY WINE (AND ONE WHEAT WINE)
*Dogfish Head Olde School Barleywine … 15.04%
Great Divide Old Ruffian Barley Wine … 10.2%
*Mad River JBC (John Barleycorn) … circa 9.5%
Sierra Nevada Bigfoot Barley Wine 2008 … 9.6%
Stone Old Guardian Barley Wine (12-13-07) … 9.9%
Three Floyds Behemoth Blonde Barley Wine … 12.5%
Two Brothers Bare Tree 2007 … 11%
BARREL CONDITIONED
*BBC (Main & Clay) Olde Ale (2008; French oak red wine barrel aged Queen’s Knickers) … circa 9%
*BBC (St. Matthews) Knob Creek Aged Russian Imperial Porter … 12%
*Bell's Bourbon Barrel Aged Expedition/Double Cream Blend … circa 9%
*Founders Backwoods Bastard … 9.2%
New Holland Dragon’s Milk (bourbon barrel-aged) … 9%
BELGIAN-SYLE DIVERSE STRONG ALES
*Schlafly Tripel … 10.78%
*Strubbe Keyte Dobbelen Tripel … Belgium … 9.2%
IMPERIAL IPA/DOUBLE IPA
*Avery Ale to the Chief … 8.75%
Boulder Mojo Risin’ Double IPA … 10.5%
*Founders Double Trouble IPA … 9.4%
Stone Double Bastard 10-19-2006 … 10%
Victory Hop Wallop … 8.5%
IMPERIAL/BALTIC PORTER
Bluegrass Brewing Company Kick in the Baltic Porter … 9%
*Rogue XS Imperial Porter … 8.2%
IMPERIAL STOUT
Alvinne Podge Belgian Imperial Stout … Belgium … 10.5%
Avery The Czar … 10.77%
Bell's Expedition Stout 10-23-06 … 10.5%
Left Hand Imperial Stout … 10.4%
OFF THE WALL
Dogfish Head Palo Santo Marron (Holy Tree Brown) … 12%
Stone XI – 11th Anniversary Ale … 8.7%
OLD ALE
NABC Malcolm’s Old Setter’s Ale 2007 … circa 12%
STRONG LAGER
*Hofstetten Granit Bock (stone lager) … Austria … 7.3%
Samichlaus Bier … Austria … 14%
*Samichlaus Bier Helles … Austria … 14%
QUADRUPEL
Avery “The Reverend” … 10%
*Browning’s Quadrupel … circa 10%
Regenboog ‘t Smisje BBBourgondier … Belgium … 12%
WINTER SEASONAL
De Dolle Stille Nacht … Belgium … 12%
Starting lineup for Gravity Head 2009 "The Liver Olympics."
Here is the starting lineup of gravity kegs for the Liver Olympics, commencing Friday, February 27. It has been edited (on February 25) to account for the inclusion of the fan vote winner and our decision to add Malcolm to the starting lineup.
Sixteen (16) Gravity Head starters, kegged:
Allagash Curieux (Bourbon Barrel Aged Tripel) … 11%
Bell’s HopSlam (three kegs) … 10%
Dogfish Head 120 Minute IPA … 20%
*Founders Breakfast Stout (10-01-07) … 8.3%
*Het Anker Cuvee Van de Keizer… Belgium … 11%
Koningshoeven Quadrupel … Netherlands … 10%
*L'Abbaye de Saint Bon-Chien (aged in oak barrels formerly used for red wine and grappa) (2007) … Switzerland … 15.5%
*Left Hand Smoke Jumper Smoked Imperial Porter … 9.2%
*Moylan’s Double Kilt Lifter … 11%
NABC's Malcolm's Old Setter's Ale (2007; keg) ... circa 12%
NABC Solidarity Baltic Porter … 10%
NABC Thunderfoot (2008) … circa 11%
New Holland Pilgrim’s Dole Wheat Wine … 10%
Rogue Old Crustacean Barley Wine (Batch 6530; Jan. 2003) … 11%
*Sierra Nevada Double Debockel … 9.4%
*Stone Twelfth Anniversary Bitter Chocolate Oatmeal Stout 9.2%
Seventeenth (17th) Starter
Bell's Bourbon Barrel Aged Expedition Double Cream Blend ... selected by Internet voting
Opening firkin on the hand pull
*Harviestoun Ola Dubh Highland Park 40-year (single malt barrel aged) (firkin) … Scotland … circa 11%
Gravity-feed, barrel-aged to be tapped on Saturday, February 28
JW Lees Vintage Harvest Ale (Lagavulin barrel-aged) (2008) … United Kingdom … circa 11.5%
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Also: On tap to greet St. Patrick’s Day (March 17)
Stone Imperial Russian Stout 2/6/08 … 10.8%
Upland Ard-Ri … circa 9%
Sixteen (16) Gravity Head starters, kegged:
Allagash Curieux (Bourbon Barrel Aged Tripel) … 11%
Bell’s HopSlam (three kegs) … 10%
Dogfish Head 120 Minute IPA … 20%
*Founders Breakfast Stout (10-01-07) … 8.3%
*Het Anker Cuvee Van de Keizer… Belgium … 11%
Koningshoeven Quadrupel … Netherlands … 10%
*L'Abbaye de Saint Bon-Chien (aged in oak barrels formerly used for red wine and grappa) (2007) … Switzerland … 15.5%
*Left Hand Smoke Jumper Smoked Imperial Porter … 9.2%
*Moylan’s Double Kilt Lifter … 11%
NABC's Malcolm's Old Setter's Ale (2007; keg) ... circa 12%
NABC Solidarity Baltic Porter … 10%
NABC Thunderfoot (2008) … circa 11%
New Holland Pilgrim’s Dole Wheat Wine … 10%
Rogue Old Crustacean Barley Wine (Batch 6530; Jan. 2003) … 11%
*Sierra Nevada Double Debockel … 9.4%
*Stone Twelfth Anniversary Bitter Chocolate Oatmeal Stout 9.2%
Seventeenth (17th) Starter
Bell's Bourbon Barrel Aged Expedition Double Cream Blend ... selected by Internet voting
Opening firkin on the hand pull
*Harviestoun Ola Dubh Highland Park 40-year (single malt barrel aged) (firkin) … Scotland … circa 11%
Gravity-feed, barrel-aged to be tapped on Saturday, February 28
JW Lees Vintage Harvest Ale (Lagavulin barrel-aged) (2008) … United Kingdom … circa 11.5%
---
Also: On tap to greet St. Patrick’s Day (March 17)
Stone Imperial Russian Stout 2/6/08 … 10.8%
Upland Ard-Ri … circa 9%
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
I'm a bit late.
I'll have the Gravity Head starting lineup on Thursday. I've been busy, and we need answers to a couple of pertinent questions before the starters are finalized.
I'll post the voting guidelines Thursday afternoon.
I'll post the voting guidelines Thursday afternoon.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
The Liver Olympics: Gravity Head schedule of events for 2009.
It’s almost time again for our annual foray into the mind-of-its-own hysteria otherwise known as Gravity Head, and again this year I’m far enough ahead of the game, if only slightly, to note the following special events and noteworthy appearances that will occur on fixed dates during gravity’s annual amok time.
Note also that the soft opening of NABC’s new Bank Street Brewhouse is scheduled for some time around Gravity Head’s kickoff, probably the first week of March. There’ll be more information on our new location as the date draws nearer. Meanwhile, here’s the calendar for gravity season, 2009.
Wednesday, February 18
“Liver Olympics Lineup Revealed”
The starting lineup of 15 kegged gravity beers and one hand-pull will be announced by the Publican, which leaves a final starting 17th selection to be voted into the lineup by you.
Thursday, February 19
“Vote for the 17th Tap”
Internet voting begins for the 17th starter, to be chosen as always by diligent readers, besotted regulars and fervent gravity fans.
Thursday, February 26
The Night Before Gravity Head: “Liver Olympics Limbering Up with Sierra Nevada”
Sierra Nevada’s representative in Indiana, Steve Thiel, will be in town to preside over a Sierra Nevada bottle tasting at Keg Liquors (617 E. Lewis & Clark Parkway, Clarksville) from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Check out the Keg’s tasting first, and then come to the Public House for a Gravity Head draft preview and bonus:
Sierra Nevada Bigfoot Barleywine … year-old 2008 release
Sierra Nevada Double Debockel … limited seasonal availability
Sierra Nevada Chico IPA … Indiana’s only keg from the second batch of an “accidental” ale that has seldom been spotted outside the state of California. 7.2% abv
Friday, February 27
“Gravity Head Tailgate Breakfast”
In 2008, a hardy band of early-rising regulars convened for gravity breakfast with Terry Meiners of WHAS television in Louisville. In 2009, we’re tweaking the concept by starting slightly later in the morning, 7:00 a.m., when it’s actually legal to drink beer in Hoosierland. There’ll be doughnuts, Ed Needham's homeroasted coffee and Founders Breakfast Stout, and perhaps something more substantial before you go to work (why go to work?) if we can locate a cook for the job.
Friday, February 27
Opening Liver Olympics Ceremonies: “John Freyer and the Mystery Beers of Gravity Head”
Members of the FOSSILS and LAGERS homebrewing/beer appreciation clubs enjoy preferred seating in the Prost room beginning at 3:00 p.m. Our special guest for the evening is John Freyer, regional representative of Dogfish Head, who will be bringing two “mystery kegs” of gravity beer, one from Dogfish Head, and one from Three Floyds. We’ll tap these in Prost when they arrive … until then, we don’t know what they’ll be, either!
Saturday, February 28
“JW Lees/Buckeye Contingent Day”
The Saturday afternoon tapping of a wooden pin of cask-conditioned, barrel-aged JW Lees Vintage Harvest Ale is an annual Gravity Head ritual worth observing. Pat and Larry will be bringing the Ohio revelers for day-long barroom duty, and Prost will be available at 3:00 p.m. for open seating.
Sunday, March 1
"R & R"
We are closed. Do not come. Listen to your body. Drink liquids, rest, and avoid heavy lifting and the operation of heavy machinery. After all, it’s only just begun.
Monday, March 2
“Liver Olympics Daily Grind Begins”
The marathon starts in earnest. Check NABC's web site for daily lineupdates.
March 12-16
“Kim’s Coming to Town”
To know the Publican is to know his Danish friend Kim “Big Kim” Andersen, who currently resides in Copenhagen and will be coming to New Albany for a well-timed visit and stay at the fabled Chez Baylor bed & breakfast. Kim, a member of the Danish Beer Enthusiasts, might be spending brief milliseconds sampling Gravity Head wares … so look for us in the pub. We’ll be the big guys.
Saturday, March 14
“My Wild Irish Rose”
NABC will again participate in the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade along Baxter Avenue and Bardstown Road in Louisville. Look for our fire/beer engine, and both Kim and the Publican in prime(d) form.
Saturday, March 14
“FOSSILS Meeting with Ron Downer”
The FOSSILS homebrewing club meets in Prost, and will be welcoming special guest Ron Downer, who will present a short talk on the Saison beer style. Ron is a legendary homebrewer and professional brewer, but more importantly, he is an old and dear friend of the public house owners and regulars. Not a member of FOSSILS? Join.
Tuesday, March 17
“St. Patrick’s Day”
Wearing of the green is one thing, but drinking it is something else entirely. Ingesting green-tinted swill is tantamount to wearing a badge that reads, “I’m neither Irish nor particularly bright – scoff at me.” If you’ve ever actually been to Ireland, you know that the accepted colors of Irish beer are black, red and gold, and in our traditionally minimalist fashion, we’ll be offering one keg of each (two Gravity Head listed selections, and one not) while shunning other, more egregious and inauthentic forms of Hibernian revelry.
Rogue Kells Irish Lager … Tasty, full-bodied lager. Brewed in Oregon, and superior to Harp.
Upland Ard-Ri … More craic than Smithwicks, any day of the week, and especially this one day a year.
Stone Imperial Russian Stout (2/6/08) … Yes, I understand that Russian and Irish aren’t the same thing, but this choice is intended as homage to the 1980’s joint venture between Aeroflot and the Shannon Airport authority, which led to the airport’s rise to prominence (and did not prevent the collapse of the Soviet Union).
March 19-22
First and second rounds of the 2009 NCAA basketball tournament
March Madness (the roundball version) begins. The Prost seating area is equipped with a flat screen and will be open for non-smoking seating on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Smoking is permitted in the Pizzeria zone, which also will be showing the games.
March 26
The Fabulous Gators with Roz Tate
7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. in Prost ... NCAA games will be showing in the pizzeria.
March 26-29
Regionals of the NCAA basketball tournament
See preceding.
April 4 & 6
Final Four and Championship of NCAA basketball
I’m worn out just typing the schedule, so it must be time for a beer.
Please?
Note also that the soft opening of NABC’s new Bank Street Brewhouse is scheduled for some time around Gravity Head’s kickoff, probably the first week of March. There’ll be more information on our new location as the date draws nearer. Meanwhile, here’s the calendar for gravity season, 2009.
Wednesday, February 18
“Liver Olympics Lineup Revealed”
The starting lineup of 15 kegged gravity beers and one hand-pull will be announced by the Publican, which leaves a final starting 17th selection to be voted into the lineup by you.
Thursday, February 19
“Vote for the 17th Tap”
Internet voting begins for the 17th starter, to be chosen as always by diligent readers, besotted regulars and fervent gravity fans.
Thursday, February 26
The Night Before Gravity Head: “Liver Olympics Limbering Up with Sierra Nevada”
Sierra Nevada’s representative in Indiana, Steve Thiel, will be in town to preside over a Sierra Nevada bottle tasting at Keg Liquors (617 E. Lewis & Clark Parkway, Clarksville) from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Check out the Keg’s tasting first, and then come to the Public House for a Gravity Head draft preview and bonus:
Sierra Nevada Bigfoot Barleywine … year-old 2008 release
Sierra Nevada Double Debockel … limited seasonal availability
Sierra Nevada Chico IPA … Indiana’s only keg from the second batch of an “accidental” ale that has seldom been spotted outside the state of California. 7.2% abv
Friday, February 27
“Gravity Head Tailgate Breakfast”
In 2008, a hardy band of early-rising regulars convened for gravity breakfast with Terry Meiners of WHAS television in Louisville. In 2009, we’re tweaking the concept by starting slightly later in the morning, 7:00 a.m., when it’s actually legal to drink beer in Hoosierland. There’ll be doughnuts, Ed Needham's homeroasted coffee and Founders Breakfast Stout, and perhaps something more substantial before you go to work (why go to work?) if we can locate a cook for the job.
Friday, February 27
Opening Liver Olympics Ceremonies: “John Freyer and the Mystery Beers of Gravity Head”
Members of the FOSSILS and LAGERS homebrewing/beer appreciation clubs enjoy preferred seating in the Prost room beginning at 3:00 p.m. Our special guest for the evening is John Freyer, regional representative of Dogfish Head, who will be bringing two “mystery kegs” of gravity beer, one from Dogfish Head, and one from Three Floyds. We’ll tap these in Prost when they arrive … until then, we don’t know what they’ll be, either!
Saturday, February 28
“JW Lees/Buckeye Contingent Day”
The Saturday afternoon tapping of a wooden pin of cask-conditioned, barrel-aged JW Lees Vintage Harvest Ale is an annual Gravity Head ritual worth observing. Pat and Larry will be bringing the Ohio revelers for day-long barroom duty, and Prost will be available at 3:00 p.m. for open seating.
Sunday, March 1
"R & R"
We are closed. Do not come. Listen to your body. Drink liquids, rest, and avoid heavy lifting and the operation of heavy machinery. After all, it’s only just begun.
Monday, March 2
“Liver Olympics Daily Grind Begins”
The marathon starts in earnest. Check NABC's web site for daily lineupdates.
March 12-16
“Kim’s Coming to Town”
To know the Publican is to know his Danish friend Kim “Big Kim” Andersen, who currently resides in Copenhagen and will be coming to New Albany for a well-timed visit and stay at the fabled Chez Baylor bed & breakfast. Kim, a member of the Danish Beer Enthusiasts, might be spending brief milliseconds sampling Gravity Head wares … so look for us in the pub. We’ll be the big guys.
Saturday, March 14
“My Wild Irish Rose”
NABC will again participate in the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade along Baxter Avenue and Bardstown Road in Louisville. Look for our fire/beer engine, and both Kim and the Publican in prime(d) form.
Saturday, March 14
“FOSSILS Meeting with Ron Downer”
The FOSSILS homebrewing club meets in Prost, and will be welcoming special guest Ron Downer, who will present a short talk on the Saison beer style. Ron is a legendary homebrewer and professional brewer, but more importantly, he is an old and dear friend of the public house owners and regulars. Not a member of FOSSILS? Join.
Tuesday, March 17
“St. Patrick’s Day”
Wearing of the green is one thing, but drinking it is something else entirely. Ingesting green-tinted swill is tantamount to wearing a badge that reads, “I’m neither Irish nor particularly bright – scoff at me.” If you’ve ever actually been to Ireland, you know that the accepted colors of Irish beer are black, red and gold, and in our traditionally minimalist fashion, we’ll be offering one keg of each (two Gravity Head listed selections, and one not) while shunning other, more egregious and inauthentic forms of Hibernian revelry.
Rogue Kells Irish Lager … Tasty, full-bodied lager. Brewed in Oregon, and superior to Harp.
Upland Ard-Ri … More craic than Smithwicks, any day of the week, and especially this one day a year.
Stone Imperial Russian Stout (2/6/08) … Yes, I understand that Russian and Irish aren’t the same thing, but this choice is intended as homage to the 1980’s joint venture between Aeroflot and the Shannon Airport authority, which led to the airport’s rise to prominence (and did not prevent the collapse of the Soviet Union).
March 19-22
First and second rounds of the 2009 NCAA basketball tournament
March Madness (the roundball version) begins. The Prost seating area is equipped with a flat screen and will be open for non-smoking seating on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Smoking is permitted in the Pizzeria zone, which also will be showing the games.
March 26
The Fabulous Gators with Roz Tate
7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. in Prost ... NCAA games will be showing in the pizzeria.
March 26-29
Regionals of the NCAA basketball tournament
See preceding.
April 4 & 6
Final Four and Championship of NCAA basketball
I’m worn out just typing the schedule, so it must be time for a beer.
Please?
Friday, February 13, 2009
Post-Valentine "Fruit & Chocolate Beer Dinner" at Come Back Inn this Monday, February 16.
Apologies for not passing this along earlier, but know that there’ll be a “Fruit & Chocolate Beer Dinner” at the Come Back Inn (415 Spring Street, Jeffersonville) on Monday, February 16.
The evening is being sponsored by Come Back Inn and World Class Beverages, and begins at 6:30 p.m. The price is $70 per person, service non compris.
My plug is this: The last dinner Chris Smith and the gang put on, a Belgian one, was one of the better ones I’ve ever attended. I don’t have a complete listing of the courses and beers, though here’s the preview provided by Tish Dean of WCB:
Monday, February 16th will be a treat, featuring six courses and seven beer pairings. Each of the beers paired with the courses are either fruit based, such as a Belgian Lambic, or the Charles Wells Banana Bread Beer paired with Bananas Foster for dessert. We're also pulling out some stops with Rogue's Chocolate Stout and Young’s Double Chocolate Stout. Neither you nor your date will be disappointed with this late Valentine treat. Reservations required: Call 812-285-1777.
The evening is being sponsored by Come Back Inn and World Class Beverages, and begins at 6:30 p.m. The price is $70 per person, service non compris.
My plug is this: The last dinner Chris Smith and the gang put on, a Belgian one, was one of the better ones I’ve ever attended. I don’t have a complete listing of the courses and beers, though here’s the preview provided by Tish Dean of WCB:
Monday, February 16th will be a treat, featuring six courses and seven beer pairings. Each of the beers paired with the courses are either fruit based, such as a Belgian Lambic, or the Charles Wells Banana Bread Beer paired with Bananas Foster for dessert. We're also pulling out some stops with Rogue's Chocolate Stout and Young’s Double Chocolate Stout. Neither you nor your date will be disappointed with this late Valentine treat. Reservations required: Call 812-285-1777.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Cask-conditioned Bell's HopSlam on the handpull tomorrow (Thursday, February 12).
Tish, our World Class rep, said she caught a break, and as a result we were able to obtain a firkin of cask-conditioned Bell's HopSlam.
I've learned not to ask questions, just sign the check, look the other way, and have an alibi ready and waiting.
NABC's beer manager Mike says there's no room for storage (we already have three regular kegs of HopSlam for Gravity Head, not to mention dozens of others in the queue), and so the firkin will be tapped tomorrow, Thursday the 12th.
That's the right call, because in dispensing it now, Mike knows you will be able to have some, and there won't be an opportunity for me to spirit the firkin to the next Gang of Seven/Bank Street organizational "meeting."
Damn.
I recommend not waiting until Friday.
I've learned not to ask questions, just sign the check, look the other way, and have an alibi ready and waiting.
NABC's beer manager Mike says there's no room for storage (we already have three regular kegs of HopSlam for Gravity Head, not to mention dozens of others in the queue), and so the firkin will be tapped tomorrow, Thursday the 12th.
That's the right call, because in dispensing it now, Mike knows you will be able to have some, and there won't be an opportunity for me to spirit the firkin to the next Gang of Seven/Bank Street organizational "meeting."
Damn.
I recommend not waiting until Friday.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Final Gravity Head listings for 2009.
The smoke has cleared, the dust has settled, and I believe the following to be the most accurate listing of Gravity Head beers for 2009. All are in stock or have been ordered through our reputable suppliers. This does not mean all will arrive. I have tried to place them in style categories to the best of my ability. Note that barrel-aging is a category that takes precedence over the specific style being conditioned in wood.
Tomorrow I hope to have a Gravity schedule of events, which customarily coincides with the month of March and its various celebrations and basketball games.
----
For the 11th edition of Gravity Head, we have inaugurated the practice of grouping the selections by style category, not national origin.
Vintage dates will be noted only if the kegs are more than one year old by February 27, 2009.
American unless noted.
* never before poured at the Public House.
----
BARLEY WINE (AND TWO WHEAT WINES)
Avery Hog Heaven … 9.2%
*Dogfish Head Olde School Barleywine … 15.04%
Great Divide Old Ruffian Barley Wine … 10.2%
*Mad River JBC (John Barleycorn) … circa 9.5%
New Holland Pilgrim’s Dole Wheat Wine … 10%
Rogue Old Crustacean Barley Wine (Batch 6530; Jan. 2003) … 11%
Sierra Nevada Bigfoot Barley Wine 2008 … 9.6%
Stone Old Guardian Barley Wine (12-13-07) … 9.9%
Three Floyds Behemoth Blonde Barley Wine … 12.5%
Two Brothers Bare Tree 2007 … 11%
BARREL CONDITIONED
Allagash Curieux (Bourbon Barrel Aged Tripel) … 11%
*BBC (Main & Clay) Olde Ale (2008; French oak red wine barrel aged Queen’s Knickers) … circa 9%
*BBC (St. Matthews) Knob Creek Aged Russian Imperial Porter … 12.0%
*Bell's Bourbon Barrel Aged Expedition/Double Cream Blend … circa 9%
*Founders Backwoods Bastard … 9.2%
*Harviestoun Ola Dubh Highland Park 18-year (single malt barrel aged) (firkin) … Scotland … circa 11%
*Harviestoun Ola Dubh Highland Park 40-year (single malt barrel aged) (firkin) … Scotland … circa 11%
JW Lees Vintage Harvest Ale (Lagavulin barrel-aged) (2008) … United Kingdom … circa 11.5%
*L'Abbaye de Saint Bon-Chien (aged in oak barrels formerly used for red wine and grappa) … Switzerland … 15.5%
*Left Hand Oak Aged Imperial Stout (Heaven Hill brandy) … 10.4%
New Holland Dragon’s Milk (bourbon barrel aged) … 9%
Regenboog 't Smisje Calva Reserva (E. Dupont calvados barrel aged Kerst) … Belgium … 12%
Regenboog 't Smisje Grand Reserva (Michel Couvreur whiskey barrel aged Kerst) … Belgium … 12%
BELGIAN-SYLE DIVERSE STRONG ALES
*Baladin Al-Iksir Demi Sec … Italy … 10%
De Dolle Dulle Teve … Belgium … 10%
*Het Anker Cuvee Van de Keizer… Belgium … 11%
*Schlafly Tripel … 10.78%
*Strubbe Keyte Dobbelen Tripel … Belgium … 9.2%
IMPERIAL IPA/DOUBLE IPA
*Avery Ale to the Chief … 8.75%
Bell’s HopSlam (three kegs) … 10%
Boulder Mojo Risin’ Double IPA … 10.5%
Dogfish Head Burton Baton … 10+%
*Founders Double Trouble IPA … 9.4%
Stone Double Bastard 10-19-2006 … 10%
Victory Hop Wallop … 8.5%
IMPERIAL PORTER/BALTIC PORTER
Bluegrass Brewing Company Kick in the Baltic Porter … 9%
*Left Hand Smoke Jumper Smoked Imperial Porter … 9.2%
*Rogue XS Imperial Porter … 8.2%
NABC Solidarity … 10%
*Thisted Brewery Limfjords Porter … Denmark … 7.9%
*Two Brothers Red Eye Coffee Porter … 9.2%
IMPERIAL RED
Upland Ard-Ri … circa 9%
IMPERIAL STOUT
Alvinne Podge Belgian Imperial Stout … Belgium … 10.5%
Avery The Czar … 10.77%
Bell's Expedition Stout 10-23-06 … 10.5%
*Ducato Verdi Imperial Stout … Italy … 8.2%
*Founders Breakfast Stout (10-01-07) … 8.3%
Left Hand Imperial Stout … 10.4%
NABC Thunderfoot (2008) … circa 11%
Stone Russian Imperial Stout 2/6/08 … 10.8%
*Stone Twelfth Anniversary Bitter Chocolate Oatmeal Stout 9.2%
*Struise Black Albert Belgian Royal Stout … Belgium … 13%
Thornbridge St. Petersburg Imperial Stout (firkin) … United Kingdom … 7.7%
OFF THE WALL
Dogfish Head 120 Minute IPA … 20%
Dogfish Head Palo Santo Marron (Holy Tree Brown) … 12%
Stone XI – 11th Anniversary Ale … 8.7%
OLD ALE
Burton Bridge Thomas Sykes Old Ale (firkin) … UK … 10%
JW Lees Vintage Harvest Ale … UK … 11.5%
NABC Malcolm’s Old Setter’s Ale 2007 … circa 12%
SCOTCH/WEE HEAVY
*Moylan Double Kilt Lifter … 11%
STRONG LAGER
*Hofstetten Granit Bock (stone lager) … Austria … 7.3%
Samichlaus Bier … Austria … 14%
*Samichlaus Bier Helles … Austria … 14%
*Sierra Nevada Double Debockel … 9.4%
QUADRUPEL
Avery “The Reverend” … 10%
*Browning’s Quadrupel … circa 10%
Koningshoeven Quadrupel … Netherlands … 10%
Regenboog ‘t Smisje BBBourgondier … Belgium … 12%
WINTER SEASONAL
*Borgo 25 Dodici … Italy … 9.5%
*Ducato Krampus … Italy … 8%
De Dolle Stille Nacht … Belgium … 12%
Tomorrow I hope to have a Gravity schedule of events, which customarily coincides with the month of March and its various celebrations and basketball games.
----
For the 11th edition of Gravity Head, we have inaugurated the practice of grouping the selections by style category, not national origin.
Vintage dates will be noted only if the kegs are more than one year old by February 27, 2009.
American unless noted.
* never before poured at the Public House.
----
BARLEY WINE (AND TWO WHEAT WINES)
Avery Hog Heaven … 9.2%
*Dogfish Head Olde School Barleywine … 15.04%
Great Divide Old Ruffian Barley Wine … 10.2%
*Mad River JBC (John Barleycorn) … circa 9.5%
New Holland Pilgrim’s Dole Wheat Wine … 10%
Rogue Old Crustacean Barley Wine (Batch 6530; Jan. 2003) … 11%
Sierra Nevada Bigfoot Barley Wine 2008 … 9.6%
Stone Old Guardian Barley Wine (12-13-07) … 9.9%
Three Floyds Behemoth Blonde Barley Wine … 12.5%
Two Brothers Bare Tree 2007 … 11%
BARREL CONDITIONED
Allagash Curieux (Bourbon Barrel Aged Tripel) … 11%
*BBC (Main & Clay) Olde Ale (2008; French oak red wine barrel aged Queen’s Knickers) … circa 9%
*BBC (St. Matthews) Knob Creek Aged Russian Imperial Porter … 12.0%
*Bell's Bourbon Barrel Aged Expedition/Double Cream Blend … circa 9%
*Founders Backwoods Bastard … 9.2%
*Harviestoun Ola Dubh Highland Park 18-year (single malt barrel aged) (firkin) … Scotland … circa 11%
*Harviestoun Ola Dubh Highland Park 40-year (single malt barrel aged) (firkin) … Scotland … circa 11%
JW Lees Vintage Harvest Ale (Lagavulin barrel-aged) (2008) … United Kingdom … circa 11.5%
*L'Abbaye de Saint Bon-Chien (aged in oak barrels formerly used for red wine and grappa) … Switzerland … 15.5%
*Left Hand Oak Aged Imperial Stout (Heaven Hill brandy) … 10.4%
New Holland Dragon’s Milk (bourbon barrel aged) … 9%
Regenboog 't Smisje Calva Reserva (E. Dupont calvados barrel aged Kerst) … Belgium … 12%
Regenboog 't Smisje Grand Reserva (Michel Couvreur whiskey barrel aged Kerst) … Belgium … 12%
BELGIAN-SYLE DIVERSE STRONG ALES
*Baladin Al-Iksir Demi Sec … Italy … 10%
De Dolle Dulle Teve … Belgium … 10%
*Het Anker Cuvee Van de Keizer… Belgium … 11%
*Schlafly Tripel … 10.78%
*Strubbe Keyte Dobbelen Tripel … Belgium … 9.2%
IMPERIAL IPA/DOUBLE IPA
*Avery Ale to the Chief … 8.75%
Bell’s HopSlam (three kegs) … 10%
Boulder Mojo Risin’ Double IPA … 10.5%
Dogfish Head Burton Baton … 10+%
*Founders Double Trouble IPA … 9.4%
Stone Double Bastard 10-19-2006 … 10%
Victory Hop Wallop … 8.5%
IMPERIAL PORTER/BALTIC PORTER
Bluegrass Brewing Company Kick in the Baltic Porter … 9%
*Left Hand Smoke Jumper Smoked Imperial Porter … 9.2%
*Rogue XS Imperial Porter … 8.2%
NABC Solidarity … 10%
*Thisted Brewery Limfjords Porter … Denmark … 7.9%
*Two Brothers Red Eye Coffee Porter … 9.2%
IMPERIAL RED
Upland Ard-Ri … circa 9%
IMPERIAL STOUT
Alvinne Podge Belgian Imperial Stout … Belgium … 10.5%
Avery The Czar … 10.77%
Bell's Expedition Stout 10-23-06 … 10.5%
*Ducato Verdi Imperial Stout … Italy … 8.2%
*Founders Breakfast Stout (10-01-07) … 8.3%
Left Hand Imperial Stout … 10.4%
NABC Thunderfoot (2008) … circa 11%
Stone Russian Imperial Stout 2/6/08 … 10.8%
*Stone Twelfth Anniversary Bitter Chocolate Oatmeal Stout 9.2%
*Struise Black Albert Belgian Royal Stout … Belgium … 13%
Thornbridge St. Petersburg Imperial Stout (firkin) … United Kingdom … 7.7%
OFF THE WALL
Dogfish Head 120 Minute IPA … 20%
Dogfish Head Palo Santo Marron (Holy Tree Brown) … 12%
Stone XI – 11th Anniversary Ale … 8.7%
OLD ALE
Burton Bridge Thomas Sykes Old Ale (firkin) … UK … 10%
JW Lees Vintage Harvest Ale … UK … 11.5%
NABC Malcolm’s Old Setter’s Ale 2007 … circa 12%
SCOTCH/WEE HEAVY
*Moylan Double Kilt Lifter … 11%
STRONG LAGER
*Hofstetten Granit Bock (stone lager) … Austria … 7.3%
Samichlaus Bier … Austria … 14%
*Samichlaus Bier Helles … Austria … 14%
*Sierra Nevada Double Debockel … 9.4%
QUADRUPEL
Avery “The Reverend” … 10%
*Browning’s Quadrupel … circa 10%
Koningshoeven Quadrupel … Netherlands … 10%
Regenboog ‘t Smisje BBBourgondier … Belgium … 12%
WINTER SEASONAL
*Borgo 25 Dodici … Italy … 9.5%
*Ducato Krampus … Italy … 8%
De Dolle Stille Nacht … Belgium … 12%
Friday, February 06, 2009
Next?
Never mind. We closed the SBA 504 equipment loan yesterday and the money was wired to DME in Prince Edward Island. The fabrication now will begin.
Thursday, February 05, 2009
Daily musing: To exist, or not to exist.
Two days ago we were told by the bank that everything was in place to close on the finances yesterday.
Yesterday we were told that until we had insurance on the brewing system, we couldn't close.
My undergraduate philosophy background has not prepared me for this sort of logic. I am being asked to insure something that does not yet exist so that I can have the money to bring it into existence.
How can one insure something that doesn't exist?
Funny world, this.
Yesterday we were told that until we had insurance on the brewing system, we couldn't close.
My undergraduate philosophy background has not prepared me for this sort of logic. I am being asked to insure something that does not yet exist so that I can have the money to bring it into existence.
How can one insure something that doesn't exist?
Funny world, this.
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
NABC Bank Street Brewhouse progress is looking good.
We have entered the frantic stages of preparation as the opening of the NABC Bank Street Brewhouse draws closer.
The financing package with Main Source might be closed today, and a downpayment wired to DME so that the brewing system can be fabricated. The build-out on the interior of the taproom has recommenced after last week's shutdown owing to ice and snow. This delay may have the effect of pushing us back a week, to the vicinity of February 26 instead of the 19th. Work is about to start on the kitchen and bar.
Yesterday the local alcoholic beverage board approved our three-way license, which now depends only on an inspection once the fixed portions of the interior are standing.
As you can imagine, there are a thousand and one details to be addressed, ranging from security system to beer coasters. We all want it to be perfect when it hits the ground ... and we know it won't be. Talk about adventures.
Thanks to the applicants who responded to my previous links with interest in employment. Kelsey and the brew crew will be getting to these as soon as they can.
Also, we decided on a tag of sorts: American brewing, European sensibility. It describes the fusion fairly well, I think, and reflects my own efforts to define beer in terms of classic vs. contemporary.
For admittedly self-aggrandizing reading, here's the introduction to the business plan, which summarizes our approach to the project in terms that the money people could grasp.
Most of it is even true.
---
NABC Bank Street Brewhouse: Craft beer in downtown New Albany
When brewing first began at the New Albanian Brewing Company in October, 2002, no marketing surveys had been consulted, and a business plan was prepared only because the bank insisted on it.
Instead, NABC relied on instinct, cocktail napkin scribbling, all-night skull sessions and the occasional craft beer for inspiration. While the start-up process naturally stands to be more detailed in 2008, the company’s goals remain the same as it gathers resources for a downtown New Albany brewing renaissance:
To be leaders in the craft beer segment and in the community, not followers.
To be progressive, not regressive.
To challenge and to educate, not to pander.
----
It truly can be said that NABC has put New Albany, Indiana on the craft brewing map.
Plaudits for its beers and brewpub have come from as far away as Madison, Wisconsin; St. Louis, Missouri; and Washington D.C., the sites of three annual microbrewing festivals. NABC annually ranks highly in “best of” lists published by web sites such as www.ratebeer.com and www.beeradvocate.com, and furthermore, co-owner/beer writer Roger A. Baylor is regarded as one of the region’s foremost champions of the better beer movement.
Credibility like this doesn’t come from scratch. It has to be earned, and NABC has earned it.
NABC dates back to the Reagan years, and has long been known for excellence throughout metropolitan Louisville, Kentucky, since the almost forgotten time when microbrewing was still unknown in the area. Sportstime Pizza (founded 1987) and Rich O’s Public House (1992) remain NABC’s on-premise dining and drinking areas at the company’s original location at 3312 Plaza Drive off Grant Line Road.
In 2002, NABC began brewing distinctive house beers at the same site, and within a year had been declared “Best of Louisville” and “Best of Show” in the Indiana State Fair commercial brewing competition. Four years later, NABC added a popular banquet and events wing in the same building.
While the company has no intention of changing a winning formula, after two successful decades on the scene, there is no further room to grow on the North Side of New Albany, and NABC looks to expand.
Why?
First and foremost, locally brewed beer is riding an unprecedented wave of acceptance throughout America, with 12% growth rates in each of the past two years, far above that of mass market lagers, and 11% growth continuing into the first half of 2008 in spite of increases in raw materials and fuel.
As importantly, beer drinkers are taking an increasing interest in the concepts and local origins of their beverages during a time of multinational macrobrewing consolidation. With the purchase of Anheuser-Busch by the Belgo-Brazilian consortium InBev SA, Samuel Adams is now America’s largest American-owned brewery!
It’s all part of a larger picture. According to author Chris O’Brien, who notes widespread alienation with modes of industrial production, “The craft brewing movement is part of a larger social trend toward commerce that incorporates the environment as a core business concern. But environmental concerns go hand in hand with a number of other values associated with the market segment called Cultural Creatives.”
Taking these positive factors into consideration, NABC seeks to brew greater quantities of beer right here in New Albany by expanding brewing capacity at a downtown New Albany site and selling beer to a regional market that includes Louisville, Bloomington and Indianapolis (Indiana) and all points in between.
----
The new Bank Street Brewhouse at 415 Bank Street will function as NABC’s larger-capacity production brewery, where primary brands like Elector, Hoptimus, Beak’s Best, Kaiser and Thunderfoot will be brewed, conditioned, kegged and canned for regional distribution.
It will also be possible for consumers to buy kegs and carry-out growlers.
Meanwhile, NABC’s existing brewery on the North Side will remain in operation, with small batches, seasonals and specialties being brewed there. Limited amounts of these will be made available to discerning customers, enabling NABC to offer varied stylistic tiers at different price points.
Indiana state law permits self-distribution by microbreweries, but NABC will deliver only to licensed establishments within downtown New Albany. For Kentucky and Indiana, a wholesale distribution network is being assembled, with Louisville’s River City already inked and in place, and Indiana’s World Class Beverages soon to come. As production increases, other states will be considered for distribution.
At the Bank Street location, there will be a small taproom for enjoying NABC’s beers, as well as a limited Belgian-style café menu of food prepared by a Josh Lehman, a professional chef. A small on-premise shop will sell t-shirts, other advertising wearables, glassware and souvenirs.
The Bank Street Brewhouse will be phased into operation, with the taproom opening first in the 1st quarter of 2009, and the brewery to be installed circa May, 2009. Beer will be ready for distribution in the 2nd or 3rd quarter of 2009, and the existing NABC brewery will supply the tap room until then.
----
Significantly, the NABC Bank Street Brewhouse represents an expansion of an established, existing business from a suburb back into a reviving downtown, and as such, NABC firmly believes there is a future both for the brewery’s “progressive pints” and for the cause of progressivism itself in city of New Albany… and Floyd County, the metro Louisville area and the surrounding region.
Craft beer’s target demographic continues to expand. A few key components:
· Education: Over 50% of American college graduates have tried craft beer
· Income: Over 50% of Americans with incomes over $75,000 have tried craft beer
· Age: The largest percentage of craft beer drinkers are aged 24 – 34, and the second largest percentage are aged 35 – 44
The “Cultural Creatives” mentioned by O’Brien share these and other demographic characteristics of the “Creative Class” (Richard Florida) and those standard bearers of New Urbanism who are returning to live and work in downtown urban areas.
Unsurprisingly, the craft brewing revolution has prospered by emphasizing beer’s artisanal, localized roots, and in like fashion New Urbanism urges the progressive reuse of cities. For NABC to grow by returning brewing to a downtown, urban setting is to complete the circle initiated by New Albany’s beer-loving founders almost two centuries ago.
Good karma itself can’t win the battle, but it never hurts to have some.
The financing package with Main Source might be closed today, and a downpayment wired to DME so that the brewing system can be fabricated. The build-out on the interior of the taproom has recommenced after last week's shutdown owing to ice and snow. This delay may have the effect of pushing us back a week, to the vicinity of February 26 instead of the 19th. Work is about to start on the kitchen and bar.
Yesterday the local alcoholic beverage board approved our three-way license, which now depends only on an inspection once the fixed portions of the interior are standing.
As you can imagine, there are a thousand and one details to be addressed, ranging from security system to beer coasters. We all want it to be perfect when it hits the ground ... and we know it won't be. Talk about adventures.
Thanks to the applicants who responded to my previous links with interest in employment. Kelsey and the brew crew will be getting to these as soon as they can.
Also, we decided on a tag of sorts: American brewing, European sensibility. It describes the fusion fairly well, I think, and reflects my own efforts to define beer in terms of classic vs. contemporary.
For admittedly self-aggrandizing reading, here's the introduction to the business plan, which summarizes our approach to the project in terms that the money people could grasp.
Most of it is even true.
---
NABC Bank Street Brewhouse: Craft beer in downtown New Albany
When brewing first began at the New Albanian Brewing Company in October, 2002, no marketing surveys had been consulted, and a business plan was prepared only because the bank insisted on it.
Instead, NABC relied on instinct, cocktail napkin scribbling, all-night skull sessions and the occasional craft beer for inspiration. While the start-up process naturally stands to be more detailed in 2008, the company’s goals remain the same as it gathers resources for a downtown New Albany brewing renaissance:
To be leaders in the craft beer segment and in the community, not followers.
To be progressive, not regressive.
To challenge and to educate, not to pander.
----
It truly can be said that NABC has put New Albany, Indiana on the craft brewing map.
Plaudits for its beers and brewpub have come from as far away as Madison, Wisconsin; St. Louis, Missouri; and Washington D.C., the sites of three annual microbrewing festivals. NABC annually ranks highly in “best of” lists published by web sites such as www.ratebeer.com and www.beeradvocate.com, and furthermore, co-owner/beer writer Roger A. Baylor is regarded as one of the region’s foremost champions of the better beer movement.
Credibility like this doesn’t come from scratch. It has to be earned, and NABC has earned it.
NABC dates back to the Reagan years, and has long been known for excellence throughout metropolitan Louisville, Kentucky, since the almost forgotten time when microbrewing was still unknown in the area. Sportstime Pizza (founded 1987) and Rich O’s Public House (1992) remain NABC’s on-premise dining and drinking areas at the company’s original location at 3312 Plaza Drive off Grant Line Road.
In 2002, NABC began brewing distinctive house beers at the same site, and within a year had been declared “Best of Louisville” and “Best of Show” in the Indiana State Fair commercial brewing competition. Four years later, NABC added a popular banquet and events wing in the same building.
While the company has no intention of changing a winning formula, after two successful decades on the scene, there is no further room to grow on the North Side of New Albany, and NABC looks to expand.
Why?
First and foremost, locally brewed beer is riding an unprecedented wave of acceptance throughout America, with 12% growth rates in each of the past two years, far above that of mass market lagers, and 11% growth continuing into the first half of 2008 in spite of increases in raw materials and fuel.
As importantly, beer drinkers are taking an increasing interest in the concepts and local origins of their beverages during a time of multinational macrobrewing consolidation. With the purchase of Anheuser-Busch by the Belgo-Brazilian consortium InBev SA, Samuel Adams is now America’s largest American-owned brewery!
It’s all part of a larger picture. According to author Chris O’Brien, who notes widespread alienation with modes of industrial production, “The craft brewing movement is part of a larger social trend toward commerce that incorporates the environment as a core business concern. But environmental concerns go hand in hand with a number of other values associated with the market segment called Cultural Creatives.”
Taking these positive factors into consideration, NABC seeks to brew greater quantities of beer right here in New Albany by expanding brewing capacity at a downtown New Albany site and selling beer to a regional market that includes Louisville, Bloomington and Indianapolis (Indiana) and all points in between.
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The new Bank Street Brewhouse at 415 Bank Street will function as NABC’s larger-capacity production brewery, where primary brands like Elector, Hoptimus, Beak’s Best, Kaiser and Thunderfoot will be brewed, conditioned, kegged and canned for regional distribution.
It will also be possible for consumers to buy kegs and carry-out growlers.
Meanwhile, NABC’s existing brewery on the North Side will remain in operation, with small batches, seasonals and specialties being brewed there. Limited amounts of these will be made available to discerning customers, enabling NABC to offer varied stylistic tiers at different price points.
Indiana state law permits self-distribution by microbreweries, but NABC will deliver only to licensed establishments within downtown New Albany. For Kentucky and Indiana, a wholesale distribution network is being assembled, with Louisville’s River City already inked and in place, and Indiana’s World Class Beverages soon to come. As production increases, other states will be considered for distribution.
At the Bank Street location, there will be a small taproom for enjoying NABC’s beers, as well as a limited Belgian-style café menu of food prepared by a Josh Lehman, a professional chef. A small on-premise shop will sell t-shirts, other advertising wearables, glassware and souvenirs.
The Bank Street Brewhouse will be phased into operation, with the taproom opening first in the 1st quarter of 2009, and the brewery to be installed circa May, 2009. Beer will be ready for distribution in the 2nd or 3rd quarter of 2009, and the existing NABC brewery will supply the tap room until then.
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Significantly, the NABC Bank Street Brewhouse represents an expansion of an established, existing business from a suburb back into a reviving downtown, and as such, NABC firmly believes there is a future both for the brewery’s “progressive pints” and for the cause of progressivism itself in city of New Albany… and Floyd County, the metro Louisville area and the surrounding region.
Craft beer’s target demographic continues to expand. A few key components:
· Education: Over 50% of American college graduates have tried craft beer
· Income: Over 50% of Americans with incomes over $75,000 have tried craft beer
· Age: The largest percentage of craft beer drinkers are aged 24 – 34, and the second largest percentage are aged 35 – 44
The “Cultural Creatives” mentioned by O’Brien share these and other demographic characteristics of the “Creative Class” (Richard Florida) and those standard bearers of New Urbanism who are returning to live and work in downtown urban areas.
Unsurprisingly, the craft brewing revolution has prospered by emphasizing beer’s artisanal, localized roots, and in like fashion New Urbanism urges the progressive reuse of cities. For NABC to grow by returning brewing to a downtown, urban setting is to complete the circle initiated by New Albany’s beer-loving founders almost two centuries ago.
Good karma itself can’t win the battle, but it never hurts to have some.
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
Feb. 23: "Local Brews and Local Foods - Beer Dinner at the Windsor" in New Albany.
For those unfamiliar with downtown New Albany, the Windsor occupies the space formerly housing the late, lamented Bistro New Albany. The crew at the Windsor are doing great work, with a couple of savvy young chefs and Isaac manning the bar. There are ten quality drafts and top-shelf liquors. Here's the beer dinner preview, courtesy of Tisha "World Class Beverages" Dean.---
Local Brews and Local Foods - Beer Dinner at the Windsor
A combined effort with The Windsor, World Class Beverages & New Albanian Brewing, featuring locally grown foods and brewed beers.
A combined effort with The Windsor, World Class Beverages & New Albanian Brewing, featuring locally grown foods and brewed beers.
Monday, February 23, 2009
6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
The Windsor
148 E Market Street
New Albany, IN
6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
The Windsor
148 E Market Street
New Albany, IN
Featuring 5 courses and 8 beer pairings, with an aperitif and "parting glass" beers. Reservations are required, so please call 812-948-9688 for more information.
Monday, February 02, 2009
NABC is now hiring for the new Bank Street Brewhouse.
American brewing ... European sensibility.
The New Albanian Brewing Company is making a provocative gesture in expanding its brewing operation beyond the longtime North Side compound off Grant Line Road to a new downtown New Albany facility, the Bank Street Brewhouse.
The Bank Street Brewhouse (415 Bank Street) will include a taproom/brasserie and full production brewing facility. Save for NABC's craft brewed beers, it will have little in common with our traditional pizzeria and pub.We are accepting applications for serving staff, kitchen positions and brewhouse support.
NABC is an equal opportunity employer:
Fill out an application online ... you must be logged-in, and can register at the website.
Download an application ... or open the application form (.pdf file) in your browser.
Applications for the Bank Street Brewhouse completed off-line may be faxed to 502-721-0258.
The New Albanian Brewing Company is making a provocative gesture in expanding its brewing operation beyond the longtime North Side compound off Grant Line Road to a new downtown New Albany facility, the Bank Street Brewhouse.
The Bank Street Brewhouse (415 Bank Street) will include a taproom/brasserie and full production brewing facility. Save for NABC's craft brewed beers, it will have little in common with our traditional pizzeria and pub.We are accepting applications for serving staff, kitchen positions and brewhouse support.
NABC is an equal opportunity employer:
Fill out an application online ... you must be logged-in, and can register at the website.
Download an application ... or open the application form (.pdf file) in your browser.
Applications for the Bank Street Brewhouse completed off-line may be faxed to 502-721-0258.