Mayans say: Only 55 days until the end of the world as we know it.

The next Office Hours with the Publican is Monday, January 9.

The next scheduled Office Hours with the Publican is in the Prost Room (Pizzeria & Public House) at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, January 9.

Office Hours is an informal tasting that occurs on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month.

On the 9th, we will be sampling the back catalog of the Public House's ciders, mostly French (sorry, no Woodmuck), to determine quite frankly whether they're still drinkable.

NABC Smoked Abzug ... later in 2012.

One of the major themes of my year in beer was a growing preference for session-strength pints.

"Session" is a topic that has been discussed here many times in the past, and I always like to follow the trail backwards in time to Lew Bryson's pioneering advocacy: The Session Beer Project.

Hence, the gorgeous specimen pictured above: NABC Smoked Abzug. I hasten to add that currently, the only place on the planet where this beer is on tap is the keg box in my home garage, so don't get any ideas.

Former NABC brewer Jared Williamson originally formulated Abzug as a low-gravity lager (California Common yeast) with a short maturation curve; it was our first attempt to produce a session-strength golden lager for serving at our two on-premise locations. We've since started using Bavarian yeast to brew Bat Out of Helles, which will be the inheritor of the Abzug notion.

Later, Jared came up with the idea of lightly "smoking" his Abzug, thereby creating a lower gravity version of something resembling Bamberg's Spezial. The last keg of it is in the garage, and with around nine months of down time, the liquid is now a brilliant "bright" amber, and as MASH's late and lamented Colonel Potter might have said, there aren't enough O's in smOOth to describe it. The Weyermann smoked malt is beginning to fade in intensity, but it's still present. The flavor is clean and delicious, and at less than 4% abv, you can have a few without hitting the floor.

Look for the next batch of Smoked Abzug in October of 2012. It will be available on draft at the Pizzeria & Public House, Bank Street Brewhouse, my garage, and selected Cavalier Distributing accounts in Indiana that opt for NABC's forthcoming "session tap" program. As always, stay tuned.

The patio build-out continues at Bank Street Brewhouse.

We're expecting the garage doors on the 4th or 5th of January. After they're installed, the main work will be finished. All we'll have to do then is furnish the new room.

New NABC beers for 22-oz bomber bottling in 2012.

As a preface, permit me to note that these beers are as yet on the drawing board. Labels must be created and approved, and the beers brewed, but we've no reason to believe these bomber releases will not occur as scheduled.

Hoosier Daddy (March release)
The most heroic word in all languages is revolution
Cream and crimson? Hoosier daddy? Is it Eugene Debs, or Bob Knight? David Letterman, or John Mellencamp? NABC unambiguously salutes all Hoosier daddies, wherever they are, whatever they do, and whomsoever they do it for, or to.
7% abv

Black & Blue Grass Saison (April release)
You can’t drink Black Grass in striped pants
Wallonian-style farmhouse ale, brewed with lemongrass and black pepper.
Circa 6% abv, perhaps higher as reformulated

Le Diable Blonde (May release)
Here comes the woman with the look in her eye
Patience is the key and virtue is the lesson from this malt bomb devil of a Belgian-style Tripel.
10.7% abv

Naughty Claus (November/Thanksgiving release)
Santa needs daze off, too
A rich, full-bodied holiday spiced ale. Unveiled for Saturnalia, NABC’s annual observance of Christmas’s pagan roots. We’ll be sticking to the 2011 formula in years to come.
7.5% abv

Bourbondaddy, Stumble Bus and Turbo Hog.

Earlier, I announced NABC's release schedule for 2012, and among other projects, we'll be resurrecting three beers from the Michael Borchers era as part of a 10th anniversary series. Similarly, the primitive artwork derives from the pre-Tony (Beard) era, as conceived by the Publican (me) and actualized with stunted graphics capabilities. David Pierce, NABC's director of brewing operations, has spent the past few days poring over wrinkled old legal pads and labored scrawlings on the back of Kroger receipts, attempting to crack the seemingly forgotten codes so he can formulate these revivals. This will be fun. There'll be better art in the end, too.

Bourbondaddy
“Go forth and proceed”
Haggisdaddy, as aged in Woodford Reserve barrels in 2003 and 2004. At the time, we said that, “Batches (are) released periodically so we can gauge the progress of the experiment.”
6.5% abv

Stumble Bus
Along with Bourbondaddy, surely the most fondly remembered ale by NABC’s founding brewer, Michael Borchers. Was it Imperial IPA, or was it Barleywine? Brewed with English malt, and hopped with Galena, Cascade, East Kent Golding, Amarillo and Hallertau hops. Stumble Bus was dry-hopped with East Kent Golding and Cascade. 1056 (Chico) American yeast was used (OG 1.100).
10% abv

Turbo Hog
The finest malt liquor yet devised by man
Bush Hog’s logical culmination, sans paper bags. Augmented with corn, boosted in strength, and refashioned as a malt liquor, it was a briefly invigorating experiment. There was Bush Hog, then Turbo Hog. Boss Hog was planned, but never brewed.
9.2% abv

NABC’s 2012 Core Beer Portfolio.

For 2012, NABC’s full-time core portfolio will comprise those beers we're seeking to have on draft at the Pizzeria & Public House and Bank Street Brewhouse. Because there are fewer draft lines at Bank Street Brewhouse, and a narrower range of potential solutions, it may be the case than not all core portfolio beers pour there every day. Stay tuned; we may get creative as patio build-out work continues.

Go here for NABC’s 2012 Beer Release Schedule.
Go here for NABC’s 2012 Beer Release Highlights.

* Serving tank beers at the Pizzeria & Public House; will be served at Bank Street Brewhouse as often as possible.

+ Also available in 22-oz bombers for outside distribution

# Also available on draft for outside distribution

*Bat Out of Helles
#Beak’s Best
#Bob’s Old 15-B
#Community Dark
+#Elector
+#Hoptimus
*Pickman’s Pale
*QuakerFoot and WeeFoot (rotating during cool and warm months)
#Tafel Bier
+#Tunnel Vision
+#Yakima

NABC's 2012 Beer Release Schedule.

The 2012 monthly NABC beer release schedule is ready. Note that when 22-oz bomber bottle seasonals are released, they will be available on draft at both NABC locations. This is not to be considered an exhaustive listing, just what we know and can plan.

Go here for NABC’s 2012 Beer Release Highlights.
Go here for NABC’s 2012 Core Beer Portfolio.

JANUARY
22-oz bottles: Bonfire of the Valkyries
Draft only: Old Lightning Rod, Munich Dunkel

FEBRUARY
22-oz bottles: Elsa von Horizon
Draft only: ConeSmoker

MARCH
22-oz bottles: Hoosier Daddy
Draft only: Hard Core Gore, Doppelbock, (10th Anniv) Stumblebus

APRIL
22-oz bottles: Black Grass Saison
Draft only: Ordinary Bitter, Wheat Helles Bock

MAY
22-oz bottles: Le Diable Blonde
Draft only: Kaiser, Wheat Doppelbock

JUNE
22-oz bottles:
Draft only: Haggis Laddie, (10th Anniv) Turbo Hog

JULY
Draft only: Mt. Lee

AUGUST
Draft only: Phoenix

SEPTEMBER
22-oz bottles: Jaxon
Draft only: Strassenbräu , (10th Anniv) Bourbondaddy

OCTOBER
22-oz bottles: ThunderFoot
Draft only: Wet Knobs, Smoked Abzug

NOVEMBER
22-oz bottles: Naughty Claus
Draft only: ClovenFoot, Abbey’s Dubbel

DECEMBER
22-oz bottles: Solidarity
Draft only: (10th Anniv) Scotch de Ainslie

Boxing Day at the Irish Rover, 10:30 a.m. view.

It's a grand Louisville tradition for the day following Christmas Day, and the Rover always does it right.

Highlights of NABC's 2012 Beer Release Schedule.

It isn’t that NABC never had a beer release schedule, it’s just that we’ve never gone to the trouble to organize it for public consumption … until now.

Go here for NABC’s 2012 Beer Release Schedule.
Go here for NABC’s 2012 Core Beer Portfolio.

Following are some 2012 talking points.

---

In 2012, we’re adding four seasonal beers to the 22-oz bomber bottle program, as brewed at Bank Street Brewhouse:

Hoosier Daddy
Black & Blue Grass
Le Diable
Naughty Claus

In observance of the brewery’s 10th anniversary in 2012, we’ll be brewing three “retro” beers from the past:

Stumblebus
Turbo Hog
Bourbondaddy

Another 10th anniversary beer, this one new formulated, is a Belgian-style Wee Heavy called Scotch de Ainslie. It honors Hew Ainslie (1792-1878), New Albany’s first-known commercial brewer. Scotch de Ainslie will appear in December, 2012, as a natural segue into New Albany’s bicentennial year of 2013. The Steamboat Common brewed in 2011 will reappear in 2013 as NABC’s official New Albany bicentennial ale.

In 2012, four beers (to be named) from the German stylebook will be brewed at the Pizzeria & Public House’s R & D Brewery:

Munich Dunkel (brewed already)
Doppelbock
Wheat Helles Bock
Wheat Doppelbock

NABC's brewing calendar for 2012 is taking shape.

Within the next few days, NABC will have a beer release schedule for 2012. Longtime observers will notice that this represents somewhat of a departure; obviously, we've always had a rough idea of what we'd be brewing, but it wasn't something I previously saw any urgency in reporting. For reasons great and small, I've changed my mind.

The schedule at Bank Street Brewhouse, the larger of our two breweries, is largely set for the coming year. At BSB, it's all about the bottles, so stay tuned.

At the R & D Brewery, which will be celebrating 10 years of brewing in 2012, we have several ideas up our sleeves. It will be necessary to slightly alter our usual routine during the coming year. For the moment, readers are asked to help me with a smidgen of non-binding research as to consumer preferences.

Rest assured, this is a controlled experiment. Of the following, which two do you prefer?

Abbey’s Dubbel
ClovenFoot
ConeSmoker
Kaiser 2nd Reising
Mt. Lee
Phoenix Komon
Pickman’s Pale Ale

Thanks. Comment here, or write me: roger(at)newalbanian(dot)com

NABC tonight at Westport Whiskey & Wine.

Westport Whiskey & Wine in Westport Village (1115 Herr Lane in Louisville) is hosting a New Albanian tasting tonight from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. There'll be six NABC beers available in a sampling format for $5 per person, including the newly released Solidarity Baltic Porter.

This week at NABC’s Bank Street Brewhouse.

• Patio conversion is under way
• Gumbo trial tonight
• “Soft” 11 am – 5 pm hours on Christmas Eve
• Solidarity Baltic Porter is being bottled today
• Holiday hours for both NABC locations

Our friends at Resch Construction have started on Bank Street Brewhouse's long-anticipated patio build-out, and to say that we’re both excited and grateful is a profound understatement. Thanks again, Steve.

Bank Street Brewhouse will remain open throughout the process of converting our current patio area into an all-weather facility with garage doors opening into what will become a beer garden in time. Much of the work will be completed within a couple of weeks, but the new roof will have to wait for installation during warmer weather.

The wall stones were being stacked on pallets yesterday, to be put into storage and returned when the future beer garden is landscaped next spring/summer. Since the outdoor area isn’t being used very much during cold weather, this patio work will have the minor effect of causing a bit of a mess, but it will not stand in the way of doing business in the customary way.

http://potablecurmudgeon.blogspot.com/2011/12/picture-this-bank-street-brewhouses.html

Tonight (Tuesday the 20th) will be the first sighting of gumbo on the BSB menu. We’re thinking about making this a regular Tuesday food special, along with the reduced price session ales. Wednesday remains growler discount day. Remember that Bank Street Brewhouse now opens for lunch at 11:00 a.m. from Tuesday through Saturday. Sunday Brunch begins at 10:00 a.m., but because of this year’s dates for Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, the next brunch date is January 8.

We're bottling Solidarity today, and it will be heading to the wholesalers tomorrow.

Following are the holiday hours of operation for Bank Street Brewhouse and the Pizzeria & Public House. Note that both locations will be open (reduced schedule) on Christmas and New Year's Eves.

Christmas Eve
Saturday, December 24
Pizzeria & Public House will be open 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. (pizzeria side only; normal menu)
Bank Street Brewhouse will be open 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., with Progressive Pints, growlers and light snacks (not the everyday menu)

Christmas Day
Sunday, December 25
Both NABC locations will be closed

Boxing Day
Monday, December 26
Pizzeria & Public House will be open for normal hours (both sides)
Bank Street Brewhouse will be closed (as always on Monday)

Pants Down Potluck Port Drinkers Circle

Tuesday, December 27

In the Prost room ... contact Roger immediately if you’re interested in joining the annual Port tasting

New Year’s Eve
Saturday, December 31
Pizzeria & Public House will be open 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. (pizzeria side only; normal menu)
Bank Street Brewhouse will be open 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., with Progressive Pints, growlers and light snacks (not the everyday menu)

New Year’s Day
Sunday, January 1 (2012)
Both NABC locations will be closed

Monday, January 2
Pizzeria & Public House will be open or normal hours (both sides)
Bank Street Brewhouse will be closed (as always on Monday)

Against The Grain/Mikkeller announce a collaboration.

Good stuff from Against the Grain.

12/19/2011

Against The Grain Brewery, located in Louisville KY, and Danish brewer Mikkeller will collaborate on a experimental beer, emphasizing the brewers' love of brewing innovative and unique beers.

Against The Grain (AtG), founded in Oct. 2011, is Louisville's newest brewery and maintains a diverse array of beers covering all of the major categories of beer flavor while generating an endless stream of innovative new brews. In short, everything is "specialty". AtG's brewers (formerly of Bluegrass Brewing) have a notable history with Mikkeller. Brewers Jerry Gnagy and Sam Cruz have sent a number of brands to the Mikkeller Bar during 2009-2010.

Mikkeller, known as the 'Gypsy Brewer' from Copenhagen Denmark, is noted for creating challenging beers that test the boundaries of beer and where quality always comes before quantity. In other words, uncompromising beer.

The Mikkeller brand, producing over one hundred different styles of beer, has grown into one of the most sought after in the world.
“Mikkeller has been very pleased to collaborate with brewers Sam Cruz and Jerry Gnagy during the time they were working for Bluegrass Brewing.

This cooperation builds on mutual respect, friendship and interest in beers of the highest possible quality.”

The collaboration brew... 'A Bloody Show' will be available in the first quarter of 2012. Stay tuned.

In addition to the release of the AtG/ Mikkeller collaboration brew, AtG will also contract brew a 'draft only' version Mikkeller's Invasion IPA for distribution in the U.S. Mikkeller Invasion will also be available in the first quarter of 2012.

Me and Sierra.

Last week, I briefly found myself having a conversation with what seemed like half the country, by way of Twitter and www.beernews.org. It made my fingers tired.

A Healthy Distrust Part Deux: New Albanian and Sierra Nevada debate on Twitter

Ostensibly, the chat had to do with the possibility that Sierra Nevada, which has been brewing in California for 31 years, might soon open a second brewery in the vicinity of Asheville, North Carolina.

The questions I was asking of Sierra Nevada last week had to do with ideas in the form of concepts of locality and appellations of origin, formal or implied. These might be summarized like this: If your metaphorical image has derived from one sense of place for three decades, does it remain the same image should production be conducted elsewhere? Are you still the same, or do you change?

A representative from Sierra Nevada joined the discussion, and it became obvious that the company had been thinking deeply about questions like mine for quite some time. I’d be very surprised if it hadn’t. Significantly, it was evident that I was speaking the same language as Sierra Nevada’s people; my questions were understood there, and their answers were understood here.

My eyebrow was raised by the language being spoken by other participants. I was disappointed by the aggressive tone of some remarks, but even more so by the credulity of others. One person held that businesses don’t ever revolutionize, they merely capitalize; this assertion undoubtedly would amuse Steve Jobs and probably Sierra Nevada’s Ken Grossman, too.

Another wrote that Grossman can do no wrong. Really? I submit that craft brewing surely is a revolution, and also that absolutely none of its standard-bearers is infallible, including me. I seriously doubt that Grossman, whom I have not met, fancies himself as perfect.

Of course, there was not a shred of hostility from this end, nor will there be. At the time of the talk, the NABC Public House & Pizzeria had these three Sierra Nevada beers on tap: Celebration Ale, Torpedo IPA and Ovila Quad. Not a bad lineup, is it? If I really had a grudge against Sierra Nevada, would I be pouring these?

Look, craft beer is growing up. There are many questions to be asked as it does, and in the course of answering these questions, there’ll be much to discuss (over beers, of course). What I learned last week should come as no surprise in "America the Polarized"; while some craft beer lovers feel a sense of entitlement when it comes to the plethora of choice in the marketplace, they have precious little notion of how that cornucopia came to be. 

Our Craft Nation, circa 2011, came to be because of a revolution, and that revolution had (and continues to have) certain precepts. These are mutable and subject to revision. Questions constitute an opportunity to educate, to learn, and to know. They are not threats. 

C'mon, people. Without better thinking, what possible usefulness can there be in better drinking? 

Calendar check: 2012 American Distilling Institute Conference in Louisville, and at Huber's.

Upcoming weekend Anstich pouring schedule at the Public House.

Once again, permit me to thank Starlight Distributing for bringing the Shelton Brothers import portfolio back to Indiana. It's amazing; we order beers, and then almost all of them are delivered in a timely fashion. At any rate, the coming weekend will bring two more 20-liter, gravity-pour “Anstich” kegs from small family breweries in Franconia (Northern Bavaria).

Friday, December 16:
Zum Grunen Baum Landbier (Brauerei-Gasthof Zum Grunen Baum “Bayer” in Rauhenebrach-Theinheim) ... 5:00 p.m. tapping

Saturday, December 17:
Löwenbräu Buttenheim Ungespundetes Lagerbier (Kellerbier; Löwenbräu Buttenheim, Buttenheim) ... 3:00 p.m. tapping

At some point between now and the end of the month, we're still expecting selected CO2-dispense kegs of Franconian delights, including Spezial Rauchbier, Mahr’s Ungespundetes Lager and Mahr’s Christmas Bock. As always, stay tuned.

Asheville NC beers at Office Hours on Monday night.

We'll have a special offering of beers from breweries in Asheville NC for tasting tomorrow night in Prost, beginning at 6:30 p.m. These were brought to us by one of my IUS non-credit course students who used to work part-time in the profuse Asheville brewing scene. I will augment these with weather-appropriate samples, perhaps from Saturnalia drafts.

In growlers:

Craggie Brewing Company Antebellum Ale: An 1840's American Ale

Craggie Brewing Company Burning Barrel: Bourbon Chipotle Porter

In a bomber:

French Broad 13 Rebels ESB

French Broad Wee Heavy-er Scotch Ale

Highland Cold Mountain Winter Ale

Picture this: Bank Street Brewhouse's patio build-out.

Imagine the BSB north patio "finished," with real walls and access doors, and also garage doors for opening in nice weather just like the ones already facing Bank Street.

The plan is in place, and (re)construction will begin within the next two weeks. Our landlord Steve Resch and his construction company is doing the work; they're keeping busy on Main Street, too, with the Feast BBQ project across the street from the YMCA. The BSB plan will be completed in two stages, with the walls and doors going up first, and then the roof being replaced when the weather gets warmer.

We'll be able to use the year-round space for big parties, music and events, and by making the patio into an extension of the building, the state-mandated floor plan rules will permit the use of the taps attached to the big brewery walk-in, and the current parking area to be converted into a landscaped patio. Think in terms of a beer garden, with the garage doors opening into it from the former patio.

I want to give a huge public thanks to Steve Resch and the people who usually help him at places like PC Building and Sprigler Door. This "finishing" has been a long time coming, and will leave us with a one-time brewery expansion option, to be exercised at some point in the future, before BSB becomes the way we first envisioned it -- without the green rooftop, to be sure, but who knows?

Is anyone ready for a Blank Slate?

Nathan's been working on this project for a while, and it's heartening to see his group gaining some traction. There is little reason why, in the coming years, any town in the state the size of Corydon couldn't have its own locally-oriented small brewery.

Brew pub may be on tap in downtown Corydon; Group eyes downtown historical property for microbrewery, by Grace Schneider (Courier-Journal)

NABC at the CLEAN FOSSILS collaborative exhibition on Saturday, December 3.

Last Saturday (December 3), Josh and Megan served NABC beers and Turtle Run wines at CLEAN FOSSILS, a collaborative exhibition featuring the artwork of the 2011-2012 senior IU Southeast BFA artists. The exhibit was held at 501 Pearl Street, an historic building in the midst of refurbishment located just around the corner from Bank Street Brewhouse. This is precisely the sort of event we enjoy doing downtown because of the good vibe it brings to a revitalizing neighborhood. For views of the art, follow these links:

CLEAN FOSSILS collaborative exhibition, December 3 (Part One).

CLEAN FOSSILS collaborative exhibition, December 3 (Part Two).

Finally, enlightenment: Economic development via craft beer in Wildomar, California.

This is more like it: Economic development via craft beer. Whether it ever might play in New Albany, a place where the 20th-century barely was noticed, is another question entirely. Adam Nason of Beer News Dot Org provides the lead:

You’re a city manager with a need to build your local economy and a penchant for #craftbeer. What to do? Start a campaign.

Readers in Indianapolis, take note of NABC at the Sinking Ship on the 14th.

The Sinking Ship in Indianapolis is having a special Brewery Night with New Albanian Brewing Company on Wednesday, December 14, from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., so if you're in the neighborhood (4923 N. College Ave.), drop by and choose from Beak's Best, Elector, Bob's Old 15-B, Hoptimus and a mystery keg TBA.

NABC this weekend.

Tomorrow morning at Bank Street Brewhouse, brunch begins at 10.

Also, tonight is the CLEAN FOSSILS collaborative exhibition at 501 Pearl Street. There'll be NABC beer. The other half of the NABC crew will be in Louisville at the Mid City Mall for the 3rd Annual Highlands Beer Festival, sponsored by ValuMarket.

Link to the Baylor On Beer archive at Louisville Beer Dot Com.

My eighth Baylor On Beer column is up at Louisville Beer Dot Com, and I'm very pleased thus far with the web site's progress. Following are the two most recently published columns, and the link to the archive where all of them are located.

How To Have A Clue ... Once upon a time – actually, just the other day – a good friend of mine triumphantly announced that he’d finally landed the job of his dreams, working for one of the area’s preeminent package stores.

They’re Legislators, Not Logicians ... Last week I shuffled down to the drug store to buy a tube of toothpaste, and while waiting at the corner to cross the street, a Wal-Mart semi-trailer truck came barreling toward the intersection. There wasn’t enough room for him to make the turn, and I had to scurry for cover as those big wheels popped up on the sidewalk.

Archive

Achtung, baby: Two Mahrs Brau gravity-pour Anstich kegs celebrate Saturnalia this weekend.

Last weekend's Anstich keg of Schlenkerla Eiche was sublime, but there's more coming.

Thanks to the advent of Starlight Distributing, the Shelton Brothers import portfolio has returned to Indiana, and not a moment too soon; a long delayed round of fresh, rare 20-liter, gravity-pour “Anstich” kegs from small family breweries in Franconia (Northern Bavaria) were ordered for Saturnalia MMXI, and they have started arriving.

We'll tap the first two Anstich kegs this weekend at the Pizzeria & Public House. There'll be 40 half-liter pours in each, so be there on time.

Friday, December 2:
Mahr's Brau Christmas Bock (Mahrs Bräu, Bamberg) ... 5:00 p.m. tapping

Saturday, December 3:
Mahr's Brau Unfiltered Pilsner (Mahrs Bräu, Bamberg) ... 3:00 p.m. tapping

Also ordered for Saturnalia (Anstich):

Zum Grunen Baum Landbier (Brauerei-Gasthof Zum Grunen Baum “Bayer” in Rauhenebrach-Theinheim)

Löwenbräu Buttenheim Ungespundetes Lagerbier (Kellerbier; Löwenbräu Buttenheim, Buttenheim)

In addition, we may have a few other conventional CO2-dispense kegs of Franconian delight: Spezial Rauchbier, Mahr’s Ungespundetes Lager and more Mahr’s Christmas Bock. Stay tuned.

Opening of Sunday brunch at Bank Street Brewhouse.

Thanks to everyone who patronized BSB today, and to staff for hoofing it. Brunch got off to a wonderful start!

Saturnalia MMXI .PDF link.

http://www.newalbanian.com/nabcsite2008/downloads/Saturnalia_program_2011_MMXI_Final.pdf

Rocky's to celebrate the advent of its app next Tuesday, November 29.

This information from Rocky's comes straight from the source. A couple of years ago, I took note of the long history of Rocky's: Mug Shots: Rocky’s returns to its superb beer-list roots.

CUSTOMIZED CRAFT BEER APP CHANGES THE FACE OF ROCKY’S BEER MENU

Interactive beer app will become new beer menu as Rocky’s continues to drive Craft Beer Sales

Rocky’s Sub Pub is excited to invite everyone to their Launch Party on Tuesday, November 29th, to introduce their new, custom designed, Craft Beer Menu Application. This state of the art, Android-based application was custom created and designed specifically for Rocky’s guests and craft beer followers.

The custom craft beer app will bring Rocky’s extensive craft beer selection to an Android app tablet for customers to use during their dining experience.

The new app will feature their bottle and draft beer lists, brewing information, definitions of styles, ABVs and IBUs. It will even allow guests to design their own beer flight using various featured and local craft beer options. Guests will also be able to automatically post to facebook and tweet about the beers they are enjoying. The app features a “Beer 101” section dedicated to educational information and craft beer basics.

“We are very excited to bring such a new, cutting edge experience to our guests with our new beer app. For the past 3 years we have embraced craft beer and we feel this will help to educate our guests and enhance their overall experience,” Wes Johnson, owner of Rocky’s Sub Pub, said. “It truly is the beer menu we have been waiting for, one that is fun, interactive and full of unique beer information.”

The launch party on Tuesday, November 29th will begin at 5pm at Rocky’s Sub Pub on the river in Jeffersonville. Several limited release beers will be on tap during the party, as well as some industry classics. Craft brewery reps will be onsite to discuss their beers and the unveiling of this new Rocky’s Beer App.

Rocky’s Sub Pub is a single location in Jeffersonville, IN, owned by Buckhead Management Inc., which also operates four Buckhead Mountain Grill locations. Both Buckhead and Rocky’s are local family-friendly restaurants and are dedicated to supporting and promoting the beer sector and craft beers from around the region. They are focused on continuing to offer new craft selections and seasonal beers throughout the year. With a revamp of their system a few years back, Rocky’s ranks as the Largest Craft Beer Selection on tap in the Clark County area, with over 32 craft beers on draft.

Today: Saturnalia MMXI kicks off at 11:00 a.m. at the Pizzeria & Public House.

Saturnalia MMXI kicks off at 11:00 a.m. on Plaid Friday (that’s today, November 25) at the Pizzeria & Public House, and here are the listed selections that will be pouring.

Unexpected but welcomed
A late addition to the list will be on tap today: Affligem Noël (9% abv).

Eiche/Anstich
At opening today, Eric will tap an Anstich (gravity dispense) keg of …

Schlenkerla Eiche (Oak)
Traditionally, beechwood is the brewery’s wood of choice; oak comes dearer, and generally is not used for such purposes. Until 2009, that is, when this was one of the year’s best. 8% abv.

We’ll be serving Schlenkerla Eiche by the half-liter while it lasts, and at the bargain basement rate of $5 plus sales tax. Think of it as our Oaked Friday Special.

The Other Eight
Look (here) sometime on Friday morning for the link to the Saturnalia MMXI program in .pdf format. You can save, print and peruse. Meanwhile, here are the other eight starters for today.

Anchor Christmas Ale (“Merry Christmas & Happy New Year”), 2011 Vintage
This holiday ale’s recipe has differed a tad each year since inception in 1975, but the conceptual links with trees (on the bottle label) and the winter solstice have endured throughout. 5.5% abv.

Boulevard Nutcracker Ale
It’s a classic winter warmer, but with a distinctly American twist of freshly harvested Chinook hops, flown to the brewery from the Pac NW. 5.8% abv.

Breckenridge Christmas Ale
Dark mahogany in color (two row, caramel, chocolate, black malts) with Chinook and Mt. Hood for balance. Very Colorado, with a healthy 7.4% abv.

Corsendonk Christmas Ale
Among the more consistent of Abbey-style producers, Corsendonk’s annual Christmas Ale never ceases to be anticipated. Is that a hint of coriander amid the ruby-chestnut elegance? 8.5% abv.

Great Divide Chocolate Oak Aged Yeti
The usual Yeti hopping is muted; cocoa nibs peek through, combining with vanilla from the oak chips and a hint of cayenne pepper. 9.5% abv.

Great Divide Hibernation Ale
It’s a winter ale, but one that is lagered for three months prior to release. Perhaps overshadowed by some of today’s extreme microbrews, but enduring, unique and worthy in its own right - deep, nutty and smooth. 8.1% abv.

NABC Naughty Claus
Santa needs daze off, too
A rich, full-bodied holiday spiced seasonal that changes wardrobe a bit each year as we experiment with festive additives: For 2011, malts include US Pale Ale Malt (Rahr), Belgian Aromatic Malt and Simpsons Crystal Medium, with Hosey honey added. Hops are German Hallertauer and Magnum. Orange Peel, Sweet Ginger Root, Cinnamon and Nutmeg are the spices (with dry-gingering in the Brite tanks). NABC’s house Chouffe yeast completes the scene. 8% abv.

Ommegang/Chouffe Gnomegang
Think of it as a cross-Atlantic collaboration brew between the slightly older school Brasserie Achouffe and America’s Ommegang. The style is Belgian Strong Blonde Ale, with three malts, some oats and wheat and Saaz hops. 9.5% abv.

Here’s what NABC is doing this week.

Nutzoid holiday weeks begin now.

Naughty Claus, version 2011, is back on tap at both NABC locations, because Santa needs daze off, too. Naughty Claus is NABC's rich, full-bodied holiday spiced seasonal that changes wardrobe a bit each year as we experiment with festive additives.

Get some tonight, because on Thursday, November 24 (Thanksgiving Day), both Bank Street Brewhouse and the Pizzeria & Public House will be closed. Both of our locations will-reopen at 11:00 a.m. on Plaid Friday, November 25.

On Saturday, November 26, NABC’s Josh Hill will be pouring samples at Kaiser Tobacco Store on Pearl Street from 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. as part of downtown New Albany’s annual Jingle Walk and Holiday Fest. Later that same evening, we’ll be manning the concessions at the Art Store for Deck the Walls (circa 2:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.)

Also, please note these new, expanded opening hours for Bank Street Brewhouse. Operating hours at the Pizzeria & Public House remain as before.

Bank Street Brewhouse Hours

Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
Hours: 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Lunch: 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Dinner: 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Friday and Saturday
Hours: 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Lunch: 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Dinner: 5:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.

Sunday
Hours: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Sunday Brunch (see below): 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Dinner: 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

The other big BSB news is the advent of brunch on Sundays, beginning this Sunday morning, November 27.

Bank Street Brewhouse Sunday Brunch …

• New Brunch Menu (10 am - 2 pm)
• Handcrafted NABC beer
• Takeaway growlers of handcrafted NABC beer
• Takeaway 22 oz. Bomber bottles of handcrafted NABC beer
• Famous and celebrated “Build Your Own” Bloody Mary Bar
• Mimosas, regional bourbons, wines and & spirits
• 10:00 a.m. first call for drinks (3 hours before Louisville)
• Just a few minutes across the Kennedy or Clark Memorial bridges

Naughty Claus 2011 is on tap now at both NABC locations.

Naughty Claus 2011

Santa needs daze off, too

A rich, full-bodied holiday spiced seasonal that changes wardrobe a bit each year as we experiment with festive additives. Usually unveiled for Saturnalia, NABC’s annual observance of Christmas’s pagan roots.

Malts: US Pale Ale Malt (Rahr), Belgian Aromatic Malt,
Simpsons Crystal Medium

Sugar: Hosey Honey … http://hoseyhoney.com

Hops: German Hallertauer Magnum

Spices: Orange Peel, Sweet Ginger Root, Cinnamon, Nutmeg (dry-gingered in the Brite tanks)

Yeast: Chouffe (House Belgian)

OG: 19 degrees Plato
ABV: 8%
IBU: 20

Food, drink, etc -- New Albany indies "inside the beltway."

NABC's graphics department, otherwise known as staff artist Tony Beard, has been updating the map normally situated to the left of the Bank Street Brewhouse door. I've helped him assemble this list, the purpose of which is to provide quasi-accurate food and drink information to passers-by. In the eventuality that we are not open on a particular day or at a certain time, it is that visitors will patronize another establishment and keep their expenditures local.

The main target is downtown because that's within short driving and walking (or biking) distance, but listings have been expanded to include independent local food and drink businesses inside the beltway. Take a look at the updated list. What are we missing?

Coffee

“Earth Friends Café & Coffee Bar” 3211 Grant Line Road (at Summit Square) 812-725-9393

“Quills Coffee” (coming in November 2011) 137 East Market Street

“Hobknobb Roasting Company” 419 State Street New Albany, IN 47150 (812) 944-4555 (also maintains a kiosk in the NA-FC Public Library)

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Sweets & Ice Cream

“Honey Creme Donut Shop” 514 Vincennes Street 812-945-2150

“Rookies Cookies” 310 Pearl Street (812) 948-8858

“Sweet Stuff Bakery” 323 East Spring Street 812-948-2507

“Zesto Ice Cream” (seasonal) 2740 Charlestown Road 812-944-6845

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Classic Taverns

“B & B Pub & Grill” 1423 Culbertson Avenue 812-725-9955

“Hitching Post Tavern” 115 West Market Street 812-945-8854

“Hugh E. Bir’s Cafe” 324 East Market Street 812-945-8884

“Pastime Grill & Pub” 424 East Market Street 812-945-9055

“Uptown Bar” 330 Vincennes Street 812-945-1850

“Vic’s Cafe” 1839 East Market Street 812-944-4338

“Vickie's Good Times Bar” 114 East Market Street 812-941-8000

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Package Beer, Wine and Liquor (no food)

“Bottles Unlimited” 427 State Street 812-945-6765 (also owns Uptown Liquors at 609 Vincennes Street)

“Bridge Liquors” 110 Knable Lane 812-949-6396

“Keg (New Albany)” 302 Pearl Street Suite B 812-948-0444

“Sunset Spirits” 2706 Paoli Pike 812-944-4031

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Pool Halls

“Jack’s” 3308 Plaza Drive 812-948-1600 FULL BAR/BAR FOOD

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Restaurants (with alcoholic beverages)

“(The) Bank Fusion Cuisine and Lounge” 203 East Main 812-944-1929 FUSION/LOUNGE/NIGHTCLUB

“Feast BBQ” (coming in Spring 2012) 116 West Main Street BARBECUE

"Habana Blues" 148 East Market St 812-944-9760 CUBAN

"(The) Irish Exit" 207 East Main Street 812-944-1929 IRISH PUB

“La Bocca Restaurant” 134 East Market Street 812-725-9495 ITALIAN

"La Rosita Mexican Grill" 336 Pearl Street 812-944-3620 MEXICAN

"Louis Le Français" 133 East Market Street 812-944-1222 FRENCH

“Mac’s Hideaway” 1636 Slate Run Road 812-945-4256 PUB GRUB

“NA Exchange pub + kitchen” 3306 Plaza Drive 812-948-6501 GASTROPUB

“NABC Bank Street Brewhouse” 415 Bank Street 812-725-9585 BREWERY/CONTEMPORARY AMERICAN … carry-out beer sales on Sunday

“River City Winery” 321 Pearl Street 812-945-9463 WINERY/ CONTEMPORARY AMERICAN … carry-out wine sales on Sunday

“Sam’s Food & Spirits” 3800 Payne Koehler Road 812-945-9757 AMERICAN

“Toast on Market” 141 East Market Street 812-941-8582 CONTEMPORARY BREAKFAST/LUNCH

“Tucker’s American Favorites” 2441 State Street 812-944-9999 SPORTS BAR

“Wick’s Pizza” 225 State Street 812-945-9425 PIZZA

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Restaurants (without alcoholic beverages)

“Dock Seafood” 1125 State Street 812-944-2951 FISH & SEAFOOD

“Jackson's Seafood” 400 West Main Street 812-945-3474 FISH & SEAFOOD

“Hing Wang Chinese Restaurant” 2123 Spring Street 812-542-2728 CHINESE

“Lancaster Cafeteria” 223 West 5th Street 812-949-2400 HOME COOKING

“Little Chef” 147 East Market Street 812-949-7567 CLASSIC DINER

Links to NABC's "beerography," 2002-2011.

There are a few omissions -- Jared's parting Omega and Ben's Pickman's Pale Ale spring immediately to mind -- but the 100+ beers listed in these 11 categories comprise the "beerography" of NABC since we began brewing in 2002. Once these are published at www.newalbanian.com after the new website goes live, I'll go back in and clean up the lists.

(1) Regulars: NABC’s Core Portfolio.

(2) NABC Seasonal Beer List.

(3) NABC Session Series.

(4) NABC Gruit Series.

(5) NABC Footed Stout Series.

(6) NABC Collaborations.

(7) NABC Heritage Series.

(8) NABC World Cup Trilogy (2010).

(9) NABC Brewers’ Best Friend Series.

(10) NABC Single Malt Single Hop APA Series.

(11) NABC Retirees.

(11) NABC retirees.

Retirees

It is a roster destined to remain in flux, because beers will be added to it, and although it is unlikely we’ll brew any of these again, far stranger things have happened. The Publican is especially predisposed to reassign use of some of these names. You just may see them again, perhaps used for a completely different beer, or perhaps there’ll be an archive series some day. Retirees are tagged according to the primary era of brewing:

Michael Borchers era, 2002-2005
Assistants: Joey Burns, and then Chris Spellman
Tag: MicB

Jesse Williams era, 2005-2009
Assistants: Chris Spellman, and then Jared Williamson
Tag: JesW

Jared Williamson era, 2008-2011
Assistants: Kyle Tavares, and then Ben Minton
Tag: JaW

(The) Black Hand
David and Beth Howard’s robust porter recipe won the 10th annual FOSSILS homebrewed porter competition in 2002, and was brewed by NABC for release the same year. In 2003, Bob Capshew’s recipe won the competition, and permanently altered the course of NABC Porter production.
MicB

Bourbondaddy
“Go forth and proceed”
Haggisdaddy, as aged in Woodford Reserve barrels in 2003 and 2004. At the time, we said that, “Batches (are) released periodically so we can gauge the progress of the experiment.”
6.5% abv
MicB

Bush Hog
Floats over the yearning palate as a ship rides the waves
Billed as “The greatest lawnmower beer on earth; cuts a swath 86 IBUs wide,” with tap handle art culled from century-old, heavy-duty, grass-cutting clip art.
Circa 6.8% abv
MicB

Turbo Hog
The finest malt liquor yet devised by man
Bush Hog’s logical culmination, sans paper bags. Augmented with corn, boosted in strength, and refashioned as a malt liquor, it was a briefly invigorating experiment.
9.2% abv
MicB

Elector Select
Democracy’s ultimate pointlessness
Elector on steroids … whether intentional, or not isn’t known, but it’s a nice riff on Budweiser Select.
9.5% abv
MicB

ELI
Not only is ELI coming … it’s already gone
It was a Sour Hoppy Red Ale, and the final keg of an in-house improvisational legend.
7.5% abv
65 IBU
JarW

Flat Tyre
Rocky Mountain spring water is highly overrated
Newly minted brown ale unexpectedly gone amber, and an improvisational pun on a popular Colorado craft beer. When Fat Tire began being sold in Indiana, the joke got old, and quickly.
Circa 5.5% abv
JesW

Haggisdaddy
“Go forth and proceed”
Dry stout base for Bourbondaddy, with only few kegs sold of this unalloyed variety.
5.8% abv
MicB

Happy Helmut
Souvenirs, Novelties, Party Tricks
An homage to Franconian beer making, with smoked malt and lager yeast. Helmut later was merged into Smoked Abzug.
JarW

Hopscotch
The plan was to brew a Wee Heavy first, then use the second runnings for a small ale. The mash got stuck, and after a laborious rescue mission, a single batch of heavily hopped Scottish ale was the final result.
Circa 5.5% abv
MicB

Merckx
Belgian-style pale ale, inspired by De Koninck of Antwerp and the exploits of Eddy Merckx - competitive cycling's greatest all-around performer.
Circa 5% abv
MicB

Noble Smoker
Next best thing to being in Bamberg
It was based on the original ConeSmoker, but with a bigger Beechwood-smoked malt grain bill, and all "Noble" German hops. In turn, a slightly revised ConeSmoker was spawned.
7.5% abv
MicB

Saison, Farmhouse Saison and Saison III
Initial experiments with Belgian Saison yeast. Because this yeast is still in use, variants may return, and if so, annually in late summer.
JesW and JarW

Saison Scalawag
Cooler check!
Only a scalawag would refuse a cooler check. Brewed with Belgian pale malt, English crystal malt, wheat, honey, East Kent Goldings, Cascades, and Spalt. OG 1072; FG circa 1020.
MicB

Saison de Houblon
Happiness is a hoppy farmhouse
Spicy hop notes abound in this, a Dry Hopped Belgian Saison.
7% abv
35 IBU
JaW

Silent Oath
The joy in Belgium
Drawn from an episode n Hugo Claus’s novel, “The Sorrow of Belgium,” it was Belgian-style Brown, perhaps with a hint of intentional sourness. A portion was aged in oak chips.
MicB

St. Alfonzo
Pancake breakfasts purely optional
This Belgian strong ale with quasi-Trappist predilections incorporated simple ingredients: Belgian two-row pale malt, rock candy, brewer’s crystals (fermentable sugar), Spalt (German noble) hops and Abbey yeast.
10% abv
MicB

St. Radegund
Get thee to a nunnery ... but not quite yet
It was a reformulated variant of Beak’s Best, and a nod to Terry K. at the St. Radegund pub in Cambridge, United Kingdom.
Circa 6% abv
JesW

Stumble Bus
Along with Bourbondaddy, surely the most fondly remembered ale by NABC’s founding brewer, Michael Borchers. Was it Imperial IPA, or was it Barleywine? Brewed with English malt, and hopped with Galena, Cascade, East Kent Golding, Amarillo and Hallertau hops. Stumble Bus was dry-hopped with East Kent Golding and Cascade. 1056 (Chico) American yeast was used (OG 1.100).
10.5% abv
MicB

Single Hop APA (Palisades)
Summerfest ReplicAle 2011, brewed by Hoosier brewers for the Brewers of Indiana Guild festival.
JarW

V Fifth Anniversary Ale
Strong ale brewed in honor of the New Albanian Brewing Company's first five years, V (fifth anniversary) was Jesse's and Jared's contemporary contribution to NABC myth and legend.

5 Malts: Maris Otter, 2-row, Caramalt, special B, aromatic

5 Hops and hop additions: Simcoe, Saaz, Nugget, Galena, Centennial

House London yeast

Notes: 5,555 second boil (92 minutes, 35 seconds)

80 IBUs
10% abv
JesW and JarW

VII Seventh Anniversary Ale
Dark IPA, and as with the 5th Anniversary’s reliance on the number five, the 7th anniversary ale utilized the number seven as much as possible. In case you’re wondering, there was no 6th anniversary ale.

7 malts, 7 hops, 7 hop additions, each at 7oz, the last addition features 7oz of each of the 7 hops … 77 IBU, 77 minute boil and 7.7 ABV.
JarW

VIII Eighth Anniversary Ale
IPA, explained in Jared’s notes: “VIII celebrates the passage of an historic year in NABC's short brewing history. Continuing the tradition of featuring the anniversary year number in the beer as much as reasonably possible, VIII features four base and four specialty malts, eight total, that build a rich golden hue and depth of flavor, defying the lightness of its appearance. The eight hops used are familiar "foes" from the competitive Single Hop APA series, and each boil addition was a reunion of the previous head to head match ups, added in reverse chronological order. VIII is dry hopped with the eight hops to bring the aroma a complex boutique of the beautiful cone's best Pacific Northwest varietals.”

8 Malts: 4 Base: Simpsons Golden Promise, Castle Pale, Global Pils, Rahr 2-row; 4 Specialty: (8% of the grist each) Weyermanns Vienna, Castle Aromatic, Briess Cara-Pils, Flaked Rye

8 Hops: All used in both the kettle, and for dry hopping. Boil additions (80 minute boil):
60 minute Warrior, Summit
40 minute Chinook, Simcoe
20 minute Centennial, Amarillo
0 minute Nugget, Cascade

8% ABV
80 IBU’s
8 SRM
JarW

IX Ninth Anniversary Ale
(To be released in 2011: Imperial Smoked Chocolate Port Barrel Stout)

Malts: Rahr 2-row, Weyermann Smoked (Beechwood), Briess Chocolate, Briess Roasted Barley, Simpsons Chocolate, Briess Aromatic, Briess Smoked Malt (Cherry), Castle Special B, Flaked Oats

Hops: Northern Brewer (Mash), Northern Brewer (First Wort), Northern Brewer (@60min)

IBUs: 50.1
ABV: Circa 9%
Yeast: House Ale

(10) NABC Single Malt Single Hop APA Series.

Single Malt Single Hop APA Series

This series is an ongoing educational tool for learning to appreciate an individual hop and malt in a classic APA style. The long term idea: Through the matchups in this tournament, we will crown a “champion” that will become the NABC house APA. Contestants are brewed on back to back days and tapped at the same time, and the first one to run out advances as the round winner.

Round 1:

Cascade vs. Nugget
Released November 2009

First round winner: Cascade

Round 2:

Amarillo vs. Centennial
Released April 2010

Second round winner: Amarillo

Round 3:

Chinook vs. Simcoe
Released July 2010

Third round winner: Simcoe

Round 4:

Summit vs. Warrior
Released October 2010

Fourth round winner: Summit

Semifinals:

Cascade vs. Amarillo
Released January 2011

Winner: Amarillo

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Summit vs. Simcoe
Released Spring 2011

Winner: Simcoe

The pouring for Saturnalia MMXI begins on Plaid Friday, November 25.

It's time again for NABC's annual Saturnalia primer.

Just like last year, some listed selections for Saturnalia MMXI will begin pouring on Plaid Friday, November 25. I'll post the starters some time that morning. In the past, we were able to have many more Saturnalia beers pouring at once, but these days there are fewer taps to fill with 12-15 NABC house beers are on tap all the time. There'll be six, maybe eight Saturnalia beers on draft at any given time, plenty enough to last through December.

The NABC Pizzeria & Public House opens at 11:00 a.m. on the 25th. Note also that in the interest of saving a few bucks, I'll once again refrain from printing the official program, although it will be posted as a .pdf at the website, and you can download and print it yourself if desired. The link will appear here and on Facebook as soon as the program is finished.

Following are the simple listings of 30 beers for Saturnalia MMXI.

Anchor Christmas Ale (“Merry Christmas & Happy New Year”) 2011
Boulder Never Summer Ale
Boulevard Harvest Dance Wheat Wine 9.1%
Boulevard Nutcracker Ale *
Breckenridge Christmas Ale
Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout 2010
Clipper City Winter Storm
Corsendonk Christmas Ale
Dark Horse Tres
Einbecker Winter Dopple Bock
Great Divide Belgian Yeti
Great Divide Chocolate Oak Aged Yeti
Great Divide Hibernation Ale
Left Hand Fade to Black 2011
Mahrs Christmas Bock
NABC Bonfire of the Valkyries
NABC Naughty Claus
NABC Solidarity
New Belgium Snow Day
Ommegang Chocolate Indulgence Stout
Ommegang/Chouffe Gnommegang
North Coast Brother Thelonious
Schlenkerla Eiche
Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale
Stone 15th Anniversary Escondidian Black IPA
Stone Belgo IRS 2011
Stone Double Bastard 2010
Stone Vertical Epic 10.10.10
Three Floyds Alpha Klaus Xmas Porter
Two Brothers Hop Juice

For those just tuning in, we've been doing this for a while.

In pre-Christian Rome, Saturnalia was the annual winter solstice celebration coinciding with the feast days for Saturn (god of sowing and the harvest), Consus (god of the storage bin) and Opa (goddess of plenty).

Many of our contemporary winter holiday traditions derive from Saturnalia’s pagan roots, including the hanging of wreaths and garlands, donations to the needy, prayers for peace, time off work to be enjoyed with family, and of course eating, drinking and merriment.

NABC pays tribute to these ancient pagan origins with Saturnalia, our holiday draft celebration. When the doors open at 11:00 a.m. on our new Saturnalia kick-off day, Plaid Friday (November 25, 2011), the first wave of sacrificial MMXI Saturnalia selections will be tapped in the traditional, ritualistic manner, and the hedonistic pleasures will begin. The remaining kegs will be deployed as the days pass, and the revelry is expected to continue throughout the month of December.

Pricing and portion sizes vary according to alcohol content and style. During the festival’s run, information and updates will appear on our web site: www.newalbanian.com

(9) NABC Brewers’ Best Friend Series.

Brewers’ Best Friend Series

Assertive, loyal specialties named for our brewers’ canine chums, and often the beers of choice for creative aging.

Abbey’s Dubbel
She makes the schedules -- not me.
Straight-forward Belgian-style brown ale, named in honor of NABC co-owner Kate Lewison’s canine companion.
6.2% abv
17 IBU

Elsa von Horizon
Bekämpfen und ich beiße Sie
Never one to settle for the ordinary, Elsa proves that living boldly is always in style. True to her nature, this Imperial Pilsner runs long and powerfully, never gives up, and remains squarely in your memory if you are ever lucky to meet. Packed with Noble hops and Continental malts, Elsa is truly a legend.
8.6% abv
80 IBU
Seasonally available in 22-oz bomber bottles

Henna
Now that’s what I wanted!
Henna always likes to smell stuff. We like to smell her hoppy beer. It’s a Black IPA … or was that Cascadian Dark Ale?
7% abv
83 IBU

Jasmine the Mastiff
As the lion is to the cat, the mastiff is to the dog
Silky, sweet Stout with a solid roasted character. Big, bold, and ready to lean on you.
7.5% abv
35 IBU

Jaxon
With a bark like that, who needs Pat?
The newest member of the Brewers’ Best Friend Series. Jaxon, NABC’s properly pedigreed Barley Wine Ale, is brewed and aged by David Pierce at Bank Street Brewhouse. Only the first runnings are collected from the mash tun, with no sparge. Three separate mashes make up one batch. Drop the leash … and let Jaxon run.
11% abv
100+ IBU
Seasonally available in 22-oz bomber bottles

2011 bomber labels for Bonfire of the Valkyries and Solidarity.

Solidarity is approved. In 2011, there'll be only one Bonfire, at the "Imperial" strength. Look for these on shelves soon. If I knew exactly when, I'd say so.

(8) NABC World Cup Trilogy (2010).

World Cup Trilogy, 2010

Football fanatic (and former NABC brewmaster) Jared Williamson conceived the Trilogy, with a unique beer unveiled for each of the USA’s opening round matches in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

USA vs. England – Ordinary Bitter
Classic cask ale malt from the UK, with Pacific Northwest hops for flavor and aroma. English ale yeast. Cross-referenced with NABC’s Session Series.
3.9% abv
26 IBU

USA vs. Slovenia – Keller Pils
European and North American malts, hopped seven times with 100% Slovenian-grown Styrian Goldings. Cross-referenced with NABC’s Session Series.
3.9% abv
36 IBU

USA vs. Algeria – Biere de Garde
Franco-Belgian malts, hopped to style, with spicing inspired by the Maghreb region’s cuisine, specifically tajine. Chouffe yeast.
3.9% abv
15 IBU

(7) NABC Heritage Series.

Heritage Series

Glimpses into the past; seasonal availability, on draft only.

Ackerman’s Imperial Double Stout
2011 Winterfest ReplicAle
As featured at the Brewers of Indiana Guild Winterfest 2011 as ReplicAle, formulated by the NABC brew team, and brewed at breweries throughout Indiana. After Prohibition ended, Ackerman’s briefly brewed in New Albany, and was the last commercial brewery in town until NABC’s brewery opened in 2002.
43 IBU
8.5% ABV

Hop-O
A blast from New Albany’s illicit past
This Prohibition Era Cereal Beer is the most infamous New Albany beverage of all. It was supposed to have been Southern Indiana Brewing Company’s “near beer” at less than 1% abv, but the Feds learned that it was above 3% – and the bribes weren’t enough. Now Hop-O is revived, and notorious for entirely different reasons.
? IBU
3.5% ABV

Kaiser 2nd Reising
Your great, great granddaddy’s pilsner
Before World War One, the Paul Reising Brewing Company was New Albany’s pre-eminent brewing concern, and it occupied a respected position in the pantheon of local business. In the contemporary age, NABC recognizes Paul Reising and the city’s other brewers of old with this Pre-Prohibition Pilsner.
40 IBU
5.5% ABV

Old Lightning Rod
Let thy discontents be thy secrets
An annual January release commemorating the birthday of Benjamin Franklin, Old Lightning Rod is a throwback strong ale from Colonial American times, incorporating “triangular” molasses as an adjunct, and encapsulating Franklin’s sly founding wisdom.
26 IBU
7.5% ABV

Phoenix Kentucky Komon
None just like it!
Old-time Louisville brewers were known to purloin sour (corn) mash from neighboring distilleries, using it as adjunct in batches of everyday ale. NABC’s paean to our creative “forebrewers” comes out sour, because we like it that way.
25 IBU
5% ABV

Steamboat Common (also listed as a Collaboration)
New Albanian/Great Crescent collaboration 2011
NABC’s Jared Williamson and Dan Valas of the Great Crescent brewery in Aurora formulated this throwback in honor of festivities commemorating the 200th anniversary of the first steamboat journey up and back the Ohio River. It included smoked malt, sorghum and molasses.
7.5% ABV
33.2 IBU

(6) NABC Collaborations.

Collaborations

When brewers from different breweries get together, good things happen. When brewers and pub owners, coffee roasters and chocolatiers get together, more good things happen.

Le Douche Mentale
New Albanian/The Livery collaboration 2009
Imperial Belgian IPA, with different portions aged different ways.
70 IBU
8.5% ABV

C1
New Albanian/O’Fallon/Schlafly collaboration 2009/10
Oak Aged Dry Hopped Smoked Rye Pale Ale
45 IBU
5.8% ABV

C2
New Albanian/O’Fallon/Schlafly collaboration 2010
Smoked Belgian Dark Strong; Port and Cabernet barrel-aged, infused with figs.
30 IBU
10.7% ABV

C3
New Albanian/O’Fallon/Schlafly collaboration 2010
Dry Hopped American Mild
22 IBU
4% ABV

Pirate Pale Ale
New Albanian/Charlestown Pizza Company collaboration 2011
American Pale Ale, formulated and brewed with our friends at CPC.
45 IBU
5.5% ABV

B’Urban Trotter
New Albanian/De Struise/Louisville Beer Store collaboration 2011
Imperial India Pale Ale … If the Kentucky Derby is the greatest two minutes in sports, then B’Urban Trotter is the finest few moments of sipping, because what better place for a brewer/ostrich rancher from Flanders to seek inspiration than Louisville’s annual Run for the Roses? With collaborative assistance from NABC and Louisville Beer Store, De Struise’s Urbain Coutteau created this “Derbied” Double India Pale Ale to be dry-hopped and bourbon/oak aged, with a phantom suggestion of mint for the home stretch.
208 IBU
9.2% ABV

Naughty Girl
New Albanian/De Struise/Louisville Beer Store collaboration 2011
Belgian India Blonde Ale … It all began as a Belgo-American ménage a trois, but then the brewers arrived and transformed the trans-oceanic affair into a beer love pentangle. The collaborative minds at Louisville Beer Store, De Struise Brouwers and New Albanian Brewing Company offer this, a willfully disobedient India Blonde Ale with a hop on her shoulder. She’s naturally naughty -- by nurture.
69 IBU
6% ABV
Limited one-time bottling

Steamboat Common (also listed in the Heritage Series)
New Albanian/Great Crescent collaboration 2011
NABC’s Jared Williamson and Dan Valas of the Great Crescent brewery in Aurora formulated this throwback in honor of festivities commemorating the 200th anniversary of the first steamboat journey up and back the Ohio River. It included smoked malt, sorghum and molasses.
7.5% ABV
33.2 IBU

(5) NABC Footed Stout Series.

Footed Stout Series

ClovenFoot
Belgian sunshine for Monsieur Scratch
NABC’s strain of Belgian yeast from the Ardennes transforms strong, rich Stout into a matter of hoofed provocation.
8.2% abv
30 IBU

QuakerFoot
There’s always time to sew more oats
Some smooth, some sweet, and some roast. Is it breakfast yet?
ABV: 5.7%
IBU: 26

ThunderFoot
Ultimate urban renewal
There can be no doubt: ThunderFoot actively renounces the gentle tweak, the mild revision, and the imperceptible hint. ThunderFoot neither seeks to make a plausible case for adaptive reuse, nor can be bothered with the nuances of historical preservation. ThunderFoot puts its elongated foot squarely down, advocating your palate’s restructuring the old-fashioned way – whole cloth, entire, complete, irresistible, certain and inevitable.
12% abv
90 IBU
Also available in 22-oz bomber bottles

WeeFoot
Feed the beast
A dry and sessionable Stout. On those days when you only need a little stout, WeeFoot is there.
5% abv
48 IBU

(4) NABC Gruit Series.

Gruit Series

Beers in the olden style, sans hops.

Artemsia
What has science done?
Brown ale brewed with two-row barley and molasses, and flavored with mugwort (the "dream herb," related to sagebrush and a cousin of wormwood), sweet orange peel and chamomile. As with wormwood, mugwort is regarded as useful in repelling moths.
4.5% abv

0 IBU

Jenever
The horse of the hanged
No hops are used in Jenever, recalling the days before the magic cone came to be accepted as the chosen bittering agent in beer. Instead, crushed juniper berries balance the malt, and a touch of rye completes a tasty, bucolic scene.
5% abv

0 IBU

Strathpeffer
Honey and heather/Srath Pheofhair
Ale in the Scots Gaelic tradition, sans hops, with heather (a shrubbery) as the spice and honey to provide a mead-like sheen. It brings out the native sparkle of haggis, if you can find any hereabouts, and is named for the town in Scotland where a Pictish eagle is famously carved into a large stone.
6% abv

0 IBU