Here's a quick Gravity Head lineupdate as we go into Monday, February 28. Note that tonight's Office Hours with the Publican at 6:30 p.m. will begin an exploration of BJCP style category 19, which includes Old Ale and both English and American Barleywines.
If time permits, we'll root through the cellar and see if a few examples of aged styles can be found, perhaps for vertical comparison against fresher examples, or perhaps not. This might take a Monday or two, either way. The public is invited, and the price is $5 per person.
ON TAP NOW
00. THREE FLOYDS - STYLE UNTO ITSELF
Three Floyds Behemoth 2010 (American Barleywine) 10.5%
Three Floyds Owd Engwish Bawley Whine (English Barleywine) 10.5%
5C. DOPPELBOCK
Sun King Dominator Doppelbock 8.1%
13F RUSSIAN IMPERIAL STOUT
Dogfish Head World Wide Stout 18%
NABC Thunderfoot (2010) 10%
Upland Teddy Bear Kisses 10.2%
14C IMPERIAL INDIA PALE ALE
Bell’s HopSlam 10%
Dogfish Head 120 Minute IPA 18%
16E. BELGIAN SPECIALTY ALE
Stone 10.10.10 Vertical Epic Ale 9.5%
19B ENGLISH BARLEYWINE
Boulder Killer Penguin Barleywine 10%
Brooklyn Monster Ale 10.3%
19C AMERICAN BARLEYWINE
NABC Jaxon 11%
Sierra Nevada Bigfoot Barley Wine (2001) 9.6%
22C. WOOD-AGED BEER
Great Divide Espresso Oak Aged Yeti Imperial Stout 9.5%
23 SPECIALTY BEER
Clipper City Heavy Seas Prosit 9%
NABC/O'Fallon/Schlafly C2 Collaboration Ale 10.7%
Stone Double Bastard Ale (2009) 10%
BONUS UNLISTED SELECTIONS
22C. Upland Bourbon Barrel Winter Warmer 9%+
22C. NABC Willett Bourbon Barrel Chocolate Stout 8%+
---
RANKS OF THE DEPARTED ... LISTED SELECTIONS
00. THREE FLOYDS - STYLE UNTO ITSELF
Three Floyds Barrel Aged Moloko 2009 (Bourbon Barrel Baltic Milk Stout) 9.5%
Three Floyds Dreadnaught (Imperial IPA) 9.5%
Three Floyds Mikkeller Ruggoop (Rye Wine) 9.5%
Three Floyds Moloko (Baltic Milk Stout) 8%
Three Floyds The Creeper (Doppelbock) 9%
18C. BELGIAN TRIPEL
NABC Le Diable Blonde (2010) 10.7%
18E. BELGIAN DARK STRONG ALE
Brooklyn Cuvee Noire 8.7%
22C. WOOD-AGED BEER
Dogfish Head Burton Baton 10+%
23 SPECIALTY BEER
Bell’s Batch 9000 12.5%
DEPARTED BONUS UNLISTED SELECTIONS
22C Founders Canadian Breakfast Stout 9.4%
Monday, February 28, 2011
Sunday, February 27, 2011
A day of rest, or perhaps not. Either way, BSB is open for business.
In the Gravity Head schedule of events, I refer to today (Sunday, February 27) as a time for "Optional R & R."
After two days of mayhem, NABC's Pizzeria & Public House is closed today. America's finest pub service team, including each and every NABC staff member who worked to make Gravity Head possible, has kicked major league ass this year ... as always, but they've advanced the perimeter another notch in 2011. Thanks go out to them, and they are fully worthy of a break.
Of course, many thanks to the patrons. This is a marathon, not a sprint, and you've only just begun. Listen to your body. Drink liquids, rest, and avoid heavy lifting and the operation of heavy machinery.
But ... if you insist on living like a rock star, know that our Bank Street Brewhouse is open from Noon until 8:00 p.m. today. The trend-setting and locally famous Build-Your-Own Bloody Mary Bar will be ready and willing to assist in your recovery from opening until 3:00 p.m. There’s also beer, carry-out growlers and Chef Josh Lehman’s stellar cuisine. If you are reading this from afar, or for whatever reason still haven't come to understand what Josh has accomplished at Bank Street Brewhouse, do some reading and bone up on current culinary reality.
That is all. It's only 363 days until NABC's Mayan-themed "Gravity Head 2012: It's the End of the World As We Know It."
After two days of mayhem, NABC's Pizzeria & Public House is closed today. America's finest pub service team, including each and every NABC staff member who worked to make Gravity Head possible, has kicked major league ass this year ... as always, but they've advanced the perimeter another notch in 2011. Thanks go out to them, and they are fully worthy of a break.
Of course, many thanks to the patrons. This is a marathon, not a sprint, and you've only just begun. Listen to your body. Drink liquids, rest, and avoid heavy lifting and the operation of heavy machinery.
But ... if you insist on living like a rock star, know that our Bank Street Brewhouse is open from Noon until 8:00 p.m. today. The trend-setting and locally famous Build-Your-Own Bloody Mary Bar will be ready and willing to assist in your recovery from opening until 3:00 p.m. There’s also beer, carry-out growlers and Chef Josh Lehman’s stellar cuisine. If you are reading this from afar, or for whatever reason still haven't come to understand what Josh has accomplished at Bank Street Brewhouse, do some reading and bone up on current culinary reality.
That is all. It's only 363 days until NABC's Mayan-themed "Gravity Head 2012: It's the End of the World As We Know It."
Thanks, Chef Josh: Praise for Bank Street Brewhouse in Louisville Magazine and Insider Louisville.
The February edition of Louisville Magazine contains a great review of Bank Street Brewhouse by freelance food writer Steve Coomes. You can read it here, on pages 72 & 73: Pub Grub Euro-Style.
He didn't stop there, also recently posting expanded ruminations on-line at Insider Louisville: Bank Street Brewhouse & Brasserie is well worth the drive to New Albany. It is an understatement of epic dimension to say that we appreciate these observations. Thanks go to the reviewer, and also to our staff on the ground, without whom none of it would be possible.
In my earlier interview for the Louisville Magazine piece, I had confided to Steve that the learning curve at Bank Street Brewhouse has been steep for ownership. I told him, "It's fair to say none of us knew how little we actually knew about this before we got into it."
Of course, I was primarily referring to Chef Josh Lehman's kitchen, the entity now consistently garnering rave reviews like these. It's been true for an expanded brewing operation, as well, but when it comes to beer, I personally stand on firmer ground even when the challenges seem huge.
That's why we're so proud of the work that Chef Josh and his team have done in that impossibly small galley space, and I'd like to recognize their efforts by quoting a few passages from the Insider Louisville shout-out:
Thanks to Steve Coomes, and thanks to Chef Josh.
He didn't stop there, also recently posting expanded ruminations on-line at Insider Louisville: Bank Street Brewhouse & Brasserie is well worth the drive to New Albany. It is an understatement of epic dimension to say that we appreciate these observations. Thanks go to the reviewer, and also to our staff on the ground, without whom none of it would be possible.
In my earlier interview for the Louisville Magazine piece, I had confided to Steve that the learning curve at Bank Street Brewhouse has been steep for ownership. I told him, "It's fair to say none of us knew how little we actually knew about this before we got into it."
Of course, I was primarily referring to Chef Josh Lehman's kitchen, the entity now consistently garnering rave reviews like these. It's been true for an expanded brewing operation, as well, but when it comes to beer, I personally stand on firmer ground even when the challenges seem huge.
That's why we're so proud of the work that Chef Josh and his team have done in that impossibly small galley space, and I'd like to recognize their efforts by quoting a few passages from the Insider Louisville shout-out:
... The Franco-Belgian-inspired foods coming from chef Joshua Lehman’s kitchen dispel any notions about a low-rent experience. Additionally, patrons here appreciate and understand the beer and the food; in other words, this isn’t a corner tavern pouring cheap, soulless lagers and serving pickled eggs from jars. It’s first and foremost a restaurant.
Since – as a critic – I’m supposed to taste multiple dishes in one visit, I don’t get to linger slowly over just one item, which in real life, I prefer to do. When next I return, I’ll do precisely that with the croque madame ($12), one of the most soul-satisfying ham, cheese and Blue Dog Bakery wheat slice striations I’ve ever eaten. (I recommend washing it down with a medium-hoppy ale) ...
... I rarely have specials when I’m eating for a review because there’s no assurance people reading that copy 45 days later will get to enjoy them. But Lehman’s specials on both nights sounded simply incredible. That this talented chef gets to exercise his creative muscle in this understated setting is a tribute to his bosses’ willingness to do something a bit daring. Costing $20 and up, they’re easily 50 to 100 percent higher than items on the standard menu. But based on my regrets over not being able to order any of them, I consider them a treat well worth trying.
Thanks to Steve Coomes, and thanks to Chef Josh.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Friday, February 25, 2011
Thursday, February 24, 2011
120 Minute it is ... all systems go.
The fan voting has concluded, and Dogfish Head 120 Minute IPA edged out Brugge Brasserie Quadripple to occupy the 17th starting slot.
As an added bonus, we'll be tapping a 1/6 barrel of Founders Canadian Breakfast Stout for tomorrow morning's 7:00 a.m. Public House opening and the annual "tailgate" breakfast. Here's a reprise of the links compendium:
Try to understand:
Wednesday Weekly: "What Tyrone Slothrop has to do with Gravity's Head."
Download the program:
Here's the .pdf link to the Daily Gravity Form!
Vote for the final starter:
16 Gravity Head starters named -- vote now for the 17th and final opening day selection.
Know the starting lineup:
Starting lineup for Gravity Head 2011: "A Stacked Deck is Gravity’s Rainbow."
Read the fixed schedule:
Gravity Head 2011: Schedule of Events.
Get a ride home on the 25th:
Enjoy Gravity Head 2011 and help Matt and Amy jump into the river to benefit the Special Olympics.
View the whole 2011 listed roster:
Will the 55 chosen Gravity Head participants please roll forward?
See the 2011 artwork:
Tony's logo for Gravity Head Thirteen: A Stacked Deck is Gravity's Rainbow.
Three Floyds rocks:
Gravity Head 2011 takes on a decidedly 3 Floydsian feel.
As an added bonus, we'll be tapping a 1/6 barrel of Founders Canadian Breakfast Stout for tomorrow morning's 7:00 a.m. Public House opening and the annual "tailgate" breakfast. Here's a reprise of the links compendium:
Try to understand:
Wednesday Weekly: "What Tyrone Slothrop has to do with Gravity's Head."
Download the program:
Here's the .pdf link to the Daily Gravity Form!
Vote for the final starter:
16 Gravity Head starters named -- vote now for the 17th and final opening day selection.
Know the starting lineup:
Starting lineup for Gravity Head 2011: "A Stacked Deck is Gravity’s Rainbow."
Read the fixed schedule:
Gravity Head 2011: Schedule of Events.
Get a ride home on the 25th:
Enjoy Gravity Head 2011 and help Matt and Amy jump into the river to benefit the Special Olympics.
View the whole 2011 listed roster:
Will the 55 chosen Gravity Head participants please roll forward?
See the 2011 artwork:
Tony's logo for Gravity Head Thirteen: A Stacked Deck is Gravity's Rainbow.
Three Floyds rocks:
Gravity Head 2011 takes on a decidedly 3 Floydsian feel.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Wednesday Weekly: "What Tyrone Slothrop has to do with Gravity's Head."
The 13th edition of Gravity Head begins on Friday morning. This year’s theme is “A Stacked Deck is Gravity’s Rainbow,” and I’ve been asked to explain what it means.This will not be easy. After undertaking an explanation last evening at the Bank Street Brewhouse bar, I was told that my tale is a fiesta of non sequiturs, a description that is quite flattering.
For one thing, coming up with graphic designs and accompanying wordplay is getting harder as the years pass by. Late in 2010, as what passes for a brain trust at NABC convened to brainstorm, our brainlessness became evident. The initial thought was to look for ideas connected to the number 13, semi-universally regarded as unlucky.
Web searches yielded the first clue: Tarot cards; specifically the card for 13, marked DEATH, and featuring a medieval-looking robed skeleton atop a
I suggested substituting the word “GRAVITY” for “DEATH,” and NABC’s graphics wizard Tony Beard said he’d get to work on it. Calendar pages commenced turning, the usual pre-Gravity Head preparations continued, but we were without a coherent, overarching theme.At some point therein, I was asked by my bride if I really ever understood the concepts of Tarot, or the meanings of the cards, and I had no response save for an admission of negligence. In fact, the only aspects of Tarot that appealed to me were the images. In this instance, I like to watch. She graciously referred me to a handful of sources, one of which resonated.
"(It) does not mean physical death. Rather, the Death card portrays symbolic death-a change or transformation. Often, it heralds the end of a familiar or more comfortable mode. It conveys a release which is necessary for growth and expansion. Perhaps it even brings a whole new set of principles which will guide you spiritually, emotionally, psychologically or financially."
Now, there’s a genuine coincidence. For months, I’ve been boring the cast and crew with recitations of epiphanies pertaining to the beer program at the Public House & Pizzeria, and imagining this great upheaval, a profound leap forward, the future of American craft beer … and here are perfect visual and philosophical metaphors, as embodied by a genre I’d always ignored.
Meanwhile, Tony was thinking about Slim Pickens – not the late character actor’s memorable scene in Blazing Saddles, in which he sent riders back to get a shitload of dimes for the desert toll booth, but Pickens’ single greatest achievement: Riding the atom bomb to oblivion near the conclusion of Stanley Kubrick’s Dr. Strangelove.
Hence, the Gravity Head rider atop the barrel, apocalyptic imagery grafted onto a Tarot card, toasting the existence of the earth’s inexorable law, and following on the heels of our claim last year that while Newton discovered gravity, NABC perfected it. Tony added the mysterious mixed touch of XIII.5, because if there can be no 13th floor, there can’t be a 13th Gravity Head, either.But what about a tag phrase?
Most card-playing clichés are applicable to games of chance, as opposed to the ritual of Tarot. You can deal from the bottom of the deck, misdeal, re-deal, mark the cards … or you can stack the deck. Indeed, as it pertains to the vicissitudes of life – the chosen domain of Tarot – we often say that the deck is stacked against us, so “stacked deck” seemed appropriate for the Gravity Head symbolism in 2011.
Now we come full circle to the Blitz.
Huh?
Having originated the quest for Gravity Head identity with a deathly Tarot card image that perished with Al Bowly in the Blitz, Tony duly incorporated cinematic history spiced with common numerical superstition, and I saw the design for the first time. My first reaction upon glimpsing this gumbo of influences was two words: Thomas Pynchon.
His infamous novel, Gravity’s Rainbow, cannot be briefly described. Some would say it barely can be read, although I’ve managed to do it with a little help from my friends and a reader's guide, of which many exist. Following is one fan's view of Gravity’s Rainbow.It is a Jeremiad, an encyclopaedia of cultural minutiae, an historical novel, a catalogue of operas, an anatomy of illicit perversions and mindless pleasures, a book in which you are as likely to read an equation describing the gyroscopic stabilizers of a V-2 rocket as you are to find a Porky Pig cartoon. Coprophilia and rooftop Banana gardens exist in a singularly bizarre harmony, repelling and enticing in equal measure.
Suffice to say that among these elements (and non sequiturs) are matters of content vaguely reminiscent of the lunacy prefacing the concept of Gravity Head’s XIII.5th edition. Oddly, it all makes sense to me. It may make even more sense to you midway through Friday’s opening day festivities.
See you at breakfast.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Each will have his personal Gravity Head: A 2011 links compendium.
It's a one stop shopping for Gravity Head information.
Download the program:
Here's the .pdf link to the Daily Gravity Form!
Vote for the final starter:
16 Gravity Head starters named -- vote now for the 17th and final opening day selection.
Know the starting lineup:
Starting lineup for Gravity Head 2011: "A Stacked Deck is Gravity’s Rainbow."
Read the fixed schedule:
Gravity Head 2011: Schedule of Events.
Get a ride home on the 25th:
Enjoy Gravity Head 2011 and help Matt and Amy jump into the river to benefit the Special Olympics.
View the whole 2011 listed roster:
Will the 55 chosen Gravity Head participants please roll forward?
See the 2011 artwork:
Tony's logo for Gravity Head Thirteen: A Stacked Deck is Gravity's Rainbow.
Three Floyds rocks:
Gravity Head 2011 takes on a decidedly 3 Floydsian feel.
Download the program:
Here's the .pdf link to the Daily Gravity Form!
Vote for the final starter:
16 Gravity Head starters named -- vote now for the 17th and final opening day selection.
Know the starting lineup:
Starting lineup for Gravity Head 2011: "A Stacked Deck is Gravity’s Rainbow."
Read the fixed schedule:
Gravity Head 2011: Schedule of Events.
Get a ride home on the 25th:
Enjoy Gravity Head 2011 and help Matt and Amy jump into the river to benefit the Special Olympics.
View the whole 2011 listed roster:
Will the 55 chosen Gravity Head participants please roll forward?
See the 2011 artwork:
Tony's logo for Gravity Head Thirteen: A Stacked Deck is Gravity's Rainbow.
Three Floyds rocks:
Gravity Head 2011 takes on a decidedly 3 Floydsian feel.
Here's the .pdf link to the Daily Gravity Form!
The Daily Gravity Form, official program of Gravity Head 2011, is available here as a .pdf:
Also here for unzipping:
http://www.newalbanian.com/downloads/GravityHead2011Program.zip
Seek, find, print and begin planning. Don't forget to vote, too: 16 Gravity Head starters named -- vote now for the 17th and final opening day selection.
Monday, February 21, 2011
16 Gravity Head starters named -- vote now for the 17th and final opening day selection.
Once again, as we prepare for the 13th edition of Gravity Head ("A Stacked Deck Is Gravity's Rainbow") we’re allowing the fans to vote on the beer that will occupy the 17th tap.
The starting lineup is here: Starting lineup for Gravity Head 2011: "A Stacked Deck Is Gravity’s Rainbow."
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, ones already designated to appear on specific dates, and those that remain in transit.
Vote just once, and for just one beer, and submit to your choice to me at this e-mail address: istanbul85(at)yahoo.com. Noon on Thursday, February 24, 2011 is the deadline for voting. I personally comprise the voting commission, and my decisions are final!
Fan Vote Eligible List for Gravity Head 2011
5C. DOPPELBOCK
Sun King Dominator Doppelbock 8.1%
13F RUSSIAN IMPERIAL STOUT
Dogfish Head World Wide Stout 18%
Left Hand Imperial Stout 10.4%
Rogue XS Imperial Stout 11%
Upland Teddy Bear Kisses Russian Imperial Stout 10.2%
14C IMPERIAL INDIA PALE ALE
Bell’s HopSlam 10%
Dogfish Head 120 Minute IPA 18%
Founders Double Trouble IPA 9.4%
Ram “In Hops We Trust” 8.5%
16E. BELGIAN SPECIALTY ALE
Brugge Brasserie Quadripple 12%
Stone 10.10.10 Vertical Epic Ale 9.5%
19B ENGLISH BARLEYWINE
Boulder Killer Penguin Barleywine 10%
Brooklyn Monster Ale 10.3%
19C AMERICAN BARLEYWINE
BBC (Main & Clay) Bearded Pat’s Barley Wine (2009) 11%
Rogue XS Old Crustacean Barley Wine (2009) Circa 11%
22C. WOOD-AGED BEER
BBC (Shelbyville Road) Bourbon Barrel Wee Heavy 9.8%
Great Divide Espresso Oak Aged Yeti Imperial Stout 9.5%
Great Divide Oak Aged Yeti Imperial Stout 9.5%
Left Hand Oak-Aged Widdershins (2009) 8.8%
Sun King Russian Timmie Oak-Aged Imperial Stout 10%
23 SPECIALTY BEER
BBC (Shelbyville Road) Chocolate Wheatwine 10.6%
BBC (Shelbyville Road) Sam’s 'n' Adam's Bustin’ Lager 8.2%
Shmaltz He’Brew Jewbelation Bar Mitzvah (13) 13%
Sierra Nevada 30th Anniversary “Our Brewers Reserve” 9.2%
Stone Double Bastard Ale (2009) 10%
Two Brothers Bare Tree (2009) 10%
Wilbur Brewhause Country Mellow 8%
The starting lineup is here: Starting lineup for Gravity Head 2011: "A Stacked Deck Is Gravity’s Rainbow."
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, ones already designated to appear on specific dates, and those that remain in transit.
Vote just once, and for just one beer, and submit to your choice to me at this e-mail address: istanbul85(at)yahoo.com. Noon on Thursday, February 24, 2011 is the deadline for voting. I personally comprise the voting commission, and my decisions are final!
Fan Vote Eligible List for Gravity Head 2011
5C. DOPPELBOCK
Sun King Dominator Doppelbock 8.1%
13F RUSSIAN IMPERIAL STOUT
Dogfish Head World Wide Stout 18%
Left Hand Imperial Stout 10.4%
Rogue XS Imperial Stout 11%
Upland Teddy Bear Kisses Russian Imperial Stout 10.2%
14C IMPERIAL INDIA PALE ALE
Bell’s HopSlam 10%
Dogfish Head 120 Minute IPA 18%
Founders Double Trouble IPA 9.4%
Ram “In Hops We Trust” 8.5%
16E. BELGIAN SPECIALTY ALE
Brugge Brasserie Quadripple 12%
Stone 10.10.10 Vertical Epic Ale 9.5%
19B ENGLISH BARLEYWINE
Boulder Killer Penguin Barleywine 10%
Brooklyn Monster Ale 10.3%
19C AMERICAN BARLEYWINE
BBC (Main & Clay) Bearded Pat’s Barley Wine (2009) 11%
Rogue XS Old Crustacean Barley Wine (2009) Circa 11%
22C. WOOD-AGED BEER
BBC (Shelbyville Road) Bourbon Barrel Wee Heavy 9.8%
Great Divide Espresso Oak Aged Yeti Imperial Stout 9.5%
Great Divide Oak Aged Yeti Imperial Stout 9.5%
Left Hand Oak-Aged Widdershins (2009) 8.8%
Sun King Russian Timmie Oak-Aged Imperial Stout 10%
23 SPECIALTY BEER
BBC (Shelbyville Road) Chocolate Wheatwine 10.6%
BBC (Shelbyville Road) Sam’s 'n' Adam's Bustin’ Lager 8.2%
Shmaltz He’Brew Jewbelation Bar Mitzvah (13) 13%
Sierra Nevada 30th Anniversary “Our Brewers Reserve” 9.2%
Stone Double Bastard Ale (2009) 10%
Two Brothers Bare Tree (2009) 10%
Wilbur Brewhause Country Mellow 8%
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Gravity Head 2011: Schedule of Events.
Special events and appearances that will occur on fixed dates during gravity’s annual amok time.
Friday, February 25
“Gravity Tailgate Breakfast”
In 2008, we convened early for gravity breakfast with Terry Meiners of WHAS television in Louisville. In 2009 and 2010, we tweaked the concept, and so breakfast starts at 7:00 a.m., when it’s actually legal to drink beer in Hoosierland. There’ll be doughnuts, breakfast snacks, Ed Needham's home-roasted coffee, the marvelous Sarah and Founders Canadian Breakfast Stout. What’s that? You didn't see it in the 2011 listing? That’s because we’ve been holding out on you.
Founders Canadian Breakfast
Founders Brewing Company
Grand Rapids MI
Alcohol by volume: 9.4%
www.foundersbrewing.com
Gravity Head Twist: What happens if Founders Breakfast Stout is aged in barrels that formerly held maple syrup? Well, you’re about to find out. Could there be a better choice to accompany Gravity Head Tailgate Breakfast?
No, there probably could not be, so stop by and get into the spirit before you go to work. C’mon, it’s Gravity Head: Why even go to work?
Friday, February 25
“Opening Ceremonies”
Regular hours and menu begin at 11:00 a.m. Members of the FOSSILS and LAGERS homebrewing/beer appreciation clubs enjoy preferred seating in the entire Prost room, beginning at 3:00 p.m. We’re expecting Lincoln Anderson of Three Floyds to join us later, and also Upland Brewing’s Cari Crowe, who’s bringing some Bourbon Barrel Winter Warmer. Stay tuned.
Saturday, February 26
“The Annual Patty & Larry Buckeye Contingent Visitation”
In the past, the Saturday afternoon arrival of these hardy perennial Buckeyes called for the tapping of a special wooden pin of cask-conditioned, barrel-aged JW Lees Vintage Harvest Ale, but this year, the tradition is being updated. In keeping with the All-American theme being observed and perpetuated:
NABC Willett Bourbon Barrel Chocolate Stout
New Albanian Brewing Company
New Albany IN
Alcohol by volume: 8++%
www.newalbanian.com
Gravity Head Twist: FOSSILS 20th Anniversary Chocolate Stout with chocolate three ways (malt, nibs and cocoa) and some raisins to round it out. Aged for six months in a freshly dumped wooden barrel from Willett bourbon (a.k.a., Kentucky Bourbon Distillers).
Consumption is open to all, not just the Ohioans. Look for all-day barroom duty,
Sunday, February 27
"Optional R & R"
The Pizzeria & Public House is closed. We’ve only just begun, so listen to your body. Drink liquids, rest, and avoid both lifting and the operation of heavy machinery. But, if you insist on living like a rock star: The Bank Street Brewery is open from Noon until 8:00 p.m., and the locally famous Build-Your-Own Bloody Mary Bar will be ready and willing to assist in your recovery from opening until 3:00 p.m. There’s also beer, carry-out growlers and Chef Josh Lehman’s stellar cuisine.
Monday, February 28 (and on into March)
“Office Hours w/the Publican”
Join the Publican for 6:30 p.m. Monday skull sessions. During Gravity Head, topics may have to do with gravity in the sense beers, not pure science. BJCP style definitions may apply. Cost is $5 or $10, depending on the topic.
Friday, March 11
“Cavalier & Founders”
John Host of Founders joins the gang from Cavalier Distributing (Indianapolis) for an evening of mannered sipping. We’ll save choice kegs of listed Founders to keep them happy.
Thursday, March 17
“St. Patrick’s Day”
Wearing of the green is one thing, but ingesting green-tinted swill is tantamount to wearing a badge that reads, “I’m neither Irish nor particularly bright – scoff at me.” The accepted colors of Irish beer are black, red and gold, and in our traditionally minimalist fashion, we’ll be offering one keg of beer that roughly approximates each (Stone Imperial Stout, Upland Ard-Ri) while shunning other, more inauthentic forms of Hibernian revelry. Don’t forget: The third annual Celts on the River concert is at the New Albany Riverfront on Saturday, June 18.
Also:
March 15-16
First and second rounds
of the 2010 NCAA basketball tournament
March 17-20
Second and third rounds
of the 2010 NCAA basketball tournament
March 24-27
Regionals of the
NCAA basketball tournament
Saturday, April 2 & Monday, April 4
Final Four and Championship
of NCAA basketball
Friday, February 25
“Gravity Tailgate Breakfast”
In 2008, we convened early for gravity breakfast with Terry Meiners of WHAS television in Louisville. In 2009 and 2010, we tweaked the concept, and so breakfast starts at 7:00 a.m., when it’s actually legal to drink beer in Hoosierland. There’ll be doughnuts, breakfast snacks, Ed Needham's home-roasted coffee, the marvelous Sarah and Founders Canadian Breakfast Stout. What’s that? You didn't see it in the 2011 listing? That’s because we’ve been holding out on you.
Founders Canadian Breakfast
Founders Brewing Company
Grand Rapids MI
Alcohol by volume: 9.4%
www.foundersbrewing.com
Gravity Head Twist: What happens if Founders Breakfast Stout is aged in barrels that formerly held maple syrup? Well, you’re about to find out. Could there be a better choice to accompany Gravity Head Tailgate Breakfast?
No, there probably could not be, so stop by and get into the spirit before you go to work. C’mon, it’s Gravity Head: Why even go to work?
Friday, February 25
“Opening Ceremonies”
Regular hours and menu begin at 11:00 a.m. Members of the FOSSILS and LAGERS homebrewing/beer appreciation clubs enjoy preferred seating in the entire Prost room, beginning at 3:00 p.m. We’re expecting Lincoln Anderson of Three Floyds to join us later, and also Upland Brewing’s Cari Crowe, who’s bringing some Bourbon Barrel Winter Warmer. Stay tuned.
Saturday, February 26
“The Annual Patty & Larry Buckeye Contingent Visitation”
In the past, the Saturday afternoon arrival of these hardy perennial Buckeyes called for the tapping of a special wooden pin of cask-conditioned, barrel-aged JW Lees Vintage Harvest Ale, but this year, the tradition is being updated. In keeping with the All-American theme being observed and perpetuated:
NABC Willett Bourbon Barrel Chocolate Stout
New Albanian Brewing Company
New Albany IN
Alcohol by volume: 8++%
www.newalbanian.com
Gravity Head Twist: FOSSILS 20th Anniversary Chocolate Stout with chocolate three ways (malt, nibs and cocoa) and some raisins to round it out. Aged for six months in a freshly dumped wooden barrel from Willett bourbon (a.k.a., Kentucky Bourbon Distillers).
Consumption is open to all, not just the Ohioans. Look for all-day barroom duty,
Sunday, February 27
"Optional R & R"
The Pizzeria & Public House is closed. We’ve only just begun, so listen to your body. Drink liquids, rest, and avoid both lifting and the operation of heavy machinery. But, if you insist on living like a rock star: The Bank Street Brewery is open from Noon until 8:00 p.m., and the locally famous Build-Your-Own Bloody Mary Bar will be ready and willing to assist in your recovery from opening until 3:00 p.m. There’s also beer, carry-out growlers and Chef Josh Lehman’s stellar cuisine.
Monday, February 28 (and on into March)
“Office Hours w/the Publican”
Join the Publican for 6:30 p.m. Monday skull sessions. During Gravity Head, topics may have to do with gravity in the sense beers, not pure science. BJCP style definitions may apply. Cost is $5 or $10, depending on the topic.
Friday, March 11
“Cavalier & Founders”
John Host of Founders joins the gang from Cavalier Distributing (Indianapolis) for an evening of mannered sipping. We’ll save choice kegs of listed Founders to keep them happy.
Thursday, March 17
“St. Patrick’s Day”
Wearing of the green is one thing, but ingesting green-tinted swill is tantamount to wearing a badge that reads, “I’m neither Irish nor particularly bright – scoff at me.” The accepted colors of Irish beer are black, red and gold, and in our traditionally minimalist fashion, we’ll be offering one keg of beer that roughly approximates each (Stone Imperial Stout, Upland Ard-Ri) while shunning other, more inauthentic forms of Hibernian revelry. Don’t forget: The third annual Celts on the River concert is at the New Albany Riverfront on Saturday, June 18.
Also:
March 15-16
First and second rounds
of the 2010 NCAA basketball tournament
March 17-20
Second and third rounds
of the 2010 NCAA basketball tournament
March 24-27
Regionals of the
NCAA basketball tournament
Saturday, April 2 & Monday, April 4
Final Four and Championship
of NCAA basketball
Just in case you were wondering, it's a very good reason why.
Food & Dining Magazine's latest issue is on the street (and on-line; look at it here), and lest anyone ask why, permit me to inform readers of my column that this time around, I was bumped to make room for advertising. That's great news for the magazine, and it was my turn; I've not been "cut" in six years of writing columns, and I'm happy to make room for additional revenue.
Look for my column about Falls City in the May/June/July issue of Food & Dining, which will be out just before Derby.
Look for my column about Falls City in the May/June/July issue of Food & Dining, which will be out just before Derby.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Starting lineup for Gravity Head 2011: "A Stacked Deck is Gravity’s Rainbow."
Following are 16 of the 17 Gravity Head 2011 starters, to be tapped on Friday, February 25. The 17th will be chosen by fan vote, which begins on Monday, February 21. Information will be posted on Monday morning.
00. THREE FLOYDS - STYLE UNTO ITSELFThree Floyds Barrel Aged Moloko 2009 (Bourbon Barrel Baltic Milk Stout) 9.5% Three Floyds Behemoth 2010 (American Barleywine) 10.5%
Three Floyds Dreadnaught (Imperial India Pale Ale) 9.5%
Three Floyds Mikkeller Ruggoop (Rye Wine) 9.5%
Three Floyds Moloko (Baltic Milk Stout) 8%
Three Floyds Owd Engwish Bawley Whine (English Barleywine) 10.5%
Three Floyds The Creeper (Doppelbock) 9%
13F RUSSIAN IMPERIAL STOUTNABC Thunderfoot (2010) 10%
18C. BELGIAN TRIPELNABC Le Diable Blonde (2010) 10.7%
18E. BELGIAN DARK STRONG ALEBrooklyn Cuvee Noire 8.7%
19C AMERICAN BARLEYWINENABC Jaxon 11%
Sierra Nevada Bigfoot Barley Wine (2001) 9.6%
22C. WOOD-AGED BEERDogfish Head Burton Baton 10+%
23 SPECIALTY BEERBell’s Batch 9000 12.5%
Clipper City Heavy Seas Prosit 9%
NABC/O'Fallon/Schlafly C2 Collaboration Ale 10.7%
Now, read the fine print.
WINNER OF THE ANNUAL FAN VOTE:The annual vote to determine the final Gravity Head starter will begin on Monday, February 21. Choices will be drawn from remaining kegs in stock, with some of these excluded from the fan vote because they’re being saved for pouring at a later date during Gravity Head 2011.
SPECIAL NOTE: UNANNOUNCED BUT POURING ANYWAYAlso on tap at 7:00 a.m. on the 25th will be Founders Canadian Breakfast Stout, not listed among the official 2011 entries, but meant to serve as a pleasant surprise.
In addition to the Three Floyds contingent listed above, two non-gravity Three Floyds will be on tap on the 25th: Alpha King and a 1/6 barrel of Hell’s Black Intelligencer, an Oatmeal Stout infused with coffee.
Later in the evening on Friday, February 25, an unlisted keg of Upland Bourbon Barrel Winter Warmer will be tapped.
On Saturday afternoon, February 26, an unlisted keg of NABC Willett Bourbon Barrel Chocolate Stout will be tapped in honor of the visiting Daytonians, but is not restricted to them by any means.
On tap when Cavalier and John Host from Founders visit on Friday, March 11:Founders Backwoods Bastard 9.2%
Founders Black Biscuit 10.5%
Founders Breakfast Stout (2009) 8.3%
Founders Devil Dancer Triple IPA 12%
Founders KBS Kentucky Breakfast Stout 2010 11.2%
On tap for St. Patrick’s Day on Thursday, March 17:Stone Imperial Russian Stout (2009) 10.8%
Upland Ard Ri Imperial Red 9.3%
Barley Island's Muscles from Brussels, Humbugger and Damien temproarily are reserved pending a decision by the owner and brewers on which date they'll visit.
00. THREE FLOYDS - STYLE UNTO ITSELFThree Floyds Barrel Aged Moloko 2009 (Bourbon Barrel Baltic Milk Stout) 9.5% Three Floyds Behemoth 2010 (American Barleywine) 10.5%
Three Floyds Dreadnaught (Imperial India Pale Ale) 9.5%
Three Floyds Mikkeller Ruggoop (Rye Wine) 9.5%
Three Floyds Moloko (Baltic Milk Stout) 8%
Three Floyds Owd Engwish Bawley Whine (English Barleywine) 10.5%
Three Floyds The Creeper (Doppelbock) 9%
13F RUSSIAN IMPERIAL STOUTNABC Thunderfoot (2010) 10%
18C. BELGIAN TRIPELNABC Le Diable Blonde (2010) 10.7%
18E. BELGIAN DARK STRONG ALEBrooklyn Cuvee Noire 8.7%
19C AMERICAN BARLEYWINENABC Jaxon 11%
Sierra Nevada Bigfoot Barley Wine (2001) 9.6%
22C. WOOD-AGED BEERDogfish Head Burton Baton 10+%
23 SPECIALTY BEERBell’s Batch 9000 12.5%
Clipper City Heavy Seas Prosit 9%
NABC/O'Fallon/Schlafly C2 Collaboration Ale 10.7%
Now, read the fine print.
WINNER OF THE ANNUAL FAN VOTE:The annual vote to determine the final Gravity Head starter will begin on Monday, February 21. Choices will be drawn from remaining kegs in stock, with some of these excluded from the fan vote because they’re being saved for pouring at a later date during Gravity Head 2011.
SPECIAL NOTE: UNANNOUNCED BUT POURING ANYWAYAlso on tap at 7:00 a.m. on the 25th will be Founders Canadian Breakfast Stout, not listed among the official 2011 entries, but meant to serve as a pleasant surprise.
In addition to the Three Floyds contingent listed above, two non-gravity Three Floyds will be on tap on the 25th: Alpha King and a 1/6 barrel of Hell’s Black Intelligencer, an Oatmeal Stout infused with coffee.
Later in the evening on Friday, February 25, an unlisted keg of Upland Bourbon Barrel Winter Warmer will be tapped.
On Saturday afternoon, February 26, an unlisted keg of NABC Willett Bourbon Barrel Chocolate Stout will be tapped in honor of the visiting Daytonians, but is not restricted to them by any means.
On tap when Cavalier and John Host from Founders visit on Friday, March 11:Founders Backwoods Bastard 9.2%
Founders Black Biscuit 10.5%
Founders Breakfast Stout (2009) 8.3%
Founders Devil Dancer Triple IPA 12%
Founders KBS Kentucky Breakfast Stout 2010 11.2%
On tap for St. Patrick’s Day on Thursday, March 17:Stone Imperial Russian Stout (2009) 10.8%
Upland Ard Ri Imperial Red 9.3%
Barley Island's Muscles from Brussels, Humbugger and Damien temproarily are reserved pending a decision by the owner and brewers on which date they'll visit.
NABC Old Lightning Rod release party is today at BSB!
A reminder: Old Lightning Rod Day is today at NABC's Bank Street Brewhouse, Noon - 6:00 p.m. There'll be Colonial-style ale, food and music to celebrate Ben Franklin's birthday. Roger's dressing up for it, and you can, too. Wear garb remotely approximating Colonial and get a free Old Lightning Rod poster 9designed by Tony Beard).
Old Lightning Rod Day is Saturday, February 19, at Bank Street Brewhouse.
Tony's Official NABC Old Lightning Rod Day event poster.
Old Lightning Rod Day is Saturday, February 19, at Bank Street Brewhouse.
Tony's Official NABC Old Lightning Rod Day event poster.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Jared explains ReplicAle to Indianapolis readers.
NABC's Jared Williamson provides background for the 2011 Winterfest ReplicAle in Jason Larrison's piece in Indy's equivalent of Velocity: A simulation of suds (Special to Metromix; February 16, 2011)
New Albanian Brewing Co.’s Jared Williamson provided this winter’s recipe, based on a historic beer from New Albany’s Southern Indiana Ice and Beverage Co.
Ackerman’s Imperial Double Stout ReplicAle made its debut at the Winterfest beer festival Jan. 29 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. Sixteen Indiana breweries re-created the mildly hopped beer ...
... For those who missed the ReplicAles at Winterfest, or who want to revisit them, (nine versions of the beer) will be tapped at 6 p.m. Feb. 23 at the Tomlinson Tap Room in City Market, 222 E. Market St.
... Williamson will discuss the recipe and the process of re-creating a historic beer. “I’m a big fan of looking back and re-creating historical beers,” Williamson said. “Knowing and replicating our past brewers’ achievements and allowing the public to share in our celebration of brewing treasures of yesteryear — that is the essence of the project.”
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Wednesday Weekly: "Beer and council."
Glad to hear you’re running for city council. You should make grade-school promises of your beer filling the water fountains.-- Evan
Prior to 2004, local politics and municipal governance were not among my preferred topics. I could have provided a six-hour lecture on European beer history with numerous examples, and still not been able to name a single New Albany elected official other than the mayor.
As of tomorrow, I’ll be running as a Democrat for an at-large seat on the city council. The primary is on May 3. With a top three finish, I’ll go through to the general election in November, when voters choose three from a field of six candidates, divided evenly between Democrats and Republicans.
If you live within the city limits of New Albany, kindly consider voting for me, please. One of the reasons for running at-large is that there are many more people living citywide with whom I’ve shared good times and beers in the past than in my home district alone. At least, it strikes me as a reasonable assumption.
On Thursday there’ll be a link to my last column in the New Albany Tribune, where my musings will be on hiatus until the election results are final. My other blog seems the appropriate place to comment on the daily sensation of office-seeking, and so it’s my guess that the routine here will proceed as normal. It isn’t like I can take a leave of absence from work for campaigning. I wouldn’t even if I could.
As the accompanying photo plainly shows, I'm no graphic designer, but the notion of melding left-leaning politics with Progressive Pints always has appealed to me, although there is little purpose in arguing about whether the craft beer revolution is inherently left or right. My intellectual fermentables are brewed to one set of influences. Yours might well be different.
Mayor and now Governor John Hickenlooper might actually combine the two – or not: High hopes for one of our own in Colorado, fewer for the same tired faces in New Albany.
The NABC company logo may have to be removed from the pint glass, but maybe the keg lifter can stay. As I have been reminded, a kilt lifter might be a more clever reference in my working world, but there's already a beer by that name, and I’d hate to risk campaign copyright infringement.
Do I have a chance? I think so, at least in the primary, and more so if I can order a few additional “These Machines Kill Fascists” tees so that they can be a part of the daily campaign (by bicycle) wardrobe.
Whether I advance or not, it’s worth noting that already two local ministers, one of whom is a supporter of a group called Reclaim Our Culture Kentuckiana (ROCK), have filed to run as Republicans. They’ll be unopposed in the primary.
Why does this matter? Imagine ROCK as a sort of regional Moral Majority, leading crusades against various forms of wickedness as defined by their narrow Biblical interpretation, and trust me when I say that among the many “cultural” conditions the organization would like to “reclaim” is the halcyon era of Prohibition. It is the inexorable direction that all such extremist groups travel.
Elected or defeated, it is a personal priority to oppose ROCK's efforts. Craft beer excites me. Violations of church-state separation enrage me. Remember that.
I’ve spoken quite a lot lately about the arc of my epiphany. Steadily over a time, I’ve been drawn into re-examining almost every assumption about being in the beer business, and many, perhaps all, of these dialectics are intimately connected with a sense of place and the community in which we live and work. My business helps the community, and the community prefaces the business. All of it fits together, although I’m not always sure how. Now’s the time to keep pushing, and see where this path leads. Maybe it’s up, and maybe down. It might lead nowhere. But I’ve already been involved, and the step seems logical.
As the county clerk told me, “Why not? You go to most of the meetings anyway.”
Progressive Pints as strategy and tactics? Why not?
Take it away, Vincent.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Office Hours for Monday, February 14: Trappists for my sweetie on Valentine's Day.
Not fruity Lindemans, no.
For tomorrow night's Office Hours, we'll be switching the agenda I announced some time back, but which I'd already been contradicting aloud because I had it in my head that Trappists were going to be on Valentine's Day. They are. This is final. Remember that Trappists fall into various BJCP style categories. For Monday night the 14th, we're going to drink Trappists, chat about Trappists, and dispense with the usual style sheets, although I'll make an effort to note where they usually are placed.
Monday, February 21
Category 18 — Belgian Strong Ale (minus certified Trappists)
18A. Belgian Blond Ale
18B. Belgian Dubbel
18C. Belgian Tripel
18D. Belgian Golden Strong Ale
18E. Belgian Dark Strong Ale
For tomorrow night's Office Hours, we'll be switching the agenda I announced some time back, but which I'd already been contradicting aloud because I had it in my head that Trappists were going to be on Valentine's Day. They are. This is final. Remember that Trappists fall into various BJCP style categories. For Monday night the 14th, we're going to drink Trappists, chat about Trappists, and dispense with the usual style sheets, although I'll make an effort to note where they usually are placed.
Monday, February 14
Certified Trappist Ale Night
Monday, February 21
Category 18 — Belgian Strong Ale (minus certified Trappists)
18A. Belgian Blond Ale
18B. Belgian Dubbel
18C. Belgian Tripel
18D. Belgian Golden Strong Ale
18E. Belgian Dark Strong Ale
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Enjoy Gravity Head 2011 and help Matt and Amy jump into the river to benefit the Special Olympics.
Submitted and fully endorsed by NABC management. If you have questions, send them to me and I will redirect to Matt and Amy.
---
FREEZIN’ FOR A REASON
Don’t drive into the river … help Matt Nash and Amy Weatherford jump into the river.
Support Special Olympics & Polar Plunge 2011.
Matt Nash will be providing rides home from the NABC Pizzeria & Public House on opening night of Gravity Head 2011 between 8:00 p.m. and ?, with donations going to the Special Olympics.
*By special arrangement, Matt will taxi the visiting Daytonians on Saturday, February 26th!
THIS IS THE THIRD YEAR FOR DRIVING GH PARTICIPANTS! IT IS AN AMAZING OPPORTUNITY FOR US TO RAISE MONEY FOR SPECIAL OLYMPICS AND TO INSURE YOUR SAFETY.
The car has room for up to 4 people … (3 fit snug in back).
---
FREEZIN’ FOR A REASON
Don’t drive into the river … help Matt Nash and Amy Weatherford jump into the river.
Support Special Olympics & Polar Plunge 2011.
Matt Nash will be providing rides home from the NABC Pizzeria & Public House on opening night of Gravity Head 2011 between 8:00 p.m. and ?, with donations going to the Special Olympics.
*By special arrangement, Matt will taxi the visiting Daytonians on Saturday, February 26th!
THIS IS THE THIRD YEAR FOR DRIVING GH PARTICIPANTS! IT IS AN AMAZING OPPORTUNITY FOR US TO RAISE MONEY FOR SPECIAL OLYMPICS AND TO INSURE YOUR SAFETY.
The car has room for up to 4 people … (3 fit snug in back).
Friday, February 11, 2011
Will the 55 chosen Gravity Head participants please roll forward?
Updated at 10:44 a.m.
The total number of kegs expected for Gravity Head (which begins February 25) is 55, down from a peak of 70-something two years ago. We think 50's about right. Roughly 18 will be pouring when the doors open, and the rest will be thrown into the fray as the days pass.
This year is the first ever All-American gravity celebration. The beers are arranged by BJCP style category, except of course the 3F Contingent -- this year's headliner. With any luck at all, the Gravity Forms will be ready for downloading in about a week.
THREE FLOYDS - STYLE UNTO ITSELF
Three Floyds Barrel Aged Moloko 2009 (Bourbon Barrel Baltic Milk Stout) 9.5%
Three Floyds Behemoth 2010 (American Barleywine) 10.5%
Three Floyds Dreadnaught (Imperial India Pale Ale) 9.5%
Three Floyds Mikkeller Ruggoop (Rye Wine) 9.5%
Three Floyds Moloko (Baltic Milk Stout) 8%
Three Floyds Owd Engwish Bawley Whine (English Barleywine) 10.5%
Three Floyds The Creeper (Doppelbock) 9%
5C. DOPPELBOCK
Sun King Dominator Doppelbock 8.1%
13F RUSSIAN IMPERIAL STOUT
Dogfish Head World Wide Stout 18%
Founders Breakfast Stout (2009) 8.3%
Great Crescent Diabolicale/ReplicAle 8%
Left Hand Imperial Stout 10.4%
NABC Thunderfoot (2010) 10%
Rogue XS Imperial Stout 11%
Stone Imperial Russian Stout (2009) 10.8%
Upland Teddy Bear Kisses Russian Imperial Stout 10.2%
14C IMPERIAL INDIA PALE ALE
Bell’s HopSlam 10%
Dogfish Head 120 Minute IPA 18%
Founders Devil Dancer Triple IPA 12%
Founders Double Trouble IPA 9.4%
Ram “In Hops We Trust” 8.5%
16E. BELGIAN SPECIALTY ALE
Brugge Brasserie Quadripple 12%
Stone 10.10.10 Vertical Epic Ale 9.5%
18C. BELGIAN TRIPEL
NABC Le Diable Blonde (2010) 10.7%
18D. BELGIAN GOLDEN STRONG ALE
Barley Island Damien Strong Belgian Golden 8.9%
18E. BELGIAN DARK STRONG ALE
Brooklyn Cuvee Noire 8.7%
19B ENGLISH BARLEYWINE
Boulder Killer Penguin Barleywine 10%
Brooklyn Monster Ale 10.3%
19C AMERICAN BARLEYWINE
BBC (Main & Clay) Bearded Pat’s Barley Wine (2009) 11%
NABC Jaxon 11%
Rogue XS Old Crustacean Barley Wine (2009) Circa 11%
Sierra Nevada Bigfoot Barley Wine (2001) 9.6%
21B. CHRISTMAS/WINTER SPECIALTY SPICED BEER
Barley Island Humbugger Christmas Ale 9.3%
22C. WOOD-AGED BEER
Barley Island Barrel Aged Muscles From Brussels 10.3%
BBC (Shelbyville Road) Bourbon Barrel Wee Heavy 9.8%
Dogfish Head Burton Baton 10+%
Founders Backwoods Bastard 9.2%
Founders Black Biscuit 10.5%
Founders KBS Kentucky Breakfast Stout 2010 11.2%
Great Crescent Bourbon’s Barrel Stout 8%
Great Divide Espresso Oak Aged Yeti Imperial Stout 9.5%
Great Divide Oak Aged Yeti Imperial Stout 9.5%
Left Hand Oak-Aged Widdershins (2009) 8.8%
Sun King Russian Timmie Oak-Aged Imperial Stout 10%
23 SPECIALTY BEER
BBC (Shelbyville Road) Chocolate Wheatwine 10.6%
BBC (Shelbyville Road) Sam’s 'n' Adam's Bustin’ Lager 8.2%
Bell’s Batch 9000 12.5%
Clipper City Heavy Seas Prosit 9%
NABC/O'Fallon/Schlafly C2 Collaboration Ale 10.7%
Shmaltz He’Brew Jewbelation Bar Mitzvah (13) 13%
Sierra Nevada 30th Anniversary “Our Brewers Reserve” 9.2%
Stone Double Bastard Ale (2009) 10%
Two Brothers Bare Tree (2009) 10%
Upland Ard Ri Imperial Red 9.3%
Wilbur Brewhause Country Mellow 8%
The total number of kegs expected for Gravity Head (which begins February 25) is 55, down from a peak of 70-something two years ago. We think 50's about right. Roughly 18 will be pouring when the doors open, and the rest will be thrown into the fray as the days pass.
This year is the first ever All-American gravity celebration. The beers are arranged by BJCP style category, except of course the 3F Contingent -- this year's headliner. With any luck at all, the Gravity Forms will be ready for downloading in about a week.
THREE FLOYDS - STYLE UNTO ITSELF
Three Floyds Barrel Aged Moloko 2009 (Bourbon Barrel Baltic Milk Stout) 9.5%
Three Floyds Behemoth 2010 (American Barleywine) 10.5%
Three Floyds Dreadnaught (Imperial India Pale Ale) 9.5%
Three Floyds Mikkeller Ruggoop (Rye Wine) 9.5%
Three Floyds Moloko (Baltic Milk Stout) 8%
Three Floyds Owd Engwish Bawley Whine (English Barleywine) 10.5%
Three Floyds The Creeper (Doppelbock) 9%
5C. DOPPELBOCK
Sun King Dominator Doppelbock 8.1%
13F RUSSIAN IMPERIAL STOUT
Dogfish Head World Wide Stout 18%
Founders Breakfast Stout (2009) 8.3%
Great Crescent Diabolicale/ReplicAle 8%
Left Hand Imperial Stout 10.4%
NABC Thunderfoot (2010) 10%
Rogue XS Imperial Stout 11%
Stone Imperial Russian Stout (2009) 10.8%
Upland Teddy Bear Kisses Russian Imperial Stout 10.2%
14C IMPERIAL INDIA PALE ALE
Bell’s HopSlam 10%
Dogfish Head 120 Minute IPA 18%
Founders Devil Dancer Triple IPA 12%
Founders Double Trouble IPA 9.4%
Ram “In Hops We Trust” 8.5%
16E. BELGIAN SPECIALTY ALE
Brugge Brasserie Quadripple 12%
Stone 10.10.10 Vertical Epic Ale 9.5%
18C. BELGIAN TRIPEL
NABC Le Diable Blonde (2010) 10.7%
18D. BELGIAN GOLDEN STRONG ALE
Barley Island Damien Strong Belgian Golden 8.9%
18E. BELGIAN DARK STRONG ALE
Brooklyn Cuvee Noire 8.7%
19B ENGLISH BARLEYWINE
Boulder Killer Penguin Barleywine 10%
Brooklyn Monster Ale 10.3%
19C AMERICAN BARLEYWINE
BBC (Main & Clay) Bearded Pat’s Barley Wine (2009) 11%
NABC Jaxon 11%
Rogue XS Old Crustacean Barley Wine (2009) Circa 11%
Sierra Nevada Bigfoot Barley Wine (2001) 9.6%
21B. CHRISTMAS/WINTER SPECIALTY SPICED BEER
Barley Island Humbugger Christmas Ale 9.3%
22C. WOOD-AGED BEER
Barley Island Barrel Aged Muscles From Brussels 10.3%
BBC (Shelbyville Road) Bourbon Barrel Wee Heavy 9.8%
Dogfish Head Burton Baton 10+%
Founders Backwoods Bastard 9.2%
Founders Black Biscuit 10.5%
Founders KBS Kentucky Breakfast Stout 2010 11.2%
Great Crescent Bourbon’s Barrel Stout 8%
Great Divide Espresso Oak Aged Yeti Imperial Stout 9.5%
Great Divide Oak Aged Yeti Imperial Stout 9.5%
Left Hand Oak-Aged Widdershins (2009) 8.8%
Sun King Russian Timmie Oak-Aged Imperial Stout 10%
23 SPECIALTY BEER
BBC (Shelbyville Road) Chocolate Wheatwine 10.6%
BBC (Shelbyville Road) Sam’s 'n' Adam's Bustin’ Lager 8.2%
Bell’s Batch 9000 12.5%
Clipper City Heavy Seas Prosit 9%
NABC/O'Fallon/Schlafly C2 Collaboration Ale 10.7%
Shmaltz He’Brew Jewbelation Bar Mitzvah (13) 13%
Sierra Nevada 30th Anniversary “Our Brewers Reserve” 9.2%
Stone Double Bastard Ale (2009) 10%
Two Brothers Bare Tree (2009) 10%
Upland Ard Ri Imperial Red 9.3%
Wilbur Brewhause Country Mellow 8%
Tony's logo for Gravity Head Thirteen: A Stacked Deck is Gravity's Rainbow.
Questions are welcomed; this year's design is a fun metaphor-mixer, and truly a team effort, with Tony Beard's graphic vision yet again proving unstoppable. Note that for only the second time, GH 2011 t-shirts will be black.The final beer list for GH XIII.5 probably will be posted later this morning, so stay tuned.
Tony's Official NABC Old Lightning Rod Day event poster.
The only change so far from what was laid out earlier in the week is that owing to a licensing snafu, we may not be able to use the parking lot. But the party will still take place in the heated patio area and inside BSB itself.Old Lightning Rod Day is Saturday, February 19, at Bank Street Brewhouse.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Wednesday, February 09, 2011
Let the hilarity commence.
I promise to be a good boy, I swear. Nixon went to China. Maybe they'll come visit my establishment so I can have the pleasure of ... well, you know.From 2003: Now more than ever, absolute power corrupts Big Red Liquors absolutely.
Old Lightning Rod Day is Saturday, February 19, at Bank Street Brewhouse.
In 2011, the New Albanian Brewing Company has delayed the release of its much-anticipated annual batch of Old Lightning Rod in order that a more appropriate, "Colonial-Themed" party could be thrown.Accordingly, OLD LIGHTNING ROD DAY will take place at the Bank Street Brewhouse on Saturday, February 19 from Noon to 6:00 p.m.
OLD LIGHTNING ROD DAY
BANK STREET BREWHOUSE
415 BANK STREET
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 19
The Colonial Ale:
NABC Old Lightning Rod (see specs below)
OLR is a chance to taste the 18th-century flavor of Colonial-style American Ale. NABC unveiled its first version of Poor Richard's "Old Lightning Rod" on January 17, 2006, for the occasion of Benjamin Franklin's 300th birthday, when more than 100 breweries nationwide joined to brew a period recipe based on an award-winning formulation.
Old Lightning Rod has become one of NABC’s most popular seasonals, as brewed by Jared Williamson at the original NABC “garage” brewery on Grant Line Road.
On Old Lightning Rod Day, February 19, NABC’s daily beers also will be available at Bank Street Brewhouse, as will hard ciders and wines from the Thomas Family Winery, with selected spirits also on hand. Bring your empty growlers, and take Ben’s ale home with you.
The Colonial Food:
"His Lordship’s Beef" (Caterers of Fine Victuals)
Otherwise known as our great friend Steve Thomas of the Thomas Family Winery, will be cooking Colonial-style with the assistance of Chef Josh Lehman’s Bank Street kitchen. They’ll be cooking an entrée of Steak and Ale, with Ben Franklin’s favorite side items: Clapshot (turnips and potatoes in butter) and Pease (peas in chicken stock and butter, topped with fresh mint). The price is $12 per person, with the usual Bank Street menu resuming at 6:00 p.m.
The Colonial Music:
(TBA; I'll fill in this blank as soon as the ink on the contract dries.)
The Colonial Attire:
Come to the party dressed Colonially, and receive a free copy of Tony’s Beard’s revised and updated Old Lightning Rod poster, pictured above.
It's inside and out (on the covered and heated BSB patio), and we’re sorry, but
---
The Essay: NABC and Old Lightning Rod, by Roger A. Baylor
It wasn’t enough that Benjamin Franklin was a writer, inventor, businessman, statesman, patriot and all-purpose wit.
The creative Colonial-era legend somehow found time to drink beer, too.
In his writings, Franklin refers to the consumption of ale and describes various types of the fermented beverage, concluding that it was a healthy drink if consumed in moderation – an observation with which modern medical science concurs.
Even a teetotaler might be curious as to what these ales of old were like and how they were brewed, but unfortunately, substantive information is scant.
When the Benjamin Franklin Tercentenary, a non-profit group formed to organize the celebration for Franklin’s 300th birthday on January 17, 2006, began looking for an answer to this question, they found it by teaming with the Brewers Association, which commissioned a competition among professional brewers to formulate a Poor Richard’s Ale named for the famous Almanac.
Tony Simmons of Brick Oven Brewing produced the winning recipe, chosen by a panel of experts at the 2005 Great American Beer Festival. According to Simmons, his act of historical recreation was determined by the following factors:
Style ... Based on Franklin’s own writings, other period references and records of available raw materials, it is likely that he often drank tankards of a libation similar to Old Ale (England) or Strong Scotch Ale (Scotland).
Malt … “Low” (pale malt, similar to today’s Maris Otter or English floor malt) and “High” (darker malt, perhaps approximating a combination of what we now call Biscuit, Special Roast and Black) malts probably were used.
Adjuncts … During the Colonial era, imported malt was expensive and local barley crops were unpredictable, so the use of cracked maize and molasses in brewing was common.
Hops … Hop production in America did not begin in earnest until after Franklin’s passing, making it likely that traditional East Kent Goldings imported from England were the hops of choice.
Yeast … Not until the mid-19th century did modern scientific techniques unravel the mysteries of yeast, so it’s impossible to know very much about 18th-century yeast management. Simmons suggests that contemporary English or Scottish strains of yeast (low to moderate attenuation) will suffice to replicate Colonial fermentations.
The Brewers Association asked member breweries nationwide to join in the celebration of Benjamin Franklin’s 300th birthday by brewing a special batch of Poor Richard’s Ale and having it ready for serving on January 17, 2006.
The New Albanian Brewing Company's brewers at that time, Jesse Williams and Jared Williamson, followed the broad contours of Simmons's recipe, adding a few touches of their own like extra finishing hops and oak chips to add wooden barrel-conditioned character. They also suggested an alternative name, "Old Lightning Rod," which we've duly incorporated to identify the finished product.
The finished product is malty and on the sweet side, both expected owing to low hopping and the use of molasses and corn.
No Wednesday Weekly last week, nor this week. Apologies.
Just for the sake of housekeeping, you didn't miss last week's Wednesday Weekly column because there wasn't one. There won't be one this week, either, because I simply have too much going on to write, and it's tacky to keep posting reruns.
I hope to be back next week, perhaps (finally) with a formal column name for the new year.
I hope to be back next week, perhaps (finally) with a formal column name for the new year.
BSB Patio Friday: NABC's Willet Bourbon Barrel Chocolate Stout, Willett bourbon, Bourbon Society and J. Shepherd Cigars.
On Friday evening (February 11), we’re turning over the heated Bank Street Brewhouse patio to the Bourbon Society for an evening of Willett bourbon, NABC's Willet Bourbon Barrel Chocolate Stout, and cigars from J. Shepherd (kindly note that the dining area inside is entirely separated from the patio).
Fear not: The public is invited. Before I explain further, our good friend Timothy answers the question, “Who?”
Here’s the “What?”
Last year, NABC's Jared Williamson brewed a Chocolate Stout with chocolate three ways (malt, nibs and cocoa; formulated by Jesse Williams) and some raisins to round it out. A portion of the batch was aged for six months in a freshly dumped wooden barrel from Willett bourbon (aka, Kentucky Bourbon Distillers), and it will be ready for drinking on Friday as Willet Bourbon Barrel Chocolate Stout. A keg of the non-barrel aged Stout will also be on hand for the sake of comparison.
The Bourbon Society plans to have a representative (Drew and/or Hunter) from Willett/KBD on hand to promote the distillery and their whiskeys, as well as J. Shepherd Cigars. The story of Willett/KBD is fascinating; the distillery opened after Prohibition but ceased producing bourbon in the 1970’s (blending and vending continued); it was among the first to ship bourbon to the emerging Asian markets; and recently, a new generation of family members has stepped forward to inaugurate a whole new bourbon-making era for the venerable and adaptive distiller.
It’s a great story, and I hope to hear more on Friday. If Chef Josh has tasty cuts of beef on hand Friday night, it pretty much completes the scene, and my knees already are shaking.
All of it takes place at the heated Bank Street Brewhouse patio, and it begins at 6:00 p.m. and lasts until closing.
And remember: You’re invited.
Fear not: The public is invited. Before I explain further, our good friend Timothy answers the question, “Who?”
The official name is "The Bourbon Society," a non-profit organization devoted to the celebration of bourbon and its history. The organization puts on bourbon related events, does private barrel selections, and tours distilleries and whiskey related sites.
Here’s the “What?”
Last year, NABC's Jared Williamson brewed a Chocolate Stout with chocolate three ways (malt, nibs and cocoa; formulated by Jesse Williams) and some raisins to round it out. A portion of the batch was aged for six months in a freshly dumped wooden barrel from Willett bourbon (aka, Kentucky Bourbon Distillers), and it will be ready for drinking on Friday as Willet Bourbon Barrel Chocolate Stout. A keg of the non-barrel aged Stout will also be on hand for the sake of comparison.
The Bourbon Society plans to have a representative (Drew and/or Hunter) from Willett/KBD on hand to promote the distillery and their whiskeys, as well as J. Shepherd Cigars. The story of Willett/KBD is fascinating; the distillery opened after Prohibition but ceased producing bourbon in the 1970’s (blending and vending continued); it was among the first to ship bourbon to the emerging Asian markets; and recently, a new generation of family members has stepped forward to inaugurate a whole new bourbon-making era for the venerable and adaptive distiller.
It’s a great story, and I hope to hear more on Friday. If Chef Josh has tasty cuts of beef on hand Friday night, it pretty much completes the scene, and my knees already are shaking.
All of it takes place at the heated Bank Street Brewhouse patio, and it begins at 6:00 p.m. and lasts until closing.
And remember: You’re invited.
Gravity Head 2011 takes on a decidedly 3 Floydsian feel.
The 13th edition of Gravity Head begins on February 25th at NABC’s Pizzeria & Public House (3312 Plaza Drive, New Albany), and as we’ve been working diligently to ready the bastions for another assault, there have been a few surprises – none more appreciated than this amazing shipment of Three Floyds specialties.
Here are seven (count ‘em) rare treats from Munster, Indiana, and an eighth that falls just beneath the 8% Gravity Head threshold, but might be a fine choice to accompany the annual tailgate breakfast.
3F Gravity
Three Floyds Barrel Aged Moloko 2009 … Bourbon Barrel Baltic Milk Stout, 9.5% ABV ... Moloko (see below) aged in Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey barrels.
Three Floyds Behemoth 2010 … Barley Wine, 10.5% ABV ... Time-tested and forever shapely American-style Barley Wine.
Three Floyds Dreadnaught … Imperial India Pale Ale, 9.5% ABV ... Classic fruit, citrus and caramel combo with 99 IBUs of hop goodness.
Three Floyds Mikkeller Ruggoop … Rye Wine, 9.5% ABV ... The third collaboration with Mikkeller, each of the same style while experimenting with different ingredients (wheat, oats and now rye).
Three Floyds Moloko … Baltic Milk Stout, 8% ABV ... The name was borrowed from “A Clockwork Orange, and the beer is brewed with “golden naked oats” and lactose (milk sugar), with rounded, roasty and sweet malt notes.
Three Floyds Owd Engwish Bawley Whine … Barley Wine, 10.5% ABV
Warming and complex; all-British malt and hops.
Three Floyds The Creeper … Doppelbock, 9% ABV ... A special beer honoring Pelican, a Chicago metal band, on the band’s tenth anniversary.
3F Non-Gravity
Three Floyds Hell's Black Intelligencer … Espresso Oatmeal Stout, 6% ABV ... Brewed with Intelligencia espresso.
To Nick, Lincoln and all the rest of the 3F crew, we send humble thanks.
Now, the big question: How and when do we pour them? All at once, or at intervals during Gravity Head? It’s a nice problem to have, and we’ll be working on it.
Suggestions?
Here are seven (count ‘em) rare treats from Munster, Indiana, and an eighth that falls just beneath the 8% Gravity Head threshold, but might be a fine choice to accompany the annual tailgate breakfast.
3F Gravity
Three Floyds Barrel Aged Moloko 2009 … Bourbon Barrel Baltic Milk Stout, 9.5% ABV ... Moloko (see below) aged in Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey barrels.
Three Floyds Behemoth 2010 … Barley Wine, 10.5% ABV ... Time-tested and forever shapely American-style Barley Wine.
Three Floyds Dreadnaught … Imperial India Pale Ale, 9.5% ABV ... Classic fruit, citrus and caramel combo with 99 IBUs of hop goodness.
Three Floyds Mikkeller Ruggoop … Rye Wine, 9.5% ABV ... The third collaboration with Mikkeller, each of the same style while experimenting with different ingredients (wheat, oats and now rye).
Three Floyds Moloko … Baltic Milk Stout, 8% ABV ... The name was borrowed from “A Clockwork Orange, and the beer is brewed with “golden naked oats” and lactose (milk sugar), with rounded, roasty and sweet malt notes.
Three Floyds Owd Engwish Bawley Whine … Barley Wine, 10.5% ABV
Warming and complex; all-British malt and hops.
Three Floyds The Creeper … Doppelbock, 9% ABV ... A special beer honoring Pelican, a Chicago metal band, on the band’s tenth anniversary.
3F Non-Gravity
Three Floyds Hell's Black Intelligencer … Espresso Oatmeal Stout, 6% ABV ... Brewed with Intelligencia espresso.
To Nick, Lincoln and all the rest of the 3F crew, we send humble thanks.
Now, the big question: How and when do we pour them? All at once, or at intervals during Gravity Head? It’s a nice problem to have, and we’ll be working on it.
Suggestions?
Tuesday, February 08, 2011
Spotlight on NABC's amazing Reva at the restaurants forum.
We've always known that Reva Hagedorn's a rock star -- now it's common knowledge thanks to a post at the Louisville Restaurants Forum:
We try, Mike ... we try ... now don't go giving her a big head and all ... but seriously, Reva's been with us for a long time, and she's the best.
Just wanted to rave about Reva at Rich O's. She was the one that had to serve the party for my brother in law on Friday night. She ran her butt off taking care of our unruly party. Especially with so many people there drinking. Roger, I hope you take good care of her at the establishment.
We try, Mike ... we try ... now don't go giving her a big head and all ... but seriously, Reva's been with us for a long time, and she's the best.
Monday, February 07, 2011
Two links to hops tales.
That's right: Hops at Popular Mechanics:
And then there's the bad news, as reported at beernews.org:
10 Hop Varieties That Make American Beer Stand Out
Brewers engineered this craft revolution by embracing the best and most flavorful ingredients they could find. This means finding high-quality barley malt, the right yeast, fresh and appropriate water and, of course, the finest hops.
And then there's the bad news, as reported at beernews.org:
An interesting story about a returning hop crisis appeared on the Rogue Ales news wire on Friday: “The explosive popularity of hoppy beer has become bittersweet as the total American harvest was off 30% for the year, according to December’s USDA hop harvest report. Especially screwed now are those brewers relying on smaller-yield, aroma-centric American hops to make mainstream-barreling IPAs, since Simcoe, Citra and Amarillo are largely (if not totally) sold for the year.” It looks like a Beer Business Daily re-post so kudos goes to them for the reporting.
Sunday, February 06, 2011
Evolving fun with my beer tastings.
For many years, I’ve been doing guided beer tastings for small groups, most often for 6 – 10 persons. These tastings usually are donated; I provide the tasting certificates to be auctioned at charity fundraisers.
I’ve done them the same way for years, and now I’ve resolved to do them differently. The transformation began in December, with a tasting redemption party of 8, and continued yesterday evening, with a far larger group of 32.
Henceforth, my survey of beer styles will be all-draft, and all-American unless other wise specified. Most (if not all) will be NABC’s own beers. Last night, there were six NABCs and two others (one Rogue and one Tyranena). The commentary remains much the same, although there is more to say about our own beers.
The reception last night was gratifying, and I appreciate the crowd’s patience as I rehearsed new material with them as crash test beer drinkers.
I’ve done them the same way for years, and now I’ve resolved to do them differently. The transformation began in December, with a tasting redemption party of 8, and continued yesterday evening, with a far larger group of 32.
Henceforth, my survey of beer styles will be all-draft, and all-American unless other wise specified. Most (if not all) will be NABC’s own beers. Last night, there were six NABCs and two others (one Rogue and one Tyranena). The commentary remains much the same, although there is more to say about our own beers.
The reception last night was gratifying, and I appreciate the crowd’s patience as I rehearsed new material with them as crash test beer drinkers.
Thursday, February 03, 2011
NABC at Jeff Main Street's Chili & Beer fete on February 17.
On February 17, NABC will again take part in Jeffersonville Main Street's 6th Annual Chili & Beer Bonanza at KYE's II (500 Missouri Avenue, Jeffersonville).
If memory serves, last year our Chef Josh Lehman's green chili was the people's choice winner.
The format is like before: 20+ chili tastings, beer tastings (free sodas), live music and a silent auction. The party starts at 5:30 and continues through 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $20. For more information, visit online.
If memory serves, last year our Chef Josh Lehman's green chili was the people's choice winner.
The format is like before: 20+ chili tastings, beer tastings (free sodas), live music and a silent auction. The party starts at 5:30 and continues through 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $20. For more information, visit online.
Wednesday, February 02, 2011
Limited appearances of C2 out in the world.
We waited seemingly forever for a taste of C2, the product of last year's collaboration between brewers from New Albanian, O’Fallon and Schlafly.
C2 is a once in a lifetime treat, a Smoked Belgian Dark Strong aged in Port and Cabernet barrels and infused with figs. It took a long time to make, and was priced accordingly.
NABC released small amounts at both locations during N.A.B.Cieged 3, and it was tapped in Indianapolis for the Winterfest last weekend. We'll let more C2 out of the bag during Gravity Head (starts February 25), and Jared Williamson will be cellaring a small amount for use during future Gravity Heads.
Here's what I know about who else has received C2. Forgive and correct me if I've missed anyone, and remember that with the exceptions noted below, you'll have to ask them when they plan on tapping their kegs.
Sergio's World Beers
Holy Grale
Louisville Beer Store
Nachbar
Eiderdown
Release events are being planned now. On Friday, February 5, Louisville Beer Store will honor Firkin First Friday and the Trolley Hop by tapping its C2, along with a firkin of Henna, Jared's Black IPA, and believe me, those are two very good reasons to be there on Friday night.
Eiderdown C2 allotment will be part of a beer dinner, featuring a beer each from the three collaborating breweries as well as C2. Taking the collaboration concept one step further, the kitchens at Eiderdown and NABC will be collaborating on the menu.
Events at the other C2 locations are being planned by Josh Hill of NABC and Schlafly's local rep, Scott Shreffler.
C2 is a once in a lifetime treat, a Smoked Belgian Dark Strong aged in Port and Cabernet barrels and infused with figs. It took a long time to make, and was priced accordingly.
NABC released small amounts at both locations during N.A.B.Cieged 3, and it was tapped in Indianapolis for the Winterfest last weekend. We'll let more C2 out of the bag during Gravity Head (starts February 25), and Jared Williamson will be cellaring a small amount for use during future Gravity Heads.
Here's what I know about who else has received C2. Forgive and correct me if I've missed anyone, and remember that with the exceptions noted below, you'll have to ask them when they plan on tapping their kegs.
Sergio's World Beers
Holy Grale
Louisville Beer Store
Nachbar
Eiderdown
Release events are being planned now. On Friday, February 5, Louisville Beer Store will honor Firkin First Friday and the Trolley Hop by tapping its C2, along with a firkin of Henna, Jared's Black IPA, and believe me, those are two very good reasons to be there on Friday night.
Eiderdown C2 allotment will be part of a beer dinner, featuring a beer each from the three collaborating breweries as well as C2. Taking the collaboration concept one step further, the kitchens at Eiderdown and NABC will be collaborating on the menu.
Events at the other C2 locations are being planned by Josh Hill of NABC and Schlafly's local rep, Scott Shreffler.
Tuesday, February 01, 2011
Super Bowl Sunday at Bank Street Brewhouse: Asian Chicken Wings and to-go growlers.
Straight up, and as a prelude to what follows, kindly note that in the purest and most objective of senses, I believe that whenever Bank Street Brewhouse's Chef Josh Lehman has his Asian Chicken Wings on the menu, BSB is the place to go for wings -- in all of Kentuckiana.
Chef Josh has revealed that for the Super Bowl on February 6th, the BSB kitchen will be preparing Asian Chicken Wings for consumption both in-house, and carry-out. Not only that, but there'll be special Super Bowl pricing.
Your first dozen wings purchased on Super Bowl Sunday cost $9; nine is the total Super Bowl wins between the two teams, with the Green Bay Packers winning three, and the Pittsburgh Steelers six.
Each additional wing (after 12) will cost .45 cents apiece, this being Super Bowl XLV.
You must purchase the first dozen before the individual .45 cent wings can be purchased, and you are highly encouraged to call ahead for orders larger than two dozen.
If, like me, you're wondering why BSB's Asian Chicken Wings are so consistently good, here is Chef Josh's explanation.
Furthermore, if you ask me, the quality of chicken that Chef Josh uses is far above the local standard, and his wings are invariably plump, juicy and delicious.
Also on Sunday, don't forget that NABC's Bank Street Brewhouse is the only establishment in Floyd, Clark and Harrison counties (and points beyond in Southern Indiana) permitted to sell carry-out beer. The growlers should be going out the door quickly, and alongside those wings ... heavens. I might even be able to tolerate the idiotic commercials.
Chef Josh has revealed that for the Super Bowl on February 6th, the BSB kitchen will be preparing Asian Chicken Wings for consumption both in-house, and carry-out. Not only that, but there'll be special Super Bowl pricing.
Your first dozen wings purchased on Super Bowl Sunday cost $9; nine is the total Super Bowl wins between the two teams, with the Green Bay Packers winning three, and the Pittsburgh Steelers six.
Each additional wing (after 12) will cost .45 cents apiece, this being Super Bowl XLV.
You must purchase the first dozen before the individual .45 cent wings can be purchased, and you are highly encouraged to call ahead for orders larger than two dozen.
If, like me, you're wondering why BSB's Asian Chicken Wings are so consistently good, here is Chef Josh's explanation.
The chicken wings are brined for twenty four hours to impart moisture and flavor, deep fried, and then tossed in a mixture of hot chili sauce, sweet chili sauce, soy, sesame oil, ginger, coriander and rice wine vinegar.
Furthermore, if you ask me, the quality of chicken that Chef Josh uses is far above the local standard, and his wings are invariably plump, juicy and delicious.
Also on Sunday, don't forget that NABC's Bank Street Brewhouse is the only establishment in Floyd, Clark and Harrison counties (and points beyond in Southern Indiana) permitted to sell carry-out beer. The growlers should be going out the door quickly, and alongside those wings ... heavens. I might even be able to tolerate the idiotic commercials.
Support HB1093, to support artisanal Hoosier beer & wine sales at the Indiana State Fair.
The Hoosier Beer Geeks published this note from Anita Johnson (owner of the Great Fermentations homebrewing supply shop in Indianapolis). I echo the sentiment, and ask that Indiana readers drop a note to the representatives listed below. You can use the link to find your district's representative.
---
I usually do not ask the Great Fermentations customer base to support my charities or causes but because we have a shared interest in beer and wine, I am writing to ask for your help.
There is a bill before the Indiana House of Representatives, HB1093, which would change Indiana law to finally allow beer and wine to be sold at the fairgrounds during the Indiana State Fair. Preference would be given to our Indiana-based commercial brewers and winemakers. The fair is committed to responsible consumption by allowing beer and wine to be served and consumed only in designated “beer gardens” and not allowing over consumption to ruin the family atmosphere of the fair.
I whole-heartedly support this bill because I enjoy the fair. The additional revenue generated by alcohol sales will help to close recent reductions in the fair budget. But more importantly it will support and promote Indiana brewers and winemakers from across the state.
Unfortunately there is some opposition to even hearing the bill before the house committee. Representative Bill Davis of Jay County does not want to allow the bill to come to committee. If you agree with this bill, would you take a moment to email Rep. Davis, Rep. Brian Bosma and your own representative and let them know you not only support the hearing but the passage of this bill this year. Time is of the essence because the proposed hearing is Tuesday, February 1st.
I have included some suggested text if you want to copy and paste into an email or get inspired and write your own. You can find email addresses for all of state representatives here:
http://www.in.gov/cgi-bin/legislative/contact/contact.pl
For Representative Bosma:
I would like to ask you to encourage Rep. Davis about hearing HB1093 regarding allowing Indiana made beer and wine to be served on the fairgrounds during the Indiana State Fair. Because this will add revenue to the fair and support Indiana based businesses I see it as a win for the state.
For Representative Davis:
I would like to encourage you to bring HB 1093 before your committee. This bill addresses the availability of Indiana made beer and wine at the Indiana State Fair. Because this will add revenue to the fair and support Indiana based businesses I see it as a win for the state. The fair is committed to responsible consumption by allowing beer and wine to be served and consumed only in designated “beer gardens” and not allowing over consumption to ruin the family atmosphere of the fair. And I whole-heartedly support the bill and hope you will too.
---
I usually do not ask the Great Fermentations customer base to support my charities or causes but because we have a shared interest in beer and wine, I am writing to ask for your help.
There is a bill before the Indiana House of Representatives, HB1093, which would change Indiana law to finally allow beer and wine to be sold at the fairgrounds during the Indiana State Fair. Preference would be given to our Indiana-based commercial brewers and winemakers. The fair is committed to responsible consumption by allowing beer and wine to be served and consumed only in designated “beer gardens” and not allowing over consumption to ruin the family atmosphere of the fair.
I whole-heartedly support this bill because I enjoy the fair. The additional revenue generated by alcohol sales will help to close recent reductions in the fair budget. But more importantly it will support and promote Indiana brewers and winemakers from across the state.
Unfortunately there is some opposition to even hearing the bill before the house committee. Representative Bill Davis of Jay County does not want to allow the bill to come to committee. If you agree with this bill, would you take a moment to email Rep. Davis, Rep. Brian Bosma and your own representative and let them know you not only support the hearing but the passage of this bill this year. Time is of the essence because the proposed hearing is Tuesday, February 1st.
I have included some suggested text if you want to copy and paste into an email or get inspired and write your own. You can find email addresses for all of state representatives here:
http://www.in.gov/cgi-bin/legislative/contact/contact.pl
For Representative Bosma:
I would like to ask you to encourage Rep. Davis about hearing HB1093 regarding allowing Indiana made beer and wine to be served on the fairgrounds during the Indiana State Fair. Because this will add revenue to the fair and support Indiana based businesses I see it as a win for the state.
For Representative Davis:
I would like to encourage you to bring HB 1093 before your committee. This bill addresses the availability of Indiana made beer and wine at the Indiana State Fair. Because this will add revenue to the fair and support Indiana based businesses I see it as a win for the state. The fair is committed to responsible consumption by allowing beer and wine to be served and consumed only in designated “beer gardens” and not allowing over consumption to ruin the family atmosphere of the fair. And I whole-heartedly support the bill and hope you will too.