The advent of THE BEER BEAT, and three links to it.

Previously, I explained several reasons why this blog is going on hiatus, indicating that my thoughts on beer will be posted alongside my thoughts on everything else, at NA Confidential. You'll find them there via the all-purpose tag, The Beer Beat.

However, whenever the urge strikes, I'll collect a few of these links here. First, a flashback.

THE BEER BEAT: Addressing diversity in "craft" beer, with Naughty Girl once again on the wrong side of the debate.

Let’s put an old saw to the test: Is it really true that any publicity is good publicity?

Specifically, if a New Albanian Brewing Company beer and beer label, as conceived on my watch in 2011, appears alongside an article by a national recognized blogger in 2016 and then is linked on Facebook by a brewing superstar, that’s wonderful, right?

Next, when good people succeed.

THE BEER BEAT: Localism in action, from Big Woods to Quaff On, now also Hard Times.

I've always like the people at this company, and it's been instructive to watch as they've expanded the business, geographically and in terms of product lines.

Finally, saying what you mean and meaning what you say.

THE BEER BEAT: Words like "local" and "unique," and beers for cold weather.

According to what I'm hearing, Flat12 as currently constituted has no plans to brew in Jeffersonville. Of course, this could change.

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Big Woods Brewing Company in Nashville, Indiana.

On September 21st, when Graham's truck was the chosen vehicle for a beer-buying road trip through Southern Indiana, our second stop was Big Woods Brewing Company in Nashville, Indiana. From Needmore, there is no direct route to Nashville; rather, looking out from the back porch at Salt Creek Brewery, one sees only the woods and hills comprising the combined acreage of Hoosier National Forest, Lake Monroe and Brown County State Park. We drove north to Bloomington, skirted the city on the southeast, and headed for Nashville, arriving in time for lunch. Above is the tiny original brewhouse. A larger one now operates across the alley from the original building, and the hand-filling of bottles was underway as we examined the layout.

Nashville itself is like a pocket Gatlinburg, and very much the arts, crafts and resort-type community. There was excellent food, beer and hospitality behind this chalet-style entrance to the Big Woods restaurant and taproom. I had a nitro stout ideal for the cool day, and the brewery's signature beer, Busted Knuckle, was my choice for the showcase. It's a 7.2% "light" Porter or Brown (according to the brewery) and reminiscent of certain Scottish-style ales (according to me).