Fetch your calendars for NABC's forthcoming week in beer.

Here comes another weekend packed with craft beer events. I'll try to use this space each week to preview the busiest summer schedule in NABC's history. Are you ready?

THURSDAY, JUNE 2

In Huntingburg:
Dubois County Bombers vs. Nashville Outlaws
It's summer collegiate-level baseball, and NABC is on tap at League Stadium in Huntingburg as the Bombers begin the Prospect League season. Look for Beak's Best, Community Dark and Tafel Bier at the Craft Beer Bullpen down the third base line. From New Albany, it's about an hour's drive down scenic I-64 to Dubois County.

FRIDAY, JUNE 3

In New Albany:
Schad Bash: Rock for Rauch 2011
The law office of Schad & Schad is right across the parking lot from Bank Street Brewhouse, and we're happy to join the fun at the first annual Schad Bash, which begins at 8:00 p.m. Music will be provided by the Louisville Crashers, and Rosa L. Stumblebus will be on hand for the pouring of NABC drafts. The beneficiary is Rauch, Inc., for 63 years providing opportunities for the physically and mentally handicapped in Southern Indiana.

In Lawrenceburg, Indiana:
First Friday "Party in the Street"
Our brewing friends from Great Crescent (Aurora) and Powerhouse (Columbus) will be vending Indiana-brewed craft beer, including some of NABC's -- Dan from GCB brokered the deal, and we're thanking him for thinking about us.

SATURDAY, JUNE 4

In Clarksville, Indiana:
6th Annual Keg Liquors Fest of Ale
Keg Liquors owner Todd Antz didn't waste time complaining when he learned that the BIG fest in Bloomington was to be held on the same day as his own gathering. He just went out and assembled the best Fest of Ale lineup ever, including this year's newest innovation: The House of Hops. Rock on, Todd, and read this news item from Daniel Suddeath in the News and Tribune: Hey you, beer me! Fest of Ales set for Saturday.

In Bloomington, Indiana:
First Annual Bloomington Craft Beer Fest
Formerly Rad Fest at Upland Brewing, this event has morphed into an officially sanctioned Brewers of Indiana Guild fest, and more than 30 of Indiana's 40-ish breweries are expected to attend, including the newest of the bunch. Purely exhaustive information can be found here, and tickets are on sale now.

In New Albany, Indiana (also on Sunday):
Fifth Annual Art on the Parish Green
St. Paul's Episcopal Church, located just around the corner from my house, is the oldest Episcopalian congregation in Indiana, dating back approximately 175 years. For Art on the Parish Green, the church's lovely historic grounds are given over to a multitude of arts and crafts, with live music, food and NABC beer. It takes place on Saturday and Sunday, and you can let them know you're coming at the Art on the Parish Green Facebook site.

SUNDAY, JUNE 5

In (outside of) Greenville, Indiana:
Capriole Spring Open House
It's the semi-annual open house at Capriole Farms, makers of the sublime goat cheese, without which my household would cease to function in a culinary sense. I'll be there, packing NABC beers for pairing with goat cheeses, and using the cheat sheet that Chef Matt and I devised last week. My advice is to get there early, because folks come from miles around for this one.

In Huntingburg:
Dubois County Bombers vs. Danville Dans

In New Albany:
Fifth Annual Art on the Parish Green

Am I forgetting anything? Let me know.

This Sunday's Capriole Spring Open House is postponed until June 5.

Earlier in the week I surveyed the events schedule: NABC is all over the map this coming weekend (May 20, 21 & 22).

I've since learned that Sunday's Capriole Spring Open House in Greenville is being postponed until Sunday, June 5, owing to soggy grounds. Anyone who's been to previous open houses amid the goats and greenery will recall that vehicles are parked on the farm fields and the lawn, and these are soaked; hence the postponement. But I'll be there with the cheeses on the 5th of June, pairing and pouring NABC samples.

NABC is all over the map this coming weekend (May 20, 21 & 22).

It’s that time of year, folks. Calendars get crowded, feet begin hurting, sweat pours down in buckets, and livers cry out in primal agony. Festival season is here. We bitch about it, but rest assured, we love every craft-beer-soaked-moment.

In metro Louisville, Derby Festival serves as one seasonal bookend, although it’s usually the third weekend of May when festival solicitations really start to flow. 2011 is no exception, so here’s a quick guide to where we’ll be serving NABC craft beer this coming weekend. We're splitting squads, calling up the reserves, and trying to make beer available when and where we can.

Friday, May 20

Madison IN: Opening night for the 6th Annual Ohio River Valley Folk Festival in Madison, Indiana. Gates open at 5:00 p.m., and musical headliners this year include The Greencards, David Bromberg Quartet and Carrie Newcomer. Once again, we’ll share beer vending duties with our friends from Upland Brewing Company (Bloomington IN). On Saturday, we’ll be joined by Dan and the crew from Great Crescent Brewing in Aurora.

Louisville KY: The 3rd Annual Louisville Loves Mountains block party will take place on Longest Avenue in the Highlands (by Heine Brother’s Coffee and Carmichael’s Bookstore). The event benefits Kentuckians For The Commonwealth, and celebrates Kentucky’s mountain beauty and heritage. Wendell Berry is this year’s special guest speaker. NABC’s Rosa L. Stumblebus (our draft truck) will be on hand with Tafel and Elector, and the crew from BBC (Main & Clay) will also be pouring during the event.

Saturday, May 21

Madison IN: The Ohio River Valley Folk festival starts at 11:00 a.m. and continues until around 10:00 p.m.

Sunday, May 22

Madison IN: The Ohio River Valley Folk festival starts at 1:30 p.m. and continues until about 7:00 p.m.

Louisville KY: The 3rd Annual Buy Local 1st Fair is from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Water Tower off River Road. The fair is sponsored by the Louisville Visual Arts Association, in conjunction with Grasshoppers Distribution and the Louisville Independent Business Alliance. NABC will be there with Rosa, and we expect other local brewers to attend, too. ValuMarket is the beer tent sponsor, and fair attendees will receive a coupon good for a free empty growler suitable for filling at ValuMarket's growler station.

Greenville IN: Capriole Spring Open House is at the beautiful farmstead from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. This year, the theme is “Cheese! Cheese! Cheese!,” with goat cheeses, condiments and accoutrements alongside a sampling of NABC beers poured by the Publican. It costs $10 person and $5 for children under 12, and I highly recommend you visit the web site for details and/or call for further information.

Is that enough to kick off summer?

From Capriole Farms: "We know our customers, because we are our customers."

Is there any more renowned artisanal product from Floyd County than Capriole Farmstead Goat Cheeses? I can only wish that some day, NABC is recognized for excellence in brewing in the way that Capriole sets the standard for cheese making.

The text reprinted here is from Judy Schad, and was included in Capriole's most recent e-newsletter. It is a concise statement of principle from a craft producer, and something that all of us can seek to emulate in our own fields.

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Thanks for 2009 . . . hello 2010

We want to thank all of you who have supported us this past year--a tough one for many of us. After years milking goats and making cheese, we seriously wondered if we would be here at the end of the year, and if a small, specialty cheese company like ours could really survive the downturn and economic crunch?

At the end of the 2009, we were comforted to see that the worrying, belt tightening, and planning had paid off. Thanks to you, we're still here.

Our niche has always been that we do it all here on the farm, from tilling and harvesting the fields to raising our own animals, from using only our own quality milk to hand crafting the very best cheeses we can at an affordable, sustainable price. This makes us very different from large companies who can order milk from other producers. The farm and creamery are a demanding circle where every piece impacts the next one and the one after that. We must stay small enough to maintain this fragile continum in this very special place. If we have too many animals, make too many different cheeses, tax the land beyond what it can sustain for future generations, it fails. There is no place for greed in this equasion. We must give back what we take out.

This coming year we're working with the Natural Resouce and Conservation Service to plant wetland strips to control environmental impact from waste and run-off. We're also planning some meat products to utilize young, cull animals that can't make it in the dairy herd. At the same time we'll continue to be monitored by Certified Humane, who are stringent in their requirements but affirm our own years of practice. All these things are very important to our customers, but, most of all, to us.

In 2010 we will reaffirm what we've known since we began milking goats and making cheese over 22 years ago. We know our customers, because we are our customers.

Sincerely,

Judy Schad, Capriole

My liver's suing for separate maintenance -- again.

Once again, the weekend is packed with events and items of note, most of them taking place in and around New Albany.

I'm told that the new Dueling Grounds Cafe is open for patronage in advance of tomorrow's bigger event, the 5th Anniversary of Destinations Booksellers on Sunday, October 18. For some of you, there'll be time for Bloody Marys on the Bank Street patio before the book 'n' coffee fete, but the Curmudgeons will pass on tomato juice in favor of goat cheese: Capriole Farm's Fall Open House in Greenville. Both surface temps and foliage should be grand, and there'll be wine from Oliver Winery in Bloomington.

In other weekend event news, Lupulin Land Harvest Hopcoming is under way at NABC's Public House & Pizzeria, and the BBC Taproom (Main & Clay in downtown Louisville) is staging its Volksfest today. For the latter, Clay Street is shut down, and there is a roster of draft Oktoberfests as well as appearances by Louisville metro breweries (NABC will have Hoptimus on hand).

As a final note, the NABC staff made a lunchtime sales call to the new Wick's on State yesterday (Friday), and when we left at 12:25 p.m., I counted 95 customers dining in or carrying out. That's very impressive, especially since we'll have Elector on tap there at some point early in the coming week.

Capriole Farms and NABC cheese/beer tasting this Saturday at Bank Street Brewhouse.

There's confirmation that our Capriole Farm/NABC goat cheese & craft beer tasting is a go for Saturday, October 10 at 2:00 p.m. We'll set up inside the Bank Street Brewhouse (415 Bank Street in downtown New Albany).

Both Larry and Sam Schad from the Capriole family will be on hand to guide the cheese side of the sampling, and I'll handle the NABC end along with other members of the brew and kitchen teams who are free to take part. The occasion is resolutely informal, and there's no charge.

Note that during our Fringe Fest (Thursday through Saturday this week), we're not offering the normal menu at Bank Street Brewhouse. Rather, Chef Joshua Lehman and Sous Chef Andrew Gunn will be serving a special Fringe Fest menu beginning lunchtime on the 8th, 9th and 10th:

• Pommes Frites deep-fried in duck fat, choice of aoeli or curry sauces
• Confit Leg of Duck with Flageolet Beans
• Green Chili using fresh Pumpkin from the Farmers' Market

Last Week in Review

By John Campbell

OK, OK. I get it. I am a lousy, inconsistent blogger and a poor substitute for the man himself. Please stop the harassing e-mails and personal messages to my social networking accounts (although I did like this one: "You were steady for a while last week, but nothing since Monday. What the fuck?"). Well, today turned out to be a "work" day, so I might as well keep up the momentum.

Here's what's been happening in Roger's absence:

In preparation for our impending beer distribution to corners far and wide, Gregg Rochman and I took a trip to meet New Albanian's potential Indiana distributor, World Class Beverage. Sitting down with Jim Schembre (the man behind the WCB mission) is always an educational experience and this session was not a disappointment. WCB seems to be a better choice than Indiana's other highly-reputed distributor, Cavalier, but it's only the second inning. Meanwhile, we've already selected River City (shown below) as our Louisville distributors.

River City's Ryan Burke and John Harris living large at last year's BBC/New Albanian Volksfest

Since we're on the subject of distribution and snotty messages to my personal accounts...No. I have not done away with Roger in order to take over the Potable Curmudgeon. I do not enjoy writing anymore (ok, I kinda do, but still, no).

I don't know how he maintains this blog in addition to his regular columns for the Tribune, LEO, and Food & Dining, and has time for the little things like, you know, building a brewery.

So, yes, he is enjoying a much needed vacation, but it doesn't mean he stops working. I have proof that he is alive, still writing, and working diligently for the cause. Here's the message I received from the Commandante this morning:

Greetings

Yesterday I was introduced to Mikkel, i.e., the fellow behind Mikkeller
beers. He runs an off premise specialty beer shop with his brother in
downtown Copenhagen, has an importing company so that he can bring in the beers he wants, and also brews his own at various sites. You can look them
up on Rate Beer or Beer Advocate.

We sampled the Oatgoop he brewed at Three Floyds, and it was excellent.
While Kim and I were shopping the unbelievable selection, he took my
business card and googled NABC, emerging to ask when he could begin
selling Thunderfoot in Denmark.

I said as soon as we get it in giant cans, which thrilled him. So, we have
an account here as soon as we can supply it.

See, I told you they're 'working' trips.

NABC, soon to come to Louisvile, Indiana and Copenhagen.

R
And there you have it.

Also in last week's news, Destinations Booksellers, located just a block from the Bank Street Brewhouse, hosted a public poetry slam last Wednesday night with the wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Reservoir Dogwoods.


Everything else is plugging along nicely. David and Jesse have the giant, drive-in keg cooler fully assembled, brewery construction continues, Jared is brewing strong at the Plaza Drive location and just released Jenever, our light-bodied, summer rye. We blew through two kegs in the first two days. It is now on tap at both New Albanian locations and at The Windsor on Market and Bank in Downtown New Albany.

Bob Ostrander, founder of Indanabeer.com, (below) showed his fuzzy face at the Bank Street Brewhouse on Friday afternoon for a pint of Pheonix and some mussels before heading to the north side compound formerly known as Rich O's for the real throw down.


Saturday, I took the day off. I did, however, spend some time rummaging through photos of the Bank Street project. Here's one from this time last year:


Today, I spent the afternoon at the Capriole Farm pouring healthy samples of Community Dark and Elector during their annual open house. Capriole is the second most serene place in which I've been fortunate enough to spend an afternoon. Last year Roger, Diana, and I attended the event and dined on fine cheeses and salad greens picked that very morning. I was a bit sad to be going on my own this year, but an afternoon at Capriole isn't complete without a New Albanian Ale.

To my surprise, nearly the entire Bank Street Brewhouse staff showed up with brewer Jared (below) and Chef Josh. A great way to end another week as a New Albanian.


Be warned, Denmark. we're coming your way.

SAVOR in DC this weekend, and NABC will be there.

Brewers Jesse Williams and Jared Williamson of the New Albanian Brewing Company will be traveling to Washington, D.C., this weekend to man the NABC booth at SAVOR (see details below), which is a big-ticket effort on the part of the craft brewing industry to lay claim to turf previously thought to be the exclusive domain of wine – namely, pairing good food with good beer, and not pretending that America’s biggest-selling megabrews even matter at all when it comes to such considerations.

And hoppy ale’s still better with hot wings than mass-market beer.

But I digress.

Given the prestigious nature of this inaugural event (we’re one of only 48 breweries participating), it’s quite exciting to have another local craft producer, Capriole Farms, included under the auspices of SAVOR. We were asked to make pairing recommendations, and suggested Capriole’s heavenly Mont St. Francis goat cheese to accompany our Hoptimus double IPA. Our wish was SAVOR's command.

I would have like to attend SAVOR, not so much to schmooze, but to tickle the taste buds, but we’d already committed to the annual Ohio River Valley Folk Festival in Madison (IN) this weekend. Rest assured that Jesse and Jared will do just fine without me along for the ride. Meanwhile, John Campbell and I are free to beervangelize in Madison on Friday and Saturday, then motor to Greenville on Sunday for Capriole’s annual Spring Farm Day. DC or no DC, it isn’t looking like a weight-loss weekend for the Publican.

Here’s the full press release from the organizers of SAVOR.

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SAVOR: An American Craft Beer & Food Experience Comes to Nation's Capital in May

Independent Craft Brewers Harmonize Beer and Food Showcasing Why Craft Beer is So Sought After

Boulder, CO – March 7, 2008 - Four dozen independent craft brewers have been selected to showcase the pleasures of fine food enjoyed with world-class beer in Washington, D.C., May 16-17. SAVOR: An American Craft Beer & Food Experience will highlight the culinary delights of beer as part of the Brewers Association's annual American Craft Beer Week

“SAVOR offers a truly unique opportunity to be personally served by many of America’s most innovative and famous brewery owners and brewers," said Julia Herz, a spokesperson for the association. "Meeting the makers, access to the educational salons, and the pairing menu are why SAVOR is a must attend event.

http://www.savorcraftbeer.com/

Today, American beers are judged to be among the world’s best and have earned a respected place at the table alongside wine. In fact, two-thirds of today’s wine drinkers also consume beer. In the summer of 2007, National Public Radio observed, "Beer has gone from the House of Commons to the House of the Lords.” Additionally, in July 2007, Gallup Poll confirmed beer is still the most popular adult beverage in the U.S. ¹

SAVOR tickets are available to the public for three different tasting sessions scheduled May 16th and 17th at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium in Washington D.C. Tickets are $85 each and will include a wide variety of sweet and savory appetizers crafted to match the taste profiles of craft beers. Federal City Caterers, who have catered many State Department functions and Congressional receptions, will orchestrate the food menu.

In addition to the main attraction of sampling in the great hall, SAVOR will also feature educational salons, which will offer live presentations by brewers, journalists and chefs who have helped advance the American craft beer revolution.

Scheduled speakers include: Sam Calagione of Dogfish Head Craft Brewery; Jim Koch of Boston Beer; Dave Lieberman of Here’s To Beer; Randy Mosher author of “Radical Brewing”; Marnie Old, Assistant Dean of Wine Studies at the French Culinary Institute; Garrett Oliver, Brewmaster of The Brooklyn Brewery; Hugh Sisson of Clipper City; and several savvy cross drinkers including Lauren Buzzeo of Wine Enthusiast magazine; Ray Isle of Food & Wine magazine; and Ken Wells of Conde’ Nast Portfolio.

Jimmy Reyes of Reyes Beverage Group, Supporting Partner of the event, said, "This is going to be a tremendous celebration. Everyone from true beer aficionados to those who simply enjoy flavorful food and drink will take pleasure in a day of rubbing shoulders and sharing craft beer with acclaimed American brewers in Washington D.C., a beer-loving city since its inception."