Tyler and Lori and the great places they've created.

I've said it before, and will repeat it now.

I live vicariously through what Lori Beck, Tyler Trotter and their staff have achieved at the Louisville Beer Store, Holy Grale, and the Gralehaus. They've painstakingly realized ideas that are great fun to conjecture over endless servings of ale, but far harder to actually achieve in the real world.

Trust me on this point.

They've implemented and refined these great ideas and brought them to fruition. They've earned the plaudits they receive now and in the future. Now, read this fine profile of Tyler, Lori and their world(s).

Hauses of the holy: How Tyler Trotter and Lori Beck amassed the beer trifecta — Louisville Beer Store, Holy Grale and Gralehaus, by Sarah Balliet (LEO Weekly)

Lori Beck and Tyler Trotter are the power couple behind the Louisville Beer Store, the Holy Grale bar and restaurant, and the new Gralehaus cafe. Bringing a taste of Europe to Louisvillians — who can be fiercely loyal to Kentucky bourbon and Southern culinary traditions — is, in a word, gutsy. And they’ve taken some heat for it. When they opened the Louisville Beer Store in 2009, reviews were peppered with words like “pretentious” and “hipster.” Their growing pains have most recently included a two-year legal battle with a distributor, which Beck and Trotter are slogging through to keep their doors open. (Since they are still under scrutiny, that story will unfold later this year).

Local De Struise collaborations go on tap tonight at the Louisville Beer Store.

Tyler Trotter at the Louisville Beer Store says it all at Facebook. Let's just say that there's no shortage of hops in any of these fine beers.

De Struise (KY Derby) collaborations **Release Party**

We will be releasing three of the collaboration beers that Urbain Coutteau (De Struise Brouwers Brewmaster) brewed while he was in town visiting for the KY Derby. At 5 p.m. we will have the following beers on tap:

*Three Floyds/Struise Shark Pants (Double Belgian IPA)
*NABC/Struise/LBS Naughty Girl (Blonde IPA)
*NABC/Struise/LBS B'Urban Trotter (Double IPA with Bourbon & Mint)

***We will also have 22oz. bottles of Naughty Girl for sale***

Come say thank you and goodbye to Jared Williamson (NABC Brewmaster) on his last night in town before he moves to St. Louis to brew for Schlafly.

Urbain madness at LBS and Holy Grale, tonight and tomorrow -- and with NABC casks.

Reprinted below is the plan and pertinent details for Urbain "Struise" Coutteau's whereabouts tonight and tomorrow, at Louisville Beer Store and Holy Grale. NABC's contribution to the festivities are cask-conditioned Henna Black IPA and Yakima Rye IPA at LBS tonight, and yet another Yakima at Holy Grale on Saturday.

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Friday, May 6th (Derby Eve & Trolley Hop)-
DUB & GRUB at Louisville Beer Store
with special guests: Urbain Coutteau of Struise, John Host of Founders and the
3 Floyds crew
Starts at 7:00 p.m.
Jamaican food by Dirk Woods
Music by World Force Reggae (DJ's Ibuka & Basil)
Special tap line-up with beers from Struise, Founders, 3 Floyds, NABC and more!
*outdoor seating (music and food) is weather permitting

Saturday, May 7th - 1st annual DERBY BEER BALL
with special guests: Urbain Coutteau of Struise, John Host of Foundersand the
3 Floyds crew
Starts at 7:00 p.m.
Beer inspired snack menu ... we will cook good things to eat in beer
Track/garden attire preferred
Special tap line-up with beers from Struise, Founders, 3 Floyds, NABC and more!
*RSVP NOW, limited space available, email names in party to:
info(at)louisvillebeerstore.com

Lori has posted more details about The Urbain exchange: Struise meets the Midwest.

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.

Loiusville Beer Store's new venture on Bardstown to have frites feel.

Important news at the Consuming Louisville blog. Go there for the whole story.

Louisville Beer Store Folks Making Bardstown Road Even Better

You know I don’t drink beer but you know what I do like a lot? Gastropubs that serve great pomme frites and interesting pub food. The great minds behind the Louisville Beer Store are bringing great pomme frites (and an amazing beer list and special food and beer pairings and just awesomeness in general) to Bardstown Road.

All the details aren’t set in stone yet but I asked Lori from LBS to give me just a little hint about what to expect from this new venture ...

"Bell’s ON! = 13 Bell’s Brews on Tap at Louisville Beer Store to kick off Forecastle."

(Submitted ... for inquiries, please contact Lori Beck at the Louisville Beer Store)

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Bell’s ON! = 13 Bell’s Brews on Tap at Louisville Beer Store to kick off Forecastle

Louisville Beer Store will feature thirteen Bell's Brewery brews on draft at this "unofficial Forecastle kick-off party” on Thursday, July 8th from 12pm to 2am. Forecastle Festival is a 3-day music festival on the Louisville Waterfront (July 9th-11th) featuring bands like Devo, Flaming Lips, Smashing Pumpkins, and more.

The Forecastle closing party, Bell’s on the Belle, will celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Bell’s Brewery with music by Ana Sia & Big Gigantic atop the historic Steamboat, the Belle of Louisville.

About the Event BELL’S ON!

Date/Time: Thursday, July 8th (noon – 2am)

Location/Address: Louisville Beer Store (746 East Market Street, Louisville, KY 40202)

More info about LBS

Laura Bell (Bell’s Marketing Director) & Veronica Sanders (Bell’s representative) will be at the store to celebrate this special showcase of Bell's most tasty collection of ales & lagers. Also, DJ Chef Jeff will be spinning records and cooking food on the grill for your pleasure! The beer menu includes:

· Hopslam
· Batch 9000 (Imperial Stout)
· Bourbon Barrel Hell Hath No Fury
· Rye Stout
· Expedition Stout (firkin)
· Oberon
· Two Hearted Ale
· Oarsman Ale (Berliner Weisse)
· Sparkling Ale (Belgian Strong)
· Poolside Cherry Wheat
· Lager of the Lakes
· Amber Ale
· Consecrator Doppelbock

*2 oz samples, beer flights, and full size pours (10oz, 12oz, 16oz.) will be available. Select beers will be available for growler fills

About Louisville Beer Store:
Kentucky’s first beer store & tasting room dedicated solely to craft beer, featuring eight rotating taps and over 400 select bottled beers from all over the world. Located in the heart of the East Market District, NULU, Louisville Beer Store offers a collection of rare import brews, rotating seasonals, vintage ales, and specialty limited releases. Opened in November 2009, owners Tyler Trotter & Lori Beck gave up their day-jobs to open Louisville Beer Store, once a dream that was inspired by the couple's travels hunting for the best beers all over the world…. now, they don’t have to go too far!

About Bells:
Bell's Brewery, Inc. formerly Kalamazoo Brewing Company, founded by Larry Bell as a home-brewing supply shop in 1983, sold its first beer in 1985. Originally brewing in a 15-gallon soup kettle, the company has grown remarkably from its production of 135 barrels (1 bbl = 31 gal.) in 1986 to over 90,000 barrels in 2007. Bell's Brewery has grown from a tiny operation renting part of a former plumbing supply warehouse to a bustling, regional craft brewery. Over twenty years of brewing, Bell's Brewery has built a nationwide reputation as a creative and talented brewery, playing a significant role in changing the beerscape of the nation.

“Our ongoing goal is to brew thoughtfully, creatively and artistically. We strive to bring an authentic and pleasant experience to all of our customers through our unique ales and beers. We look forward to sharing our beers with you.”

NABC and Schlafly take over Louisville Beer Store for First Friday Trolley Hop.

Tonight is the First Friday Trolley Hop in Louisville:

It's an art show. It's a tourist attraction. It's a street party. It's a celebration of downtown Louisville that is bringing new visitors and new life to the Main and Market corridor.

Frequent co-conspirators NABC and Schlafly are joining forces at the Louisville Beer Store for tonight's June 4 edition of the First Friday Trolley Hop. Each brewery will have four beers on tap, and there'll be two cask-conditioned firkins: Tasty American IPA from Schlafly, and a special Belgian-style IPA from NABC.

Approximate hours for LBS's NABC/Schlafly showcase are 4:00 p.m. to close. NABC's Jared Williamson and Brennan Greene from Schlafly will be on hand to answer questions and join in the merriment. Stay tuned for more information about next week's special Battle of the Schlafly IPAs draft promotion at NABC's original Pizzeria & Public House in New Albany.

As soon as I'm sure that the AIPA has arrived, we're a go ...

Bank Street Brewhouse closed today for Easter, but we'll be at Louisville Beer Store for Chef Josh's food and beer pairings.

Bank Street Brewhouse is taking today off for Easter.

We'll reopen on Tuesday, April 6 at 2:00 p.m.

My recommendation today is the Louisville Beer Store and Day Three of NABCieged Harder (II). NABC has taken control of LBS's draft lines for the weekend, and the first two days were suitably revolutionary.

Chef Josh will be at LBS today for The Pairing, with a special 4-course food and matched beer flight beginning at 3:00 p.m. Here's the menu:

Belgian Dubbel
rabbit & accompaniments

Hoosier Daddy
shrimp & grapefruit ceviche

Thunderfoot
celery root soup, duck confit salad & blood orange

Smoked Abzug
Kentucky spoonfish caviar & eggs with crepes

For more information, visit the Louisville Beer Store web site.

And don't forget: PA Project headlines Bank Street patio kickoff party this Wednesday, April 7.

"N.A.B.Cieged Part II: Sieged Harder" is this weekend at the Louisville Beer Store.

The Louisville Beer Store and NABC have a three-part, beer-themed Easter weekend planned for LBS's store on East Market in Louisville. There will be special beers, and special food. I'll turn it over to Lori Beck to give the preview ... and I hope to see some of you on Saturday and Sunday, when I'll be hanging around LBS.

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N.A.B.Cieged Part II: Sieged Harder

This weekend, Friday, April 2nd thru Sunday, April 4th, New Albanian Brewing Company is taking over the beer store. Eight delicious NABC brews will be on tap over the 3 day event. For more info on NABC, please visit: www.newalbanian.com

Day 1: NABC Cask Party
Friday, April 2nd (6pm - close)
For the First Friday Trolley Hop, LBS and NABC'ers will be partying down! Stop by to try one of the following brews:

Elector
Hoptimus
Oaktimus (oak-aged hoptimus)
15B
Community Dark
Beak's Best
Malcolm Old Setter
Bonfire of the Valkyries
Cask: Mt. Lee (dry-hopped w/ Nugget)

Day 2: NABC Tasting w/ Roger Baylor
Saturday, April 2nd at 3pm
$5/16oz flight
Roger Baylor, NABC co-founder, will make an in-store appearance to host New Albanian Brewing Co's first tasting at LBS. I can say from experience that it is an absolute delight to listen to Roger talk about beer - he will infect you with knowledge, passion, and love of all things beer.

Day 3: NABC Food & Beer pairing
w/ chef Joshua Lehman
Sunday, April 2nd (3 to 6pm)
$20/16oz flight & 4 course pairing
RSVP recommended

Chef Josh, from NABC Bank Street Brewhouse, has prepared an amazing spring/easter inspired four course pairing menu. You don't want to miss this gastrorgasmic event! Call 502.569.BEER or email: info@louisvillebeerstore.com to RSVP. Please provide the number of guests and preferred time.

MENU:

Belgian Dubbel
rabbit & accompaniments

Hoosier Daddy
shrimp & grapefruit ceviche

Thunderfoot
celery root soup, duck confit salad & blood orange

Smoked Abzug
Kentucky spoonfish caviar & eggs with crepes

**menu subject to change

"The Beer Issue" in Velocity.

Local craft beer love, courtesy of "The Beer Issue" in this week's Velocity, which for non-Louisvillians is Gannett's weekly "alternative" spin-off from the Courier-Journal, probably soon to be absorbed into the Metromix:

High hops (by Andrew Adler) ... Tyler's and Lori's red hot Louisville Beer Store.

Passion in a Pint Glass (by Erin Keane) ... My Old Kentucky Homebrew supply shop.

Brews Cruise (Erin Keane) ... Five new good beer destinations to add to a previous list in the publication, including Sergio's, Derby City Espresso and NABC's Bank Street Brewhouse.

Louisville Beer Store grand opening is Friday, November 6.

The Louisville Beer Store sent this message to members of its Facebook page:

We are still putting some finishing touches on the Beer Store and will be postponing the opening until next Friday, November 6th during the First Friday Trolley Hop. We'll keep you posted on store hours and upcoming events. Thank you all for your patience. Can't wait to see you at the store!

The Louisville Beer Store is located at 746 East Market in downtown Louisville, this being the same block as Toast on Market and 732 Social (in the Green Building), and a block away from BBC's Main & Clay location.

I don't know a great deal about the plan, only that LBS will seek to be Louisville's specialty craft beer store, and that they'll be pouring growlers when all is said and done.

Here's to LBS, I'll try to make it over and provide a report when possible.