During the winter months, BSB will be opening at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Weekend hours and schedules remain the same as before. We're also working on winterizing the Taxpayer Memorial Patio, and next week there'll be a full list of festivities for the delayed Grand Opening, with a ribbon cutting on Wednesday. More on that tomorrow.
Here is the BSB winter plan of operation for 2009/10, effective today, and note that we're still closed on Mondays.
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
BSB hours: 2:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
From 2:00 p.m., “Brotzeit” (cheese plate, charcuterie, snacks, frites, mussels, etc.) It’s a Bavarian term that denotes appetizers for the times when the kitchen isn’t preparing full meals.
Kitchen hours: 5:30 – 9:00 p.m., featuring some of Josh Lehman’s and Andrew Gunn’s traditional menu favorites as well as new “Chefs’ Choice” fixed price menus -- three courses for $16 (not including sales tax and service), only on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings.
Friday and Saturday
BSB hours: 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
From 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., our customary lunch menu. From 2:00 p.m., afternoon “Brotzeit” snacks.
Kitchen hours: 5:30 – 10:00 p.m. for traditional menu favorites and nightly “Chefs’ Choice” specials.
Sunday
BSB Hours: 12:00 Noon – 8:00 p.m.
12:00 noon – 3:00 p.m., NABC’s Build-Your-Own Bloody Mary Bar, featuring craft-distilled Hangar One Vodka and your choice of herbs, spices, garnishes and hot sauces in what might be termed “brunch in a glass.”
Kitchen hours: Noon – 7:00 p.m., with “Brotzeit” and “Chefs’ Choice” menu selections.
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
Monday, November 02, 2009
Going Local: Were we in downtown New Albany Saturday night, and did we really do all that?
(expanded version of previously published text)
Times may be changing in New Albany, but days like Saturday still strike me as somewhat surreal when viewed from the sobriety of a mellow morning after.
Perhaps some day this will change -- not the sobering up, which is a required feature of the professional drinker's life, but the surrealism of change in New Albany.
We began with late afternoon, craft-roasted coffee at Dueling Grounds, browsing the Destinations Booksellers racks as we sipped (I need a fresh copy of Garrett Oliver's book in the worst way), and then adjourning to the Bank Street Brewhouse for frites and a beer for each of us. Mine was Elector, because I felt a curious premonition.
Next stop was Wick’s on State for dinner with our friends, the Gillenwaters. Upon entering, I heard a familiar voice: Hugh E. Bir, covering Conway Twitty’s “Tight Fitting Jeans” from a stool in the crowded barroom. Not only is Hugh a performer, but he also owns the Louisville area's last authentic honky tonk, just up the street on Market. We really need to have Abzug pouring in there.
Mike "The Big Wick" Wyckliffe didn’t even wait for me to ask, and within minutes, I was ushered behind the bar, changing the tap handles as Elector supplanted Amber Bock on tap. They're long draw draft lines, and it took a few tastes to get the A-B liquid washed away.
This brief effort led to progressive pints to accompany our pizza and salad, and sated, the four of us proceeded to the Horseshoe Casino for the local leg of The Who singer Roger Daltrey’s “Use It or Lose It” tour in the Showroom. To my considerable surprise, the Horseshoe’s main barroom had BBC Bourbon Barrel Stout on tap, and it proved a worthy libation for sipping as I caught up with Mo, arguably the area’s biggest fan of The Who, after a chance meeting with him along the concourse.
This isn’t intended as a concert review. At the same time, Daltrey was spry and in as good a voice as one might imagine at the age of 65. The set list was predictably filled with Who songs, but to Daltrey’s credit, some of these are seldom played live by anyone, including the group itself ("Tattoo" and "Pictures of Lily" spring to mind). A wildly energetic version of “Going Mobile” was sung by Daltrey’s band mate, Simon Townshend (yes, the younger brother of Peter), and will stand as my top concert moment of the year so far.
When it was over, we returned home to reset clocks and contemplate the evening’s central theme: Most of the action took place within New Albany, and all of it within 10 miles of home, without crossing the river to Louisville.
Let’s all pat ourselves on the back … and return to work, because the trick now is to keep the momentum going.
Times may be changing in New Albany, but days like Saturday still strike me as somewhat surreal when viewed from the sobriety of a mellow morning after.
Perhaps some day this will change -- not the sobering up, which is a required feature of the professional drinker's life, but the surrealism of change in New Albany.
We began with late afternoon, craft-roasted coffee at Dueling Grounds, browsing the Destinations Booksellers racks as we sipped (I need a fresh copy of Garrett Oliver's book in the worst way), and then adjourning to the Bank Street Brewhouse for frites and a beer for each of us. Mine was Elector, because I felt a curious premonition.
Next stop was Wick’s on State for dinner with our friends, the Gillenwaters. Upon entering, I heard a familiar voice: Hugh E. Bir, covering Conway Twitty’s “Tight Fitting Jeans” from a stool in the crowded barroom. Not only is Hugh a performer, but he also owns the Louisville area's last authentic honky tonk, just up the street on Market. We really need to have Abzug pouring in there.
Mike "The Big Wick" Wyckliffe didn’t even wait for me to ask, and within minutes, I was ushered behind the bar, changing the tap handles as Elector supplanted Amber Bock on tap. They're long draw draft lines, and it took a few tastes to get the A-B liquid washed away.
This brief effort led to progressive pints to accompany our pizza and salad, and sated, the four of us proceeded to the Horseshoe Casino for the local leg of The Who singer Roger Daltrey’s “Use It or Lose It” tour in the Showroom. To my considerable surprise, the Horseshoe’s main barroom had BBC Bourbon Barrel Stout on tap, and it proved a worthy libation for sipping as I caught up with Mo, arguably the area’s biggest fan of The Who, after a chance meeting with him along the concourse.
This isn’t intended as a concert review. At the same time, Daltrey was spry and in as good a voice as one might imagine at the age of 65. The set list was predictably filled with Who songs, but to Daltrey’s credit, some of these are seldom played live by anyone, including the group itself ("Tattoo" and "Pictures of Lily" spring to mind). A wildly energetic version of “Going Mobile” was sung by Daltrey’s band mate, Simon Townshend (yes, the younger brother of Peter), and will stand as my top concert moment of the year so far.
When it was over, we returned home to reset clocks and contemplate the evening’s central theme: Most of the action took place within New Albany, and all of it within 10 miles of home, without crossing the river to Louisville.
Let’s all pat ourselves on the back … and return to work, because the trick now is to keep the momentum going.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Bank Street Brewhouse's winter hours and special beer days begin Tuesday, November 3.
As previously noted, we're mixing things up a bit at Bank Street Brewhouse beginning on Tuesday, November 3. Since opening in March, we've been amassing and collating information, and as with any business, there are certain trends that have come to stand out. The aim now is to deploy our brewing and culinary resources during those times when they're best calculated to succeed.
Those NABC beers considered part of the regular rotation are being brewed at Bank Street Brewhouse, and a full roster of seasonals and specialties are being crafted at Grant Line. Chef Josh Lehman and his kitchen crew have drawn rave reviews from the start. Now's the time to extend the perimeter and fulfill our mandate of pairing beer and food in a way that no brewpub near New Albany is even attempting -- hence, the revisions and points of emphasis outlined below. We'll be able to offer evening beer dinners and expanded pairing/educational opportunities, so look for forthcoming announcements on these.
See the program and schedule below, and as always, thanks for your support.
---
BANK STREET BREWHOUSE WINTER HOURS & PROGRAM
Effective November 3, 2009
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
BSB hours: 2:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
From 2:00 p.m., “Brotzeit” (cheese plate, charcuterie, snacks, frites, mussels, etc.) It’s a Bavarian term that denotes appetizers for the times when the kitchen isn’t preparing full meals.
Kitchen hours: 5:30 – 9:00 p.m., featuring some of Josh Lehman’s and Andrew Gunn’s traditional menu favorites as well as new “Chefs’ Choice” fixed price menus -- three courses for $16 (not including sales tax and service), only on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings.
---
Friday and Saturday
BSB hours: 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
From 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., our customary lunch menu. Following lunch, afternoon “Brotzeit” beer snacks.
Kitchen hours: 5:30 – 10:00 p.m. for traditional menu favorites and nightly “Chefs’ Choice” specials.
---
Sunday
12:00 Noon – 8:00 p.m.
Build-Your-Own Bloody Mary Bar, 12:00 noon – 3:00 p.m., featuring craft-distilled Hangar One Vodka and your choice of herbs, spices, garnishes and hot sauces in what amounts to a “brunch in a glass”.
Kitchen hours: Noon – 7:00 p.m., “Brotzeit” and “Chefs’ Choice” menu selections.
---
Closed on Monday
---
BEER SPECIAL DAYS
NABC Session Tuesday
Celebrating the joys of session-strength beers with 20-oz pints of Abzug, Community Dark and Tafel Bier for $3.00, all day.
NABC Garage Brewery Wednesday
At our original “garage brewery” at the Pizzeria & Public House on New Albany’s north side, Jared Williamson holds the brief for brewing specialties, seasonals and numerous creative experiments. When they’re finished and pouring at Bank Street, we will select one or two to offer at a reduced price each Wednesday, all day.
B & B Thursday
20 oz. pints of Beak’s Best (American Bitter) and Bob’s Old 15-B (Porter) are the emphasis, both standing alone at a special price all day, and as the subject of special pairings with Thursday’s fixed price menu.
Those NABC beers considered part of the regular rotation are being brewed at Bank Street Brewhouse, and a full roster of seasonals and specialties are being crafted at Grant Line. Chef Josh Lehman and his kitchen crew have drawn rave reviews from the start. Now's the time to extend the perimeter and fulfill our mandate of pairing beer and food in a way that no brewpub near New Albany is even attempting -- hence, the revisions and points of emphasis outlined below. We'll be able to offer evening beer dinners and expanded pairing/educational opportunities, so look for forthcoming announcements on these.
See the program and schedule below, and as always, thanks for your support.
---
BANK STREET BREWHOUSE WINTER HOURS & PROGRAM
Effective November 3, 2009
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
BSB hours: 2:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
From 2:00 p.m., “Brotzeit” (cheese plate, charcuterie, snacks, frites, mussels, etc.) It’s a Bavarian term that denotes appetizers for the times when the kitchen isn’t preparing full meals.
Kitchen hours: 5:30 – 9:00 p.m., featuring some of Josh Lehman’s and Andrew Gunn’s traditional menu favorites as well as new “Chefs’ Choice” fixed price menus -- three courses for $16 (not including sales tax and service), only on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings.
---
Friday and Saturday
BSB hours: 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
From 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., our customary lunch menu. Following lunch, afternoon “Brotzeit” beer snacks.
Kitchen hours: 5:30 – 10:00 p.m. for traditional menu favorites and nightly “Chefs’ Choice” specials.
---
Sunday
12:00 Noon – 8:00 p.m.
Build-Your-Own Bloody Mary Bar, 12:00 noon – 3:00 p.m., featuring craft-distilled Hangar One Vodka and your choice of herbs, spices, garnishes and hot sauces in what amounts to a “brunch in a glass”.
Kitchen hours: Noon – 7:00 p.m., “Brotzeit” and “Chefs’ Choice” menu selections.
---
Closed on Monday
---
BEER SPECIAL DAYS
NABC Session Tuesday
Celebrating the joys of session-strength beers with 20-oz pints of Abzug, Community Dark and Tafel Bier for $3.00, all day.
NABC Garage Brewery Wednesday
At our original “garage brewery” at the Pizzeria & Public House on New Albany’s north side, Jared Williamson holds the brief for brewing specialties, seasonals and numerous creative experiments. When they’re finished and pouring at Bank Street, we will select one or two to offer at a reduced price each Wednesday, all day.
B & B Thursday
20 oz. pints of Beak’s Best (American Bitter) and Bob’s Old 15-B (Porter) are the emphasis, both standing alone at a special price all day, and as the subject of special pairings with Thursday’s fixed price menu.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Today, tomorrow and November at NABC's two locations.
Having just concluded the weekly staff meeting, I'm sitting at a table within the progressive confines of Bank Street Brewhouse's Taxpayer Memorial Patio. Seeing as I've become less of an owner than a full-time PR man, here's a brief update on NABC's activities and events as we approach November.
First, at NABC's Pizzeria & Public House today: A special wooden "Anstich" (gravity pour) keg of Schneider Wiesen Edel-Weisse is being tapped shortly. It is an unfiltered wheat ale from Kelheim, Germany's celebrated Schneider brewhouse, brewed formerly as a hybrid wheat-style Marzen (Oktoberfest) ale. Nowadays, the brewer includes some American Cascades hops as a bow toward the India Pale Ales he enjoyed when visiting craft breweries in America. Next Friday, November 6, we'll have another "Anstich" keg: Hochzeitsbier Märzen von 1810, from the Brauerei Hofstetten in Austria. It's a traditional Oktoberfest lager.
Tomorrow (Oct. 31) at the Public House, Rogue Dead Guy Halloween Party: The party will run from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. in the Prost special events wing, and features Rogue Dead Guy, a classic microbrew from our pals out at Rogue Ales in Oregon. To honor the spirit of the day, you're encouraged to come dressed as your favorite dead guy. There will be beer specials on Dead Guy and Double Dead Guy, giveaways of Rogue merchandise and a $50 NABC gift card. NABC's cellarman Mike Bauman also has lined up Schmaltz Freaktober Fest and a cask of Hambleton Nightmare Yorkshire Porter for the occasion.
Winter hours at Bank Street Brewhouse begin Nov. 3: On Tuesday, November 3, we'll be making a few adjustments to the schedule at Bank Street Brewhouse. Most noticeably, we'll be opening at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, with new three-course fixed price meals available each of these evenings, along with an afternoon snack menu and daily beer specials. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays remain the same. I promise to have the complete new schedule finished and posted very soon. The idea here is very simple: Certain times of the week have worked well, and others not as much. Keeping lunch hours open on these days will enable us to offer group business lunch plans, and to concentrate efforts in the evenings for beer dinners and pairings. Weekends have worked well and won't change. In another six months, we'll take stock again and see what moves are merited then.
Bank Street Grand Opening Week begins November 17: As an extension of the preceding, we feel like after eight months in business, we're finally able to celebrate our grand opening. Beginning on Tuesday the 17th, look for a cigar promotion on the patio, food and beer specials, music, and a ribbon cutting on Wednesday, November 18. We've saved a handful of kegs from the Elector batch that Mayor Doug England helped brew, and they'll be pouring on Wednesday the 18th.
As always, thanks for your support. I'll have updates and details coming during the next few days.
First, at NABC's Pizzeria & Public House today: A special wooden "Anstich" (gravity pour) keg of Schneider Wiesen Edel-Weisse is being tapped shortly. It is an unfiltered wheat ale from Kelheim, Germany's celebrated Schneider brewhouse, brewed formerly as a hybrid wheat-style Marzen (Oktoberfest) ale. Nowadays, the brewer includes some American Cascades hops as a bow toward the India Pale Ales he enjoyed when visiting craft breweries in America. Next Friday, November 6, we'll have another "Anstich" keg: Hochzeitsbier Märzen von 1810, from the Brauerei Hofstetten in Austria. It's a traditional Oktoberfest lager.
Tomorrow (Oct. 31) at the Public House, Rogue Dead Guy Halloween Party: The party will run from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. in the Prost special events wing, and features Rogue Dead Guy, a classic microbrew from our pals out at Rogue Ales in Oregon. To honor the spirit of the day, you're encouraged to come dressed as your favorite dead guy. There will be beer specials on Dead Guy and Double Dead Guy, giveaways of Rogue merchandise and a $50 NABC gift card. NABC's cellarman Mike Bauman also has lined up Schmaltz Freaktober Fest and a cask of Hambleton Nightmare Yorkshire Porter for the occasion.
Winter hours at Bank Street Brewhouse begin Nov. 3: On Tuesday, November 3, we'll be making a few adjustments to the schedule at Bank Street Brewhouse. Most noticeably, we'll be opening at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, with new three-course fixed price meals available each of these evenings, along with an afternoon snack menu and daily beer specials. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays remain the same. I promise to have the complete new schedule finished and posted very soon. The idea here is very simple: Certain times of the week have worked well, and others not as much. Keeping lunch hours open on these days will enable us to offer group business lunch plans, and to concentrate efforts in the evenings for beer dinners and pairings. Weekends have worked well and won't change. In another six months, we'll take stock again and see what moves are merited then.
Bank Street Grand Opening Week begins November 17: As an extension of the preceding, we feel like after eight months in business, we're finally able to celebrate our grand opening. Beginning on Tuesday the 17th, look for a cigar promotion on the patio, food and beer specials, music, and a ribbon cutting on Wednesday, November 18. We've saved a handful of kegs from the Elector batch that Mayor Doug England helped brew, and they'll be pouring on Wednesday the 18th.
As always, thanks for your support. I'll have updates and details coming during the next few days.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
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.
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.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
This week at the NABC Pizzeria & Public House: Pumpkin Carving, "Anstich" Schneider and Dead Guys.
The NBA is back, the World Series starts on Wednesday night, and Mike Bauman and the gang at NABC's Pizzeria & Public House (3312 Plaza Drive, off Grant Line Road) have a full slate of beer-related activities later this week.
I've pulled the following previews (mostly) verbatim from last week's newsletter, as written and collated by NABC's other vital MB, Michael Burp (web site administrator and newsletter editor).
---
Thursday, October 29
Pumpkin Carving Contest
3:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. in the Prost special events wing
NABC Grant Line's Pumpkin Carving Contest returns for its second year in support of animal charities the Floyd County Animal Rescue League, Baghdad Pups and the Floyd County Animal Shelter.
Stop by on Thursday, October 29, to view the entries and vote for your favorites. Vote early and vote often, but each vote will cost you a $1.00 donation - a $5.00 donation will buy you ten votes, $10.00 twenty votes.
Feeling creative? Carve your own masterpiece and bring it in to compete. The entry fee is just $2.00 per pumpkin.
The winning pumpkin will be announced at 11:00 p.m. and its creator will receive a $50 NABC gift card. Another winner of a $50 gift card will be chosen by drawing from among all those who voted. Pet supplies will be accepted in lieu of cash for entry fees and votes.
Friday, October 30
Special wooden Anstich keg of Schneider Wiesen Edel-Weisse
Early afternoon tapping - until it runs out
Mike Bauman, our cellarman at NABC Grant Line, wil be tapping a cask of Schneider Wiesen Edel-Weisse, an unfiltered wheat ale from Germany's celebrated Schneider Brewery. Traditionally brewed for the Oktoberfest Celebration in Munich before Märzen style lagers became the standard, Edel-Weisse is described as full bodied, with unfermented sugar, and with more hops for balance, as having a more noticeable hop character than typically found in German Hefeweizens.
Next Friday, November 6, we'll have another Anstich (gravity) pour: Hochzeitsbier Märzen von 1810, from Brauerei Hofstetten in Austria.
Saturday, October 31
Rogue Dead Guy Halloween Party
6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. in the Prost special events wing
Celebrate All Hallows Eve this year with a special day in honor of Rogue Brewery's much loved Dead Guy, an ale in the style of a German Maibock and known for its deep honey hue, malty nose and rich flavor.
Come dressed as your favorite dead guy for the Costume Contest! There'll be specials on Dead Guy and Double Dead Guy as well as giveaways of Rogue merchandise and a $50 NABC gift card. Cellarman Mike Bauman has also lined up Schmaltz Freaktober Fest and a cask of Hambleton Nightmare Yorkshire Porter for the occasion.
I've pulled the following previews (mostly) verbatim from last week's newsletter, as written and collated by NABC's other vital MB, Michael Burp (web site administrator and newsletter editor).
---
Thursday, October 29
Pumpkin Carving Contest
3:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. in the Prost special events wing
NABC Grant Line's Pumpkin Carving Contest returns for its second year in support of animal charities the Floyd County Animal Rescue League, Baghdad Pups and the Floyd County Animal Shelter.
Stop by on Thursday, October 29, to view the entries and vote for your favorites. Vote early and vote often, but each vote will cost you a $1.00 donation - a $5.00 donation will buy you ten votes, $10.00 twenty votes.
Feeling creative? Carve your own masterpiece and bring it in to compete. The entry fee is just $2.00 per pumpkin.
The winning pumpkin will be announced at 11:00 p.m. and its creator will receive a $50 NABC gift card. Another winner of a $50 gift card will be chosen by drawing from among all those who voted. Pet supplies will be accepted in lieu of cash for entry fees and votes.
Friday, October 30
Special wooden Anstich keg of Schneider Wiesen Edel-Weisse
Early afternoon tapping - until it runs out
Mike Bauman, our cellarman at NABC Grant Line, wil be tapping a cask of Schneider Wiesen Edel-Weisse, an unfiltered wheat ale from Germany's celebrated Schneider Brewery. Traditionally brewed for the Oktoberfest Celebration in Munich before Märzen style lagers became the standard, Edel-Weisse is described as full bodied, with unfermented sugar, and with more hops for balance, as having a more noticeable hop character than typically found in German Hefeweizens.
Next Friday, November 6, we'll have another Anstich (gravity) pour: Hochzeitsbier Märzen von 1810, from Brauerei Hofstetten in Austria.
Saturday, October 31
Rogue Dead Guy Halloween Party
6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. in the Prost special events wing
Celebrate All Hallows Eve this year with a special day in honor of Rogue Brewery's much loved Dead Guy, an ale in the style of a German Maibock and known for its deep honey hue, malty nose and rich flavor.
Come dressed as your favorite dead guy for the Costume Contest! There'll be specials on Dead Guy and Double Dead Guy as well as giveaways of Rogue merchandise and a $50 NABC gift card. Cellarman Mike Bauman has also lined up Schmaltz Freaktober Fest and a cask of Hambleton Nightmare Yorkshire Porter for the occasion.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Tasting fun on Saturday.
Saturday afternoon I presented a guided beer tasting for the "Big Chill" party. They get together at selected intervals and do something fun, and one of them purchased a certificate at a recent silent auction. The certificate redemption tasting was a blast, and I was included on the group photo. Cheers!Photo credit: M.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Beer Event Watch: BBC (Shelbyville Road) Beer Tasting at Keg Liquors, October 29.
Submitted by Todd Antz, owner of Keg Liquors (Keeping Kentuckiana "Beer'd" Since 1976) at 617 E. Lewis & Clark Parkway in Clarksville. I'm holding out for Kiwi fruit in the Randall, but we'll have to wait and see.
Join us on Thursday, October 29th from 5 - 8 PM as our friends from BBC Shelbyville Road stop in for the next in line of our "locals only" beer tastings. Jerry and Sam will be in with a great lineup of their beers, and an appearance by a Randall the Enamel Animal, that we will use as a surprise infuser of one of their beers. Will it be hops? Will it be coffee? Or maybe another surprise ingredient will be used.
Here is the lineup:
- Rye 75 - Rye 75 is a tribute to our friends along Interstate 75. The malty sweetness extracted from Canadian pale ale and French caramel malt is balanced by the spicy flavor of German rye malt which composes 30% of the grist bill. In addition to its big malt profile Rye 75 has an assertive dose of American Cascade and Columbus hops lending a citrusy and floral flavor and aroma. This beer has been dry hopped in the keg with more Cascade hops for even greater hop aroma.
- Professor Gesser's Mind Numbing Ale - dry hopped with Simcoe and Cascade, from the otherwise mild-mannered Kansan and self-described social experiment, Jerry Gnagy.
- Luna de Miel Raspberry Mead 0 Historically a meade was made to celebrate the union of a couple and given to them for celebration of their marriage. Truly defined as a braggot, BBC Luna De Miel is a fermented honey ale flavored with a blend of raspberries and blackberries. Luna De Miel is a refreshing change from standard BBC offerings. Luna De Miel is effervescent, fruity, and light, yet warming from its moderate strength.
- Heine Brothers Coffee Stout - This oatmeal stout is brewed with English roasted barley and caramunich malt which gives a roasty and slightly sweet malt flavor. The addition of flaked oats lends creaminess and body to this pitch black ale. The coffee will be added to the hot wort (unfermented beer) after boiling. This will extract good flavor without adding bitterness or burnt flavors. Freshly brewed coffee will also be added to the beer after fermentation is completed and the beer is ready to be served. This will give the freshest coffee flavor and aroma.
and a couple of surprise beers as well.
This is a free event and open to the public (21 and older!)
Join us on Thursday, October 29th from 5 - 8 PM as our friends from BBC Shelbyville Road stop in for the next in line of our "locals only" beer tastings. Jerry and Sam will be in with a great lineup of their beers, and an appearance by a Randall the Enamel Animal, that we will use as a surprise infuser of one of their beers. Will it be hops? Will it be coffee? Or maybe another surprise ingredient will be used.
Here is the lineup:
- Rye 75 - Rye 75 is a tribute to our friends along Interstate 75. The malty sweetness extracted from Canadian pale ale and French caramel malt is balanced by the spicy flavor of German rye malt which composes 30% of the grist bill. In addition to its big malt profile Rye 75 has an assertive dose of American Cascade and Columbus hops lending a citrusy and floral flavor and aroma. This beer has been dry hopped in the keg with more Cascade hops for even greater hop aroma.
- Professor Gesser's Mind Numbing Ale - dry hopped with Simcoe and Cascade, from the otherwise mild-mannered Kansan and self-described social experiment, Jerry Gnagy.
- Luna de Miel Raspberry Mead 0 Historically a meade was made to celebrate the union of a couple and given to them for celebration of their marriage. Truly defined as a braggot, BBC Luna De Miel is a fermented honey ale flavored with a blend of raspberries and blackberries. Luna De Miel is a refreshing change from standard BBC offerings. Luna De Miel is effervescent, fruity, and light, yet warming from its moderate strength.
- Heine Brothers Coffee Stout - This oatmeal stout is brewed with English roasted barley and caramunich malt which gives a roasty and slightly sweet malt flavor. The addition of flaked oats lends creaminess and body to this pitch black ale. The coffee will be added to the hot wort (unfermented beer) after boiling. This will extract good flavor without adding bitterness or burnt flavors. Freshly brewed coffee will also be added to the beer after fermentation is completed and the beer is ready to be served. This will give the freshest coffee flavor and aroma.
and a couple of surprise beers as well.
This is a free event and open to the public (21 and older!)
Friday, October 23, 2009
Hops and smoke and Randall and what's on tap at the Public House.
First, let's take a glance at the draft lineup at NABC's Public House & Pizzeria.
A final note pertaining to Sandkerwa NA, our celebration of Franconian beer and brewing: I regret to announce that our long-awaited keg of Spezial Rauchbier, which was to have (somewhat) closed this year's Sandkerwa, proved to be tragically off.
That happens from time to time, and considering the brilliant success of the Anstich (gravity pour) kegs, I probably can't complain. As compensation, at least from my personal point of view, Schlenkerla Marzen has briefly been supplanted by two kegs of Heller-Trum's richer and smokier Schlenkerla (unfiltered) Urbock, primarily because Franconia's localized Bock season is in full swing, and we need to celebrate it, too. As a final bonus, know that yet another Schlenkerla variant will be coming to us very soon. It is an oak-smoked (not beechwood-smoked) strong lager of about 8%. It could be the first of December, and I'm salivating already.
Back to hops: Today, the big news is Randall the Enamel Animal.
A sixth-barrel of NABC VII - Seventh Anniversary Ale will be "Randallized" with whole leaf Cascades, beginning later this afternoon. As soon as possible after the sixer is gone, we'll begin pouring VII for the remainder of its run. Randall will travel to the Bank Street Brewhouse tomorrow, and the process will be repeated there. Many thanks to Jared Williamson for making this happen.
Currently at the Public House, Lupulin Land continues with listed ales and a ringer selection: Three Floyds Broo Doo Harvest Ale (American IPA; 7% abv). As we begin the day, here are the Lupulin Land selections:
Boulder Flashback Anniversary (India Brown Ale, 6.8% abv)
Great Divide Belgica (Belgian-style IPA; 7.2% abv)
He’Brew Shmaltz Lenny’s RIPA (Rye Double IPA; 10% abv)
Rogue Charlie 1981 (American Strong Ale; 8.5% abv)
Shoreline Sum-Nug IPA (IPA; 7% abv)
Southern Tier Unearthly Imperial IPA (Double IPA; 11% abv)
Stone 13th Anniversary Ale (Imperial Red; 9.5% abv)
Two Brothers Heavy Handed (India Pale Ale; 6.7% abv)
Mike Bauman keeps track of the taps here: NABC News Portal. Scroll down to the bottom of the page for current draft listings at both locations.
A final note pertaining to Sandkerwa NA, our celebration of Franconian beer and brewing: I regret to announce that our long-awaited keg of Spezial Rauchbier, which was to have (somewhat) closed this year's Sandkerwa, proved to be tragically off.
That happens from time to time, and considering the brilliant success of the Anstich (gravity pour) kegs, I probably can't complain. As compensation, at least from my personal point of view, Schlenkerla Marzen has briefly been supplanted by two kegs of Heller-Trum's richer and smokier Schlenkerla (unfiltered) Urbock, primarily because Franconia's localized Bock season is in full swing, and we need to celebrate it, too. As a final bonus, know that yet another Schlenkerla variant will be coming to us very soon. It is an oak-smoked (not beechwood-smoked) strong lager of about 8%. It could be the first of December, and I'm salivating already.
Back to hops: Today, the big news is Randall the Enamel Animal.
A sixth-barrel of NABC VII - Seventh Anniversary Ale will be "Randallized" with whole leaf Cascades, beginning later this afternoon. As soon as possible after the sixer is gone, we'll begin pouring VII for the remainder of its run. Randall will travel to the Bank Street Brewhouse tomorrow, and the process will be repeated there. Many thanks to Jared Williamson for making this happen.
Currently at the Public House, Lupulin Land continues with listed ales and a ringer selection: Three Floyds Broo Doo Harvest Ale (American IPA; 7% abv). As we begin the day, here are the Lupulin Land selections:
Boulder Flashback Anniversary (India Brown Ale, 6.8% abv)
Great Divide Belgica (Belgian-style IPA; 7.2% abv)
He’Brew Shmaltz Lenny’s RIPA (Rye Double IPA; 10% abv)
Rogue Charlie 1981 (American Strong Ale; 8.5% abv)
Shoreline Sum-Nug IPA (IPA; 7% abv)
Southern Tier Unearthly Imperial IPA (Double IPA; 11% abv)
Stone 13th Anniversary Ale (Imperial Red; 9.5% abv)
Two Brothers Heavy Handed (India Pale Ale; 6.7% abv)
Mike Bauman keeps track of the taps here: NABC News Portal. Scroll down to the bottom of the page for current draft listings at both locations.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Selling beer.
It is axiomatic, isn't it? One must sell the product, or all the production in the world is meaningless. It strikes me that I haven't introduced Josh Hill, who is NABC's junior outside sales representative on the Indiana side of the Ohio River. Josh is concentrating primarily on making friends and finding draft lines on Floyd and Clark counties, although we'll be broadening that to include a bit of territory to the east and west. John Campbell's still working the Louisville side (via River City Distributing).The idea remains to self-distribute in Floyd and Clark counties, while Cavalier Distributing service the remainder of the state. Our first keg shipment went to Cavalier earlier this week, so if you're pub owner or beer fan outside of our limited southern self-distribution area, know that Beak's Best, Bob's 15-B and Elector are available. If you like our beers, the best way to help is ask your local to check out Cavalier's line of NABC drafts.
Our sales effort is evolving, so for further information, contacts and a sales pitch, write me or Josh.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
All the fresh hop talk fit to print.
Thanks to Nora for pointing me to this fine exposition of the fresh hop/wet hop movement in American craft brewing.
A Hop and a Sip to Fresh Ales, by Lucy Burningham (New York Times).
The debris, flecked with a resinous, yellow powder called lupulin, stuck in workers’ hair and eyelashes. Even more persistent was the aroma: a lemony, leafy, earthy scent that is precisely what brewers try to harness when brewing fresh-hop beers in autumn.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Randall the Enamel Animal's weekend whereabouts in the company of NABC VII.
NABC’s Jared Williamson, keeper of Randall the Enamel Animal, has performed required minor surgery on our fresh-hopping contraption, and he's ready to take it out for a spin. Consequently, Randall will be adding fresh hop aromas to NABC VII -7th Anniversary Ale (CO2 version) during the coming weekend.
Public House: Friday, October 23.
Bank Street Brewhouse: Saturday, October 24.
We’ll "Randallize" a 1/6 bbl at each location using whole leaf Cascades from the BSB stock, after which VII (a dark IPA) will begin pouring normally until depleted, and Randall will return to the Public House & Pizzeria for additional Lupulin Land duties beginning on Friday, October 30.
For more on the Randall phenomenon, peek at this old blog article.
Public House: Friday, October 23.
Bank Street Brewhouse: Saturday, October 24.
We’ll "Randallize" a 1/6 bbl at each location using whole leaf Cascades from the BSB stock, after which VII (a dark IPA) will begin pouring normally until depleted, and Randall will return to the Public House & Pizzeria for additional Lupulin Land duties beginning on Friday, October 30.
For more on the Randall phenomenon, peek at this old blog article.
Monday, October 19, 2009
"Hops & Shops" in Jeffersonville on Friday evening, October 23.
This is a great idea, with participating breweries to include Upland Brewing Co., Bluegrass Brewing Co., Cumberland Brewing Co. and my own New Albanian Brewing Co. Follow the link to read the whole article.
‘Hop’ to it Friday; Spring Street shops to host beer tasting event, by David A. Mann (News and Tribune).
Jeffersonville’s Main Street Inc. is betting that sips of suds will bring shoppers to Spring Street.
The organization’s inaugural “Hops & Shops” — a beer-tasting event — is scheduled between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. Friday. Several regional brewers will set up tasting areas inside Spring Street shops. A few area wineries also are participating.
Residents pay $15 in advance or $20 the day of the event to register, get a wristband that identifies them as being more than 21 years old and can visit each shop for a sample. The cost covers all drinks and appetizers that will be served. Live music will be played at several spots along the street.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
The Matheser and me -- and others, too.
One of the most rewarding aspects of blogging is feedback. I published the article linked below in 2007, and so far in 2009, I've received two wonderful, lengthy comments from readers detailing their own experiences at the Matheser. Take a few minutes to go back, reread my words, and absorb the testimony of two other visitors. It's a combined testament that spans a quarter-century, made possible by the Internet. Thanks for writing, guys.
Mathaser, Munich and the summer of '87 with the lads.
Mathaser, Munich and the summer of '87 with the lads.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
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.
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.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Harp does, actually.
On Facebook, I wrote:
Roger A. Baylor defines progress as Elector coming to Wick's on State as soon as Harp blows.
Within about a minute, the Beervangelist from Holland, MI responded:
Fred Bueltmann Harp blows already.
I now am certain that Harp blows. What I don't know is whether a keg of it is depleted, making room for Elector.
Roger A. Baylor defines progress as Elector coming to Wick's on State as soon as Harp blows.
Within about a minute, the Beervangelist from Holland, MI responded:
Fred Bueltmann Harp blows already.
I now am certain that Harp blows. What I don't know is whether a keg of it is depleted, making room for Elector.
Cask-conditioned VII Anniversary is mighty fine.
Lupulin Land is underway, with a new twist: Firkins of NABC's VII - 7th Anniversary Ale on the hand pull at the Pub & Pizzeria (along with the remainder of the Lupulin Land starters) and Bank Street Brewhouse.
I took the bicycle out for a cool and wet ride earlier this afternoon, and after 25km, I stopped into Bank Street for a pint of VII. It certainly felt like a day in England (or Seattle), and just as brewer Jared Williamson described it, VII pours dark for an IPA and seemed to mirror the outdoors in a purely intentional way. I've seen and tasted a few "dark" hoppy craft brews, and our version strikes me as representative and tasty. Carbonation is moderate in the cask version. My overall impression is favorable.
It won't last long on the hand pull. Regular CO2 kegs go on tap at both locations next Friday, October 23.
I took the bicycle out for a cool and wet ride earlier this afternoon, and after 25km, I stopped into Bank Street for a pint of VII. It certainly felt like a day in England (or Seattle), and just as brewer Jared Williamson described it, VII pours dark for an IPA and seemed to mirror the outdoors in a purely intentional way. I've seen and tasted a few "dark" hoppy craft brews, and our version strikes me as representative and tasty. Carbonation is moderate in the cask version. My overall impression is favorable.
It won't last long on the hand pull. Regular CO2 kegs go on tap at both locations next Friday, October 23.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
No reason to believe that absolute power doesn't continue to corrupt Big Red Liquors absolutely.
I noticed somewhere that today marks the beginning of a Big Red Liquors (Bloomington monopoly package store chain) hagiographical/masturbatory fest of one stripe or another.
It's been more than six years since NABC's famous brush with Big Red, a story I've published several times. It's here:
Now more than ever, absolute power corrupts Big Red Liquors absolutely.
The Publican seldom holds grudges. This is one of them. Read my piece ... and then go pay tribute to the monopolist Philistines. But have an Elector first, because as long as I'm alive, you won't see one being sold by Big Red.
It's been more than six years since NABC's famous brush with Big Red, a story I've published several times. It's here:
Now more than ever, absolute power corrupts Big Red Liquors absolutely.
The Publican seldom holds grudges. This is one of them. Read my piece ... and then go pay tribute to the monopolist Philistines. But have an Elector first, because as long as I'm alive, you won't see one being sold by Big Red.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Lupulin Land starting lineup for Friday, October 16.
Here’s the starting draft list for the eighth Lupulin Land Harvest Hopcoming, which kicks off on Friday, October 16.We're dubbing it the All-American Lupulin Land, because only American craft brews will be tapped in 2009. As always, we'll tap as many as possible, and replace the fallen with fresh kegs as long as possible. When they're gone, they're gone.
Notes of importance: Several of the opening night kegs are 1/6 barrela, meaning that there may be rapid turnover from Friday to Saturday. Also, on Friday the 16th, NABC's VII will be available at both our locations via cask-conditioned firkin. The regular CO2 release is slated for October 23. Also, for those in search of the annual appearance of Randall the Enamel Animal, note that Randall suffered an injury and is being rehabilitated as I wrote. We'll see him, but we don't know when. Stay tuned.
Boulder Flashback Anniversary (India Brown Ale, 6.8% abv)
Great Divide Belgica (Belgian-style IPA; 7.2% abv)
NABC VII - Seventh Anniversary Ale (Firkin; Imperial Dark IPA; 7.7% abv)
Shoreline Sum-Nug IPA (IPA; 7% abv)
Sierra Nevada Chico Estate Harvest Ale (IPA; 6.7% abv)
Southern Tier Unearthly Imperial IPA (Double IPA; 11% abv)
Three Floyds Apocalypse Cow (Double IPA with lactose; 10% abv)
Two Brothers Heavy Handed (India Pale Ale; 6.7% abv)
Two Brothers Hop Juice (Double IPA; 9.9% abv)
COMING ON LINE AS THE PRECEDING DEPLETE
Boulder Looking Glass Cold Hop (“British-style Ale” 6.5% abv)
Clipper City Big DIPA (Double IPA; Mutiny Fleet Series; 10.6% abv)
Dogfish Head 120 Minute IPA (unclassifiable gravity craziness; 20% abv)
He’Brew Shmaltz Lenny’s RIPA (Rye Double IPA; 10% abv)
Left Hand 400 lb Monkey IPA (IPA; circa 7% abv)
Rogue Charlie 1981 (American Strong Ale; 8.5% abv
Stone 13th Anniversary Ale (Imperial Red; 9.5% abv)
Stone Cali-Belgique IPA (Belgian-style IPA; 6.9% abv)
Stone Double Bastard 07/08 (American Strong; 10.5% abv)
Three Floyds Dreadnaught (Double IPA; 9.5% abv)
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