I get a lot of email at my blog. Most of it is spam stuff wanting me to make $200 testing products or some such crap. Other stuff it pretty interesting…and pretty diverse. I think for the most part, the auto-bots that do this mass mailing stuff can’t really tell anything about the website their emailing to, which explains why I get so much information on cruises and beer events in Texas and Arizona.
But a good bit of it is on point and interesting, while some is….well, just plain interesting. So with that in mind, here’s March’s mailbag:
Amy Joyce wanted me to know that DrinkTanks had successfully reached their Kickstarter goal. The company manufactures “The Juggernaut”, a 128oz growler with a built in CO2 system so that it can double as a personal keg. I have to admit the thing looks pretty cool and you’d certainly get some looks getting it filled at your local growler store. Click the link above to learn more.
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The guys over at Brewer’s Friend have been busy working out the bugs on their site. They’ve added a new section to the forum to keep users informed of issues and updates. Click on the link above if you’re interested in seeing what resources Brewer’s Friend has to offer.
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Kreston’s of Middletown will be having their next Wine Class on April 16th at 6:30pm. Tuition is $20 which includes 8 wines, class materials and cheese pairing. The theme is Sensational Spring Wines. Call 302-376-6123 for more info or tickets.
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Eva Dilmanian sent me a press release about NitroBrew, a device that nitrogenates any beer at the point of service. NitroBrew has recently been made available to craft beer fans and home brewers. After watching their Youtube video the device looks like a combination coffee pot/small pressure cooker, but it seems to do the trick. If you’re a fan of nitrogen in your beers, check it out at http://nitrobrew.com/shop/.
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Liz Melby wanted to share some information with me about Harpoon Brewing’s 100 Barrel Series entry Braggot Rights, which won the 2014 Harpoon Kettle Cup employee brewing competition. Braggot Rights is a Double IPA blended with 7000lbs of wildflower honey. Sounds yummy.
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Wired Reports sent me a link to an interesting read about William Bostwick’s attempts to reengineer Allagash’s spontaneously fermented beer “Resurgam” in his kitchen. Find it at http://www.wired.com/2015/03/the-very-best-beer
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I got information about the 2nd Annual Great Firkin Fest, Saturday, April 18th at Moe’s Original Bar B Que. Sounds great, but Mobile, AL is a bit far out of the scope of this blog. But if it’s not too far out of your scope you can find more info at www.moesoriginalbbq.com.
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I got an email with information concerning Lucky Buddha Beer which is a pale that comes in a bottle shaped like – you guessed it – Buddha. SRP is $10.99 a six-pack and it should now be available in all 50 states, although I have yet to see it. www.luckybuddhabeer.com
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Daniel Keeney sent me this:
HOUSTON, March 31, 2015 – Saint Arnold Brewing Co., the oldest craft brewery in Texas, today announced the expansion of its Ale Wagger project, which donates a portion of proceeds from the sale of Saint Arnold Ale Wagger to support animal welfare programs. Saint Arnold selected five additional organizations to receive donations and to participate in Ale Wagger-related community outreach activities. The new Ale Wagger partners are Beaumont, Texas: Humane Society – Southeast Texas, Dallas, Texas: Operation Kindness, Galveston, Texas: Galveston Island Humane Society, Fort Worth, Texas: West Side Animal League and Miami, Florida: Humane Society of Greater Miami
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Shawna McGregor wants me to stop by the Wyeast Laboratories booth at the Craft Brewers Conference in Portland on April 14-17. Wyeast will “release three commemorative yeast strains, each perfectly embodying the legendary mountain it is named after”. Information below:
- Mount Hood Ale (Wyeast): The Pacific Northwest is known for its IPAs and Red Ales, and this Pacific Northwest ale yeast is ideal for both of these beer styles (among many others). In legend, the brother Wyeast was a singer and this strain’s strong attenuation, good flocculation, and clean profile will let your hops and malt sing with delight. Alcohol tolerance: 10%; ABV; Flocculation: High; Attenuation: 72-79%; Temperature Range: 62-72°F (17-22°C)
- Mount Adams Blend (Klickitat): Klickitat, the totem-maker, was a skilled craftsman, able to create objects of beauty from natural materials – just like brewmasters do with malt, hops and yeast. This custom blend of farmhouse strains and Brettanomyces is great for Saisons and American-style Sour & Wild ales. Alcohol Tolerance: 12% ABV; Flocculation: low; Attenuation: 80-90%; Temperature Range: 65-80°F (18-27°C)
- Mount St. Helens Lager (Loo-wit): After being turned into a mountain, the beautiful Loo-wit wrapped herself in snow—reminiscent of beer foam. Like the undecided maiden, this lager strain is very clean, very dry, and plays well with hops; her beauty is equally at home in a classic Pilsner or an IPL. Alcohol Tolerance: 10% ABV; Flocculation: low; Attenuation: 73-77%; Temperature Range: 46-56°F (8-13°C)
I can’t go, but if you make it tell them I sent you!
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Lisa Heckman sent me a letter informing me that anyone who books the “Relax and We’ll Pay Your Tax” package at the SENZA hotel in Napa Valley for stays on or before April 15th will receive a 14% discount (basically the room tax).
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Nicole Veenstra thought I was a little under the Winter, so she sent me a media advisory that EarthCam has added a live webcam that brings views of Cove Beach Park, Kihei. Find it at http://www.earthcam.com/maui/
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Curt Blakeney wants me to give Deep Eddy Lemon Vodka a try. The new variety from the Austin distillery joins their current line-up of Cranbeery, Ruby Red, Sweet Tea and plain Vodka. Learn more at www.deepeddyvodka.com.
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On April 6th, the 2015 San Francisco World Spirit Competition results will be posted at http://sfspiritscomp.com/
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Laura Baumgartner sent me the following:
Hi Ed,
Mixing energy drinks with vodka is no new drink recipe. But, the concept is being elevated by a new take on energy drinks that won¹t leave your heart racing. UPTIME provides a balanced energy boost with natural ingredients. One of the most non-invasive energy drinks on the market UPTIME contains a mere 484mg of active ingredients. Other major energy drink brands have anywhere from 1600mg to over 7000mg of active ingredients.
UPTIME¹s streamlined ingredients help avoid sudden energy bursts, shakes and jitters, and crashes that can be brought on by other beverages. UPTIME provides a balanced energy boost with 142mg of caffeine, about the same amount as a cup of coffee, and bee pollen. UPTIME also contains powerful nutrients calcium, Vitamin C and potassium to help support overall health and other natural ingredients including Ginseng, gingko biloba and coenzyme Q10. UPTIME is a clear carbonated beverage with a light citrus flavor making it easy to mix with your favorite liquor.
Would you be interested in learning more about UPTIME or giving it a try?
I’m not an energy drink person, so sadly I think I’ll pass.
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And finally about 15 of these:
The Dogs of Beer 