Author: Eric

Eric was one of a few contributors who jumped on board when the site was in its infancy.

Let’s Taste Some Beers at the Firkins!

By on November 16, 2010in beer events, beer stores

Yes, close. Sir Lanny Hoff  from Artisanal Imports says it better than I can:

I’ll be opening a heap of beers and doing my best to relate coherent, interesting facts and stories about them. I will also have two beers for “preview” that have not been distributed in this market.

So it’s sort of the equivalent of seeing Prince at First Avenue when he was opening for Grand Funk Railroad. Or close.

This Wednesday (that’s tonight) at the Four Firkins in St. Louis Park. They will be sampling out many of the beers he imports, including La Trappe, St. Feuillien, Meantime and Urthel. Lanny is the man. Check it out!

Ommegang, Liefmans and the Gnome

By on November 14, 2010in bars/restaurants, beer events

While the New Belgium Beer Dinner upstairs at the Happy Gnome is sold-out, downstairs they’ll be having some fun with Ommegang beers and a new Liefmans beer.  I’m guessing Peter Bouckaert from NB will be stopping by for an after- after-dinner beverage.

Liefmans new beer Fruitesse will be tapped for the first time in the state. Fruitesse is a unique, fresh beer blend- matured in oak for 18 months on whole cherries. It is then blended with the natural juices from cherries, bilberries, elderberries, strawberries and raspberries. 4.2% abv.

Also, sample a three year vertical of Ommegang Three Philosophers along with the Cup o Kyndnes, Zuur, and the first tapping of Liefman’s Fruitesse.   Tom Gardner from Ommegang should be hanging out, but come try this unique verticle tasting of Three Philosophers.

The Beers
Ommegang Three Philosophers:  A rare international blend of dark and malty quadrupel from Ommegang, and cherry-infused lambic from Lindemans in Belgium.
Cup o Kyndnes:  The Belgian-Scotch brewing connection dates to World War I, when thousands of Scotsmen spent years in Belgium. To satisfy their new customers, Belgian brewers learned to brew Scotch-style ales, and the style became a new and significant part of the Belgian brewing tradition. This fine Ommegang ale uses heather tips and a wee bit of smoked malt to bring the taste and aroma of Scotland to the forefront.
Zuur:  Zuur – or Sour – is our collaborative Flemish sour brown ale. A beer whose style arises from the mists of brewing history. It uses mixed fermentation, real fruit, significant aging, and master blending. All of these are ancient and revered Belgian techniques. This unique Flemish sour brown ale is complex, tart with a touch of sweetness, lightly malty and gently hopped. Zuur is a unique blend created in collaboration between Brewery Ommegang and Brouwerij Liefmans.

Sierra Nevada 30th Anniversary Party

By on November 14, 2010in bars/restaurants, beer events, breweries

The Happy Gnome celebrates Sierra Nevada’s contribution to craft beer THIS MONDAY. Sierra Nevada has been around for 30 years, and in that time they have been a leader in the craft beer world. This anniversary celebration is a thank you to the pioneers of the craft beer revolution. Sierra Nevada collaborated and created 4 very special beers in honor of Charlie Papazian, Fritz Maytag, Ken Grossman, Fred Eckhardt, and Jack McAuliffe.

The beer featured for the party are the 4 anniversary series:

Fritz & Ken’s Ale : Fritz Maytag, owner of San Francisco’s Anchor Brewing Company, is regarded as the founding father of the craft brewing movement. As a nod to the dark ales and stouts that seduced both Fritz and Ken in the early years, they bring you this pioneering stout, a rich and roasted ale.

Charlie, Fred, & Ken’s Bock: Charlie Papazian and Fred Eckhart are the men who launched a thousand breweries. Their writing on the art of homebrewing and steadfast promotion of beer culture helped propel the craft brewing movement. This Imperial Helles Bock is a testament to the ever-evolving brewer’s art. Bold yet balanced with distinct toasted malt character, moderate sweetness and clean and floral hops.

Jack & Ken’s Ale: Jack McAuliffe was the first American “micro” brewer. His tiny New Albion Brewery in Sonoma, California inspired countless dreamers to start small-scale breweries of their own. This Black Barleywine Ale is a nod to the legendary ales New Albion served at their legendary summer solstice parties. Rich with bittersweet and roasted malt flavors, balanced with whole-cone American hops.

30th Anniversary Our Brewer’s Reserve Grand Cru: Brewers Reserve is a special ale highlighting Sierra Nevada’s pioneering history and the innovative spirit that has carried them through 30 years. Is is a marriage of their three most acclaimed ales: Oak-aged Bigfoot, Celebration Ale, and fresh Pale Ale blended together and generously dry-hopped. Come join us in celebrating thirty years with this most special brew.

Also on tap will be Pale Ale, Celebration, Harvest, and Estate Brewer’s Homegrown Ale, right from the SN Chico Estate.

Prizes, beer, and fun will be had.

Old Man Winter in the Ale Jail

By on November 11, 2010in beer events, beer stores, free beer

What!? Back-to-back tastings in the same week at the Ale Jail?! Tonight, Lake Superior Old Man Winter will be open for tasting from 5-8 p.m. This is a pretty limited brew, so get it while you can!

(My guess Adam is opening these anyway and just wants the company…I’ll drink to that!)

From the brewery:

“Old Man Winter Warmer – When it comes to spreading cheer, this Old Man doesn’t mess around. Brewed in late spring and aged in our refrigerator until mid Fall, this barley wine style ale brings a whopping 10.3% ABV to the task. Deep brown and sweet with spices, Old Man Winter Warmer does what its name promises for your nose and your belly.”