Category: beer education

Better Beer Society University: Classes Begin Wednesday

By on September 3, 2013in bars/restaurants, beer education

BBSUJust a quick reminder – Better Beer Society University classes begin on Wednesday. As a kid, I always had reservations about heading back to school. Perhaps if my parents would have sent me to BBSU, things might have been different!

 

We’re pleased to announce that campus will once again be located at Republic (Seven Corners), and will consist of two sessions to account for busy schedules. First session is at 6pm, and a second session will be held at 7:30p.

Both will be one-hour long courses, and the guest(s) will be the same. Please choose your preferred session below.

BBSU is an educational beer school for both the beer enthusiast, as well as the novice. Our goal is to educate students on all aspects of the beer industry, from production, retail and distributing, to the agricultural side of hop farming and malting.

We also teach you how to explore your palate, cook with beer, and create your own pairings.

Students are treated to some very exclusive and interesting beer styles each and every week. In addition, students will embark on a special field trip, as well as create a recipe & brew their own commemorative class beer.

Sign up here. Right now.

Minneapolis Debut of “Beer Hunter” Sunday

By on August 12, 2013in beer education, beer events
beerhunterBeer dorks… if you’re not familiar with the only Michael Jackson that mattered (the English beer writer, not the pop singer with the Peter Pan complex), someone should probably slap you. Jackson wrote a number of influential tomes on the subject of beer and advocated the enjoyment of great beer long before most of us even cared. Jackson was influential and engaging and was a luminary that would give most “beer personalities” a run for their money if he were still alive.
“Michael’s engaging writing literally saved many styles of beer from extinction, and his work inspired an entire generation of brewers to experiment with beer styles from around the world.”
Heavy stuff. In any case, this film documents his personality and his travels, among other things, in the mid-00s. If you’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting the man in person or if you caught him on television, you’ll know his charm. If not, let’s just say that you should check it out this Sunday.
On a side note, Jackson was a fan of Minnesota’s beer, featuring Summit’s Great Northern Porter on the cover of his book “New World Beer Guide,” and singing praises for the long-defunct Sherlock’s Home brewpub (See “Hate the Pun, Love the Pub.“) among others.
Republic at Seven Corners hosts two shows on Sunday, August 18th (2pm and 5:30pm). Tickets are $15. Jackson dealt with Parkinson’s in the latter part of his life and fittingly, proceeds from the show and a silent auction will go to support to support a Parkinson’s charity. Tickets and details below:

http://thefourfirkins.com/events/events-detail.php?id=5927

 

Chop & Brew #10: Boat Bitter (Brewing Session Ale at Home)

By on August 11, 2013in beer education, Features, general beer, homebrew, video

It’s summer in The Cities and we’re in need of a low-alcohol, yet high-flavor beer. Enter Wyeast Brand Manager (and Saint Paul local) Michael Dawson with the cure: Boat Bitter. Dawson has some great advice for crafting a superb session-strength British Bitter utilizing a limited edition yeast strain, an off-the-beaten-path hop, and plenty of nerd power. Homebrewers, also check out the bonus video footage from the brew session for even more brewgeek awesomeness. Brew small!

Chop & Brew #8: How to Cook with Beer

By on June 23, 2013in beer dinners, beer education, food pairing, general beer, homebrew, video

A couple of months ago, Better Beer Society University hosted the one-and-only Homebrew Chef Sean Z. Paxton and a presentation Paxton called “How to Cook with Beer.” If you aren’t aware, Paxton is a frequent contributor to Beer Advocate, Zymurgy and The Brewing Network. He is not only one of the world’s most well-known beer cuisine experts, but also an avid homebrewer. Chop & Brew is proud to bring you this presentation Paxton delivered at BBSU. Some Twin Cities Beer Geek All-Stars also make audience member cameos. Grab a notepad, a beer, and something to nosh on because some epic science is about to be dropped. This episode also unveils the new Chop & Brew logo hand-crafted by Saint Paul artist DWITT, who will likely be making an interesting chop- and/or brew-related appearance in the show in the near future.

Chop & Brew #7: Roll Out the Barrels

By on June 10, 2013in beer education, general beer, homebrew, video

A group of local homebrewers is having a barrel of fun. Actually, FOUR barrels of fun! The Nordeast Brewers Alliance is on an epic mission: to fill four 59-gallon French oak wine barrels with some big batches of homebrew. Twin Cities’ own Chop & Brew webshow rides shotgun on barrel fill day and checks in for a three-month taste panel to see how the beer are progressing. See this episode page link for the club’s barrel beer recipes and more.