On the road again

I'm in Boone for the next few days for work-related stuff. This evening I had dinner and a beer at the Boone Saloon on King Street, in the location formerly occupied by the late, lamented Carribean Cafe.

The atmosphere was college bar, to be expected (naturally)in a place a stone's throw from Appalachian State University. I was pleasantly surprised by the draft beer selection which included Duck Rabbit Milk Stout and Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA. The menu had a dozen or so sandwiches along with nachos, tacos and other pub fare. The salads and tacos were good. The space at the rear was taken up by a couple of pool tables and a hugehonkin' big screen tee-vee. This would be a great place to have a few beers and shoot some pool with friends or to watch a game. Worth a visit when in the Boonedocks.

Beer Advocate launching new magazine

Beer Advocate is a premier web site (recently named "Best Beer Web Site" in the world by Details magazine) that should be regularly visited by anyone who appreciates good beer. Run by the Alström brothers of Boston the site includes news items covering all aspects of brewing and the beer industry and an online database of beer stores, breweries and brewpubs along with much more.

The Alström's are going to publish a paper Beer Advocate magazine beginning with the premier issue this fall. People who subscribe by August 1 will be guaranteed a lifetime subscription rate of just $19.95 per year (which is ten dollars off the current regular rate,) and get other perks as well. Please click the related link to learn more or to subscribe online.

I have no connection with Beer Advocate or the site owners but I think it's a damn good site. If the magazine is only half as good it will still be a winner.

Herold Premium Bohemian Lager

I found this beer by chance at Greenlife Grocery on Saturday. I had already picked out a variety from GG's outstanding beer section when I saw six packs of Herold stacked at the end of an aisle and priced at $5.99. I'm partial to IPA's but enjoy pilsners and wheats in hot weather so I decided to take a chance. I grabbed a sixer of the Premium Bohemian Lager and headed for the checkout aisle.

What a great beer! A product of the Czech Republic, this brew is a traditional pilsner from a 500-year-old brewery located on the grounds of an ancient castle. Coming in at 6% alcohol it has a smooth, malty flavor and a mildly hoppy finish that provides excellent balance. It's a bit darker than many lagers and poured into a pint glass has a cloudy appearance similar to a pale ale. It's a good sipping beer for post-lawn mowing relaxation (like now) and it would also be great to share with friends over grilled brats with onions. Give it a try.

Extravablogiversapaloozathon 2006 was a blast

The Extravablogiversapaloozathon was a lot of fun and by all accounts a resounding success. Thanks to all who helped make it happen and congrats to everyone who won awards. Your fine work has inspired this new blogger to give it his best shot.

Welcome to the new Asheville Beer Blog! More will appear here over the next few days. In the meantime please check out our sister site Asheville Pubcrawl