Sunday, July 22, 2007
I've got a fever
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
The Wonderful World of Beer Trading
Beer trading is easier than you think. There are forums dedicated to the practice at both Beer Advocate and at Rate Beer. All you need is access to good local beer that someone in another part of the country wants to try. It may take a little coaxing if you are brand new to trading, but before long you will be trading and meeting new friends from all over the United States. I'm fortunate to have received a variety of beers, including the Westvleteren 12, considered by many to be the best beer in the world, Three Floyds Dreadnaught Double IPA, one of the finest double IPA's in the country, Alpine Beer Company's Great Ale, a strong ale aged in Jack Daniels barrels, and many others. If I tried to get these beers at their source, I would have racked up a lot of frequent flyer miles. In addition to getting great beers from far away places, it's just as rewarding to know that you can send some of our great local beers to other folks so they can see how good we stack up with the rest of the country. I have gotten great feedback from sending Highland's Tasgall and Cold Mountain Ales, as well as Pisgah's Baptista and Vortex II, in addition to some regional and East Coast beers that aren't available in other areas.
So what are you waiting for? Get your cardboard box and your bubble wrap ready, and explore the wonderful world of beer without having to go further than your nearest package store (I highly recommend Corner Post on Haywood in West Asheville).
Friday, July 13, 2007
Seeing Red
The Red Devil was delivered yesterday to Carmel's in the Grove Arcade, and it should be arriving at Barley's sometime later today. Look for for these kegs to be tapped soon, and it's possible that this beer could find its way into a bottle.
Update: It is now on tap at both Carmel's and Barley's. Enjoy.
Friday, July 06, 2007
The Session #5 - Atmosphere
“Beer is about more than flavor, IBUs, and the debate over what is a craft beer and what isn’t. It’s about Life. It’s the proverbial icing on the cake.
So, we want to know about the “Atmosphere” in which you enjoy beer. Where is your favorite place to have a beer? When? With whom? Most importantly:
Why?
Because while life isn’t all about beer, beer is all about life”
Atmosphere can mean many things to many different people. It can be a quiet Sunday in your backyard, a lounge chair on a sunlit beach or a cabin overlooking the mountains. It can be any place that evokes a sense of calm and relaxation, where everything is right in the world.
Perhaps my favorite place I have ever had a beer is the back ‘porch’ of the Pelican Pub & Brewery in
Unfortunately, I live some 2500 miles away from that beer paradise, so I have to get my atmosphere closer to home. In my opinion, there is no better place in
So I hope all of you have a special place to enjoy a pint of beer and fellowship, and take a moment to think about how special those times are.
Monday, July 02, 2007
A Challenge to Asheville Beer Bars
I have been contemplating making a public challenge to