A newsletter of special interest to brewers,
members of the brewing community, chefs, restaurateurs,
and members of the media that cover the beverage alcohol business.
(FEEL FREE TO PASS THIS ON)
Edited by: Peter LaFrance peter.lafrance@beerbasics.com
Journalist,
covering the beverage alcohol industry since 1985.
Author of:
Beer Basics (ISBN 0-471-11936-9)
Cooking & Eating with Beer (ISBN 0-471-31879-5).
If you wish to be dropped from this
list please respond to this posting to peter.lafrance@beerbasics.com
include the word remove in the
Subject: line.
(The subscriber list is the sole property of the publisher
and will not be sold, given or otherwise distributed.)
===============================================
Greetings,
Welcome to Hot Trub/Beer Basics.com ...
LATEST NEWS:
At least three breaking stories affecting the
beer industry, with probable repercussions in the food service industry.
ASK THE PRESS:
This is a page that reports the answers I receive
when I ask members of the media a question that I feel has to be asked. All
responses are presented as they are sent in response. (Edited for spelling,
sometimes.)
PROMOTIONS - EVENTS - DINNERS - From this issue
through one calendar year. (All are invited to send events to be included -
date, event name, brief description, contact name & phone/web address.)
I invite your comment and criticism.
Cheers!
Peter LaFrance
LATEST BREWERS NEWS:
UK TO
INTERBREW: “ANSWER US THESE QUESTIONS FOUR...”
According
to a Reuters report The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) is offering Interbrew four
solutions to the present legal problems that have had government barristers and
Interbrew executives at “lager heads” for the last five months.
1)
Interbrew divest all of Bass Brewers to a buyer approved by the OFT.
2)
Interbrew retains Bass Brewers in Scotland and Northern Ireland, the breweries
in Glasgow and Belfast, together with the Tennent's and Bass ale brands. The
remainder of Bass Brewers -- including Carling, the UK's number-one beer brand
by volume -- would be sold off to an approved buyer.
3)
Interbrew to divest the Scottish and Northern Irish businesses of Bass Brewers,
including the rights to Tennent's, Grolsch, Caffrey's, Worthington and Stones
brands while retaining Bass Brewer's biggest brand, Carling, Bass ale and other
minor brands and brewing capacity.
4)
Interbrew will sell the former Whitbread beer business to an approved buyer
along with the license to brew Stella Artois beer in the UK.
Interbrew
bought the Whitbread business in May last year but its purchase of the Bass
business three months later forced the government's hand. The government in
January termed the combination anti-competitive and ordered it to sell Bass.
----------------------------------
ANHEUSER-BUSH
BACKS ILLINOIS DWI LEGISLATION
Anheuser-Bush
is urging Illinois Governor George Ryan to sign two bills that will allow
judges to impose a wider range of punishments on those convicted of multiple
drunk driving offenses.
Anheuser-Busch
region director of state affairs Katja Zastrow praised the Illinois Legislature
for their efforts to produce a bill that specifically addresses repeat drunk
drivers. A coalition of manufacturers, distributors and retailers of alcohol
beverages, members of the law enforcement community and traffic safety advocacy
organizations support House Bills 2265 and 2266.
"These
are the right bills at the right time" said Zastrow. "Even though
drunk driving has declined 41% nationally since 1982, the fact is that not as
much progress has been made in getting repeat offenders off the roads."
Zastrow
added that federal government data clearly shows repeat offenders account for
eight out of 10 drunk driving fatalities.
The
bills on Governor Ryan's desk would allow judges to impose increasingly stiff
fines and mandatory jail time on repeat offenders; order the installation of
alcohol ignition interlock devices in the vehicle of a repeat offender to
prevent it from being started and operated if the device detects the presence
of alcohol on the driver's breath; and impose other punishments proven
effective for stopping repeat offenders from driving while drunk.
-------------------------------------
HEARTLAND
CHOPHOUSE OPENS OFF TIMES SQUARE
Jon
Bloostein has opened his third brewpub in Manhattan, Heartland Brewery &
Chophouse, on 43rd Street (between 6th and 7th Ave.).
Chef
Matthew Maxwell, formerly of the Hudson River Club, will offer traditional
steakhouse fare of beef, chops and fish as well as specials such as buffalo
chicken spring rolls or mini bison rolls for starters and braised buffalo short
ribs or lobster and Maine crab ravioli for entrees.
Head
brewer Jim Migliorini will oversee the brewing operations of all three
brewpubs. Alan Duvall will brew at the newest establishment. On tap will be the
well-known Cornhusker Lager, Farmer Jon’s Oatmeal Stout, Indiana Jones Pale Ale
and Smiling Pumpkin Ale. Chophouse Blonde Ale will be a unique brew only
available on-premises.
The
brew house was once part of the Back Bay restaurant in Boston, a one-time
sister brewpub to the Commonwealth Brewing Co. which has re fashioned its
Boston store and closed its Rockefeller Center operation.
--------------------------------------
4th of
JULY THOUGHT:
FOUNDING
FATHERS DID BEST WORK IN TAVERNS
Ron
Kampeas, reporter for The Associated Press, reports that according to the Beer
Institute, July 4 is by far the most popular holiday to enjoy a beer - 7.5
percent of overall American consumption takes place on July 4th, followed by
Memorial Day, with 6.8 percent.
Most
of the beer consumed is brewed in the United States. Imported beer accounted
for just 20 million barrels of beer consumed in 2000, as opposed to 198 million
barrels of domestic.
However,
the Beer Institute notes the trend against domestic brands - compared to 1999
numbers, consumption of U.S. brews rose just 0.6 percent, while foreign brands
shot up 12.4 percent.
Beer
and patriotism find themselves saluted in Beer Institute promotional materials
that note both Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin did their best work in
taverns.
=============================================================
ASK THE PRESS:
(Edited
for spelling, sometimes. Essential response is unedited.)
This
week I asked members of the "beer media" the following question:
"Which
segment of the brewing industry will show major growth over the next twelve
months?"
From:
Jim Dorsch [jdorsch@mnsinc.com]
Sent:
Sunday, June 17, 2001 7:57 AM
To:
Peter LaFrance
Subject:
Re: HOT TRUB / BEER BASICS POLL
I
have a hunch that specialty importers and adventurous micros have a great
year
in front of them. Consumers are still looking for new flavors, but
they've
grown wary of 'flavor of the month' microbrews. If importers,
wholesalers
and retailers help drive it, there's a possible trend toward
high-priced,
highly individualistic beers.
Key
to this growth will be the willingness of consumers to support higher
margins
on these products. Without it, wholesalers and retailers will hesitate
to
devote space to beers that aren't going to fly off the shelves like a $2.99
bottle
of British pale ale.
Jim
Dorsch
Publisher,
Mid-Atlantic Brewing News (http://www.mid-atlantic.brewingnews.com
)
=============================================================
PERFECT
PAIRINGS:
This
is a page of responses to the question; "What is the perfect pairing of
seasonal menu and beer?" Each week I will ask at least 50 chefs, brewers
and restaurateurs the preceding question. Answers will be posted as in Ask The
Press.
=======================================================
NEW PUBLICATION:
*AD (American Distiller) a digital newsletter
from Bill Owens - sign up at ambrew@aol.com
========================================================
EVENTS:
July
13 - 15, 2001 - Windsor, Vermont
Harpoon
Brewery's Barbecue Championships
Location:
Harpoon Brewery
The
new England region barbecue championships will be held at the Harpoon Brewery
in Windsor, Vt. All weekend event with bands, beer by Harpoon, and homemade
barbecue from many different individuals. right on the Connecticut River in
scenic Vermont. Lots of fun.
Hours:
11am-5pm
Contact
Name: Rose Wilson
Contact
Phone: 802-674-5491 ext.227
*July
15 – 31 - Redbones Celebrates American Beers During American Beer Month
Location:
Redbones
BBQ
55
Chester Street
Somerville,
MA 02144
Date:
July 15 - 31, 2001
Description:
Redbones
offers flights of three 5 oz glasses for $4.50 and four 5oz glasses for $5.50
from a rotating selection of domestic craft beers on all 24 taps.
American
breweries represented include Boston’s Tremont and Harpoon, New York’s Brooklyn
Brewery, McNeill’s from Vermont, and Anderson Valley, Rogue, Sierra Nevada and
Anchor Steam all from the western US.
A
daily list of beers on tap appears at www.redbones.com
Contact:
Redbones (617) 628 - 2200
July
21, 2001 - Boston, MA
1st
Boston BeerSummit
Location:
The Castle at Park Plaza (Boston, MA)
Hours:
Two tasting sessions will be available, 1:00 - 5:00 PM and 6:00 - 10:00 PM.
Tickets:
$25.00 in advance / $30.00 at the door (per session) includes 10 - 4oz. free
pours of beer (additional 4oz. pours are $1 each.)
All
attendees must be 21 or older with a valid ID.
Visit
http://www.beersummit.com to purchase advance tickets and to view a
list of ticket vendors.
======================================================================================
JULY
7--Belgium
Comes To Cooperstown III, Cooperstown, NY, 800-656-1212, www.belgianexperts.com
10--A
Tribute to American Micros, Philadelphia, PA, 215-545-7005
13-15--Harpoon
Brewery's Barbecue Championships, Windsor, VT, 802-674-5491 ext.227
14--Alaska
Craft Beer Festival, Fox, AK, www.mosquitonet.com/~stihlerunits/ScottsDen/Beer/Events.Events.html
14--
The Subaru Gorge Games - Full Sail Brewery on Columbia Street - Aaron Bray
541-386-7354
14--Brews
'N Blues, Oshkosh, WI, 920-303-9936
14--Pueblo
Micro Brew Fest, - Pueblo, CO, 719-542-1100
15--New
Jersey Craft Brewers Festival, Trenton, NJ @ Sovereign Bank Arena http://www.njbeer.org/2001fest.html
18-19
-- American Beer Month at The Brickskeller, Washington, DC, 202-293-1885 brickskeller@aol.com
18
-- Christmas in July - Blind Tiger, NYC (holiday beers)
20-22--Portland
International Beerfest, Portland, OR, 503-735-2172, www.portlandbeerfest.com
20-21--The
Future of Beer Wholesaling: A Leadership Course, Kiawah Island, SC,
800-300-6417
20-21--Vermont
Brewers Festival, Burlington, VT, 802-244-6828, www.vermontbrewers.com
20-22--Portland
International Beerfest, Portland, OR, 206-937-1800
21--4th
Annual Foam Fest, Little Rock AR, 501-664-7242
21--Boston
Beer Summit, Boston, MA, 617-596-2625, www.beersummit.com
21-22--5th
Annual Great Eldorado BBQ, Brews and Blues Festival, Reno, NV, 800-648-5966, www.eldoradoreno.com
27-29--Oregon
Brewers Festival, Portland, OR, 503-778-5917, www.oregonbrewfest.com
27-29--The
Capital City Beer Festival, Ottawa, Canada, 877-427-0235, www.totalbeer.net
27-29--7th
International Beer & Food Festival, Jacksonville FL, www.folioweekly.com/arts/happenings1.htm
28--State
College MicroBrewers & Importers Exposition, State College, PA,
814-353-8426, www.scbrewexpo.com
28--Michigan
Brewers Festival, Ypsilanpi, MI, 248-988-7566, www.michiganbeerguide.com
31-August
4--Great British Beer Festival, London, England, www.camra.org.uk
AUGUST
4--Hopfest
2001, Pleasanton, CA, 925-462-3570, hopfest@aol.com
4--10th
Annual Great Eastern Invitational Microbrewery Festival, Adamstown, PA,
717-484-4385, www.stoudtsbeer.com
4--Rolling
Rock Town Fair 2.0, Latrobe, PA, www.beer.com
8--8th
Chattanooga Brewers Festival, Chattanooga, TN, www.southernbrewersfest.org
8-11--Rocky
Mountain Wine, Beer and Food Festival, Winter Park, CO, 800-420-8087, www.winterparkresort.com
10-12--Toronto's
Festival of Beer, Toronto, Ontario, 877-427-0235, www.totalbeer.net
11--4th
Annual IPA Festival, Hayward, CA, 510-886-8525
11--15th
Annual Great Taste of the Midwest, Madison, WI, www.mhtg.org
18--Microfestivus,
Roanoke, VA, 540-855-3644, www.squaresociety.org
23-25--Sam
Adams Grill & Groove, Boston, MA, 617-368-5000, www.samadams.com
24--Great
Southern Beer Festival, Memphis, TN, 901-634-4444, www.memphisbrews.com
25--8th
Annual Colorado Springs Microbrewers Exposition, Colorado Springs, CO,
719-442-0088
25--6th
Annual Summer Eve in the Park Festival & Beer Tasting, Grandview, WA,
509-786-1310/509-837-5741
25--Ale
Fest Dayton, Dayton, OH, 937-298-4545, AleFest@aol.com
SEPTEMBER
8
- 9--Tavern Days Celebration, Croton-on-Hudson, NY, 800-656-1212, www.belgianexperts.com
9-11--NBWA
Conf. & Trade Show, Las Vegas, NV, www.nbwa.org
9-11--Pac-Expo,
Las Vegas, NV
13-16--Mt.
Angel 36th Oktoberfest, Mt. Angel, OR, 503-845-6882
15--Capitol
City Beer Festival, Harrisburg, PA, 717-221-1080, www.abcbrew.com
23-24--Fremont
Oktoberfest, Seattle, WA, 206-706-9869, www.washingtonbrewfest.com
22--7th
Annual California Brewers Festival, Sacramento, CA, 800-754-2261, www.calbrewfest.org
22--WQPT's
Brew-Ha-Ha, Moline, IL, 319-355-9494
27-29--Great
American Beer Festival, Denver, CO, 303-447-0816, www.beertown.org
OCTOBER
5--Rock,
Rhythm & Brews, Newport, OR, 503-241-3800, www.rogue.com
6--World
Beer Festival, Durham, NC, 800-977-BEER, www.allaboutbeer.com
6
-- Waffles and Puppets at Brewery Ommegang, Cooperstown, NY, 607-547-8184, www.belgianexperts.com
6-8
9th Annual NBC-10 International Oktoberfest, Newport, RI, 401-846-1600, ext.
221, www.newportfestivals.com
6-9
Brewers' Association of America Conference, Chicago, IL, 919-530-8140, www.brewersadvocate.org
7-19
MBAA Brewing & Malting Science Course, Madison, WI, rjacobson@mbaa.com
13
-- 10th Great Eastern Invitational Microbrewery Festival, Adamstown, PA,
717-484-4385, www.stoudtsbeer.com
13-14
Grand Old Portsmouth Fall Brewers Festival, Portsmouth, NH, 603-422-7503
23
-- 4th Annual WhiskyFest, Marriott Marquis, NY Contact 800/610-6258 or visit www.maltadvocate.com
27
-- ASH Octoberfest, Tempe, AZ, 480-775-2660, www.azbrewers.com
NOVEMBER
4-7
MBAA Annual Convention, Guadalajara, Mexico, 414-774-8558, www.mbaa.com
9-10
--- 8th Annual Great Northeast International Beer Festival & 4th Annual
Northeast Beer & Cider Competition, Providence, RI, 407-274-3234, www.click2beers.com
17
---2nd Annual Whiskies of the World Expo, San Francisco, CA, 888-748-2400, www.celticmalts.com
--30--