HOT TRUB/BEER BASICS:
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.
Vol. 2 No. 31 --- August 15, 2001
Edited by: Peter LaFrance (peter.lafrance@beerbasics.com) author/journalist,
covering the beverage alcohol industry since 1985,
Author of:
Beer Basics (ISBN
0-471-11936-9) and 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
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LATEST NEWS:
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Mendocino Brewing Acquires United
Breweries International
Mendocino Brewing Company
announced Monday that it has acquired United Breweries International (UK)
Limited, along with its wholly-owned operating subsidiary UBSN Ltd.
("UBSN"), in exchange for 5,500,000 shares of Mendocino's common
stock.
UBSN was formed in August of 1989
and is the sole distributor of Kingfisher Premium Lager Beer
("Kingfisher") in the U.K., Ireland, Continental Europe, the
United States and Canada.
As a result of the acquisition,
Mendocino will have the exclusive right to brew and distribute Kingfisher
in the United States and Canada. The Kingfisher brand has been sold in the United
States, primarily to the Indian restaurant community since 1988. Kingfisher is
an international brand currently distributed in over 40 countries.
Dr. Vijay Mallya, Mendocino's
Chairman and CEO, stated, "Mendocino has now become international in scope,
with a very strong distribution presence in both the United States and Europe.
Also, we have a firm belief that the winning combination of Red Tail Ale and
Kingfisher Premium Lager Beer will enhance our portfolio of brands and fuel our
consumers enthusiasm for Mendocino Brewing Company and our brands."
Mendocino Brewing Company brews
Red Tail Ale, Blue Heron Pale Ale, and Eye of the Hawk Select Ale, Black Hawk
Stout, and Peregrine Golden Ale.
The Corporation's common stock is
publicly traded on the Pacific Stock Exchange under the symbol "MBR."
(Why would a microbrewery in the United States buy a
European/British distributor of beers brewed on the Indian sub-continent for
the rights to sell Kingfisher beers in the United States?)
PA Grants Liquor License for Heinz Field
in Pittsburgh
Yesterday the Pennsylvania Liquor
Control Board voted to grant a public venue liquor license to Aramark Sports
and Entertainment Services, Inc., the concessionaire at Heinz Field in
Pittsburgh. The three-member Board was unanimous.
Agreement was reached after
Aramark spokesman assured the Board that all of its servers are
"TIPS" trained. TIPS, or
Training for Intervention Procedures, is a server-training program that teaches
bartenders and wait staff how to avoid sales to minors and visibly intoxicated
persons. In addition, Aramark's written
policy provides for severe discipline, including dismissal, for any server who
serves a visibly intoxicated person or anyone under age 21.
Aramark policy extends to not
permitting patrons to purchase more than two beers in a single trip. There are
to be no beer sold after the third quarter.
The spokesman said that Aramark will have as many as 25 supervisors
patrolling the facility on game days, checking on the sales practices of
beverage servers at its concession stands and in the stands inside the stadium.
Carolina Brewpub Market Tightens
Last week, Tony Mecia, reported
in the Charlotte Observer that another Carolina brewery has closed.
The Johnson Beer Co. closed last
month after six years in operation. In North Carolina, 17 businesses hold
wholesale permits to distribute the beer they brew.
South Carolina can boast ten
microbreweries and brewpubs (four of which are part of the HOPS chain).
The only other major brewer
close to Charlotte is Carolina Beer Co. of Mooresville, brewers of
Carolina Blonde, available in the Carolinas and Tennessee,
Georgia and Virginia.
Carolina Beer chief executive
Mike Smith said sales are up 25 percent on the year, which he attributes to a
successful marketing plan and a solid product.
He notes that persuading
restaurants, bars and customers to try microbrewed beer can be tough in the
Southeast because the concept is relatively new to the region.
Mecia reports a refrain heard
again and again in reports of microbrewery closings, To stay afloat,
people need more than a love of beer and a little
technological know-how,
said Jason Yates, co-owner of the Olde Hickory Brewery in Hickory, whose beer
is available in the N.C. mountains.
They need a marketing
plan, plenty of start-up money and a consistent product.
JAPAN: Low-Malt
Beer
-- Shipments Down but Still Up?
A summary prepared by Asia Pulse (http://www.asiapulse.com ), reports shipments of regular and low-malt beer fell 17.4 per cent on the year in July for the first decline in six months as the top five breweries shipped 52.73 million cases, industry sources said. The figures reflect a 15.2 per cent surge in June. While shipments of regular beer plunged 23.3 per cent, those of low-malt beer went up only 4.4 per cent. Industry leader Asahi Breweries Ltd. (TSE: 2502) saw a 4.3 per cent rise in shipments to 24.07 million cases on strong sales of Honnama low-malt beer. Its monthly market share soared to a record 45.7 per cent.
(A few months ago I thought it might be a good idea to watch
the progress of the low-malt beer market. I still think it "beers"
watching.)
Moderate Drinkers Feel Better About
Health (You bettcha!)
This morning, Reuters reported on a study by at the Autonoma
University in Madrid that determined that people who are moderate drinkers feel
better about their health than non-drinkers.
The survey looked at data from Spain's 1993 National Health Survey,
which included nearly 20,000 Spanish adults. "The results showed that
people who drank alcohol, including beer and spirits, were less likely to
report ill health than people who abstained altogether," said the
British-based Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, which published the
findings. "And overall, the higher the consumption of total alcohol the
lower levels of subjective ill health."
Out of all those surveyed, 57 percent said they drank
regularly. Respondents claimed to indulge in "light to moderate
consumption" -- one to four drinks a day -- being the most common pattern.
It should be noted that traditionally a European data-base
consisted of people who tend to drink wine with meals. The study also advised
that the even the climate could have contributed to the "feel good"
factor they found.
The Madrid researchers warned that their findings related
only to self-perceptions about health.
Latest Quarterly Reports: (FYI)
(As reported via various news
wires. Simple answers to simple questions.)
Big Rock Brewery Ltd. - 1st quarter
ended June 30th, 2001
Gross sales revenue increased to
$9,204,986 this quarter from $8,820,863 in the same quarter last year.
Net sales revenue, which is
gross sales less government taxes and commissions, rose by $380,197, a 6%
increase, gross margin improved by 5% over last year.
The Boston Beer Company, Inc. - for
the quarter ended June 30, 2001
Barrels sold and net sales were
304,000 and $48.6 million, respectively, compared to 336,000 and $51.4 million
during the same period in 2000.
The Company's gross profit
margin for the quarter improved to 60.1%, up from 56.8% in 2000 due to
increased pricing, product mix changes,
a one-time recovery of $400,000,
and reduced hop cancellation fees.
Pyramid Breweries for quarter ended
June 30, 2001
Pyramid Breweries Inc. reported
net sales increasing 13% to $8.9 million for the second quarter ended June 30,
2001.
The Beverage Division reported a
14% increase in total shipments for the second quarter to 46,700 barrels.
Pyramid beer shipments were up
8% and Thomas Kemper Soda shipments were up 37%.
Sales in the Alehouse Division
were up 12% for the second quarter of 2001 and the margin for the Alehouse
Division improved to $440,000,
an increase of 82% due to the
sales increase and labor efficiencies.
The Alehouse Division continues
to benefit from increased patronage at the Seattle Alehouse due to its location
across the street from Safeco Field.
Safeco Field is the home of Seattle Mariners baseball team.
Redhook Second Quarter 2001
Redhook Ale Brewery sold 60,100
barrels in the second quarter of 2001, a 2.4% increase over second quarter 2000
shipments of 58,700 barrels.
Sales increased 3.4% to
$10,757,000, compared to $10,408,000 in the second quarter of 2000.
Gross profit declined $114,000,
or 3.9%, to $2,804,000 in the 2001 second quarter compared to the same quarter
of 2000.
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PERFECT PAIRINGS:
(Edited for spelling, sometimes. Essential response is
unedited.)
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(GONE
FISHING!)
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EVENTS, OPENINGS & PROMOTIONS
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*AD (American Distiller) a digital newsletter from Bill Owens - sign up at ambrew@aol.com
In early October the Museum of Beer & Brewing will hold its
grand opening. It will house continuous displays and features, with 2 major
exhibits a year. A noteworthy group of brewers, historians and beer
enthusiasts have joined together to create this unique museum in Milwaukee,
Wisconsin. The Mission of the Museum of Beer & Brewing is to preserve and
display the proud history of beer and brewing throughout the World and
particularly in North America.
The group is currently
assembling a treasure trove of breweriana: rare and vintage photos, beer labels
and containers, advertising materials of all kinds, as well as unique brewery
related artifacts on loan or donated by historians, collectors , and by
breweries, both large and small, throughout North America and the World.
The Museum of Beer & Brewing
is affiliated with the Wisconsin State Historical Society.
The Museum of Beer & Brewing
has applied for 501(c)(3) educational non-profit status.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
-Gary Luther, retired Miller
Brewing Company, brewing consultant, executive MBAA
-Marjorie Volke, Brewers
Bulletin & Brewers Digest
-James C. Haertel, Enthusiast
-Frederick Gettelman, Jr., son
of last owner of the Gettelman Brewery
-Karl Struss, retired Pabst
Brewery, brewing consultant
-Jerrold Hilton, Hilton Company,
S.S. Steiner Hops
-Jeff Platt, Cream City Suds
-Jim Kupferschmidt, Collector,
Historian & Author
-David Keating, Enthusiast
-Phil Pospychala, Collector,
Historian & Author
-Paul Bertling, Enthusiast
Members and Supporters include
Mary Ann Gruber of Briess Malting; Herb & Helen Haydock,
Collectors & Historians; Dr.
David Ryder of Miller Brewing Company; and Robert Jaeger, past secretary,
NABA;
For more information contact: info@creamcitysuds.com
Or:
MUSEUM OF BEER
& BREWING
P.O. Box 203, Thiensville,
WI 53092
(262) 966-7567
MUSEUM OF BEER & BREWING
EVENTS:
GREAT AMERICAN BEER FESTIVAL
The Museum of Beer & Brewing will have an exhibit at the
Great American Beer Festival.
Philadelphia
Beer Classes
Philadelphia beer maven Jim Anderson will again be presenting educational
events to educate and enlighten those interested in exploring the various
nuances of beer styles, flavors and compatability with foods. The following
sessions are now available.
-- 3 different 2-session classes at The Restaurant School in Philadelphia
(throughout November 2001, call 215-222-4200 for info)
-- 2 different 1-session classes at La Campagne in Cherry Hill, NJ
(10/16/01 & 11/6/01, call 856-429-7647 for info)
BOSTON RESTAURANT WEEK
August 20-24, 2001 - (five days) - Boston, MA
Location & Time: Boston - Lunch
Price: Prixe-fixe
From Monday, August 20 through Friday, August 24, 2001, participating
restaurants will offer a three-course prix-fix lunch menu for $20.01. at
over 40 of Boston's best restaurants. The program benefits the Anthony
Spinazzola Foundation.
Starting August 6th, participation restaurants will be taking reservations for
this event. Interested diners should call individual restaurants
directly to make reservations. The $20.01 prix-fix menu does not include
beverage, tax and gratuity. A complete list of participating restaurants
follows. For more information about Boston Restaurant Week, call 1-888-SEE
BOSTON or visit www.BostonUSA.com for a list of all
participating
restaurants. (Go to the site and then click on the upper link marked "for
more information..." on the right of the screen.)
EDITORS NOTE: Just one week left! If I lived in Boston and had the
opportunity to take advantage of this event I would make an effort to pair the
beers available
at these restaurants paired with the prix-fix menu. It would be a real
chance to discover how beer can pair quite well with white tablecloth cuisine.
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AUGUST
17 -- "BEER TASTING IN THE BIER GARDEN" Old Heidelberg Park,
Glendale, WI info@creamcitysuds.com
17 18 -- Stevens Point's Brews, Brats & Bands, Steven's Point, WI,
715.344.9310
18 -- Microfestivus, Roanoke, VA, 540-855-3644, www.squaresociety.org
18 -- Chicago Beer Society 7th Annual Brews & Blues Cruise - 847. 692.2337
18 -- Titletown Brewing Co.
Bluegrass and Brew Festival, Green Bay, WI (920) 437-2337
18 19 -- United Donauschwaben Oktoberfest, Menomonee Falls,
WI 262.252.4100
19 -- Foundation-Beer City-Cream City Suds Homebrew Competition Judging &
Celebration, Milwaukee, WI, 414.374.2587
21 -- Emmett's Tavern & Brewing Co. Brewmaster Dinner, Emmett's Tavern
& Brewing, West Dundee, IL, 847.428.4500
22 -- Stone Brewing 5th Anniversary Open House. San Marcos, CA http://www.stonebrew.com 760/471-4999
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
24 26 -- Great Southern Beer Festival, Memphis, TN (901) 634-4444
24 25 -- Roundfest 2000, Walter Payton's Roundhouse, Aurora, IL (630) 264-2739
25-- San Marcos Invitational Beer Wine & Food Fest. San
Marcos, CA (San Diego County) http://www.san-marcos.org/
760/744-1270
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
25 26 -- United Donauschwaben Oktoberfest, Menomonee Falls, WI, 262.252.4100
26 -- 22nd Annual Beer Stein & German Antique Sale & Show, Menomonee
Falls, WI, 414.764.0145
27 -- August Schell's Bottle Cap Open golf tournament, New Ulm, Info: Tim
Huffman 507.354.8896
31
9/2 -- Sprecherfest, Old Heidelberg Park, 700 N. Lexington, Glendale, WI
(414) 964-2739
SEPTEMBER
1 2 -- United Donauschwaben Oktoberfest, Schwabenhof Pavilion, Menomonee Falls, WI (262) 252-4100
7 9 -- Redwood Brewing Oktoberfest, Redwood Lodge, 5304
Gateway Circle Dr., Flint, MI (810) 233-8833
8 -- Minnesota Craft Brewer's
Autumn Brew Review, Peavy Plaza, Minneapolis Contact David Berg bergbrew@juno.com
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 -- Emmett's Tavern & Brewing Co. 2nd Anniversary Celebration, West Dundee, IL (847) 428-4500
13-16 -- Mt. Angel 36th Oktoberfest, Mt. Angel, OR,
503-845-6882
14 --
"Cheers for Change" 4th Annual Easter Seals Beer Tasting,
Wauwatosa, WI (414) 449-4444
14-16 -- Uncle Otto's Oktoberfest, Portland Brewing Co. 2730 NW 31st
Ave., Portland, Oregon www.portlandbrew.com
15 -- Capitol City Beer Festival, Harrisburg, PA,
717-221-1080, www.abcbrew.com
15 -- 18th Annual Essen Haus Oktoberfest, Madison, WI (608)
255-4674
15 -- Da
Wurst Haus Oktoberfest, Lanesboro, MN (507) 467-2902
15 -- Green Bay Jaycees Flavor Fest, ShopKo Hall, Green Bay, WI - Ticket info www.flavorfest.org.
15 -- Monroe Lions Club "Berghoff & Blues",
Monroe, WI (608) 325-3191
20-22 -- The Great Canadian Beer
Festival 2001, Guelph, Ontario www.gcbf.ca
E-mail: gcbf@sympatico.ca
phone: 519-831-8819
21 -- Oak Creek SeptemBeerFest,
Oak Creek Community Center, Oak Creek, WI (414) 768-5840
21 -- John Michael Kohler Arts Center Weiss Cream Social,
Sheboygan, WI (920) 458-6144
21 22 --
Surdyk's Oktoberfest Beer Tasting, Surdyk's Liquors on Hennepin, Minneapolis,
MN. 612-379-3232
21-28 -- Drinktec Interbrau
Munich-Riem Trade Fair Grounds, Munich, Germany (201) 652-7070
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 -- Stone Brewing 5th Anniversary Open House. San Marcos,
CA (San Diego County) http://www.stonebrew.com
760/471-4999
22--WQPT's Brew-Ha-Ha, Moline,
IL, 319-355-9494
24 -- Beer & Chinese Food with Mat Schaffer and Kerry Byrne
--- Boston Herald food critic, and beer writer pair beers with a
Chinese banquet
prepared by the staff of the King Fung Garden in Boston's Chinatown. Contact:
617.353.9852
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 NE International Beer Festival & 4th Annual NE
Beer & Cider Competition, Providence, RI, 407-274-3234, www.click2beers.com
17 -- 2nd Annual Whiskies of the World Expo, San Francisco, CA, Contact:
888-748-2400, www.celticmalts.com
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