HOT TRUB/BEER BASICS.COM

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. 37 --- 27 September 2001

 

Published 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)

visit www.beerbasics.com

 

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 I feel has to be asked. All responses are presented as received.

 

 

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 NEWS:

===================================

 

UNITY NIGHT AT RESTAURANTS AND BREWPUBS ACROSS AMERICA

 

Brewing News and the Pennsylvania Brewers Guild invite brewers and beer lovers across the nation to show support for those affected by the tragic events of September 11th on Unity Night, October 11, 2001.

 

Participating brewpubs, breweries & taverns will be donating a portion of the proceeds from beer sales on Unity Night to The United Way’s September 11th Fund (information below). Please support this worthy cause by ordering a craft brewed beer at a Unity Night location near you.

 

Brewing News is maintaining an up-to-date list of participating establishments and will send out reminder emails just prior to Unity Night. You'll also find a link to the list at http://www.brewingnews.com 

 

Please contact your local brewery, brew pub or good beer bar and encourage their participation in this endeavor. Brewers desiring to participate in Unity Night can get more information from Sean Casey, Bryan Pearson or Erik Cantine of the Church Brew Works by calling 412-688-8200 or emailing cbw@stargate.net

 

 

 

From: American Institute of Wine & Food

 

September 24, 2001

 

In an effort to provide aid to the families of the victims who were foodservice workers in the Towers, Windows on the World owner David Emil and the restaurant's executive chef, Michael Lomonaco, have established the Windows of Hope Family Relief Fund. On Thursday, October 11, 2001, restaurants and food establishments throughout the world are being asked to donate a portion of their day's profits to this fund. Any foodservice establishment, company, or organization affiliated with the food and beverage industry is encouraged to participate in this initiative.

 

For information on participating in this initiative, please contact: Windows on the World Family Relief Fund Hotline: 212-332-0500 (ext. 3132) or call Darlene Dwyer at M. Young Communications, 212-620-7027 (ext. 333). If you are not in the restaurant business, simply going out to dinner at a participating restaurant in your community is a good way to support the fund.

 

 

 

Pyramid Breweries Rallies to Support Disaster Relief

 

Pyramid Breweries, Inc will begin a second series of fund raising events in an effort to raise money for the victims of the September 11th disaster.   “We want to send as much money as we can,” said Martin Kelly, CEO and president of Pyramid Breweries, Inc.  “By teaming with our patrons and employees, we can make our contribution that much more significant.”

 

On Monday, September 24th, in both Seattle, WA & Berkeley, CA, the Pyramid alehouses donated 5% of the total sales for the day to the New York Fire Fighters 9_11 Disaster Relief Fund.   The entire donation will go directly to the families of the fallen fire fighters and EMS personnel in New York City. 

 

Beginning Tuesday, September 25th, both alehouses will allow guests to add a $1 donation to their food and beverage check.  All money raised by the guests will be matched by Pyramid Breweries Inc. and in turn donated to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund.

 

Along with their own local fire fighters, the Berkeley Pyramid Alehouse, located at 901 Gilman St., also raised money for the NY fire fighters families.   Not only did fire fighters collect donations from guests, but the alehouse also donated all sales from souvenir pint glasses sold for the entire week.  The total donation came to $600. 

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Suzanne Infantino

Assistant Marketing Manager – Pyramid Alehouse

(206) 682-8322 x 237

sinfantino@PyramidBrew.com

 

 

PABST BREWERY ACCEPTS BREWCITY OFFER

 

The BrewCity Redevelopment Group, LLC (BrewCity) is pleased to announce they have negotiated an accepted offer with the Pabst Brewing Company for the purchase of the former Pabst Brewing Company complex in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

 

Located on approximately six city blocks centered near 10th Street and Juneau Avenue, the complex consists of 25 separate buildings, on over 20 acres of land, with over 1,600,000 square feet of space.

 

The City of Milwaukee has designated the Pabst Brewing Company as a Historic District subject to the oversight of the Milwaukee Historic Preservation Commission. The City has nominated the Pabst Brewery for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places in an application to the United States Department of the Interior.

 

The vision for the property is summarized in a private placement document under the heading, "Highest and Best Uses of the Real Estate."

 

 

 

 

 

 

An environmental assessment must yield results within their budget or be funded by governmental grants. Zoning and permit issues must be worked out with the City of Milwaukee.

 

 

 

 

 

=================================================

ASK THE PRESS: 

(Edited for spelling, sometimes. Essential response is unedited.)

 

Greetings fellow journalist,

Two questions - the first for the record and the second is a personal one and responses will be off the record.

However, I will include the spirit of those answers in my closing editorial comments.

 

1) How will the ripple effect of the economic situation effect the brewing industry?

 

2) Writing about the beverage and food industry has been my profession for over a decade.

As I make my phone calls now, and send my email messages,

the importance of the work seems trite when placed in context with "hard news."

Nevertheless I sit here and keep doing it.

Without a water-cooler to gather at it is not easy to keep perspective.

Any of your observations on the preceding thoughts would be appreciated.

(Responses to question #2 can be off the record.)

 

Cheers!

Peter LaFrance

publisher

Send responses to peter.lafrance@beerbasics.com

=================================================

(POSTED IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER BY FILE NAME.)

 

From: Alan Moen [ alanmoen@televar.com ]

 

Peter,

 

Good questions. I'm about to try to get on a plane to Denver (Will you be

at the GABF?), so here's my brief response.

 

There is bound to be a negative effect of the economy on the beverage

industry. People go out less, they spend less, they drink less (although

sometimes disasters seem to bring on more consumption, but I think it's the

at-home kind).

 

I think we'll see a tightening up of brands, with less diversity in the

market for a while (Pete's picked a great time to launch its new look!) I

sure wouldn't want to be a start-up right now, but it's been tough for a

few years for new ventures. It will be interesting to see the mood at the

GABF.

 

The terrorist attacks have affected everybody. I feel like this country has

been raped. The cloud of depression will last until we get these bastards,

or a reasonable facsimile thereof. It's interesting to note that these Islamic

extremists forbid alcohol, as many oppressive cultures have over the centuries.

 

One more argument for the place of alcoholic beverages in civilized society.

 

Gotta run,

 

Alan

==============================================================

From: berniekilkelly@cs.com

 

Peter - Thanks for writing, and I really enjoy reading your email newsletter.

 

On your first question, I think a prolonged economic downturn, which we hopefully will still be able to avoid, would have a harmful impact on the craft brewing industry.  In particular, brewpubs that are heavily dependent on the traffic to their restaurants could be affected.  If the country experiences much higher unemployment, consumer spending will be affected and discretionary spending on things like dining out and buying more expensive microbrews will be curtailed. 

 

Keep up the good work,

Bernie

 

Kilkelly.com Beer & Wine Travel Guides

www.kilkelly.com  

 

===============================================================

From: Bob Paolino [ nowgohaveabeer@brewingnews.com ]

 

(Bob answered my second question and I will incorporate his answer in my editorial.)

 

Now go have a beer,

 

Bob Paolino

Columnist, Great Lakes Brewing News

Member, North American Guild of Beer Writers

   Winner (Silver), 2000 Quill and Tankard Awards, Travel Feature

Great Lakes Brewing News advertising information: 800.474.7291

 

=================================================================

 

 

From: Bobby Bush [ bobby@twave.net ]

 

> 1) How will the ripple effect of the economic situation effect the brewing

> industry? 

 

I believe past history - whether tragic or magic - shows that the alcohol industry is more effected by trends than by the economy.  Due to beer's status as drink of the common man, beer may make gains at the expense of other, more expensive alcoholic beverages.

 

Bobby Bush (no kin - or similar spelling - to the A-B family) - Journalist

 

================================================================

 

From: Gary Monterosso WhatzOnTap@aol.com

 

1) How will the ripple effect of the economic situation effect the brewing  industry?

 

A BLUE COLLAR BREWERY FACES TOUGH TIMES

 

Over the past couple of days, I've done tutored tastings with Blue Collar Brewing, a two-year-old micro in extreme southern New Jersey.  The partners consist of a plumber, upholsterer and a cabinetmaker.  At the present time, the guys are self-distributing, certainly no easy task.  Their customer base consists of two counties: Cumberland (their home) and Atlantic.  Acceptance has been widespread.  If available, read the July issue of All About Beer for a review of the company based on when I brought Michael Jackson for a tour this past April.  He enjoyed their beers.

 

Success brings questions for consideration:

 

As all three partners want to divorce themselves of their respective trades, do they expand?  That means purchasing a complete bottling operation. 

 

The homemade labels won't fly in central or northern NJ, let alone the

Philadelphia market.  Do they hire a graphics artist to design a new logo? 

 

To grow beyond their backyard, distributors must be consulted and retained. 

 

Is the facility too small? 

 

To simplify, equipment has been purchased and serious thoughts are being

given to a physical move.  The current operation is less then 2000-sq.ft. 

The guys are contemplating renovations on a 6000-sq.ft. building already

owned by one of the three men.

 

One of the owners asked me, "I'm committed to growth.  I'm tapped out financially.  Will people drink my product?"

 

I wish I had the answers for him.  Traditionally, tough economic times bring

a sustained (or increased) level of alcoholic beverage consumption.  These

aren't, however, traditional times.  And will the Budmillercoors drinker step

forward, willing to part with an extra couple of bucks for a six-pack of Blue

Collar Beer?

 

For Blue Collar Brewing and so many other relatively new breweries, owned by

one, two or three people, this is the controversy.  How do they go from being

a glorified hobby to an enterprise with reason for optimism?

 

 

Gary

======================================================

 

From: Mike Urseth Hart Robinson USA [ mike@hartrobinson.com ]

 

>1) How will the ripple effect of the economic situation effect the brewing

>industry?

 

 

I don't have a clue. So much depends on the events that have yet to

be revealed. I don't foresee people giving up drinking beer (unless,

of course, the Taliban wins).

 

In the short run there may be some dislocations. Perhaps more people

drinking at home, glued to CNN et al.

 

There's some evidence that "quality" sells better in a recessionary

economy. People can't afford a new car, but will replace that

gratification with the purchase of the beer they really want.

 

Mike Urseth

Import Director

Hart Robinson USA

P.O. Box 237

Ridgeland WI 54763

ph. (715)837-1120

fax (715)837-1636

e-mail:  mike@hartrobinson.com

===============================================================

From: Jim Dorsch [ jdorsch@mnsinc.com ]

 

I'm wondering if people will trade down a notch to beers that are familiar and

priced a bit lower than things they might experiment with. Time will tell ...

 

 

 

================================================================ 

 

From: Marty Jones [ martysjones@worldnet.att.net ]

 

Hello Peter,

 

The ripple effect? A saw in the Denver Post yesterday that some analyst

deemed alcoholic beverages a category usually not hurt in downturns in the

economy.

 

I'm no expert on the subject, but my guess is that at-home drinking will

remain the same or increase a bit, bar/restaurant sales will drop. A

shrinking economy leads to belt tightening, nights on the town are usually

the first thing to go.

 

I'm a musician, I've already seen a ripple effect. My band was set to do a

couple nights a week at  downtown hotel, that's not going to happen. The

hotel has decided to drop live music for the next few months. Bummer.

 

MJ - Journalist

 

 

==================================================================

From: Stephen Beaumont [ beaumont@worldofbeer.com ]

 

Peter;

 

Thanks for the personalized version of your queries. This was one email I

certainly intended to answer, as it strikes deep to the core of what we do.

I just hadn't got around to it.

 

First the easy question. I don't think that the current events will have

much effect on the beer biz. There may be some ripples - a project I'm

working on for Starwood Hotels could suffer delays, for example - but the

net effect, if any, will more likely be positive, in my opinion. People

drink when under stress, and most of them drink beer. It's obviously a

lousy way to boost sales, but there it is.

=================================================================== 

 

From: Tom Bedell [ bedell@sover.net ]

 

As for the first question, I merely pass along this bit of e-mail wisdom

that recently came my way:

 

If you bought $1000 worth of Nortel stock one year ago, it would now be

worth $49.  If you bought $1000 worth of Budweiser (the beer, not the stock)

one year

ago, drank all the beer, and traded in the cans for the nickel deposit,

you would have $79.

 

Clearly, the best current market advice is to start drinking heavily.

Cheers,

 

Tom

 

THOMAS D. BEDELL

Member, American Society of Journalists and Authors

North American Guild of Beer Writers

Golf Writers Association of America

237 DEPOT ROAD

WILLIAMSVILLE  VT  05362

(802) 348-7992 Phone & fax

E-mail: bedell@sover.net

 

 

 

 

 

 

===================================================

THE FOLLOWING SENT A RESPONSE ONLY TO QUESTION #2

 

I THANK THEM FOR THEIR RESPONSE AND WILL CHERISH THEIR THOUGHTS.

 

CHEERS!

 

PETER LAFRANCE

==================================================

 

From: Julie Bradford [ editor@allaboutbeer.com ]

Sent: Tuesday, September 25, 2001 11:21 AM

To: Peter LaFrance

Subject: Re: From HOT TRUB/BEER BASICS

 

--

Julie Johnson Bradford

Editor

All About Beer Magazine

501-H Washington Street

Durham, NC 27701

tel. 919-530-8150

fax 919-530-8160

 

=============================================================

 

From: Mark Silva [ mark.silva@realbranding.com ]

Sent: Monday, September 24, 2001 1:17 PM

To: 'Peter LaFrance'

Subject: RE: From HOT TRUB/BEER BASICS

 

======================================================

From: Gregg Glaser [ gregg@yankeebrew.com ]

Sent: Monday, September 24, 2001 2:05 PM

To: Peter LaFrance

Subject: Re: From HOT TRUB/BEER BASICS

 

=============================================================

From: Gary Regan [ gary@ardentspirits.com ]

Sent: Thursday, September 27, 2001 8:40 AM

To: Peter LaFrance

Subject: Re: From HOT TRUB/BEER BASICS 

=======================================================

 

 

 

FINALLY: MY EDITORIAL COMMENT

 

I am taking the liberty of posting Jim Andersons observations as he sent them to me.

His words echo my thoughts, and I am sure, the thoughts of almost every work-at-home journalist I know.

 

Thanks Jim!

 

 

 

 

From: Jim Anderson [ anderjim@voicenet.com ]

Sent: Monday, September 24, 2001 8:57 PM

To: Peter LaFrance

Subject: Re: From HOT TRUB/BEER BASICS

 

Yo --

1)     I'm afraid I'm not qualified even to wager a guess.

 

  

2) On one hand, Peter, "It's Only Beer."  On the other, there's an

important lesson to be learned from other nations who live with terrorism

day in and day out: You can't let the bastards grind you down.  Trivial

acts and leisure activities have suddenly become more important than

they were last month, if for no other purpose than to symbolize the

urgency of preserving our sense of free will, which no one should be

allowed to take from us so easily and for so cheap a price.  As for your

chosen profession, I say, Write on, brother!

 -  ja

 

Check out Jim Anderson:

 

online:

http://beerphiladelphia.com

http://www.restaurantreport.com/Departments/index.html

http://philadelphia.citysearch.com/Philadelphia/restaurants_bars/

 

 

  

================================================

ASK THE BREWER:

 

This week I am asking all the breweries that subscribe to HOT TRUB/BEER BASICS the
following two questions:

1) Are you planning to attend the GABF this year?

  2) How has the event of 11 September 2001 affected your brewery?

 Thank you for your response.

  Cheers!

  Peter LaFrance
  publisher

 

Send responses to peter.lafrance@beerbasics.com

=================================================

(POSTED IN ORDER RECEIVED.)

 

 

 

From: Andy Igram [ brew@fourpeaks.com ]

 

Dear Peter,

    Yes, I will be attending the GABF and yes, I am flying.  Fear is their goal and I do not intend to abet them in that goal.

    As to how the atrocities have affected our brewery/pub it is impossible to determine the long term effects.  In the time since, however, it seems that our lunch business is up and our dinner business is slightly slower, but picking back up again.  Our theory is that people who can't get information at work in the morning come here for that (and maybe a pizza...) and when they get home in the evening they get sucked into the TV coverage and stay.

    I think that pubs that cater to business and/or tourist crowds are going the have the biggest drop and pubs that are more neighborhood oriented are going to stay the same or get slightly better.  It's human nature for people to gather in familiar places during tragedies.

 

    Anyway, that's my two cents worth.

 

Andy Igram

Head Brewer, Four Peaks Brewing Co.

================================================================

 

From: Greg Koch [ greg@stonebrew.com ]

 

> 1) Are you planning to attend the GABF this year?

 

Yes.

 

> 2) How has the event of 11 September 2001 affected your brewery?

 

Deeply.

 

Cheers,

 

Greg Koch, CEO

Stone Brewing Co.

 

=================================================================

 

From: John Fryor - 3 Floyds -  Fryorama@aol.com

 

1.  We will be at the GABF to sponsor the Alpha King Challenge at Falling Rock, but we will not have a booth at the Fest itself.

 

2.  Sept. 11th started out with me being in Las Vegas for the NBWA, I woke up to see the second building getting hit.  I immediately called for a rental.  After a three hour wait, I started my 2000 mile journey to Chicago, to be with my family.  I would have drove a ride-on mower to get home.

 

Since then, I have seen trucking rates practically double.  I have seen draft sales come to a screeching halt.  Case sales are brisk.  This tells me that people aren't going out as much and are seeking the comfort of their homes.  I know I am.

 

It has us, as a brewery, rethink our short and long term plans.  National distribution is very costly and now that the country has pulled it's head in like a tortoise, getting to these far away places will be more difficult to do.  After my Vegas experience, I don't want to be that far away from my family again, during this time of uncertainty.  From this point on, I will never taken anything for granted ever again.

 

John Freyer

3 Floyds

======================================================================

 

From: Troy Paski [ troy@hoppy.com ]

Sent: Monday, September 24, 2001 12:00 PM

To: Peter LaFrance

Subject: RE: From HOT TRUB/BEER BASICS

 

Hi Peter!

 

Hoppy Brewing will be at the GABF, as we have every year since 94.

 

 

Business since Sept 11.

 

Tue 11th - average to busy

Wed 12th - pretty slow

Thu 13th - pretty slow

Fri 14th - about average

Sat 15th - above average

Sun 16th - above average (everyone who hadn't gone to church since Easter went to church and then came and had lunch)

Mon 17th - slower that average

Tue 18th - busier than average

Wed 19th - 2nd best Wed

Thu 20th - 3rd best Thur

Fri 21st - about average

Sat 22nd - busier than average

Sun 23rd - slower than average

 

Hope that helps...

====================================================================

 

From: Alan Sprints - Hair Of The Dog Brewing Co. alan@hairofthedog.com

 

We will not be at the GABF this year. 

 

I was brewing Fred when I heard the first reports on the radio.  I know Beer can give us comfort in these confusing times.

 

Hair of the Dog Brewing Company

4509 SE 23rd Avenue, Portland, OR 97202

503-232-6585 phone, 503-235-8743 fax

alan@hairofthedog.com

http://www.hairofthedog.com

 

=================================================================

 

From: Lake Superior Brewing Co [ info@lakesuperiorbrewing.com ]

 

Greetings Peter,

 

To answer the questions breifly (I'm between CIP cycles): We are not attending the GABF this year, although close associates are going.

The man who normally operates our bottling line was scheduled to fly back from Seattle on the 11th. Obviously he did not. He was not able to fly back until the following Tuesday. He comprises 1/4 of the work force here, but we did what we could to maintain production schedule.

 

 

===================================================================

From: Neal Leathers [ neal@bigskybrew.com ]

 

1.  Nope, we try to attend every other year, and this is an off year for us.

 

2.  Aside from delaying a trip to Boston scheduled for the 13th, and slowing sales for the week immediately following the attack, it hasn't affected our business.  Certainly it hasn't changed any of our long-term plans.

 

Neal Leathers

Big Sky Brewing Co.

Missoula, MT

====================================================================

From: Nelson Jay  [ Nelson.Jay@Redhook.com ]

 

Peter:

 

Thank you for your message. In response to your query:

 

1) No, Redhook is not planning on attending the GABF.

 

2) The effect of the terrorist attack on our business is difficult to determine. We are not making any strategic changes in our thinking in response to the attack. From a localized standpoint, some of our friends with accounts in the area, including Windows On The World, are clearly out of business indefinitely. In the context of the vast human human tragedy, our business interest losses in lower Manhattan are insignificant.

 

Sincerely,

 

Nelson D. Jay

Marketing Manager

====================================================================

From: S Jarret Klein, The Borealis Brewery [ goodbeer@alaska.net ]

 

Hi Peter,

 

Thanks for writing such an interesting series of notes. I enjoy what you

have to say when I have the time to read it.

 

To answer your questions:

 

1) I was making my plane reservations for GABF when the tragedy hit. I thought it odd that the website I was using wouldn't let me purchase the tickets, then I heard the news. I couldn't buy a ticket until flight schedules returned to normal, so I missed the 14 day advance purchase. I'm going, by gum, despite a $150 price increase for the ticket. You can't blame the "economic hardship" facing our airlines on me!

 

2) We have noticed that more people are coming down to the brewery. We're a production operation but we do a little bit of retail sales via a tasting room. Lately, people have been coming down and just hanging out, looking for conversation, a bit of levity and a good beer. Seems like more people are talking to each other and seeking that human connection. Seems like what people say means more. We're definitely a focal point for that.

 

Oh, it is also increasingly hard to ship beer with the new restrictions.

 

Yours in Good Beer,

---S

 

=====================================================================

From: Ed Chilleen [ chili1@ix.netcom.com ]

Black Mountain Brewery – AZ

 

No we will not be attending.

 

Sales in our restaurant are off  by 40% so of course beer consumption is also down but at the brewery beer garden sales are up.

 

ED

========================================================================

From: Steve Hindy -  shindy@BROOKLYNBREWERY.COM

 

1. Yes, we'll be at GABF.  Garrett is judging and our national sales manager, Dean Palmer, is taking some of our out of state salesmen and customers.

 

2. BB trucks have been delivering food (from our customers) and relief supplies to downtown Manhattan since 9/11.  We also have delivered books to some of the displaced public schools.  There was a photo of one of our guys delivering food in the Daily News.  Our Sept. 30 event with Slow Food at the Puck Building, America's Great Regional Breweries, will donate all profits to the United Way 9/11 Fund.  We are about to announce another event, called Brooklyn Loves New York More Than Ever, on Oct. 20 at the brewery, $50 per person, with all proceeds going to the Independence Community Foundation's 9/11 Fund.  Great music from Black 47 and 5 Chinese Brothers.  None of the brewery staff was hurt in the attack, but many of our customers are closed--notably Windows on the World, which lost 78 people. 

 

Cheers.

============================================================================

From: Karl Zappa, General Manager Bhawkales@aol.com

 

Hello Peter:

 

We will have two reps at GABF, Joe Ryan & Ted Balis.

 

We have notice that business was off by 33% at our large chain restaurant

customers for the last 10 days.  We believe that business will return to

normal as sporting event schedules return.  Our package business seems to

have remained the same.  as we approach the Holiday Season, we will be able

to tell more about how this year will fare.

 

Thank you for your interest,

 

Karl Zappa

General Manager

=============================================================================

From: Scott Voss - Left Hand/ Tabernash Brewing Co. brewer@lefthandbrewing.com

 

1) Yes, we are attending the Gabf

2) Our sales are down dramatically in the second half of this month and the

mood of our employees has been somber.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 ===================================

  NEW PRODUCTS:

(All products provided by breweries.

Tasting notes are done by the publisher in beer-clean 2 oz. straight edged tasting glasses between 0900-1000 in an aroma-neutral environment.)

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

 

Edison Light Beer Begins National Rollout

 

Edison Light is beginning its national rollout starting in Massachusetts and Rhode Island this month. The beer is being marketed by brewing industry veteran Rhonda Kallman and her independent company New Century Brewing. Edison was created by Dr. Joseph Owades.

 

Edison was formally unveiled at the National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) show in Las Vegas September 10-11. A network of area distributors will make Edison available in Massachusetts and Rhode Island liquor stores, restaurants and bars this month.

 

The beer will be distributed throughout Massachusetts by Burke Distributing, Atlas Distributing, Merrimack Valley Distributing, JJ Taylor and Commercial Distributing and across Rhode Island by Fradin Distributors.

 

 

 

 

(++++++++++++++++)

 

 

 

 ===================================

PROMOTIONS - EVENTS - DINNERS

* NEW LISTING

===================================

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SIPPIN BY THE RIVER 2001

That's right, it's time again for the Fertile Crescent's largest beer, wine & food festival, now in its 7th year, this Sunday the 23rd from 1-5pm.

Over 60 breweries & wineries will be on hand, along with food from some of Philadelphia's finest restaurants.

There'll be an Oktoberfest Pavillion featuring beer from Spaten and German food from Ludwig's Garten . . .

There'll be a Colonial Philadelphia Pavillion featuring beer from Yards and period food from City Tavern . . .

And there'll be tutored tastings, cooking demonstrations and live music, all in an outdoor setting along the Delaware River.

Proceeds benefit Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America, and this year there's a 25% discount off the gate price of $20 if you order your tickets online at:
http://www.sippinbytheriver.com

Please note that the new Penn's Landing facility is called Festival Pier, and it is located slightly north of the old venue, on Delaware Ave. at Spring Garden St.  Drink or drive.



------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Philadelphia Beer Classes

Philadelphia beer maven Jim Anderson will present educational events exploring beer styles, flavors and compatibility with foods.

The following sessions are now available.

-- 3 different 2-session classes at The Restaurant School in Philadelphia
throughout November 2001, contact: 215-222-4200

-- 2 different 1-session classes at La Campagne in Cherry Hill, NJ
10/16/01 & 11/6/01, contact: 856-429-7647

 ===================================================

 

*The biggest Belgian Beerfestival

This year on a new location and a new date:
The biggest Belgian Beerfestival
24 uur van het Belgische Speciaalbier
3-4 november 2001
Oude Beurs - Meir (twaalfmaandenstraat) - Antwerp - Belgium
More info: www.24-uur.be

 

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 EVENTS:

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SEPTEMBER 

 

27-29 -- Great American Beer Festival, Denver, CO, 303-447-0816, jessica@aob.com , http://www.beertown.org/GABF/index.htm

 

27 -- Seventh Annual KROC World Brewers Forum, Denver, CO, brewstraveler@adamsco-inc.com

 

30 -- New York City. Slow Food and Craft Beer Tasting at the Puck Building www.brooklynbrewery.com

 

 

OCTOBER

 

6 -- Fifth Annual Branwell Oktoberfest, Bramwell, WV, contact: George Sitler, 1-800-221-3206, gvsitler@hotmail.com

 

6 -- Viking Brewing Company Oktoberfest, Dallas, TX, Contact: Ann Lee, 715-837-1824

 

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 -- DOGtoberfest, Portland, OR Contact: Gary Geist, 503-236-3555 www.Luckylab.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, www.maltadvocate.com 

 

27 -- ASH Octoberfest, Tempe, AZ, 480-775-2660, www.azbrewers.com

 

27 -- Washington Cask Beer Festival, Seattle, WA, Contact: Doug Hindman, dhind@quidnunc.net

 

27 -- Ashland Oktoberfest, Ashland, OR, Contact: Robert Mathis, 541-944-4198

 

 

NOVEMBER

3 -- The 8th Annual Maine Brewers' Festival, Portland, ME, Contact: Gritty McDuff's Brewing Co., 207-771-7571 eastcoastevents@mindspring.com

 

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

 

9-11 -- 3rd Annual Orlando Beer Festival, Orlando, FL, Contact: Dayna Garrison, 407-224-5767

 

17 -- 2nd Annual Whiskies of the World Expo, San Francisco, CA, Contact: 888-748-2400, www.celticmalts.com

 

30-Dec 2 -- Holiday Ale Festival, Portland, OR, Contact: Chris Crabb, 503-228-3119 (info), 503-282-1583 (media), crabbsoup@earthlink.net - http://www.holidayale.com

 

30 - Dec 1 -- Great Canadian Beer Festival, Victoria, BC, Contact: gcbfoffice@pacificcoast.net

 

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