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. 41 --- 24 October 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
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===============================================
Editor: Claire Zuckerman
=================================
Greetings,
Welcome to Hot Trub/BeerBasics.com ...
LATEST NEWS:
ASK THE PRESS:
This week I am asking the members of the "beer
trade" press:
What is the biggest problem with being a journalist
covering the beer beat?
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 comments and criticism.
Cheers!
Peter LaFrance
===================================
LATEST NEWS:
===================================
Mayor
Giuliani Puts New York Harbor Ale on The Line
For The World
Series
Yesterday, Mayor
Rudolph W. Giuliani challenged Arizona Senator John McCain, Senator Jon
Kyl, and Phoenix Mayor Skip Rimsza to wagers on the outcome of the 2001 World
Series Championship between the reigning World Champion New York Yankees and
the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Should the Arizona Diamondbacks win, Mayor
Giuliani will send the Senators and Mayor Rimsza a year’s supply of Junior’s
world-famous cheesecake and a case of New York Harbor Ale from the Old World
Brewing Company – the “official beer” of the Staten Island Yankees, the New
York Yankees minor league affiliate.
Also, should the
Arizona Diamondbacks win, Senator McCain will get one of New York’s “finest”
horses – from the New York City Police Department; Senator Kyl - Dinner
for two at Tribeca Grill, one of New York City’s most famous restaurants,
located in the heart of Tribeca in lower Manhattan; and Mayor Rimsza - A year’s
pass to Van Cortlandt Park Golf Course, the City’s oldest municipal golf course
which has recently undergone renovation.
When the New York
Yankees win their 27th World Series Championship, Senator McCain will give
Mayor Giuliani a horse which the Mayor will give to the New York City Police
Department; Senator Kyl will give Mayor Giuliani dinner for two at Vincent’s
Restaurant – a Phoenix favorite; and Mayor Rimsza will give the Mayor a year of
free golf at one of Phoenix’s beautiful golf courses.
(Edited by PLF)
========================================
On Monday The
Association of Brewers announced the appointment of Ray Daniels as Director of
Brewers Publications.
Daniels has
written "Designing Great Beers" and several other Brewers
Publications titles, including "Smoked Beers." He has served on
the Brewers
Publications Board of
Advisors since its inception in 2000.
"We are excited
to have Ray on board. As
Editor-in-Chief of The New Brewer and Zymurgy, he has taken
our magazines to a new professional level. We look forward to sharing his
successes as Director of our book publishing division," says Bob Pease,
Vice President of the Association of Brewers.
Ray Daniels can be
reached at 773.665.1300 or ray@aob.org
Founded in 1978 the
Association of Brewers is a not-for-profit educational organization dedicated
to the promotion of quality beers and brewing throughout the world. The
Association encompasses the Institute for Brewing Studies, the American
Homebrewers Association, Brewers Publications, the Great American Beer Festival
and the World Beer Cup.
========================================
Heard it all?
- Food Firkins Launches Wort-aficial Insemination Program
On Monday the Granite
City Food & Brewery of Minneapolis announced a “new brewing process” in
conjunction with the mid November 2001 opening of its Fargo, ND location.
The patent-pending
brewery process, trademarked under the name "Fermentus Interuptus"
allows Granite City Food & Brewery to transfer unfermented wort from one
location to other locations where the fermenting will begin and the brew
process will be completed.
The report from
Granite City Food & Brewery press release stated that, “Fermentus
Interuptus is intended to improve the economics of the micro-brewing process by
eliminating the initial stages of brewing and storage at multiple locations,
thereby reducing development costs at new restaurant locations. The unfermented
liquid known as wort contains no alcohol so it can be trucked anywhere in the
United States. The receiving brewpub will unload the wort into its own brewing
vessels, add yeast cells and conclude the brew process with fermentation,
aging, storing
and eventually dispensing beer.”
According to the
release, the Fermentus Interuptus brew process will originate at the Sioux
Falls, South Dakota brewery. The wort will be trucked to Granite City Food
& Brewery in Fargo, North Dakota, which is scheduled to open to the public
in mid November 2001. Although wort will be shipped only to the Fargo location
at this time, the Sioux Falls brewery is large enough to service as many as 15
brew pubs. The Company's Chairman and Brewmaster Bill Burdick said "Every
restaurant that is added to the Fermentus Interuptus program is expected to
improve margins by serving multiple locations with a single brewing operation.
Through this patent-pending process we are able to keep our high quality
product intact and enhance our overall profitability. Truly the best of both
worlds."
Founders Food &
Firkins Ltd, Minneapolis
Contact: Steven J.
Wagenheim, 952-525-2070 or 612-751-3331
========================================
Abita Beers
in PET Bottles
Last week Constar
Inc., a subsidiary of Crown Cork & Seal Company, Inc. announced the launch
of a resalable PET bottle
capable of
withstanding the pasteurization processes.
The PET bottle
completed successful line trials with Abita Brewery in New Orleans.
The first single-serve
PET beer bottles were introduced in 1999 and quickly gained favor in
"venue" markets including sporting events, concerts and other
outdoor activities.
Crown Cork & Seal
is a supplier of packaging products to consumer marketing companies world-wide,
with headquarters in Philadelphia, PA.
===================================
=================================================
THE
2001 GABF GOLD MEDAL INTERVIEWS:
(Next
week's issue will feature two more interviews with brewers
who
won gold medals at the 2001 Great American Beer Festival.
They
are presented in the order that I was able to get in touch with them.)
=================================================
=================================================
ASK
THE PRESS:
(Edited
for spelling, sometimes. Essential response is unedited.)
This
week in ASK THE PRESS:
What is the biggest problem with being a
journalist covering the beer beat?
Cheers!
Peter
LaFrance
Publisher
Send
responses to peter.lafrance@beerbasics.com
(Responses
posted as received.)
=================================================
The biggest problem with being a journalist covering the
beer beat is being a
journalist covering the beer beat. There are few major, exciting
developments--at least in New York City--now that good beer has become less
faddish. There are no compelling stories. We no longer have a
rapidly rising
tide of new breweries and the shakeout of the industry is largely history. It
seems as if the industry has given up trying to spread the gospel of good beer,
except for National Beer Month. Few breweries are launching new products and
those that are, with few exceptions are doing little to promote them.
Beer-related events now are few and far between and most typically feature the
same players. There are fewer beer geek publications to write for and
editors
at general consumer publications, especially daily newspapers, that once
published beer stories with some frequency are less inclined to do so now as
newsprint prices climb and space becomes more dear and there are more stylish
fads to write about.
Alan J. Wax
Newsday
====================================
From: MIBeerguyd@aol.com
Well since
I'm in the mode to write to you Peter,
The biggest
problem with being a beer journalist is that we reach beer
enthusiasts. Writing for beer enthusiasts is fine, but reaching the broader
audience is needed to grow our wee little market. We as beer journalists
really need to reach the much larger audience in the main stream. I am
constantly telling people about the difference between craft beer and
industrial beer (the unique dinner plate made by the potter on his wheel and
purchased at the craft show vs. the 72-piece set made by machine and
purchased at KMart) and they are always amazed that the word is not more
widely known. To add punch to the statement, I tell them that for every
person in our brewpub drinking our beer, there are 90 other people
drinking a Miller or Bud in each of 90 surrounding locations.
Last night,
for the third year in a row, I gave a 3-hour presentation with
Patrick Reynolds, Director of Museum Exhibits at Henry Ford Museum and
Greenfield Village to an audience of 65 people, about half of which came to
support the museum, not because they were beer enthusiasts. One woman asked
me to do a wine tasting in the same format, which was fair and probable if
not expected feedback.
But my
delight was the senior citizen who said she will never drink another Bud Light
again. This comment was similar to several others I received as I went table to
table. Another woman, a 20 something and another confirmed Bud Light drinker,
(not to pick on the AB products, but
here in Michigan over half the 6.7 million barrels of beer sold annually
comes from AB, so they are encountered with greater frequency) discovered
that she loved Spruce Beer (made by Roffey Brewing Company) and having
discovered that, has opened her mind to exploring other beers. So maybe the
problem for the beer journalist is not just in how to reach the masses in
writing, but how to get them to experience the flavor we write about.
Rex
Halfpenny
Michigan Beer Guide
michiganbeerguide.com
=====================================
Hi Peter,
Sorry this is the first time I've had the time to respond to one of
your questions, because it's the one I know the littlest about these
days. I'm too busy trying to put out papers and am not writing much
myself these days. But I'd like to hear what others think!
Bill Metzger
=====================================
Hi Peter -
I rarely
run into any problems. However if I had to cite some ... my biggest
problems would be:
1) Dealing
with brewers who don't see the benefit of the press. Some of them
seem to project a total lack of interest, or simply come across as being
beyond the stage of relying on the press to get their word out -- like their
ultimate success has been achieved. What the hell is that all about? I mean,
c'mon. Lose the attitude and let's talk beer, Mr. Success! I have to laugh
sometimes.
2) Having
to review mediocre beer, which seems to be happening a lot lately.
Outside of
the above, my role within the "beer trade" is a very happy and
successful one.
Prost!
Todd
--
Todd Alström
http://BeerAdvocate.com
=====================================
Hi Peter. The hardest
thing as a daily print journalist who writes about
beer as a sideline is keeping plugged into all the changes and the gossip.
The big guys know who I am and send samples or e-mail or faxes about new
products. But importers are constantly changing and only the very largest
understand the value of PR. So often, I find out about a great new beer
from a reader or during a walk-through of one of the good beer stores in
the Bay Area.
I also
sometimes get samples of really good beers, but it can be months or
never before they arrive in stores. And by that time, they've often aged
poorly.
Final
problem _ Editors who HATE beer. I've had one of those over the
years. I know a couple of other (best unmentioned) papers with editors who
are wine snobs. It's hopeless to talk about quality beer with one of those
types.
Finally.Finally:
The crappy food at the GABF. Hell, why don't they just
barbecue a steer or something and feed it to the hungry multitudes. Even
big hunks of tofu with barbecue sauce would be appreciated. Maybe they
should send a scout out to the Oregon Brewer's Fest. in Portland.
CompuServe used to have
a great beer forum and all kinds of people
participated. I learned a lot from it. But that was yesterday.
William Brand
Oakland Tribune
=====================================
================================================
PERFECT
PAIRINGS:
Feel
free to offer your idea of perfect pairings of food and beer.
(I
hope to hear from the brewers out there on this one!)
Thank
you for your response.
Cheers!
Peter
LaFrance
Publisher
Send
responses to peter.lafrance@beerbasics.com
=================================================
Offered From Bob Sullivan of Boulevard
Brewing Co. -
Peter,
I am glad
we had the opportunity to meet in NY this past weekend. The event was
well worth my attending, and I also wanted to do my small part in supporting
the NY economy - if just for a long weekend. I thought the Puck Building
was the perfect venue for the event.
I was
pleasantly surprised with the attendance, and more than pleased with the
industry representation. It was unfortunate that more brewery
representatives could not be personally present. As I learn more about
the Slow Food Movement, the more I think there exists some real
synergies
between our two groups. I salute the folks from Brooklyn Brewery for
their efforts in putting this gig together.
How does
this sound:
"A
Trio of Oysters":
Boulevard-Barbeque
Glaze, Buffalo-Maytag Blue Cheese,
and
Lemongrass Mignonette
w/Boulevard
ZON (a Wit beer)
Roasted
Fennel and Teleme Cheese Soup with a House-made Pretzel
w/Boulevard
Pale Ale
Pancetta-wrapped
Monkfish on Molasses-baked Rattlesnake Beans with
Chile-Pomegranate
Reduction and Crispy Frog Legs w/Boulevard Unfiltered Wheat Beer
Pistachio-crusted
Veal Loin on Late Summer Corn Pudding with Wild Mushroom Gravy
w/
Boulevard Bully! Porter
Chocolate
Cake with Boulevard Dry Stout Ice Cream
and
Rasberry Coulis
w/
Boulevard Dry Stout
Bob
Sullivan
v.p.
sales/marketing
Boulevard
Brewing Co.
================
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.)
(NO TASTING NOTES THIS ISSUE.)
===================================
The Denver brewery Great Divide will introduce
“Hibernation,” an English-style strong ale, on November 1. The mahogany-hued Hibernation
features a “lush, chewy body and robust flavors of hops,
malt and alcohol.”
It will be available
in bottles at Northwest area stores in both six packs and in
mixed twelve-packs. Draft or
bottles will also be available at bars and restaurants.
This year Great Divide is celebrating the annual release of
Hibernation with commemorative T-shirts.
Each shirt features the question,
“How Big is Your Beer?” on the front and the Hibernation
logo and evergreen tree on the back.
T-shirts are available at the Great Divide
Brewery for $12.
Brewery visitors can also pick up fresh ½-gallon growlers of Hibernation
now, before the bottled beer reaches area stores.
For more information call Tara Dunn at 303-296-9460.
===================================
=============================
PROMOTIONS
- EVENTS - DINNERS
*
NEW LISTING
===================================
* BOSTON INDUSTRY/PRESS EVENT:
Vernonique Hosts Boddingtons
"INVASION OF THE BODDY-SNATCHERS"
The folks at LabattUSA are hosting an industry/press bash featuring
free Boddingtons Pub Ale at the Vernonique in Brookline, MA.
The Veronique will be transformed into a haunted castle for the evening, and
costumes are recommended.
This bash will feature DJ Deja, dancing, best costume
contests, spooky drinks and scary snacks.
If you are a member of the beer industry or press, please
email your name to Julie Dennehy (julie@dennehypr.com) to be
put on
the VIP list and get in for free; otherwise they will
charge you $10 at the door if you have a costume; $15 without a costume.
Linda Simard of Labatt USA is the mastermind behind
this event... She can be reached at lsimard@labattusa.com.
Details:
Monday, October 29 7:30 p.m. to ??
The Castle Veronique, 20 Chapel Street, Brookline at the Longwood MBTA stop.
www.veronique.com
More information here:
http://www.bostoneventguide.com/Calendar/nc10292001.htm
===================================
*REDBONES BBQ HOLDS ANNUAL NORTHWEST BEER FEST
DAVIS SQUARE, SOMERVILLE, MA - Northwest beers will be on
tap beginning November 9 and will be featured at two Beer Banquets,
Monday, November 12 and Tuesday, November 13 at 7:30
PM. Cost is $35.00 per person; reservations are required and may
be made by calling 617- 628 - 2200. Each Banquet includes
dinner, festival beers, games, prizes and speakers. Dick Cantwell,
brewer/owner of Elysian Brewery in Seattle, is the guest
speaker both nights.
======================================================================
Heritage Beer and Dinner Tour of Old
Toronto
Oliver Dawson, of the Beer Lovers' Tour Co. , has announced
the fall Heritage Beer and Dinner Tour of Old Toronto to be held on
Saturday, October 27th, 2001. It's a full day tour that will
include brewery visits, lunch, a "Wild Essen" Bavarian dinner, an
exploration
of the "lost breweries" of Toronto, and tutored
tastings.
For information visit The Beer Lovers' Tour Co. website: http://www.beerloverstour.com/toronto.html
Or call: 905-850-9570
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.
THE FALL SEMESTER OF BEER CLASSES
Jim Anderson is offering the following instructional
experiences. For more information use the following link - http://www.beerphiladelphia.com/news.htm#calendar
Friday October 26
Beer For Wine Lovers
The Restaurant School in Philadelphia
215-222-4200
Friday November 2
The Magic of Belgian Beer
The Restaurant School in Philadelphia
215-222-4200
Tuesday November 6
Beer For Wine Lovers
La Campagne Restaurant in Cherry Hill, NJ
856-429-7647
Friday November 9
Local Flavors
The Restaurant School in Philadelphia
215-222-4200
===================================================
*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
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EVENTS:
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OCTOBER
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
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
12 -- Redbones BBQ Annual Northwest Beer Fest - Davis
Sq., Somerville, MA - Cost is $35.00 per person; reservations are
required. Call 617 - 628 - 2200.
13 -- Redbones BBQ Annual Northwest Beer Fest - Davis
Sq., Somerville, MA - Cost is $35.00 per person; reservations are
required. Call 617 - 628 - 2200.
17 -- 2nd Annual Whiskies of the World Expo, San Francisco,
CA, Contact: 888-748-2400, www.celticmalts.com
17-18 -- Great Brews of America Festival, Split Rock Resort,
Harmony, PA, 800-255-7625, www.splitrock.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
2002
FEBRUARY
9 -- Double I.P.A. Festival, Hayward, CA, Contact: Vic
510-886-8525
APRIL
10-13 – National Craft Brewers Conference & BrewExpo
America, Renaissance Hotel, Cleveland, OH Contact: Nancy Johnson,
Institute for Brewing Studies 303.447.0816
JULY
26-28 -- Oregon Brewers Festival, Portland, OR
###