from the print edition of the Los Angeles Times comes this little gem of an article. I love the last line.
Velvet Merk- check that, Merlin
When Solace runs its course over the summer, it will be replaced by a sixer of Velvet Merlin. No, this isn’t an offshoot of the Velvet Merkin. It is he same thing just changed to avoid any “imperial entanglements” so to speak.
Either way, I am looking forward to it.
Oregon Craft Beer Month – For the Love of Beer
For the Love of Beer is a new documentary about brewing in the NW. And, more importantly, it’s about women who are re-shaping a male dominated industry.
Here is a summary to pique your interest further…” “For the Love of Beer” is a documentary devoted to the stories and passion of the women at the forefront of the Pacific Northwest beer community. The craft beer industry is exploding; as of July 31, 2009, there are 1,482 craft breweries operating within the United States, and sales continue to rise upwards of 6% annually. While brewing is traditionally a woman’s job, the modern brewing industry is a heavily male dominated field.
However, in the Pacific NW, women are fighting their way to being some of the most influential people in the brewing industry. From the farm to consumption, Pacific NW women are setting new standards for brewing and changing the way the nation looks at women and beer.
These inspiring women are not afraid to fight discrimination and make sacrifices for the sake of their craft. While these women acknowledge that their struggles are opening doors for females everywhere, they’re not doing it for feminism or equality…they’re doing it for the love of beer.”
Brewed on Discovery Channel
This sounds interesting. No Reservations is done well by this production company, so I am cautiously optimistic.
“EXPERIENCING THE WORLD ONE PINT AT A TIME DISCOVERY CHANNEL RAISES A GLASS FOR BREWED, NEW SERIES ON THE WORLD OF BEER ANNOUNCED FOR FALL 2010
(Silver Spring, Md.) Beer is the drink of the masses. If you look into a glass of beer you can see the past, present and future of mankind. Cicero lauded it, Genghis Khan fought for it and now Discovery Channel celebrates it with a world premiere series, BREWED, exploring the culture, history and variety of beer.
Meet Sam Calagione: maverick entrepreneur, family man and owner of Dogfish Head Brewery in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. As an ambassador to the world of craft beer, Sam travels the world to experience what every culture brings to its own special brew.
In BREWED, Sam shows viewers the other side of the bottle, sharing the stories of beer sub-cultures as well as exploring life inside The Dogfish Head Brewery. BREWED goes behind the scenes at Dogfish Head as Sam’s merry band of creative brewmasters concoct new taste varieties.
“BREWED taps more than just kegs and barrels, it unlocks a fascinating history of beer making, showcasing the ingenuity and passion behind our love affair with those alluring suds and how it played a role in building civilizations,” said Clark Bunting, President and General Manager of Discovery Channel.
Running a successful business also requires inspiration, so BREWED hits the road for the ultimate beer tasting road trip. Along with archeologist and beer expert Pat McGovern, Sam sets out to recreate “ancient ales” that have been discovered at sites around the world from Egypt to Peru. He travels to Rome to research old world Italian beers as inspiration for a new site in New York with Mario Batali. A visit to New Zealand introduces the idea of making the “first tomato based beer.” And back home, Sam is tasked to come up with a commemorative beer called “Bitches Brew” to celebrate the 40th anniversary release of Miles Davis’ famous recording.
“Beer has always been my passion. It is so much more than what you see in the glass. I’m excited to share the diligence, daring and creativity that we pour into our work,” said Calagione.
BREWED is produced for Discovery Channel by Zero Point Zero Productions. Chris Collins and Lydia Tenaglia are executive producers. Tim Pastore is executive producer for Discovery Channel. “
UPDATE!!!
This won’t be airing until next year and the format has changed though it appears the focus on world class craft beer remains. More as the details become clear. Still remaining cautiously optimistic.
Ancient Chinese beer secret
It can be hard to keep up with all of the interesting tidbits on NPR. So when I find beer stories, I feel it’s my duty to pass them on to you…
Click HERE for the story
…I am on the fence on whether I would like Chateau Jihau. No matter how changed it is for modern tastes.
Beer + Pretzels + Caramel
Beer & Pretzel caramels!
Finally somebody got around to put these tastes together!
Check it out HERE
Rules and Regulations
I promise to get back to happy beer news with the next post today but it seems the State Government of Oregon has reinterpreted ORS 471.403 so as to ban home brew competitions!
IN OREGON! IN 2010!
Now I think the Tea Party (aside from choosing an ironic name, since they are represented by chosen politicians before being taxed) is too “me” first and community second but when government does stupid crap like this, you can see why the anger has arisen.
Enough vitriol by me. Check out this well written post by Lisa Morrison, one of the leading lights in the Oregon beer scene. After reading, please write to the Oregon government and let them know as a purchaser of beer from Oregon, you think they have misread the law.
Beer Camp
In the past, Beer Camp at Sierra Nevada has been by invitation only.
Now it is being opened up as a contest for anyone who would like to experience beer the Chico way.
As I write this, I am thinking of what kind of entry that I could send their way.
I am…..
…a Canadian Craft Brewer. A companion to the very cool American version.
Snuggie
Finally, you can have a beer and stay warm. You will have to visit the 5th Quadrant in Portland to get one and it’s only in “proletariat” red but finally we beer geeks can be snuggie geeks too.