Category: Beer Industry

my occasional rants and raves about what is going on in the industry.

Posted on

Mosaic

There is a new hop varietal to be on the lookout for, Mosaic. (not to be confused with the virus mosaic)

The first major beer that I have seen that uses it is from Odell in Colorado and their Woodcut # 06. They describe it as, “The distinct character of the Mosaic hop presents wafting aromas of tropical fruits like mango, papaya, and guava.”

I have had a homebrew that utilizes this hop and it did provide a very heavy fruit and earthy characteristic that really grew on me.

I have a feeling that this might be a hop we see much more of in the coming years.

Posted on

Beer Shampoo


You can get a luxurious mane of craft beer smelling here from that bottle above thanks in part to Seattle’s Elysian Brewing. Might be the perfect gift for the craft beer fan who you need to get a present (other than beer for.)

Click HERE to check out via Amazon

Posted on

Hermetus Bottle Opener & Resealer

I have plenty of bottle openers. It is a nice curse of the beer geek. But re-sealers are a different story. I am personally fond of Beer Savers but if you have less room and would like a two-in-one item then the Hermetus is the one to check out…

One tool to open and then reseal those large format bottles that can’t be finished in one sitting.

Posted on

PDX to LAX via ABV

Saw this beer item over on the Brookston Beer Bulletin (awhile back) and thought that I should (finally) weigh in on it.

It appears the goliath that bestrides the beer world is trying to take some of my words to heart. I have long held that the BMC needs to get local. Give their quality control technicians (aka, their brewers) some artistic tools and freedom to make local brews instead of watered down American Ales. You know, stop the marketing and make beer.

Now following on the heels of holding phone area codes as possible names, they are buying up the airport designations too. It seems that ABInBev is once again laser focused on names instead of beers. Because no word on the brewing front at all. The only news I hear from them is financial or marketing.

All indications point to just selling local pride. Probably emblazoning a can with a swirly vortex and the letters LAX or PDX. Come on ABInBev, make some actual beer. Spend your money there for once.

Posted on

MBAA Beer Steward Program

When you want to make your craft beer credentials, street legal, you can become a certified beer judge, a Cicerone or a beer steward.

I have chosen the Cicerone route because the BJCP (Beer Judge Certification Program) is more geared toward the home brewing and judging competitions. Which is not my field of expertise, though judging is on my beer bucket list.

But it is good to have alternative routes to get education. Cicerone is not for everyone (you just can’t be all things to all people) so if you are looking for more beer education you can check out the Steward program which has former Bridgeport brewer Karl Ockert at the helm.

As with the Cicerone, there are (3) levels to the program….

Level 1: Associate Beer Steward Certificate
Designed for servers, bartenders, retail clerks, and sommeliers looking to expand their expertise to include beer, the Associate Beer Steward Certificate Program will cover a more limited range of information, including role of beer in human history, brewing, beer styles, beer freshness, and proper presentation.

Level 2: Beer Steward Certificate
Designed for wholesale buyers/sales managers, retail owners, bar managers, and sommeliers looking to expand their expertise to include beer. This level includes that Understanding Beer Flavor seminar.

Level 3: Master Beer Steward Certificate
Designed for beer enthusiasts, educators, and beverage directors for hotel and restaurant chains, the Master Beer Steward Certificate Program will be the highest level designation. Applicants will be required to pass the Beer Steward Certificate exam and then to complete an essay exam that includes demonstration of sensory skills for the identification of ingredients, beer styles, and flavors.

Posted on

Behind Zion’s Curtain

If you want to learn more about Utah and their liquor laws there is a documentary called Liquor Behind Zion’s Curtain in the works. According to the folks behind the camera, “It’s a hard look at Utah’s crazy liquor laws from the 1800 to present day.”

The documentary features many of the current craft brewers in the state of Utah including Epic Brewery, Uinta Brewery, Squatters Pub, Wasatch Brewery and many more..”

You can see the second trailer HERE, and the first trailer HERE.

Posted on

Put Your IPA into …..


Seems like the dynamic duo of Grossman and Calagione have more on their minds than just Life and Limb. They also want to build a better glass and just for IPA’s. They took time to taste Stone’s IPA as well as their own offerings in different glasses from the famed Riedel people. Sounded like a fun way to spend two hours.

Check out the story from The Philly Beer Scene HERE! Then look forward to a better way to celebrate the hop.

Posted on

Randall Jr.

Occasionally, some Randall action happens at special beer events. But it is not commonplace at bars. But now for an Andrew Jackson you can get the Jr. version from Dogfish Head and start experimenting.

“So you’ve tried to acquire the Randall 3.0 and it’s either out of stock or out of your price range, right? Well, we heard you and here’s the answer! The same concept in a much more convenient size and price tag. The Randall Jr. allows you to infuse your favorite brew with just about whatever ingredients you can think up. Midas Touch with lime and mint? Yes please! World Wide Stout with espresso beans? You betcha! Just place the ingredients in the Randall Jr. and pour the beer right over them. Place in a cold climate such as the fridge for 10 minutes or so and you’ve got an amazing concoction on your hands! Share with a friend…or not…we’re not judging.”

Posted on

Brew Cave

Now if I had one the MegaMillions when it was at a bazillion dollars last month, one of the splurges that I would have made would have been to pick up one of these Brewcaves.

They sort of look like the shed that my dad had out back and I didn’t see a price tag on the website and I am sure the cost to operate would be a big line item on the electric bill but wouldn’t it be cool to have?

Instead of the boxes or cartons that most people store in or having to get a second ‘fridge so actual food can go into the main one. You could have a great beer shed!