Urban Chestnut Brewing Company (UCBC), an unconventional-minded yet tradition-oriented brewer of craft beer, is excited to announce its plans to open a micro-brewery in the Midtown Alley district of St. Louis, MO. UCBC plans to brew and distribute its draught and bottled beers to local restaurants, bars, grocery and liquor stores and other retail establishments in the St. Louis area. Scheduled to launch in late 2010, UCBC is operated by two former Anheuser-Busch employees: Florian Kuplent, UCBC’s brewmaster, and David Wolfe, UCBC’s marketing and sales principal. Co-founders Kuplent and Wolfe believe their passion for craft beer coupled with their unique expertise in creating, brewing and marketing beer will bring a fresh approach to the local craft beer market in St. Louis. The pair also shares a passion for local community development. By using local ingredients in their beer and food offerings whenever possible, and by partnering with local businesses and non-profit organizations, UCBC hopes to contribute to St Louis’ progression as a strong and vibrant local craft beer community and community as a whole. (Entire press release here)
Urban Chestnut Brewing Co, 3229 Washington Ave St. Louis, MO 63103
For more information on UCBC- Visit www.urbanchestnut.com

End of History beer in squirrel and stoat encased bottles

We’ve written before about Brew Dog Brewery, the Scottish brewery that likes to push the envelope of brewing. Their latest extreme beer really takes the cake, though. It’s not enough to create a 55% ABV beer called “End of History”, they decided to stuff the bottles into dead animals (WTF?) and sell it for £500 (about $750US).

This 55% beer should be drank in small servings whilst exuding an endearing pseudo vigilance and reverence for Mr Stoat. This is to be enjoyed with a weather eye on the horizon for inflatable alcohol industry Nazis, judgemental washed up neo-prohibitionists or any grandiloquent, ostentatious foxes.

The End of History: The name derives from the famous work of philosopher Francis Fukuyama, this is to beer what democracy is to history. Fukuyama defined history as the evolution of the political system and traced this through the ages until we got the Western Democratic paradigm. For Fukuyama this was the end point of man’s political evolution and consequently the end of history. The beer is the last high abv beer we are going to brew, the end point of our research into how far the can push the boundaries of extreme brewing, the end of beer.

This blond Belgian ale is infused with nettles from the Scottish Highlands and Fresh juniper berries. Only 12 bottles have been made and each comes with its own certificate and is presented in a stuffed stoat or grey squirrel. The striking packaging was created by a very talented taxidermist and all the animals used were road kill. This release is a limited run of 11 bottles, 7 stoats and 4 grey squirrels. Each ones comes with its own certificate of authenticity.

Sorry, all 12 bottles have been sold.

Abita Brewery's Save Our Shore Charitable Pilsner

We recently posted a press release from Abita Brewing Company about their S.O.S. Beer which is being sold to raise money to assist those impacted by the oil spill disaster. See press release here

We were able to interview David Blossman, President of Abita Beer, and he was kind enough to answer a few questions:

1) An unfiltered Weizen Pils with 7% alcohol is an unusual brew. Did you create the beer especially for the SOS campaign or was it something your brewers were already working on.
We created the beer just for the SOS campaign. It just seemed right to make a big brew for such a big cause. Our goal was to brew something that beer aficionados would talk about and enjoy, yet still be very drinkable for the average craft beer lover. I think the unfiltered weizen pils is perfect. It has a beautiful gold color and the pleasant hop bitterness balances out the sweetness of the malt. The beer finishes with a nice dry hop aroma. We hope it sells very well and raises a lot of money for the SOS foundation.

2) Why did you choose to distribute the Charitable Pilsner in 22oz bottles instead of 12oz bottles?
We want to raise money for Charity, but we also want to raise awareness around the country about the dire situation here on the Gulf Coast. The size of the bottle gives us a big canvas to get that message out there. It was also a question of timing. We wanted to get the product out there so we could start helping right away. The 22 oz bottle meant we could hit the market sooner. Instead of dealing with two suppliers (6 Pack wrap and label) we only have one supplier for the 22 oz bottle.

3) How much money has been raised so far and how much do you expect to be raised?
We’ve raised over $8,000 from merchandise sales alone since we announced the SOS project. The SOS brew won’t reach shelves until later this month and we are very encouraged by the interest in the product. After hurricane Katrina we raised over $550,000 with Restoration Pale Ale and I think SOS can be just as successful.

4) Where exactly is the money going?
We have established “SOS – A Charitable Fund” that will assist with the rescue and restoration of the environment and helping people and their families survive this disaster. The Northshore Community Foundation administers the fund and 100% of all the money will go to charity. An advisory committee made up community members will ensure that the funds get into the hands of the folks in need quickly and efficiently.

5) How long will S.O.S beer be available?
SOS will be around for at least a year and we’ll keep making it as long the need is there.

6) If I do not get Abita S.O.S. in my area, can I still contribute?
You can purchase merchandise, like t-shirts, hats, car magnets and other items at our website sos.abita.com. 100% of the net proceeds go to the SOS fund. You can also make a direct tax-deductible donation to the fund at the site.

Full disclosure: BeerUtopia.com is running Abita S.O.S. banner ads on our side free of charge to help spread the word about this charity.

These days there is a realty TV show for just about everything: dancers, daters, mechanics, celebrity C-listers, comedians, businesspeople, fishermen, etc. So why not make a realty TV show about homebrewers? Better yet, make it a competition and the winner becomes the Head Bewmaster for a new brewery.

That’s the concept behind Red White & Brewed.

We’re going to do something that has never been done before; by building a brand from the ground up via television, and perhaps more importantly, by offering the opportunity of a lifetime to one special amateur/homebrewer. The American Dream, personified. Red White & Brewed will provide a platform for the cast members to show the world that they’re the most talented at their craft, and also that they possess the experience, temperament, and judgment necessary to be the face of our brand.

At the site you can vote on audition videos and submit your own. The producers are currently looking for a network and are in “active discussions with some of the most watched network and cable television players in the industry.” I hope a network picks them up. This is actually a reality TV show I would watch.

Abita Brewery's Save Our Shore Charitable Pilsner

Abita Beer Launches New Charitable Fund with support of Louisiana Seafood Marketing Board

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 23, 2010 985-809-1975
(New Orleans, LA) – On Wednesday, June 23 the Abita Brewing Company, with the support of the Louisiana  Seafood Promotion & Marketing Board, announced the launch of a charitable fund and a nation-wide  fundraising effort to assist those impacted by the oil spill disaster.

“We feel compelled as one of Louisiana’s most cherished brands to help our neighbors and coastal families as  they struggle to survive,” stated David Blossman, President of Abita Brewing Company. “That is why we are  committing our time, talent and resources to help our fellow citizens through this disaster.”

SOS – A Charitable Fund100% of Proceeds Raised Go To Charity

Working with the Louisiana Seafood Promotion & Marketing Board (LSPMB), Abita Beer announced that it has established ‘SOS – A Charitable Fund’ that will assist with the rescue and restoration of the environment, industry and individuals fighting to survive this disastrous oil spill.

The fund, to be administered by the Northshore Community Foundation, has pledged that 100% of all money raised will go to charity. In addition, the Louisiana Seafood Marketing Board will play an important role in advising where the money can do the most good. An advisory committee is expected to be established as the donation process and grant procedures are finalized.

“What is important in the donation process is clarity, speed and purpose,” commented Ewell Smith, Executive Director of the Louisiana Seafood Marketing Board. “Needs will change and priorities will shift as time goes on. We are very proud to be a partner with Abita in making sure that money raised is spent wisely and effectively.”

Abita SOS, A Charitable Pilsner

The centerpiece of the fundraising effort is a new charitable beer created by Abita. The brew, called SOS – A Charitable Pilsner, will generate 75¢ for every bottle sold. In addition, related retail merchandise (hat, tee shirt, lapel pin, decal and car magnet) will be sold and 100% of the net proceeds will also go to the SOS Fund. “Abita SOS is a message in a bottle. It is a distress signal we’re sending out all across the 41 states where Abita is sold. It is going to raise awareness and money,” continued Blossman.

The 22-ounce brew bears hand drawn iconic images of all the aspects that make the Gulf of Mexico so unique. Illustrations like those of pelicans, fish, shrimp and fishing boats are arranged in the pattern of the timeless distress symbol: S-O-S. Marsh grass and a symbolic pair of white “shrimp boots” also are highlighted in the beautiful design.

Abita began brewing SOS several weeks ago and now ages in holding tanks as it finishes the brewing process. It is expected to hit the markets in mid July. The beer is an unfiltered Weizen Pils made with Pilsner and Wheat malts. It is hopped and dry hopped with Sterling and German Perle hops. It has a brilliant gold color, a sweet malt flavor and a pleasant bitterness and aroma. The brew is 7% alcohol by volume.

Abita SOS merchandise is available for purchase immediately at a special website created for the fund, SOS.abita.com. Online donations can also be made directly to the fund.

Abita’s History of Charitable Brews

This is not Abita Beers’s first charitable brew. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Abita Beer launched Restoration Pale Ale along with a related line of merchandise. With the support of Abita customers the effort raised over half a million dollars for hurricane relief. Last year, Abita Beer launched Abbey Ale, with designated proceeds benefiting the St. Joseph’s Abbey in Covington.

“Restoration Pale Ale raised over half a million dollars for hurricane recovery. That money was raised by everyday people speaking out and making small contributions one beer, one t-shirt, one purchase at a time,” continued Blossman. “Now, just a few years later, we’re calling on our fans to stand up and help one more time.”

Post Your Own S.O.S.

An innovative new website has been created to support the charitable efforts of Abita and the LSPMB and to spread the word about the Gulf Coast crisis. At SOS.abita.com consumers can discover additional ways to help the region recover from the oil spill disaster. They also have the unique opportunity to “post an SOS” of their own within an interactive on-line coastal scene that doubles as a fully integrated social media site. Consumers choose from a shrimp boat, crab, fish or pelican to represent their post and then write a short message that will be displayed along with their animated character within the interactive coastal scene. Posters can also opt to share their messages of hope, inspiration or frustration about the oil spill with their Twitter and Facebook accounts and tell the world about what is happening along the Gulf Coast.
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To arrange interviews & more information contact:
Beth Harris
Innovative Advertising
403 N. Columbia
Covington, LA 70433
985-809-1975 office
985-630-3278 cell
beth@peoplewhothink.com
Download high-resolution images:

http://www.abita.com/downloads/bottle.zip

http://www.abita.com/downloads/hat.zip

http://www.abita.com/downloads/shirt_layered.zip

http://www.abita.com/downloads/shirt.zip

Jim Koch, Founder & Brewer at Samuel Adams

Even the best beer can be ruined by improperly maintained draft systems, bad pours, and improper glassware. This can leave a customer with a bad impression of a good beer and it is completely beyond the brewery’s control.

Samuel Adams, arguably the most successful brand in the craft beer industry, has announced a new program aimed at ensuring their beer is properly served every time. “Perfect Pour” certification recipients must educate their staff on beer and draft quality, serve  Boston Lager on draft using the special Boston Lager Glass, and consistently serve fresh, high-quality beer.

It’s obvious that the folks at Samuel Adams understand the importance of educating those that serve beer in addition to those that drink it.  The Cicerone Certification Program aims to do this as well but it’s nice to see a brewery taking the initiative because everyone benefits from the effort.

Here’s the press release:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Karl Strauss’ Whistler Imperial Pils Takes Classic Style to New Level

San Diego, CA – June 28, 2010- Karl Strauss Brewing Company is releasing the next installment of its Coastal Reserve Series, Whistler Imperial Pils.  Staying with the series’ hoppy, west coast theme, Whistler Imperial Pils takes the classic elements of a pilsner and turns up the volume—more malts, more hops, more alcohol.  “The Coastal Reserve series is our chance to bottle some of our edgier offerings,” says Brewmaster, Paul Segura.  “We wanted to brew something hoppy but unexpected.  We liked the idea of taking the flavor profile of a traditional pilsner and reinterpreting our own bigger, bolder version.”

The recipe calls for all imported European ingredients. It begins with imported Moravian malts—a staple in classic Bavarian pilsners—for a rich, toasted malt flavor.  Next, imported Bohemian Saaz hops are used to impart a noble hop spiciness and floral character.  Unlike traditional pilsners, Whistler Imperial Pils is dry-hopped with Saaz hops for an intense earthy hop aroma.  Finally, Whistler Imperial Pils is lagered with authentic Czech Budejovice lager yeast for six full weeks for a crisp, clean taste.  Whistler Imperial Pils comes in at 7.5% ABV and 65 IBUs.  Even with high alcohol and hop bitterness, this beer is remarkably smooth.  “Whistler starts malty and finishes crisp and dry, making it a great beer to cut the heat of spicy foods like Thai or Mexican,” says Paul.

Named after the buoy in the San Diego harbor that warns ships of rocky shores and welcomes sailors home, Whistler Imperial Pils’ noble hop kick sends a warning but this crisp, dry lager definitely welcomes another sip. Whistler Imperial Pils will be available on draft and in 22oz bottles across Southern California beginning in early July.  “We know people are going to enjoy Whistler.  This is not your typical summertime lawnmower beer,” says Paul.  For more information and a video about Whistler Imperial Pils, visit www.karlstrauss.com.  Share it.  Cheers.

Specs:
7.5 % ABV
65 IBU
12 SRM

Label Copy:
“The piercing howl of the SD#1 Whistler Buoy echoes for miles, hailing ships of rocky shores ahead. Like its namesake, Whistler Imperial Pils warns and welcomes at the same time. The grassy and floral bitterness of Saaz hops warns this is no ordinary pilsner, while authentic Moravian malts provide a toasted malt balance that welcomes another sip. Finishing crisp and dry, this addition to the Coastal Reserve Series is right at home in America’s finest beer city.”

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About Karl Strauss Brewing Company
This year Karl Strauss Brewing Company turns the big 2-1, the most important year in a beer drinker’s life.  This coming of age will be celebrated throughout 2010 with a diverse lineup of 35 beers, including 6 year-round favorites, 3 seasonal offerings, and a host of innovative special brews.  Located in San Diego and distributed exclusively in Southern California, Karl Strauss currently ranks #40 on the list of Top Craft Breweries in the country.  In addition to handcrafting quality beers, Karl Strauss is a leader of the beer and culinary connection at their six local brewery restaurants.  For more information visit karlstrauss.com or call the brewery at (858) 273-2739.

http://twitter.com/karl_strauss

http://facebook.com/KarlStraussBrewingCompany

The biggest expense for breweries, large and small, is often excise taxes. Brewers must pay a tax on every barrel of beer they create, whether that beer is sold or not. This is particularly hard on small breweries which often have very small profit margins.

The Brewers Association has been working for some time to get the government to lower excise taxes for small brewers and has seen some progress on the issue. Bills are working their way through the House and Senate right now which would give some much needed tax relief for small brewers.

Beer and alcohol are often villainized in the media so it’s nice to see this piece from ABC explaining how reducing excise taxes could mean a boost for the economy. (Beware there is video on the page which begins with a loud commercial as soon as the page loads, which is why I chose not to embed it here.)

According to an estimate in a Harvard University study, reducing the excise tax would create more than 2,700 new jobs in the first year to 18 months and an average of 375 new jobs per year over the following four years.

Brady, the co-author of the bill, said although it isn’t a priority for Congress to do, it is a serious bill that could create a lot of jobs.

“I know, considering we are fighting a war, the economy and the oil spill, this isn’t the top of Congress’ agenda, but this is a chance to increase jobs,” Brady said. “Beer has gone global. We have these small craft brewers that can bring amazing new tastes in the market.”

The video features some well-known craft brewers and is worth watching, once you get past the commercial.

Malted Barley. Photo from Wikimedia Commons

The term malt can refer to several things but we’ll focus on the definitions that pertain to beer.

According to the German Purity Law, malted barley is one of the four primary ingredients of beer, the others being hops, yeast, and water. Once barley, or a number of other grains, has been malted, it is sometimes referred to simply as malt. The sugar that is extracted from malted grain can also be called malt.

When a grain is malted, is is soaked in water which starts the germination or sprouting process. The grain is allowed to germinate for several days then heated, or kilned, to stop the process. Without getting into the chemistry or biology of the process, malting modifies the grain so that the sugars can be more easily extracted from it.

The longer the grain is kilned, the darker it gets. Darker grains make darker beer. The malted grain can also give the beer different flavors depending on how long it is kilned.

Barley is the primary grain used to make beer but there are many varieties of barley used in brewing. Other grains are often used including wheat, rye, rice, and others. The grains can be divided into two groups: base grains and specialty grains.

• Base grains, which make up the majority grain used in a beer recipe, provide most of the fermentable sugars which are converted into alcohol during fermentaion.
• Specialty grains are used more sparingly and primarily contribute color and flavor to the beer.

By combining base grains and specialty grains, and choosing from the variety of hops and yeast available, the brewer is able to create a unique recipe.

Hop flowers on the vine

Hops are one of the four primary ingredients of beer, the others being malted barley, yeast, and water.

Hops are cone-shaped flowers that grow on the hop plant, which is a fast-growing vine. The flowers are picked and dried or compressed into pellets before being added to beer.

There are three reasons hops are added to beer:

1. The antiseptic qualities of hops inhibit the growth of unwanted organisms. In the 13th century brewers started using hops regularly because hopped beer didn’t spoil as quickly.
2. Hops add bitterness to beer. Different varieties of hops have differing levels of bitterness, which is determined by the alpha acid content of the hops.
3. Hops add aroma. Hops have a distinctive fragrance that is loved by beer drinkers.

There are many varieties of hops, each with its own unique qualities. Some have more alpha acids, making them better for adding bitterness, while others are less bitter and more fragrant, making them more suited for adding aroma.

Fresh hops

Brewers often refer to hops as bittering hops or aroma hops depending on the qualities the hops add to the beer. The variety and combination of hops used by the brewer is part of what gives each beer its distinctive flavor profile.

While the hop plant can grow in just about any temperate location, Germany, England, and the northwestern United States are the primary hop-producing regions today. The climate and soil in each region makes it better suited for growing some varieties than others.

You can grow hops yourself, and many homebrewers do; all you need is a rhizome, which is cutting of the vine, and a little space.

The term “noble” hops refers to four ancient hop varieties: Hallertau, Tettnanger, Spalt, and Saaz. These ancient varieties are grown primarily in Germany and are generally used as aroma hops. New varieties are continually being developed by growers but the most popular varieties are Fuggles, Golding, Cascade, Centennial, and Willamette.