TheBeerObserver

A lovely poster this year, isn’t it? You can order copies to promote the event in your home town -probably limited to Scandinavia.

Yesterday, we detailed the beers served on some of the major airlines. Today, we’re revving the engine again, only this time we’re tackling smaller carriers.

Want to know how you can get Leinenkugel’s Sunset Wheat at 35,000 feet? Well, you’ll just have to click through.

Getting lifted: Best brews at cruising altitude, part two

Spring is just so… nice, isn’t it? The weather’s getting better, the sun’s coming out (unless you live in San Francisco where it’s shockingly, disconcertingly, awesomely always shining), the people are happy.

Which brings us full circle to Full Sail Brewing Co. The brewery is set to release Hop Pursuit, the latest in its Brewmaster Reserve line-up. According to a release, the beer is a “crisp, orange blonde extra pale ale with a medium malt body that’s chased by a ton of hop flavor and zing of bitterness.” Its made with Cascade, Willamette, and Mt. Hood hops that traditionally have a smoother mouthfeel. Just nice, you know? the perfect beverage for spring.

Last night on Jimmy Fallon’s show, you debuted Terrible Love, the first song off your upcoming album, High Violet. Not going to lie: simply stunning.

It starts out slow and contained but then really picks up there right around the four-minute mark. Reminiscent of 2005s Alligator, back when you were poor and young and angry. The performance bodes well for the coming record.

You’re playing Radio City Music Hall in June. We’d strongly encourage anyone who likes music to attend. Good luck finding seats.

Cinco de Mayo, what do we do with you? For us, it’s one of those holidays where you wake up the morning of, realize you haven’t prepared, and grab your friend’s pickup truck to run to the store and buy all the Corona left in stock. You have a great time — you eat some nachos, you play some softball, you drink some tequila, you cut yourself cutting limes — but it could be so much more, couldn’t it?

Rogue Ales believes so. Rogue’s Chipotle Ale is the perfect drink for the perfect independence day celebration. A four-time silver medalist at the World Beer Championships, brewmaster John Maier’s concoction features a sublime mix of sugar and spice. Get it on draft or in 22oz bottles. Eat it with poultry and pork. Or Corona. Your call.

We’ve scoured the country from Alaska to Hawaii and Portland, Maine to Portland, Ore., to find the bars where you’re guaranteed to sip unmatched suds. Romantic or boisterous, scuzzy or dressed to the nines, the flavor of the places where fine brew is served runs the gamut. Here, the 150 places where craft is king and fun comes in all fashions.

Today: New York (the outer boroughs).

Barcade
Brooklyn, New York
This Williamsburg hot spot may only have 25 craft beers on tap, but we’ll trade quantity for quality any day of the week. Plus, the walls are ringed with old-school arcade games costing just a quarter. (None of this $1.50-to-play-Ms. Pacman junk.) And good gosh is the clientele attractive.
388 Union Ave.

Beer Table
Brooklyn, New York
This tiny New York venue — seriously, it’s barely bigger than a table — might not have the largest selection in the neighborhood, but proprietors Justin and Tricia Phillips more than make up for any lack of depth with a wonderfully curated list of drafts and bottles from faraway breweries like Florida’s Cigar City and England’s J.W. Lee’s. Don’t miss their famous (and affordable) three-course dinners every Tuesday night for a true imbibing and culinary experience.
427 B 7th Ave.

The Diamond
Brooklyn, New York
This Brooklyn gem features sessionable beers such as Southern Tier Harvest and Sly Fox Pils. Additionally, it has a wide selection of options that will knock you on your ass. From Val Dieu Brune (8 percent ABV) to De Dolle Oerbier Reserva (13 percent ABV), you’ll be stumbling down the streets of New York’s best borough in no time at all.
43 Franklin St.

Spuyten Duyvil
Brooklyn, New York
This local hangout could probably fit its entire beer list on one sheet of paper, but that doesn’t mean it’s not impressive: Cigar City Espresso Maduro, Brooklyn Manhattan Project, Lion Stout all the way from Sri Lanka. Nothing wrong with short and sweet. This funky spot’s hoppin’ most nights of the week, and don’t be surprised to catch the occasional A-lister with a baseball cap pulled low (read: “Just trying to chill here, guys”) hunched over a few awesome brews.
359 Metropolitan Ave.

Studio Square
Long Island City, New York
This isn’t your average biergarten. Queens, New York’s latest take on the traditional German drinking venue offers your typical brats and kolbase, but also a sizable sushi menu come this spring. Likewise, you’ll find loads of German beers among the 60 tap lines, but Dogfish Head, Captain Lawrence and other regional favorites find their way into steins as well. If you’re feeling exceptionally adventurous, go for the homemade sangria.
35-33 36 St.

Iowa Gov. Chet Culver has signed a bill that allow Iowa breweries to make and sell beers up to 12% alcohol by volume. Out of state breweries were already selling these stronger beers in Iowa, but in-state breweries were restricted to a 5% abv. A movement for Iowa Beer Equality arose to remove the competitive disadvantage Iowa breweries faced. The passing of SF 2088 now allows Iowa brewers to sell many more styles of beer.

To celebrate Olde Main Brewing in Ames will let customers pick the first strong beer the brewpub offers. “We’ve been getting a lot of questions on what will be the first high proof beer we brew,” Olde Main’s Jill Haverkamp said, “so we are planning to let the people decide by doing a poll.” Customers can vote at the brewery’s website.

The Sioux City Journal surveyed other breweries via email to see what they had planned. The responses:

Rock Bottom Brewery, Des Moines – New Era Barleywine, Belgo India Pale Ale, an imperial stout and an imperial red ale.

Granite City Food and Brewery, locations in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids and Davenport – “We have an IPA that we distribute to all our 26 restaurants, but since we have three in Iowa, we have always brewed it to the Iowa limit,” brewmaster Cory O’Neel said. “We will tweak the recipe to where it always should have been.”

Old Man River Brewing Co., McGregor – A doppelbock. “I’m looking forward to giving it a go,” brewer Jacob Simmons said.

Worth Brewing Co., Northwood – “A strong Belgian ale is a definite,” said brewer Peter Ausenhus. “I am also very excited about brewing a proper English old ale and some authentic German bocks.”

Raccoon River Brewing Co., Des Moines – “I currently make a double hopped version of our Bandit IPA called Bandito Loco, that I’m looking forward into making a true double IPA” said brewer David Coy.

Yesterday, we took you on a 35,000-foot tour of the beer choices available on some of the world’s biggest airlines. Today, we’re deadheading it around some of the smaller ones. Follow us to such great heights, preferably with a beer in hand.

Air Canada
Headquarters: Montreal, Quebec
Slogan: “Go far.”
Why we love it: Air Canada’s planes are equipped with XM radio (XM Canadian radio, but XM radio nonetheless), television screens and music ports, and interactive games in every seat in both business and economy. They also offer USB ports to charge electronics so you can start playing with your handheld mp3 player/latest iThing immediately upon exiting the aircraft. Plus, Febraury 6th marked the fourth humanitarian flight to Haiti to deliver medical supplies.
Most memorable moment: Air Canada was the official airline of the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, responsible for transporting over 2,700 athletes to and from the games. Twenty Air Canada employees participated in the running of the torch. Oh, Canada.
Beers: Kokanee Beer, Budweiser, Bud Light, Alexander Kieth’s
Pilot wings for beer selection (out of four): Three

Alaskan Air
Headquarters: Seattle, Washington
Slogan: “North of expected.”
Why we love it: This airline has a very feel-good background, founded on the principles of “can do” and “neighbor helping neighbor.” The airline claims these are the Alaskan way. And we like that they offer a little Alaskan flavor on their beer menu.
Most memorable moment: This airline took part in the historic Berlin Airlift in 1948, risking life and limb and airplane alike, and also helped to bring thousands of Yemenite Jews to Israel for their safety from Arab unrest.
Beers: Alaskan Amber, Corona, Miller Light, Budweiser.
Pilot wings for beer selection (out of four): Three

Frontier Airlines
Headquarters: Denver, Colorado
Slogan: “A whole different animal.”
Why we love it: This airline slowly incorporated Horizon Air, and although they are a relatively new service (established in 1994), they are a leading low-cost airline in the U.S. Frontier partnered with Midwest Airlines as they continue to expand their service.
Most memorable moment: Almost all of the aircrafts that Frontier flies feature an animal on the tale of the plane. And every one of these critters has a name: Hector the Sea Otter and Jack the Rabbit, for example.
Beers: Miller Genuine, Miller Light Leinenkugel’s Sunset Wheat, Coors Banquet, Coors Light, Newcastle
Pilot wings for beer selection (out of four): Four

Virgin Blue
Headquarters: Queensland, Australia
Slogan: “Keeping the air fair.” “Now there’s an idea.”
Why we love it: Virgin Blue is the second largest airline in Australia and another low-cost option.
Most memorable moment: Virgin pioneered another unique airline that has received a lot of media attention, Virgin Galactic. With Galactic, a flier pays more or less his or her gross earnings for 15 fiscal years (if you’re a magazine intern) to fly to the earth’s uppermost atmosphere and enjoy zero gravity, spectacular views, and an incredible chance to see the earth where only a handful of others have had the opportunity to go. Flights cost $200,000, so it would be wise to begin saving now.
Beers: Victoria Bitters, Crown Lager, Pure Blonde
Pilot wings for beer selection (out of four): Three

Allegiant Airlines
Headquarters: Las Vegas, Nevada
Slogan: N/A
Why we love it: Originally dubbed WestJet Express but required to relinquish the name to an existing airline with the same name, Allegiant was rebranded in 1997. Allegiant focuses on flights to airports that have limited service from mainline air carriers.
Most memorable moment: This airline is so new that currently their most memorable moment seems to be opening their doors. But you can only go up from there, right?
Beers: Budweiser, Bud Light, Michelob Ultra.
Pilot wings for beer selection (out of four): Two

WestJet
Headquarters: Alberta, Canada
Slogan: “We succeed because I care.”
Why we love it: This airline, founded in 1996, hopes to be a leading commercial airline by 2016. Like so many new airlines, the craft comes equipped with a number of conveniences, including LiveTV.
Most memorable moment: In 2006, Westjet was accused of — and admitted to — using various tools of espionage to gain valuable company information regarding Alaskan Airlines business practices. The company issued a formal apology and gave $10 million to various children’s charities.
Beers: Molson, Coors Light
Pilot wings for beer selection (out of four): One

Hooters Air
Headquarters: Alberta, Canada
Slogan: Too busy staring to ask.
Why we love it: This airline, founded in 2003, flew its last run in 2006. It was advertised as a low-fair airline, the brain-child of the fine folks at Hooters (not the ones in orange, but the men behind the women of Hooters) and was targeted to the golf-and-business crowd. While the airline is out of service and could not be reached for comment, reviews on popular travel sites claimed the service wasn’t as lowbrow as you’d expect — in fact, most passengers seemed pleasantly surprised by Hooters Air. The increased fuel prices following Hurricane Katrina were the demise of the brand, but it was sure nice while it lasted.
Most memorable moment: The stewardesses of Hooters Air wore — what else? –the official Hooter’s garb: orange hotpants and bosom-baring tanks, in which they performed all of the typical duties of a flight attendant… but just looked better doing it.
Beers: If we knew, we’d be raising a toast.
Pilot wings for beer selection (out of four): N/A

– Mariah Beckman is an editorial intern at DRAFT Magazine.

Photo by Peter DiAntoni

Hands down, my favorite new beer of 2010 so far is Lakefront Brewery’s Fixed Gear American Red Ale.

The Milwaukee beer also gets the nod of approval from urban bike magazine COG, for its inspiration from the messenger community. The single-speed fixed gear bike is the type of model favored by many city cyclists.

This beer comes just in time to toast Google map’s new travel-by-bike feature, which has been very happily received by the cyclist community.

According to the beer label, Fixed Gear Ale was “inspired by the energy and audacity of the fearless fixed gear courier.” It came about when “Lakefront ran smack into this arresting creation - it’s red, it’s bold, and it tastes damn good… This one’s got an attitude.”

The 6.5% AVB is now being sold around Milwaukee, but going fast.

We’re taking a break from my usual rambling this week to indulge the visual. Now, as the more savvy readers of this blog already know, beer judging doesn’t just focus on taste and smell—although grandly important—but also how a beer looks. Yeah, even beer’s subject to aesthetic pleasure. Is your hefeweizen cloudy? I will drink you. Is your imperial stout transparent? You’ve got problems. But before a brew’s even popped open; before it’s sold; there’s one ultimate judgment it needs to pass. Bring out the fonts!

I sit at my desk each day surrounded by beer labels. Here, take a look.

Here’s a tip: I don’t have the cleanest desk at DRAFT. I spend a lot of time gazing at beer bottles as they roll through my area, en route to our beer fridge for tastings. I don’t quite understand all of the artwork I see, but a small percentage of labels stand apart from the pack.

Labels at which to stare: Vol. 1!

New Belgium nailed its new year-round Ranger IPA with a look lifted right from the National Parks Service circa 1940. It’s rustically retro and the beer’s damn good too.

Odell Brewing’s Red Ale hails from Colorado, but its label could have fallen off a Metro sign on the left bank of the River Seine.

Rogue’s Mom Hefeweizen, everyone. Comb your hair and tuck in your shirt before drinking.

Mad River’s John Barleycorn Barleywine Ale first caught my eye because it looks a lot like this:

Speaking of Traffic: Hey, it’s an oddly generic psychedelic video set to Traffic’s 1967 single “Paper Sun.” Let’s get dosed!

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ivt4nng4ogE&feature=related[/youtube]

Left Hand Brewing’s Good Juju. Don’t look it in the eyes, friends.

Terrapin’s India Style Brown Ale.

Part-woodcarving, part-acid trip this label adorns Scotland’s Brew Dog Atlantic IPA.

You know what else I’ve got for you? MAIL

Do you have a burning question that can wait up to a week to get answered? Send it over HERE. Let’s read your mail:

From Jason
“So you guys are based in Phoenix. I’m gonna be in Vegas in a few weeks and wondered if you have any suggestions. That’s kind of close right?”

Jason, don’t buy drugs from the dirty homeless on the strip. If they were selling real drugs, they could afford to take the occasional shower. Use your head, man. Seriously, though, Las Vegas is a mystical venue of infinite possibilities—especially when it comes to beer and burgers. While you’re in town, swing by LBS: A Burger Joint at the Red Rock Casino Resort and Spa. Here you’ll not only find amazing burgers but spot-on beer pairings as well. Delve into their Perfect Burger paired with Tripel Karmeliet or the Frenchie Turkey Burger with a pint of Manneken Pis Belgian White. Seriously. Burger time.

From Heather
“Any recommendations for St. Patty’s Day?”

What, you mean other than Guinness? Sure. Thomas Hooker Irish Red Ale (DRAFT-rated 95 points), Dragonmead Erik the Red (94), Moylan’s Irish Red Ale (93 points), Harpoon Celtic Ale (92), Smithwick’s (91), Rogue Kells Irish Style Lager (90) and Boulevard Irish Red Ale (89). Mixed in with those cheap Guinness specials. Sift through the reviews section and find some new favorite stouts too.

That’s it for the mailbag this week. I suddenly have an urge to eat burgers whilst listening to Traffic. Hey, did you know Stone’s Greg Koch stopped by the office last week? Of course you did, but here’s the video in case you missed it. Music mostly courtesy of The Meters. Wanna click a few more links? Check me out here, here and, as always, here. Finished? Okay. See you later this week in the video room for another tasting.

If you haven’t already had the pleasure, they’ll be plenty of time to get yourself over to the Brazen Head. One of Brooklyn’s finest institutions and home to the renowned Cask Ale Festival has just renewed their lease for 10 long, ale-filled years in their NYC locale. They will be celebrating as only the Head can, with the happiest of happy hours this Friday, March 12th, 2010.

This bash will be underway from 4 p.m. to 4 in the wee hours of the a.m., so there’s really no excuse to miss this celebration. The Dysfunctional Family Jazz Band will perform on this hallowed day from 9 p.m. to midnight, and the bar is offering their loyal followers to attend with no cover charge and no drink minimum to attend.

DRAFTMag.com enthusiasts may already have had the pleasure of reading about our dealings with the Brazen Head, and now you’ll have roughly 30 more of the popular tri-annual Cask Ale Festivals to look forward to. These unique festivals feature cask ale, which is not artificially carbonated and has a tendency to maintain a much more unique flavor profile and personality. These ales aren’t housed in those familiar pressurized steel drums with their shiny tap lines and their newfangled carbonation, but rather in modern versions of their wooden barrel predecessors. It is unfiltered and unpasteurized. It is, in short, the real thing. All ale.

To another 10 years of good Head… we can all drink to that.

– Mariah Beckman

The other story about beer in Norway is connected to Hurtigruten, what used to be the coastal steamer along the Western coast of Norway, now a fleet of cruise ships doing the Bergen-Kirkenes round trip in two weeks. These ships are filled with well heeled tourists during the summer season, enjoying the fjords, the coastline and [...]

Thomas Hooker Brewing Co. has done it again. The Bloomfield, CT brewer is releasing two new beers: Imperial Porter and Liberator Doppleback Lager.

The first offering features “roasty malt flavor and rich malt sweetness is smooth and drinkable, chocolate overtones balance perfectly with the hops to offer a beer that pairs well with rich desserts,” while the latter brew “blends huge amounts of imported Munich, Vienna, Moravian and various dark roasted malts to achieve a rich and creamy full-bodied flavor, with a touch of malty sweetness.”

Our work here is done. Now it’s your turn. Get to the store.

Since when is air travel all about getting from A to B? Life isn’t about the destination — it’s the journey. Make your next airline journey an informed one with DRAFTMag.com’s pick of airlines who present their client-base with popular and indigenous brews to ease the travel-weary mind. In part one, we check in on some of the big boys and girls in the industry.

Getting lifted: Best brews at cruising altitude, part one

Last night, you appeared on The Daily Show to discuss your new book, Courting Disaster. You and Jon Stewart got after it in a way that makes for great television, but perhaps not so wonderful for Democratic-Republican relationships.

You contended that President Barack Obama is making the world dangerous while your former boss, President George W. Bush, “made mistakes” but had a better track record keeping the terrorists at bay. Stewart, among other things, wondered if the Right calling the lawyers who defended terrorist suspects as the “Al-Qaeda Seven” was a bit “pejorative.” It was great. And you surely need a beer afterwards.

(Here’s the interview if you’re interested. Set aside 11 minutes; it’s compelling stuff.)

The brewers at BrewDog have made a list of their six favorite (our should that be favourite?) hops. You can see why co-founder James Watt has said, “We like to think of what we do as U.S.-inspired Scottish craft brewing.”

1. Chinook
2. Amarillo
3. Nelson Sauvin
4. Bramling Cross
5. Simcoe
6. First Gold

Three hops grown in the U.S. Northwest (Chinook, Amarillo and Simcoe), two in the U.K. (Bramling Cross and First Gold) and one from New Zealand. Nelson Sauvin, released only in 2000, seems to be a hop du jour.

Its character has been likened to Sauvignon Blanc, the grape and wine variety, and New Zealand Hops Limited emphasizes its cutting edge attributes.

From the brewer’s notes: “The fruitiness may be a little overpowering for the un-initiated, however those with a penchant for bold hop character will find several applications for this true brewer’s hop.”

And from the suggested applications: “Very much at home in the new-world styles such as American Pale Ale and Super Premiums. This hop is considered by some as extreme and certainly makes it presence felt in specialty craft and seasonal beers gaining an international reputation.”

 

The 82nd Oscars went down Sunday night, with The Hurt Locker taking home all the golden statues Avatar didn’t win. It was, by all accounts, a relatively lame show. That means (hooray!) drinking was totally encouraged. (Heck, George Clooney was doing it.)

So we want to know your choice of beverage. Let us know in the comments, via email, or on Twitter. We’ll be listening, just as soon as we defuse this bomb.

Topic Origin: Beer Releases

Topic Origin: Canada

Hood to Coast movie trailer

The craziness of the world’s largest relay race  will make its bigscreen debut this week at the South By Southwest Film Festival.

“Hood To Coast is basically a party for most of the teams on the course,” said Anna Campbell, producer of HOOD TO COAST and a veteran of the race. “And the beer tent on the beach is all the motivation people need to make it 197 miles from the top of Mt. Hood to the ocean.”

She added: “I should mention I also both run and drink beer.”

HOOD TO COAST follows four unlikely teams — including one whose training consists of beer drinking — among the legendary Oregon race’s 1,000 teams and 12,000 runners. Director Christoph Baaden (Campbell’s husband) ran the HTC race for the first time in 2007, and when he finished he vowed to shoot his first feature documentary about the event.

The film makes its debut on Saturday, March 13 at SXSW. You can see the trailer here.

“We’re madly putting finishing touches on the film now,” Anna said, “but by Thursday we’ll be in Austin for the festival.”