CU Beer Weekend; December 31

Happy Brew Year!

Where are you drinking this weekend?

Seven Saints

Arcadia Cereal Killer Barleywine
Two Brothers Heavier Handed

New Year's Eve: Speakeasy at the Saints, Sam Adams Infinium toast at midnight (probably also sparkling white wine)
Tuesday: Tuesday Brewsday
Wednesday: Whiskey Wednesday, Irish

Radio Maria

Harviestoun Ola Dubh 18
Southern Tier Pale
Scaldis Noel
Two Brothers Hop Juice
Ballast Point Dorado
Arcadia Cereal City
Founders Breakfast Stout
He'Brew Jewbelation 8
He'Brew Jewbelation 9
He'Brew Jewbelation 10
He'Brew Jewbelation 11
He'Brew Jewbelation 12
He'Brew Jewbelation 13
He'Brew Jewbelation 14
He'Brew Jewbelation Vertical
Belhaven Scottish
Moylan's Dragoons Dry Irish Stout
Monk's Cafe Flemish Sour Red Ale
Dogfish Head India Brown
Avery the Beast Grand Cru
Two Brothers Resistance
Two Brothers Ebel's Weiss
North Coast Scrimshaw Pilsner
Samichlaus
Rogue Chateau Rogue Wet Hop IPA
Anderson Valley Brother David's Double
PBR

Friday: Regular dinner menu, tapas, and four course tasting menu (with optional wine or beer flights) call 3987729 for reservations. Wine is selected by Paul Simpson, beer by me.

Saturday: Open at 10pm for Salsa Night
Sunday: $2 wells, $1.25 PBR; Bloody Mary Bar
Monday: 25% off bottles of wine; Board Game Monday; Random Beer Specials
Tuesday: 1/2 price wine by the glass
Wednesday: $1 off all beers on draft
Thursday:$5 Mojitos, Caipirinhas, and Brazilian Cosmos; Open Decks: local dj's perform.

NYE Tasting menu

Vanilla bean poached lobster Agnolotti, Cava braised Hon Shimeji Mushrooms, carmelized Bearnaise

Smoked pork Ragout Gnudi, white truffle, tempura fried egg yolk

Grilled black angus New York strip steak, caramelized onion risotto, sage, black pepper gravy

Flight of Belgian chocolate truffles

Blind Pig

New Holland Oaked Hatter; Holland, Michigan, India Pale Ale, 5.8% abv
Arcadia Cereal Killer; Battle Creek, Michigan, Barley Wine, 9% abv
North Coast 2009 Old Stock; Fort Bragg, California, Barley Wine, 11.7% abv
Unibroue La Terrible; Canada, Belgian Strong Ale, 10.5% abv
Avery The Czar; Boulder, Colorado, Imperial Stout, 10.82% abv
Two Brothers’ Dog Days Lager; Warrenville, Illinois, Dortmunder, 4.9% abv
Moylans Nor Cal IPA; Novato, California, India Pale Ale, 6.8% abv
Bell’s Best Brown Ale; Kalamazoo, Michigan, Brown Ale, 5.8%
Fuller’s London Pride; England, Premium Bitter, 4.7% abv
Delirium Noël; Belgium, Belgian Strong Ale, 10% abv
Blue Moon; Golden, Colorado, Belgian White, 5.4% abv
Duchesse de Bourgogne; Belgium, Sour Ale, 6.2% abv
Stella Artois; Belgium, Pale Lager, 5.2% abv
Pabst Blue Ribbon; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Pale Lager, 5% abv
Rogue Chipotle; Newport, Oregon, Spice Ale, 5.5%
Rogue Old Crustacean; Newport, Oregon, Barley Wine, 11.5% abv
Tucher Helles Hefe Weizen; Germany, German Hefeweizen, 5.3%
Lagunitas IPA; Petaluma, California, India Pale Ale, 5.7% abv
Krusovice Imperial 12°; Czech Republic, Bohemian Pilsener, 5%
Sierra Nevada Harvest; Chico, California, American Pale Ale, 6.7% abv
Lost Abbey Serpent’s Stout; San Marcos, California, Imperial Stout, 11% abv
Lindeman’s Framboise; Belgium, Lambic, 2.5% abv
Belhaven Scottish; Scotland, Bitter, 3.9%
Guinness; Dublin, Ireland, Dry Stout, 4.1% abv

Cask: Two Brothers bitter End

NYE: No cover, free champagne toast at midnight, $2 peppermint patty shots

Blind Pig Brewery

Blind Pig Ordinary Bitter
Blind Pig Hard Cider
Blind Pig Belgian Stout
Blind Pig American Pale Ale
Schlafly Pilsner; Maplewood, Missouri, Pilsener, 4.9% abv
Franziskaner Hefe-Weissbier; Germany, German Hefeweizen, 5% abv
Schlafly Winter ESB; Maplewood, Missouri, Premium Bitter, 6.8% abv
Pangaea Liljas Sasquatch Stout; Wisconsin Rapids, WI, Stout, 7% abv
Samichlaus; Austria, Doppelbock, 14% abv
Moylan’s Kilt Lifter; Novato, California, Scotch Ale, 8% abv
Southern Tier Oat; Lakewood, New York, Imperial Stout, 11% abv
Left Hand Fade to Black; Longmont, Colorado, Smoked, 7.8%
Ballast Point Dorado; San Diego, California, Imperial IPA, 9.6% abv
Guinness; Ireland, Dry Stout, 4.1% abv

NYE: No cover, free champagne toast at midnight, $2 peppermint patty shots

Sunday: Trivia Night; 7-9pm, win gift cards
Tuesday and Wednesday: Mug Night, buy a mug and get $2 off draught beer

Crane Alley

Wexford Irish Cream Ale 5.1%
Avery Dugan A IPA 8.5%
Great Divide Titan IPA 7.1%
Victory Prima Pils 5.3%
Rogue Double Chocolate Stout 8.7%
Birrificio Grado Plato Chocarrubica 7.0%
Ichtegems Grand Cru Flemish Red Ale 6.5%
Rogue Mogul Madness 6.1%
Hofbrau Munchen Hefe Weizen 5.4%
Corsendonk Christmas Ale 8.5%
Two Brothers Domaine Du Page 5.9%
Fullers London Porter 4.9%
Dieu Du Ciel Rosee D'Hibiscus 5.0%
St Bernardus Christmas Ale 10.0%
Mikkeller Monks Elixir 10.0%
PBR 4.2%

(old list: Mikkeller Santas Little helper, Corsendonk Christmas Ale, and Hofbrau Hefe Weizen have replaced at least three of those items)

NYE: 7:30 food specials, drink specials, free champagne or PBR toast at midnight, no cover

Black Dog Smoke and Ale House

Cask: Smuttynose Finestkind IPA

Chimay Blanche
Mikkeller To Via
Southern Tier Old Man Winter
Southern Tier Creme Brulee
Rogue Mogul Madness
Porterhouse XXXX Wrasselers Stout

NYE:

Our special New Years Eve Dinner will have 2 seatings, 5:30 and 7:30. We'll have Smoked Chestnut & Prosciutto Soup, Smoked Prime Rib and Smoked Lobster Tail with your choice of 2 sides and Pear & Apple Crisp with Bacon & Brown Sugar Topping for dessert. Price is $50 perperson, does not include beverage, tax or gratuity. See your server to make reservations or call us, 344-9334.

and...

10pm seating with wine/appetizer pairings suggested by our good friends at Corkscrew Urbana. We'll have Bele Casel Prosecco w/Smoked Butter & Sea Salt Popcorn, Jean-Louis Denois Blanc de Blancs w/Lobster Bisque, Sergio Rose w/Duck Confit Dumplings, Charles Baur Cremant d'Alsace w/Duck Fat Fries & Fried Blackeyed Peas and Laurent-Perrier Demi-Sec Champagne w/Pear-Apple Crisp w/Bacon & Brown Sugar

Mike N' Molly's

NYE: Elsinore with Santah. $10

Highdive

NYE: The NYE Party, 9pm. Various Prices from $25 to $150

Cowboy Monkey

NYE: Dubstep Massacre, 9pm, $10

Canopy Club

NYE: New Year's Eve Bash with The Piano Man, 8pm, $5

Boltini Lounge

NYE: 9pm, various prices from $50 to $70, go to the bar to get them.

Redstar Liquors

NYE: 9pm, DJ, no cover

Esquire Lounge

NYE: Duke of Uke and his Novelty Orchestra, 9:30

Bacaro

NYE:

Menu 5 course $65.00 smoked sablefish, pickled fennel, pea tendrils, red radish; seared sea scallop, roasted baby beets, toasted almonds,orange zest; cauliflower ravioli with black truffles; beef tenderloin, roasted sunchokes, chanterelles, arugula, foie gras emulsion or pan roasted grouper, lobster, brussel sprout...s, smoked potato broth; chocolate brownie, frangelico ice cream, hazelnut praline wine pairing $35

Call 398-6982 for reservations.

Bentley's Pub

NYE: 5pm, dj at 10, $5 cover

Alcohol in the news; Kila Cava for New Year's Eve

From WCIA 3 Illinoishomepage.net

Kila Cava for New Year's Eve


Brian Bowman from Sun Singer Wines shows off Kila Cava. He's also pimping Sun Singer's Candle Light Countdown.

The holidays are upon us and what better time to give thanks and celebrate with friends and family? And when I think of celebration, I think of bubbly; there's nothing more welcoming than handing folks a frothy flute of sparkling wine as they walk in the door. Your guests immediately feel appreciated, as well as at ease.

I know what you're thinking: sparkling wine, specifically Champagne, can be expensive. But wait, what about a sparkling wine, made exactly the way Champagne is made? Cava (which means "cave") is the Spanish version of Champagne. And unlike Prosecco, which is bulk fermented in large stainless steel tanks (with added Co2 for the fizz), Cava gets its bubbles from the naturally occurring secondary fermentation in the same bottle.

Kila Cava 2008, made by Vins El Cep, is my new favorite bubbly because it's dry and toasty, mimicking Champagne and has flavors of apple, citrus and a touch of grapefruit. It effortlessly cleanses the palate with its bubbles and goes with a wide variety of food. Now it's not going to make you forget Dom Perignon, but at the price, it's a house bubbly that you can democratically pour for everyone, including cranky old Uncle Bob.

"From Vins El Cep, a winery founded in 1980 by 6 historical families in the Penedes and producers of Marques de Gelida. KILA Cava is produced from 472 acres of vineyards, more than 6 years old, in six different communes. The blend of indigenous varieties includes: 35% Macabeo, 40% Xarel-lo and 25% Parellada. The final cuvee is personally selected by Jorge Ordonez and aged for 12 months after it completes its secondary fermentation. Typically fresh and crisp with great acidity and bright flavors of pear, apple and citrus. A perfect choice for any celebratory occasion and especially delicious with Asian influenced dishes. It's KILA!" - The Importer

Alcohol in the news; Drinks with Andy: NYE

From WCIA/WCFN Illinoishomepage.net

Drinks with Andy: NYE

Drinks with Andy: NYE
2011 is right around the corner. If it's your turn to host the NYE party you probably need some drink ideas. Well, here you go.

Andy talks about bubbles...

First they try the Sam Adams/ Weihenstephan Infinium.

Next they drink a Venetian Fizz: Prosecco (italian sparkling white wine), Italian Aperol, sugar cube, some orange bitters.

Finally a French 75: Brandy (sometimes gin), Prosecco, simple syrup, lemon juice.

Everything served in a flute.

CU Beer Weekend; December 25

Happy (whatever you celebrate)

Seven Saints

Arcadia Cereal Killer Barleywine
Two Brothers Heavier Handed

Saturday: Closed
Tuesday: Tuesday Brewsday, New Holland Cabin Fever $2
Wednesday: Whiskey Wednesday, Canadian and Micro

Radio Maria

Harviestoun Ola Dubh 18
Southern Tier Pale
Scaldis Noel
Founders Devil Dancer
Ballast Point Dorado
Arcadia Cereal City
Founders Breakfast Stout (sunday)
He'Brew Jewbelation 8
He'Brew Jewbelation 9
He'Brew Jewbelation 10
He'Brew Jewbelation 11
He'Brew Jewbelation 12
He'Brew Jewbelation 13
He'Brew Jewbelation 14
He'Brew Jewbelation Vertical
Belhaven Scottish
Moylan's Dragoons Dry Irish Stout
Monk's Cafe Flemish Sour Red Ale
Dogfish Head India Brown
Avery the Beast Grand Cru
Two Brothers Resistance
Ayinger Brau Weis
Victory Prima Pils
Samichlaus
Rogue Chateau Rogue Wet Hop IPA
Anderson Valley Brother David's Double
PBR

Friday: Closed
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: $2 wells, $1.25 PBR; Bloody Mary Bar
Monday: 25% off bottles of wine; Board Game Monday; Random Beer Specials
Tuesday: 1/2 price wine by the glass
Wednesday: $1 off all beers on draft
Thursday:$5 Mojitos, Caipirinhas, and Brazilian Cosmos; Open Decks: local dj's perform.

Blind Pig

Cask: Smutty Nose IPA

New Holland Oaked Hatter; Holland, Michigan, India Pale Ale, 5.8% abv
Founders Backwoods Bastard; Grand Rapids, Michigan, Scotch Ale, 10.2% abv
North Coast 2009 Old Stock; Fort Bragg, California, Barley Wine, 11.7% abv
Unibroue La Terrible; Canada, Belgian Strong Ale, 10.5% abv
La Moneuse Speciale Winter; Belgium, Belgian Strong Ale, 8% abv
Two Brothers’ Dog Days Lager; Warrenville, Illinois, Dortmunder, 4.9% abv
Dieu du Ciel Corne du Diable; Canada, India Pale Ale, 6.5% abv
Ballast Point Fathom; San Diego, California, Imperial Pilsener
Fuller’s London Pride; England, Premium Bitter, 4.7% abv
Delirium Noël; Belgium, Belgian Strong Ale, 10% abv
Blue Moon; Golden, Colorado, Belgian White, 5.4% abv
Duchesse de Bourgogne; Belgium, Sour Ale, 6.2% abv
Stella Artois; Belgium, Pale Lager, 5.2% abv
Pabst Blue Ribbon; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Pale Lager, 5% abv
Rogue Chipotle; Newport, Oregon, Spice Ale, 5.5%
Port Brewing Santa’s Little Helper; San Marcos, CA, Imperial Stout, 10% abv
Tucher Helles Hefe Weizen; Germany, German Hefeweizen, 5.3%
Lagunitas IPA; Petaluma, California, India Pale Ale, 5.7% abv
Krusovice Imperial 12°; Czech Republic, Bohemian Pilsener, 5%
Sierra Nevada Harvest; Chico, California, American Pale Ale, 6.7% abv
Two Brothers’ Northwind; Warrenville, Illinois, Imperial Stout, 8.5% abv
Lindeman’s Framboise; Belgium, Lambic, 2.5% abv
Belhaven Scottish; Scotland, Bitter, 3.9%
Guinness; Dublin, Ireland, Dry Stout, 4.1% abv

Blind Pig Brewery

Blind Pig Red Rye Ale
Blind Pig Hard Cider
Blind Pig Oatmeal Stout
Blind Pig India Pale Ale
Schlafly Pilsner; Maplewood, Missouri, Pilsener, 4.9% abv
Franziskaner Hefe-Weissbier; Germany, German Hefeweizen, 5% abv
Schlafly Winter ESB; Maplewood, Missouri, Premium Bitter, 6.8% abv
Pangaea Liljas Sasquatch Stout; Wisconsin Rapids, WI, Stout, 7% abv
Samichlaus; Austria, Doppelbock, 14% abv
Moylan’s Kilt Lifter; Novato, California, Scotch Ale, 8% abv
Southern Tier Oat; Lakewood, New York, Imperial Stout, 11% abv
Left Hand Fade to Black; Longmont, Colorado, Smoked, 7.8%
Ballast Point Dorado; San Diego, California, Imperial IPA, 9.6% abv
Guinness; Ireland, Dry Stout, 4.1% abv

Sunday: Trivia Night; 7-9pm, win gift cards
Tuesday and Wednesday: Mug Night, buy a mug and get $2 off draught beer

Crane Alley

Wexford Irish Cream Ale 5.1%
Avery Dugan A IPA 8.5%
Great Divide Titan IPA 7.1%
Victory Prima Pils 5.3%
Rogue Double Chocolate Stout 8.7%
Birrificio Grado Plato Chocarrubica 7.0%
Ichtegems Grand Cru Flemish Red Ale 6.5%
Rogue Mogul Madness 6.1%
Hitachino Red Rice Ale 7.0%
Corsendonk Christmas Ale 8.5%
Two Brothers Domaine Du Page 5.9%
Fullers London Porter 4.9%
Dieu Du Ciel Rosee D'Hibiscus 5.0%
St Bernardus Christmas Ale 10.0%
Mikkeller Monks Elixir 10.0%
PBR 4.2%

Black Dog Smoke and Ale House

Cask: Smuttynose Big A IPA

Chimay Blanche
Mikkeller To Via
Schlafly Christmas Ale
New Holland Cabin Fever
Moylan's White Christmas Lager
Porterhouse XXXX Wrasselers Stout

Friday: open 11-4
Saturday: Closed

Alcohol in the news; Christmas Beer and Violet Liquer

From Illinoishomepage.net

Christmas Beer & Violet Liquer *

Dominico and Nick Bland stops by from Buvons and Corkscrew to try some drinks.

The beer they drink is St. Peters Cream Stout. Then they (what looks like) G. Miclo Violet Liqueur.



*(Liquer is misspelled on the WCIA site; actual link to video takes to a 404 page, so I'm linking to the whet your whistle page)

Alcohol in the news; Binge Drinking, Problem in Illinois

From WICD 15 ABC

Binge Drinking, Problem in Illinois

The holidays are just around the corner.

It's a time when you may be tempted to indulge in food and alcohol.

One local physician says binge drinking is a problem because it can cause you to do things you might not normally do.

Not a great story.

Alcohol in the news; Extra on tap episode 20

From Extra 92.1

Extra on tap episode #20



They discuss Old Ruffian, from Great Divide.

Sadly, AY claims this is an American style beer. Barleywine is an English style beer.

Then he talks about American style lagers, followed by the craft brewing revolution. He claims (basically) that barleywines didn't exist 20 years ago, and that's just a horrible statement. The barleywine style has been around for a very long time (the first listed barley wine was around 1900, and was Bass No. 1). The style can also be an Old ale, or an ale for keeping, and those have been around for as long as people have been brewing ales.

He discusses pairing beers a bit, but not really, he claims it can be done, as opposed to how to do it.

Christmas Bar Schedules

For some reason, bars in town are going to be closed on December 25.

Here's a partial list. If you know of more, let me know.

Bentley's Pub: open from 1pm until ?

Radio Maria: Closed (also closed on Christmas eve)

Seven Saints: Closed

Cowboy Monkey: Closed

Billy Barooz: Open (I believe)

Blind Pig and Brewery: Open normal hours on Christmas Eve
Open 8 pm - 2am on Christmas

Black Dog Smoke and Ale House: 11-4 Christmas Eve
Closed on Christmas

Mike n Molly's: Christmas Eve, normal hours 4pm - 2am
Christmas, open 9 pm- 2 am

Boltini: Christmas Eve; 9pm to Mdnight
Christmas: Closed

CU Beer Weekend; December 17

Where are you drinking this weekend?

Seven Saints

Bell's Batch 10,000
Arcadia Cereal Killer

Tuesday: Tuesday Brewsday, Rogue Santa's Private Reserve $3
Wednesday: Whiskey Wednesday, Scotch

Radio Maria

Harviestoun Ola Dubh 18
Southern Tier Farmer's Tan
Rogue Somer
Founders Devil Dancer
Ballast Point Dorado
Arcadia Cereal City
Dark Horse Too Cream Stout
He'Brew Jewbelation 8
He'Brew Jewbelation 9
He'Brew Jewbelation 10
He'Brew Jewbelation 11
He'Brew Jewbelation 12
He'Brew Jewbelation 13
He'Brew Jewbelation 14
He'Brew Jewbelation Vertical
Belhaven Scottish
Moylan's Dragoons Dry Irish Stout
Petrus Oak Aged Pale
Dogfish Head India Brown
Avery the Beast Grand Cru
Two Brothers Resistance
Ayinger Brau Weis
Victory Prima Pils
Founders Backwoods Bastard
Rogue Chateau Rogue Wet Hop IPA
Anderson Valley Brother David's Double
PBR


Friday: Happy Hour with free appetizers 4:30 - 5:30, special tbd (probably Rogue Somer, but it could be Southern Tier Farmer's Tan)
Saturday: $6 John Daly's, Salsa Night at 10.
Sunday: $2 wells, $1.25 PBR; Bloody Mary Bar
Monday: 25% off bottles of wine; Board Game Monday; Random Beer Specials
Tuesday: 1/2 price wine by the glass
Wednesday: $1 off all beers on draft
Thursday:$5 Mojitos, Caipirinhas, and Brazilian Cosmos; Open Decks: local dj's perform.

Blind Pig

Cask: Smutty Nose Big A IPA

Weihenstephaner Korbinian; Germany, Doppelbock, 7.4% abv
Corsendonk Christmas; Belgium, Belgian Strong Ale, 8.5% abv
Schlafly Winter ESB; Maplewood, Missouri, Premium Bitter, 6.8% abv
Gouden Carolous Noël; Belgium, Belgian Strong Ale, 10.5% abv
La Moneuse Speciale Winter; Belgium, Belgian Strong Ale, 8% abv
Two Brothers’ Dog Days Lager; Warrenville, Illinois, Dortmunder, 4.9% abv
Arcadia Big Dick’s Old Ale; Battle Creek, Michigan, Old Ale, 8% abv
Ballast Point Fathom; San Diego, California, Imperial Pilsener
Fuller’s London Pride; England, Premium Bitter, 4.7% abv
Delirium Noël; Belgium, Belgian Strong Ale, 10% abv
Blue Moon; Golden, Colorado, Belgian White, 5.4% abv
Duchesse de Bourgogne; Belgium, Sour Ale, 6.2% abv
Stella Artois; Belgium, Pale Lager, 5.2% abv
Pabst Blue Ribbon; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Pale Lager, 5% abv
Serafijn Christmas Angel; Belgium, Belgian Strong Ale, 8%
Port Brewing Santa’s Little Helper; San Marcos, CA, Imperial Stout, 10% abv
Tucher Helles Hefe Weizen; Germany, German Hefeweizen, 5.3%
Lagunitas IPA; Petaluma, California, India Pale Ale, 5.7% abv
Krusovice Imperial 12°; Czech Republic, Bohemian Pilsener, 5%
Two Brothers’ Heavier Handed; Warrenville, IL, Imperial IPA, 8.1% abv
Two Brothers’ Northwind; Warrenville, Illinois, Imperial Stout, 8.5% abv
Lindeman’s Framboise; Belgium, Lambic, 2.5% abv
North Coast Old Rasputin; Fort Bragg, California, Imperial Stout, 9%
Guinness; Dublin, Ireland, Dry Stout, 4.1% abv

Blind Pig Brewery

Blind Pig Red Rye Ale
Blind Pig Hard Cider
Blind Pig Oatmeal Stout
Blind Pig India Pale Ale
Schlafly Pilsner; Maplewood, Missouri, Pilsener, 4.9% abv
Franziskaner Hefe-Weissbier; Germany, German Hefeweizen, 5% abv
St. Bernardus Christmas; Belgium, Belgian Strong Ale, 10% abv
Scaldis Noël; Belgium, Belgian Strong Ale, 12% abv
Affligem Noël; France, Belgian Ale, 6.5% abv
Boulder Never Summer; Boulder, Colorado, Spice Ale, 6% abv
Southern Tier Oat; Lakewood, New York, Imperial Stout, 11% abv
Bells Christmas Ale; Kalamazoo, Michigan, Scotch Ale, 5.8%
Ballast Point Dorado; San Diego, California, Imperial IPA, 9.6% abv
Guinness; Ireland, Dry Stout, 4.1% abv

Crane Alley

(old list)
Moyland's E.S.B. 5.3%
Smuttynose Big A IPA 9.7%
Smuttynose Finest Kind IPA
Victory Prima Pils 5.3%
Rogue Double Chocolate Stout 8.7%
Original Sin Hard Cider 6.0%
Ayinger Brau Weiss 5.1%
Dogfish Head Indian Brown Ale 7.2%
Smuttynose Old Dog Brown Ale 6.5%
Arcadia Nut Brown Ale 5.6%
Troubadour Magma 9.0%
Smuttynose Baltic Porter 9.0%
Smuttynose S'Muttaroni APA 6.0%
Smuttynose S'Muttonator Doppelbock 9.5%
Mikkeller Monks Elixir 10.0%
PBR 4.2%

Black Dog Smoke and Ale House

Smuttynose Big A IPA
Founders Cerise
Port Santa's Little Helper
Mikkellers Green Gold IPA
Wintercoat Vildmoseol
Porterhouse Nitro Oyster Stout
St. Bernardus Christmas Ale

Alcohol in the news; extra on tap episodes 16-19

Episode 16; IPA, what does it mean?

AY answers a listeners questionn. What does IPA stand for? listen now for AY's answer.

AY perpetuates the IPA myth.

Episode 17

This week AY catches us up on his latest reading, "Beer is Proof". They discuss the perception of quality in beer. If you missed this weeks episode catch it now!

Thankfully, one of the first things they mention is that the quote is a myth. This is a pretty good interview. They should mention that when discussing bottles and cans, that beer (good beer) shouldn't be drank from the distribution vessel. Beer belongs in glasses. A bottle may be glass, but it's not a glass.


Episode 18

AY joins Jon in the studio and discusses the winter beers. YUM. They get a little darker, warmer and spicer. Listen to some of AY favorites that are a must try this season.

AY talks about some winter beers. He also talks about the recent rise of craft brewing.

One problem is he claims that the previous large amounts of breweries prior to prohibition is he claimed that they made many different styles. That probably isn't correct, most likely they just made several lagers, or regional styles. They wouldn't have made as many styles as a craft brewery would now.

Then they discuss the Reinheitsgebot, kind of.

Episode 19

This week its a throw-back to the high life. The important beers of past that at one time claimed they were the premium brands. Listen here for this fun segment with AY!

They talk about Milwaukee beers, and some old brands. Most of them are owned by Pabst Brewing Company.

Alcohol in the news; The science behind "skunked" beer

From the buzz

The science behind "skunked" beer; How to prevent it from happening to yours

Skunked beer is a problem that we all face at some point in time during our drinking careers and it is most definitely something we can avoid. See what’s actually happening is known as a beer being “Light Struck,” in the beer connoisseur world. This happens more commonly to clear and green bottled beers than brown and can be an inconvenience that is only surpassed with the guzzling of several drinks prior.

...

The actual science can best be stated by two guys that go by the name Alstrom Bros in the article "Skunked Beer" at Beeradvocate.com, “Hop-derived molecules, called isohumulones, are basically ripped apart. Some of these parts bind with sulfur atoms to create that “skunk” character, which is similar in character to a skunk's natural defense and is such a potent compound that parts-per-trillion can be detected and even ruin a beer” (2003).

The author then recommends to not purchase more beer than you can drink at any point.

First, don’t buy the front case of beer in a very well lit refrigerator and avoid the refrigerator at all possible costs.

This is good advice for several reasons. (Especially if you are purchasing a beer that can have a tendency to be skunked). Beer in the front of the cooler was probably put there by the distributor or stock person. That should be the beer that has been in the store the longest. If there is an expiration date, that's the beer that's closest to expiring. The beer in the back of the cooler is the newest beer put in. It's the freshest. Additionally, beer in the back hasn't been exposed to as much sunlight or fluorescent light (the things that cause the hops to break down).

Second, aim for six packs of beer with a very high cardboard case. A case that covers as much of the bottles of beer as possible is always your best bet.

Sam Adams is proud of their tall cases. If you purchase beer that is completely covered by a box (like a 12 pack or case) you won't have as much chance for a skunky problem.

Oddly, the one thing not mentioned to prevent a beer from skunking isn't mentioned.

Purchase cans.

Crane Alley International Rare Beer Dinner

Last night was Crane Alley's first International Rare Beer Dinner (also called the Beer Snob Dinner).

From the look of the menu, you may not recognize many of the beers. I don't know many of them. I've had the Rosee D'Hibiscus from Dieu du Ciel in bottles before, but according to the distributor... more on that later.

The first course was the Ichtegems Grand Cru Flemish Red Ale with Mangalitsa Ham, biscuits and pear. As I was eating the pears, it seemed almost as though the beer and the pear were made for each other. The pinkish thing running down the middle is the piece of Mangalitsa Ham. Mangalitsa pigs are woolly and curly haired. Their meat is claimed to be buttery and has better fat. Apparently the fat from Mangalitsa pigs is better for you than normal pig fat. It's really tasty.

The biscuits served with the pear and pork were a little spicy, but that's from the jalapeno jelly. The pears were great. Every now and then when you match food with beer/wine/something else, you come up with what seems like a perfect pairing. These pears with the Flemish Red Ale were that.

The second course to come out was endive with candied walnuts, orange supreme, Roquefort, Mangalitsa crisp, and a frisse. This was served with De Glazen Toren Saison D'Erpe-Mere. The beer was very light, and didn't have the herbs and spices that I normally associate with a saison. It was a clean, refreshing, easy drinking beer. It went well with the frisse. The endives had the rest of the filling. My first bite into it made me exclaim "Oh My God, these walnuts are overpowering". Which made me fearful of the next bite. But then I said "Oh My God, the Roquefort", then there was another OMG moment when i got to the orange supreme. Each bite was a totally different experience. After I finally finished my stuffed endives, I set about eating the frisse, with the things that fell out of the endive. That was a delicious salad. I don't normally like salad with citrus in it (or walnuts) but this was pretty darn good.

The third course was duck confit ravioli, fig-prosciutto compote and Prairie Fruits Farm Chevre. Last Wednesday, Crane Alley held a Beer and Cheese tasting featuring cheeses from Prairie Fruits Farm. The Chevre was one of my favorite cheeses that day. Then, it was served with beers from Merchant du Vin, now, it was served with La Rulles Cuvee Meilleurs Voeux. The beer was described as a Belgian brown. It seemed like one of the best English style brown ale's that I've ever had. The ravioli had a strong pepper smell to it. It wasn't unpleasant. The duck confit was amazing. The ravioli when eaten by itself didn't seem to have much flavor, but when eaten with anything else on the plate, it was awesome.

The next course was the beef filet medallion, shrimp tortillita and pasilla rouille, served with Hitachino Red Rice Ale. The beer was amazing. The beer reminded me of smoked string cheese from Kugel's Cheese Mart in Lena, Wisconsin. (They ship). I always enjoy going up to a Packer game, and before (or after) heading the 20 or so minutes north of Green Bay to go to Kugel's Cheese Mart. Then I get a couple of pounds of cheese and beef sticks. The cheese and sticks have never made the 6 hour trip back from Green Bay, regardless of how much I purchase.

The beef medallion was outstanding. We weren't served steak knives, but they weren't needed as we could cut it with our butter knife. The tortillita with the shrimp inside was amazing. I wasn't a big fan of the pasilla rouille. I may just not know how to appreciate it, but it seemed at first a little to peppery to me, and later it seemed like it had a heavy dose of paprika to it. Brad (head chef) said neither was used, and that it was saffron. Which I guess makes sense.

Next were the two deserts. The first was poached pears, with dried cherries and Madeira zabaglione (as a drizzle sauce). This was served with Birrificio Grado Plato Chocarrubica. The beer was an oatmeal stout with cocoa beans and carrubs from Sicily. It was a pretty good beer. I really liked the pears and the cherries. The pears had a slight almond flavor to it, which might have come from the sauce. There also seemed to be a bit of cinnamon somewhere on the dish (I dislike cinnamon) but it wasn't overpowering or totally unpleasant. Kridz didn't like the pears as she's a texture person, and doesn't like soft/mushy foods.

The final thing we were served was Dieu du Ciel Rosee D'Hibiscus with lemon snow gateau, basil custard, and tuile cookie. Kridz said the beer looks and smells like a flower. The gateau was very lemon flavored. It was very lemon flavored. The cookie was good. The basil custard was interesting, and the gateau was lemony.

Throughout the evening, the courses had a few common themes. You probably noticed a lot of them had pears. Also, the Mangalitsa ham was used a lot. Brad had the ham for a while and was really looking for something to use it with. Each time it was used in a dish, it was great. The pears were also a nice touch on most of the dishes.

The beer was on tap, and should still be available at Crane Alley for the next few days. I would definitely recommend going to have some of the beers. I'm sure Brad will be incorporating the ham and pears into this weeks specials as well.

Back to the beer, I was sitting across from the distributor who carried all these beers for the evening. He said he's never seen any of these in kegs before. Most of them, neither of us had heard of before. I believe these beers are carried by B. United. I don't think they'll be at any other place in town, and when they are empty, they are gone. Some of them you can probably find in bottles at Friar Tucks or at Piccadilly (Rosee d'Hibiscus for sure) but others you'll probably have to look hard to get. The beers are available on the sampler.

Beer Review; Bell's Batch 10,000

Thursday, Seven Saints became the first bar in Champaign Urbana to tap Bell's Batch 10,000. There are other places that will be getting it (Crane Alley and probably the Blind Pig) but they weren't the first.

At Seven Saints the beer is $6 for a snifter. That's not a cheap beer. It presents as an opaque black beer with a slight light brown head. The problem with a beer being served in a snifter is that the snifter really isn't a good glass for presenting beer. Sure, the bar is giving you the right amount of liquid, however, the snifter isn't really good for sniffing. Aromas need a place to collect and build. A filled snifter doesn't provide that. To overcome this, I asked for a rocks glass with just a splash of the beer in it. This gave me a much easier way to smell the beer.

It smells almost minty. There was a definite malt aroma to it as well, but it wasn't a very specific malt. Why?

The last of a series, Batch 10,000 Ale looks back to our roots, symbolizing the end of the home-brewing season with a creative take on "cleaning out the brewing supplies closet". After combing through the catalogs of many malt and hop suppliers, our brewers used over 100 different malts, grains, and other fermentables, and followed them up with a blend of 60 different hop varietals between the kettle additions and dry-hopping. The resulting beer presents a deep, chocolate brown hue and offers roasted and caramel notes from the malts mixed with an assertive hop character. Sharply bitter, the beer possesses a full mouthfeel without being heavy and will withstand aging in your cellar, if you prefer.

They used 100 fermentables to make this beast. What is a fermentable? It's anything that can turn into alcohol. Normally in a beer, that comes from malt; and normally in a beer, there is pretty much only one malt used (He'brew Jewbelations use specific malts and a specific number of malts, like 8 malts in 8 up to 14 in 14). This beer had 100. But it probably isn't just 100 malt varieties. No, a fermentable is anything that provides sugar. That could be sugar itself, honey, fruits, candy. Heck, they could have thrown in a box of chocolate.

Ok, back to the smell, I did pick up a chocolate aroma. It almost had a brownie character to it. Later, as it warmed, there was some grape in the nose. It felt thick, but also effervescent. If you leave it sit on the tongue long enough it will totally dissolve.

It tasted of dark fruits; raisins, figs, plums, maybe even a sugary prune. It also tasted a bit of syrup, without being syrupy. As it continues to warm, the bitterness is present. It's not a horrible bitter, but it's there. That obviously comes from the use of 60 hops in the kettle and in dry hopping. That's a lot of hops. It does provide a bit of bitter. It's not a specific pine or citrus bitter, it's just bitter.

The beer comes in at 9.2% but the alcohol isn't that overpowering. Although the aromas aren't initially present in the snifter, it's the correct serving size. I didn't need much more than that. It was a great beer. Will I have it again. Heck yeah, I'm thinking about going back as soon as I finish typing this up to have another.

CU Beer Weekend; December 10

There's still plenty of good beers on tap throughout town.

Seven Saints

Bell's Batch 10,000
Arcadia Cereal Killer

Tuesday: Tuesday Brewsday, Guinness Foreign Extra Stout $2.50 (not normal Guinness, this is the good stuff)
Wednesday: Whiskey Wednesday, Bourbon & Rye

Radio Maria

Harviestoun Ola Dubh 18
Southern Tier Farmer's Tan
Rogue Somer
Founders Devil Dancer
Ballast Point Dorado
Arcadia Cereal City
Dark Horse Too Cream Stout
He'Brew Jewbelation 8
He'Brew Jewbelation 9
He'Brew Jewbelation 10
He'Brew Jewbelation 11
He'Brew Jewbelation 12
He'Brew Jewbelation 13
He'Brew Jewbelation 14
He'Brew Jewbelation Vertical
Belhaven Scottish
Moylan's Dragoons Dry Irish Stout
Petrus Oak Aged Pale
Dogfish Head India Brown
Avery the Beast Grand Cru
Two Brothers Resistance
Ayinger Brau Weis
Victory Prima Pils
Founders Backwoods Bastard
Rogue Chateau Rogue Wet Hop IPA
Anderson Valley Brother David's Double
PBR

Friday: Happy Hour with free appetizers 4:30 - 5:30, special tbd (probably Rogue Somer, but it could be Southern Tier Farmer's Tan)
Saturday: $6 John Daly's, Salsa Night at 10.
Sunday: $2 wells, $1.25 PBR; Bloody Mary Bar
Monday: 25% off bottles of wine; Board Game Monday; Random Beer Specials
Tuesday: 1/2 price wine by the glass
Wednesday: $1 off all beers on draft
Thursday:$5 Mojitos, Caipirinhas, and Brazilian Cosmos; Open Decks: local dj's perform.

Blind Pig

Founder’s Breakfast Stout; Grand Rapids, Michigan, Imperial Stout, 8.3% abv
Arcadia Cereal Killer; Battle Creek, Michigan, Barley Wine, 9% abv
Breckenridge Christmas; Denver, Colorado, American Strong Ale, 7.4% abv
Unibroue Trois Pistoles; Canada, Belgian Strong Ale, 9% abv
Mikkeller From Via To; Denmark, Denmark, Imperial Porter, 8% abv
Two Brothers’ Dog Days Lager; Warrenville, Illinois, Dortmunder, 4.9% abv
Arcadia Big Dick’s Old Ale; Battle Creek, Michigan, Old Ale, 8% abv
Ballast Point Fathom; San Diego, California, Imperial Pilsener
Fuller’s London Pride; England, Premium Bitter, 4.7% abv
Delirium Noël; Belgium, Belgian Strong Ale, 10% abv
Blue Moon; Golden, Colorado, Belgian White, 5.4% abv
Duchesse de Bourgogne; Belgium, Sour Ale, 6.2% abv
Stella Artois; Belgium, Pale Lager, 5.2% abv
Pabst Blue Ribbon; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Pale Lager, 5% abv
Rogue Chipotle; Newport, Oregon, Newport, Oregon, Spice Ale, 5.5%
New Holland Cabin Fever; Holland, Michigan, Brown Ale, 6% abv
Tucher Helles Hefe Weizen; Germany, German Hefeweizen, 5.3%
Lagunitas IPA; Petaluma, California, India Pale Ale, 5.7% abv
Krusovice Imperial 12°; Czech Republic, Bohemian Pilsener, 5%
Left Hand Twin Sisters; Longmont, Colorado, Imperial IPA, 9.6% abv
Moylan’s Chelsea Porter; Novato, California, Porter, 5% abv
Lindeman’s Pêche; Belgium, Lambic, 2.5% abv
North Coast Old Rasputin; Fort Bragg, California, Imperial Stout, 9%
Guinness; Dublin, Ireland, Dry Stout, 4.1% abv

Blind Pig Brewery

Blind Pig Rye Ale
Blind Pig Oatmeal Stout
Blind Pig India Pale Ale
Schlafly Pilsner; Maplewood, Missouri, Pilsener, 4.9% abv
Two Brothers’ Ebel’s Weiss; Warrenville, IL, German Hefeweizen, 4.9% abv
Flying Dog Double Dog; Frederick, MD, American Strong Ale, 11.5% abv
Scaldis Noël; Belgium, Belgian Strong Ale, 12% abv
Goose Island Bourbon County Stout; Chicago, IL, Imperial Stout, 13% abv
Boulder Never Summer; Boulder, Colorado, Spice Ale, 6% abv
Southern Tier Oat; Lakewood, New York, Imperial Stout, 11% abv
Great Divide Hibernation; Denver, Colorado, Old Ale, 8.7%
Port Brewing High Tide; San Marcos, California, India Pale Ale, 6.5% abv
Guinness; Ireland, Dry Stout, 4.1% abv

Crane Alley

Moyland's E.S.B. 5.3%
Smuttynose Big A IPA 9.7%
Smuttynose Finest Kind IPA
Victory Prima Pils 5.3%
Rogue Double Chocolate Stout 8.7%
Original Sin Hard Cider 6.0%
Ayinger Brau Weiss 5.1%
Dogfish Head Indian Brown Ale 7.2%
Smuttynose Old Dog Brown Ale 6.5%
Arcadia Nut Brown Ale 5.6%
Troubadour Magma 9.0%
Smuttynose Baltic Porter 9.0%
Smuttynose S'Muttaroni APA 6.0%
Smuttynose S'Muttonator Doppelbock 9.5%
Mikkeller Monks Elixir 10.0%
PBR 4.2%



Monday: International Rare Beer Dinner: 7:30pm,

First Course: De Glazen Toren Saison D'Erpe-Mere
Lamb Posole

Second Course: Ichtegem's Grand Cru
Frisee and endive salad with blackberry mangalitsa emulsion, tangerine supreme and candied pecans

Third Course: La Rulles Cuvee Meilleurs Voeux
Fried Duck Confit ravioli with fig jam

Fourth Course: Hitachino Red Rice Ale
Filet medallion with shrimp pancake and apricot rouille

Fifth Course: Dessert TBA
Birrificio Grado Plato Chocarrubica/Dieu du Ciel Rosee D'Hibiscus

Tickets are $60 per person, can be purchased at the bar or through your server and are very limited.

Black Dog Smoke and Ale House

Port Santa's Little Helper
Mikkeller Green Gold IPA
Dark Horse Perkulator Coffee Dopplebock
Wintercoat Vidmoseol
Capital Winter Skal
Moylan's Dragoons Dry Irish Stout
St. Bernardus Christmas Ale
Porterhouse Nitro Oyster Stout (probably replaced Dragoons)

CU Beer Club

Wednesday: Anniversary or Holiday Beers, Crane Alley, 6:30

Bring 24-36 ounces of beer to share. December is the anniversary of the founding of the Champaign-Urbana Beer Club (15 December 2003). It is also the month of holidays: Christmas, Chanukah, Festivus (for the rest of us), and New Year’s Eve. Bring beer that has anniversary or holiday in the name.

Piccadilly

Today: Italian Wine Tasting Reminder/Big Holiday Cheese Shipment/Smuttynose, 4 - 7pm. Piccadilly on Neil.

Alcohol in the news; Homemade wine

from the buzz

Homemade wine

This article is both a plug for Alto Vineyards, and a recipe for making wine.

Alto Vineyards, a local vineyard in Illinois, has been producing wine since the late ‘80s. Jim Dubnicek, the general manager at the Champaign location, said that Alto grows French hybrid grapes that can “withstand the cold weather and are dormant in the winter.” During the winter, the majority of the pruning is done, Dubnicek added.

...

Here is an easy adapted recipe for making a dry red table wine. Many of the equipment pieces can be found at home brewing or home wine making stores, such as Friar Tuck.

...

Alcohol in the news; Boulevard Brewing Company's Sampler pack

From the buzz

Boulevard Brewing Company's sampler pack

Boulevard Brewing Company is based out of Kansas City, Missouri. ... The sampler pack has been the highlight of my week and I must say that the competition has been fierce, taking into consideration the fact that every beer in this relatively cheap twelve pack hold their own in the areas of taste, aroma and alcohol content.

I'm a fan of the pale if there's nothing else available (Hooters used to have it in bottles).

It's only two paragraphs. Two very long paragraphs.

Many adjectives in the second paragraph.

Alcohol in the news; Pefect wine and cheese pairings

From WCIA 3 morning show/ illinoishomepage.net

Perfect Wine and Cheese Pairings

Sam and Bryan pair the perfect cheeses with the perfect wines

Sam Samet from Piccadilly, and Brian McKay from Art Mart.

Le Lapin Paso Robles Clairveaux $7.99
Zinfandel
Chardonnay

Alcohol in the news; Grind Espresso Liqueur

From WCIA 3 Morning Show/ Illinoishomepage.net

Grind Espresso Liqueur

Master Mixologist Andy Borbely from Seven Saints in Champaign shows us a unique liqueur only found at Seven Saints!

Which isn't exactly true, since it's also at Radio Maria.

First they try it straight, then Andy makes a martini. Pinnacle whipped vodka, grind, Baileys, then he adds a dash of bourbon. He tops it off with chocolate infused 30 proof whipped cream.

Andy pimps out Whiskey Wednesday. Tonight is Irish whiskey. You can try the Grind from 7 to 9 tonight at Seven Saints.

CU Beer Weekend; December 3

This is a great week for beer. If you don't have plans make them now.

Sunday: Radio Maria, He'Brew Jewbelation vertical (minus #10)

Tuesday: CU Beer Club Happy Hour, Crane Alley; Smuttynose kickoff party, Crane Alley; Brewsday Tuesday, Seven Saints

Wednesday: Beer and Cheese tasting, Crane Alley

Thursday: 12 Beers of Christmas, Esquire $25. 12 samples of holiday beers



Seven Saints

Arcadia Cereal Killer Barley Wine
Flying Dog Raging Bitch

Tuesday: Tuesday Brewsday, Crown Valley Big Bison Ale $2
Wednesday: Whiskey Wednesday, Irish

Radio Maria

Harviestoun Ola Dubh 18
Sierra Nevada Estate
Rogue Somer
Founders Devil Dancer
Ballast Point Dorado
Arcadia Cereal City
Dark Horse Too Cream Stout
Southern Tier Pale
Southern Tier Oat
Scaldis Noel
Southern Tier Farmer's Tan
Dogfish Head Raison D'Etre
Jolly Pumpkin Calabaza Blanca
Port Older Viscosity
Blanche de Bruxelles
Belhaven Scottish
Lefthand Milk Stout
Petrus Oak Aged Pale
Dogfish Head India Brown
Avery the Beast Grand Cru
Two Brothers Resistance
Hofbrau Munchen
Victory Prima Pils
Founders Backwoods Bastard
Rogue Chateau Rogue Wet Hop IPA
Anderson Valley Brother David's Double
PBR


Friday: Happy Hour with free appetizers 4:30 - 5:30, special tbd
Saturday: $6 John Daly's, Salsa Night at 10.
Sunday: $2 wells, $1.25 PBR; Bloody Mary Bar
Monday: 25% off bottles of wine; Board Game Monday; Random Beer Specials
Tuesday: 1/2 price wine by the glass
Wednesday: $1 off all beers on draft
Thursday:$5 Mojitos, Caipirinhas, and Brazilian Cosmos; Open Decks: local dj's perform.

Sunday: Radio Maria is one of the 88 Chosen Bars to receive all 8 verticals of He'Brew Jewbelation. Tap 8 through 13 will feature the rebrews of their Chanukah beers, while tap 14 will have the newest release. Tap 15 will have the vertical Jewbelation, which is a barrel aged ale blend of all seven Jewbelations, aged in Rye Whiskey Barrels. (note, Jewbelation 10 got lost in shipping and should be on tap for Tuesday).

Blind Pig

Founder’s Breakfast Stout; Grand Rapids, Michigan, Imperial Stout, 8.3% abv
Arcadia Cereal Killer; Battle Creek, Michigan, Barley Wine, 9% abv
Breckenridge Christmas; Denver, Colorado, American Strong Ale, 7.4% abv
Unibroue Trois Pistoles; Canada, Belgian Strong Ale, 9% abv
Mikkeller From Via To; Denmark, Denmark, Imperial Porter, 8% abv
Two Brothers’ Dog Days; Lager Warrenville, Illinois, Dortmunder, 4.9% abv
Arcadia Big Dick’s Old Ale; Battle Creek, Michigan, Old Ale, 8% abv
Ballast Point Fathom; San Diego, California, Imperial Pilsener
Fuller’s London; Pride England, Premium Bitter, 4.7% abv
Delirium Tremens; Belgium, Belgian Strong Ale, 8.5% abv
Blue Moon; Golden, Colorado, Belgian White, 5.4% abv
Duchesse de Bourgogne; Belgium, Sour Ale, 6.2% abv
Stella Artois; Belgium, Pale Lager, 5.2% abv
Pabst Blue Ribbon; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Pale Lager, 5% abv
Rogue Juniper; Newport, Oregon, American Pale Ale, 5.2%
New Holland Cabin Fever; Holland, Michigan, Brown Ale, 6% abv
Tucher Helles Hefe Weizen; Germany, German Hefeweizen, 5.3%
Lagunitas IPA; Petaluma, California, India Pale Ale, 5.7% abv
Krusovice Imperial 12°; Czech Republic, Bohemian Pilsener, 5%
Left Hand Twin Sisters; Longmont, Colorado, Imperial IPA, 9.6% abv
Moylan’s Chelsea Porter; Novato, California, Porter, 5% abv
Lindeman’s Pêche; Belgium, Lambic, 2.5% abv
Old Speckled Hen; England, Premium Bitter, 5.2%
Guinness; Dublin, Ireland, Dry Stout, 4.1% abv

Blind Pig Brewery

Blind Pig Birthday Saison
Blind Pig Oatmeal Stout 7.4%
Blind Pig India Pale Ale 8.3%
Schlafly Pilsner; Maplewood, Missouri, Pilsener, 4.9% abv
Two Brothers’ Ebel’s Weiss; Warrenville, IL, German Hefeweizen, 4.9% abv
Flying Dog Double Dog; Frederick, MD, American Strong Ale, 11.5% abv
Witkap Pater Dubbel; Belgium, Abbey Dubbel, 7% abv
Troubadour Obscura; Belgium, Stout, 8.5% abv
Southern Tier Old Man Winter; Lakewood, NY, Amer. Strng Ale, 7.2% abv
Southern Tier Oat; Lakewood, New York, Imperial Stout, 11% abv
Great Divide Hibernation; Denver, Colorado, Old Ale, 8.7%
Port Brewing High; Tide San Marcos, California, India Pale Ale, 6.5% abv
Guinness; Ireland, Dry Stout, 4.1% abv

Sunday: Trivia Night; 7-9pm, win gift cards
Tuesday and Wednesday: Mug Night, buy a mug and get $2 off draught beer

Crane Alley

Moyland's E.S.B. 5.3%
Great Divide Hercules Imperial IPA 10.0%
Left Hand Warrior IPA 6.6%
Victory Prima Pils 5.3%
Founders Breakfast Stout 2009 8.3%
Original Sin Hard Cider 6.0%
Ayinger Brau Weiss 5.1%
New Holland Black Mad Hatter IPA 7.1%
Tommyknocker Ornery Amber Ale
Arcadia Nut Brown Ale 5.6%
Troubadour Magma 9.0%
Fullers London Porter 5.0%
Founders Cerise 5.5%
Avery Old Jubilation 8.0%
Mikkeller Monks Elixir 10.0%
PBR 4.2%

Tuesday: Smuttynose Brewery Release Party: 7pm, 6 Smuttnose brews on tap, president of the brewery, Peter Egelston will be there. Free shirts and glassware giveaways

Wednesday: Beer and Cheese Tasting: Cheese from Prairie Fruits Farm paired with Merchant du Vin imports, 7pm

December 13: International Rare Beer Dinner: 7:30pm,

First Course: De Glazen Toren Saison D'Erpe-Mere
Lamb Posole

Second Course: Ichtegem's Grand Cru
Frisee and endive salad with blackberry mangalitsa emulsion, tangerine supreme and candied pecans

Third Course: La Rulles Cuvee Meilleurs Voeux
Fried Duck Confit ravioli with fig jam

Fourth Course: Hitachino Red Rice Ale
Filet medallion with shrimp pancake and apricot rouille

Fifth Course: Dessert TBA
Birrificio Grado Plato Chocarrubica/Dieu du Ciel Rosee D'Hibiscus

Tickets are $60 per person, can be purchased at the bar or through your server and are very limited.

Black Dog Smoke and Ale House

Founders Breakfast Stout 8.3% ABV
Great Divide Hercules Double IPA 10% ABV
Dark Horse Perkulator Coffee Dopplebock 7.5% ABV
Wintercoat Vildmoseol 5.8% ABV
Capital Winter Skål 5.5% ABV
Moylan’s Dragoons Dry Irish Stout, 8% ABV
Cask: JW Lees Harvest Ale (might be gone)

Two Brothers Heavier Handed IPA has replaced something in the above tap list

CU Beer Club

Tuesday; December Happy Hour, This will be held at Crane Alley, instead of at the normal Mike N' Molly's.

Bars in the news; One-on-One with Sharon Owens, of Radio Maria

From the Buzz

One-on-One with Sharon Owens, Co-Owner of Radio Maria

It's a nice little piece on Radio.

Though Radio Maria has been a CU favorite for years with some of those classic dishes that keep us coming back for more, it also constantly presents changes in the menu, space and events that have its customers returning and growing in size. According to co-owner Sharon Owens, Radio Maria is all about fusing personal interests with the love of great dining: the restaurant features work (from the lights to the three-dimensional artwork on the wall to the tabletops) by Owens, co-owner David Spears and other Radio Maria employees past and present. Back in the kitchen, the creativity does not stop: Chefs are encouraged to explore their culinary interests as reflected in the evolving menu. buzz sat down with Owens to talk more about her restaurant.

Me in the news; The Champaign-Urbana Beer Club

From the Buzz

The Champaign-Urbana Beer club

Ok, well, it's not really me only, but my picture (from the about me, facebook, twitter...) is the one linked with the story.

Brady (who works with me at Radio Maria) went to the last beer club meeting in November, and wrote about it.

It's a good article, there are a couple of slight errors, but it's still good.

Several claim that within a block radius in Southeast Urbana—where many members reside—they have collectively amassed the best beers that exist in the world today.

I think it's a mile radius, but Brady said that the block makes it sound cooler.

Virgil, the weekly organizer of these events, was happy to break down this technical process in real terms, “The yeast eats the sugar, burps carbon dioxide and pisses alcohol. In a good beer like this one, the yeast keeps on pissing.”

I'm not really the organizer, I'm just the guy who runs the facebook page, and puts out the even invite. And yes, that's actually mostly a quote from Andy Borbely of Seven Saints, the "yeast keeps on pissing", that's all me.

Again, it's a good informative article, made especially pretty with the picture of me.

CU Beer Weekend; November 19

Seven Saints


Southern Tier Old Man Winter
Bell's Hell Hath No Fury

Tuesday: Brewsday Tuesday, Bell's Best Brown $2 a bottle. Fat Tire Drafts $2.00
Wednesday: Whiskey Wednesday, Scotch

Radio Maria

Pyramid Apricot
Sierra Nevada Estate
Rogue Somer Orange Honey Wheat Ale
Avery Maharaja
Two Brothers Hop Juice
Arcadia Cereal City
Dark Horse Too Cream Stout
Anchor Liberty
Southern Tier Creme Brulee
Scaldis Noel
Southern Tier Farmer's Tan
Left Hand Chainsaw
Jolly Pumpkin Calablaza Blanca
Port Older Viscosity
Brasserie Blance de Bruxelles
Dark Horse Plead the 5th Imperial Stout
Left Hand Milk Stout
Petrus Oak Aged Pale
Mikkeller Jackie Brown
Flying Dog Gonzo Imperial Porter
Victory Hopdevil
Hofbrau Weiss
Victory Prima Pils
Kulmbacher Eisbock
Rogue Chataeu Rogue Wet Hop IPA
Ballast Point Fathom India Pale Lager
PBR

Friday: Happy Hour with free appetizers 4:30 - 5:30, special tbd
Saturday: $6 John Daly's, Salsa Night at 10.
Sunday: $2 wells, $1.25 PBR; Bloody Mary Bar
Monday: 25% off bottles of wine; Board Game Monday; Random Beer Specials
Tuesday: 1/2 price wine by the glass
Wednesday: $1 off all beers on draft
Thursday:$5 Mojitos, Caipirinhas, and Brazilian Cosmos; Open Decks: local dj's perform.

Blind Pig

Founders Backwoods Bastard; Grand Rapids, Michigan, Scotch Ale, 10.2% abv
Jolly Pumpkin Weizen Bam; Dexter, Michigan, Hefeweizen, 4.5% abv
Moylan’s Spiced Winter Lager; Novato, California, Spice Ale, 6% abv
Unibroue Maudite; Canada, Belgian Strong Ale, 8% abv
Mikkeller Single Hop Simcoe; Denmark, India Pale Ale, 6.9% abv
Two Brothers’ Dog Days Lager; Warrenville, Illinois, Dortmunder, 4.9% abv
Dupont Avec Les Bons Voeux; Belgium, Saison, 9.5% abv
Ballast Point Even Keel; San Diego, California, American Pale Ale, 3.5% abv
Fuller’s London Pride; England, Premium Bitter, 4.7% abv
Delirium Tremens; Belgium, Belgian Strong Ale, 8.5% abv
Blue Moon; Golden, Colorado, Belgian White, 5.4% abv
Duchesse de Bourgogne; Belgium, Sour Ale, 6.2% abv
Stella Artois; Belgium, Pale Lager, 5.2% abv
Pabst Blue Ribbon; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Pale Lager, 5% abv
Rogue Mogul Madness; Newport, Oregon, Black IPA, 6.25%
Capital Winter Skal; Middleton, Wisconsin, Vienna, 5.4% abv
Tucher Helles Hefe Weizen; Germany, German Hefeweizen, 5.3%
Lagunitas IPA; Petaluma, California, India Pale Ale, 5.7% abv
Krusovice Imperial 12°; Czech Republic, Bohemian Pilsener, 5%
Rogue Yellow Snow; Newport, Oregon, India Pale Ale, 6.2% abv
Breckenridge Autumn; Denver, Colorado, Old Ale, 6.7% abv
Lindeman’s Pêche; Belgium, Lambic, 2.5% abv
Old Speckled Hen; England, Premium Bitter, 5.2%
Guinness; Dublin, Ireland, Dry Stout, 4.1% abv

Blind Pig Brewery

Blind Pig Saison
Blind Pig Oatmeal Stout 7.4%
Blind Pig Vienna Lager 4.9%
Schlafly Pilsner; Maplewood, Missouri, Pilsener, 4.9% abv
Franziskaner Hefe-Weissbier; Germany, German Hefeweizen, 5% abv
Rogue Chipotle; Newport, Oregon, Spice Ale, 5.5% abv
Witkap Pater Dubbel; Belgium, Abbey Dubbel, 7% abv
Troubadour Magma; Belgium, Imperial IPA, 9% abv
Southern Tier Old Man Winter; Lakewood, NY, Amer. Strng Ale, 7.2% abv
Weihenstephaner Hefeweissbier Dunkel; Germany, Dunkelweizen, 5.3% abv
Flying Dog Gonzo Porter; Frederick, Maryland, Imperial Porter, 9.2%
Port Brewing High Tide; San Marcos, California, India Pale Ale, 6.5% abv
Guinness; Ireland, Dry Stout, 4.1% abv

Sunday: Trivia Night; 7-9pm, win gift cards
Tuesday and Wednesday: Mug Night, buy a mug and get $2 off draught beer

Crane Alley

Moyland's Dragoons Irish Stout
Great Divide Hercules Imperial IPA 10.0%
Anderson Valley Hop Ottin Ipa 7.0%
Konig Pilsener 4.9%
Nogne O Imperial Stout 9.0%
Arcadia Big Dick's Old Ale 8.0%
Flying Dog In Heat Wheat 4.7%
New Holland Black Mad Hatter IPA 7.1%
Coniston Bluebird Bitter
Rogue McRogue Scotch Ale 7.0%
Great Divide Belgica IPA 7.5%
Fullers London Porter 5.0%
Dark Horse Raspberry Ale 5.5%
Avery Brown Ale 5.5%
St Bernardus Abt 12 10.0%
PBR 4.2%

Also on tap, but I don't know what it replaced:
Mikkeller Czech Pils
Troubador Magma
Dark Horse Scotty Karate
Port Brewing High Tide IPA
Founders Breakfast Stout 2009

December 7: Smuttynose Brewery Release Party: 7pm, 6 Smuttnose brews on tap, president of the brewery, Peter Egelston will be there. Free shirts and glassware giveaways
December 8: Beer and Cheese Tasting: Cheese from Prairie Fruits Farm paired with Merchant du Vin imports, 7pm

Black Dog Smoke and Ale House

(old list)
Schlafly Irish Extra Stout
Port Brewing High Tide Fresh Hop IPA
Dark Horse Perkulator Coffee Dopplebock
Anderson Valley Boont Imperial Amber Ale
Ballast Point Even Keel Session Ale
North Coast Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout
Sinebrychoff Porter

Mike n' Molly's

(Nov 13 list)
Flying Dog Gonzo Imperial Porter
Great Divide Hades
Mikkeller Chinook IPA
Port 4th Anniversary Double IPA
Lefthand Warrior IPA
New Holland Hopivore

Friar Tucks

Saturday: Whiskey and Whiskey/oak-aged beer tasting, 1-5 pm.

Beer in the news; best of the worst

From the Buzz

Best of the worst: If you're going cheap, get the best cheap there is

The Buzz beer person, Ramine Nimrou, talks about PBR and Busch.

There really is nothing too informative in the article. He/she picked PBR as the best cheap beer between the two.

Caffeinated Alcoholic Beverages Q&A from the FDA

Questions and Answers: Caffeinated Alcoholic Beverages

What action is FDA taking?

FDA is issuing Warning Letters to four manufacturers of caffeinated alcoholic beverages. All of these products are alcoholic malt beverages to which caffeine has been directly added as an ingredient. The manufacturers and their products are:

• Charge Beverages Corporation, which makes “Core High Gravity HG Green,” “Core High Gravity HG Orange,” and “Lemon Lime Core Spiked;”
• New Century Brewing Company, LLC, which makes “Moonshot;”
• Phusion Projects, LLC (doing business as Drink Four Brewing Company), which makes “Four Loko;” and
• United Brands, which makes “Joose” and “Max.”

FDA is issuing the Warning Letters because the Agency’s position is that the products named in the Warning Letters are being marketed in violation of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (the FFDCA).

The agency has not approved the use of caffeine in alcoholic beverages at any level, and based on the information FDA has reviewed, the agency does not consider the use of caffeine in the beverages listed above to be generally recognized as safe (GRAS). The Warning Letters should not be interpreted to mean that FDA considers other alcoholic beverages to which caffeine has been directly added to be in compliance with the law.

Did you see the movie Beer Wars? One of the main characters from the movie was Rhonda Kallman (formerly of Boston Beer Company). She is the founder and CEO of New Century Brewing Company. her beer, "Moonshot" was part of the focus of the movie. Now, I anticipate she's going to be out of business.

Will FDA take action against other products containing added caffeine?

At this time, the FDA is sending Warning Letters to four manufacturers of alcoholic malt beverages to which caffeine has been directly added as an ingredient. Other alcoholic beverages containing added caffeine may be subject to agency action in the future if the available scientific data and information indicate that the use of caffeine in those products is not GRAS. A manufacturer is responsible for ensuring that its products, including the ingredients of its products, are safe for their intended use and are otherwise in compliance with the law.

So, this doesn't affect coffee stouts. It doesn't affect any other beers where the caffeine is added by the use of ingredients that have caffeine (coffee, chocolate, tea). So, Terrapin Wake and Bake is fine.

This came about really fast. This is a knee-jerk reaction to a couple of people who aren't responsible anyway. If you know someone who died from taking these products, did it really surprise you?

Alcohol in the news; wines for turkey day

From WCIA 3 CBS/ Illinoishomepage.net

Wines for Turkey Day

Brian Bowman from Sun Singer shows us a pair of wines that work well with any Turkey Day Dinner

(Geez, it's a 17 minute segment, ok, not intentional and the wine segment ends around 7:15. )

The first wine is a white from Slovenia, it's a Pinot Gris, from Edi Simcic. Normally, this wine sells for $41.99.

The second wine is a Moulin a Vent.

The main reason Brian is on the show is to pimp the Beaujolais Nouveau Release, which is tomorrow at noon.



Sun Singer Wines & Spirits

Four Loko news; Four Loko to remove caffeine amid reports of a ban

From the Chicago Tribune

Four Loko to remove caffeine amid reports of a ban

WASHINGTON (AP) —

The Chicago-based manufacturer of popular caffeinated alcohol drink Four Loko said Tuesday it will remove the caffeine from its products, pulling the blend off the market just as the Food and Drug Administration is poised to ban it.

again, this saddens me.

Four Loko news; Can it avoid an FDA ban?

From the Christian Science Monitor (neither christian nor scientific)

Four Loko: Can it avoid an FDA ban?

The manufacturer of popular caffeinated alcohol drink Four Loko said Tuesday it will remove the caffeine from its products, pulling the blend off the market just as the Food and Drug Administration is poised to ban it.

Holy shit.

Phusion Projects said in a statement posted on its website that the company will remove caffeine and two other ingredients from its products going forward.

So, it's just going to be Loko? Since there will be no more Four.

The FDA ruling "should be the nail in the coffin of these dangerous and toxic drinks," Sen. Chuck Schumer, who has pushed the Obama administration to ban the beverages, said Tuesday.

Technically, alcohol is poison, so yes, it's a toxic drink.

It's a sad day for liquor.

Four Loko news; under fie in 3 more states

Chalk paranoia up in at least three more states, Massachusetts and Connecticut.

From Chicago Breaking Business; Mass., conn. Move to restrict Phusion's Four Loko

Massachusetts liquor regulators are moving to restrict sales of potent stimulant-packed alcoholic drinks, including Four Loko that has been banned in four states. Connecticut wholesalers wholesalers have agreed to voluntarily suspend their shipment and deliveries.

From the New York Times, Maker Halts Distributino of Alcholic energy drink

It will not be on the shelves much longer. On Sunday, state officials announced that Phusion Projects, the Chicago company that makes Four Loko, had voluntarily agreed to halt shipments to New York State by Friday.

CU Beer Weekend; November 12

Seven Saints

Southern Tier Old Man Winter
Bell's Hell Hath No Fury

Tuesday: Brewsday Tuesday, Dogfish Head Palo Santo $3.50 a bottle. Fat Tire Drafts $2.00
Wednesday: Whiskey Wednesday, Bourbon

Radio Maria

Pyramid Apricot
Dogfish Head Midas Touch
Rogue Somer Orange Honey Wheat Ale
Avery Maharaja
Two Brothers Hop Juice
Arcadia Cereal City
Great Divide Espresso Yeti
Anchor Liberty
Southern Tier Creme Brulee
Saint Bernardus Abt 12
Southern Tier Farmer's Tan
Left Hand Chainsaw
Jolly Pumpkin Calablaza Blanca
Port Older Viscosity
Brasserie Blance de Bruxelles
North Coast Old No. 38 Stout
Left Hand Milk Stout
Petrus Oak Aged Pale
Mikkeller Jackie Brown
Nogne Porter
Virctory Hopdevil
Hofbrau Weiss
Victory Prima Pils
Kulmbacher Eisbock
Rogue Chataeu Rogue Wet Hop IPA
Ballast Point Fathom India Pale Lager
PBR

Friday: Happy Hour with free appetizers 4:30 - 5:30, special tbd
Saturday: $6 John Daly's, Salsa Night at 10.
Sunday: $2 wells, $1.25 PBR; Bloody Mary Bar
Monday: 25% off bottles of wine; Board Game Monday; Random Beer Specials
Tuesday: 1/2 price wine by the glass
Wednesday: $1 off all beers on draft
Thursday:$5 Mojitos, Caipirinhas, and Brazilian Cosmos; Open Decks: local dj's perform.

Blind Pig

Green Flash Hop Head Red; Vista, California, Amber Ale, 6.4% abv
North Coast PranQster; Fort Bragg, California, Belgian Strong Ale, 7.6% abv
Anderson Valley Boont Amber; Boonville, California, Amber Ale, 5.8% abv
Unibroue Maudite; Canada, Belgian Strong Ale, 8% abv
Port Brewing Older Viscosity; San Marcos, CA, American Strong Ale, 12% abv
Two Brothers’ Dog Days Lager; Warrenville, Illinois, Dortmunder, 4.9% abv
Cuvée des Trolls; Belgium, Belgian Strong Ale, 12% abv
Ballast Point Even Keel; San Diego, California, American Pale Ale, 3.5% abv
Fuller’s London Pride; England, Premium Bitter, 4.7% abv
Delirium Tremens; Belgium, Belgian Strong Ale, 8.5% abv
Blue Moon; Golden, Colorado, Belgian White, 5.4% abv
Duchesse de Bourgogne; Belgium, Sour Ale, 6.2% abv
Stella Artois; Belgium, Pale Lager, 5.2% abv
Pabst Blue Ribbon; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Pale Lager, 5% abv
Tommyknocker Oake Butt Head Bock; Idaho, Springs, CO, Doppelbock, 8.1%
Bell’s Winter White; Kalamazoo, Michigan, Belgian White, 5% abv
Tucher Helles Hefe Weizen; Germany, German Hefeweizen, 5.3%
Lagunitas IPA; Petaluma, California, India Pale Ale, 5.7% abv
Krusovice Imperial 12°; Czech Republic, Bohemian Pilsener, 5%
Left Hand Warrior IPA; Longmont, Colorado, India Pale Ale, 6.8% abv
Breckenridge Autumn; Denver, Colorado, Old Ale, 6.7% abv
Lindeman’s Framboise; Belgium, Lambic, 2.5% abv
Old Speckled Hen; England, Premium Bitter, 5.2%
Guinness Dublin, Ireland, Dry Stout, 4.1% abv

Blind Pig Brewery

Blind Pig American Pale Ale ABV 5%
Blind Pig Oatmeal Stout 7.4%
Blind Pig Honey Pumpkin Ale 7.1%
Schlafly Pilsner; Maplewood, Missouri, Pilsener, 4.9% abv
Erdinger Weissbier Dunkel; Germany, Dunkelweizen, 5.6% abv
Rogue Chipotle; Newport, Oregon, Spice Ale, 5.5% abv
Lost Abbey 10 Commandments; San Marcos, CA, Belgian Strong Ale, 9% abv
Troubadour Obscura; Belgium, Stout, 8.5% abv
Capital Island Wheat; Middleton, Wisconsin, Wheat Ale
Petrus Aged Pale; Belgium, Sour Ale, 7.3% abv
Capital Autumnal Fire; Middleton, Wisconsin, Doppelbock, 8.5%
Dark Horse Crooked Tree; Marshall, Michigan, India Pale Ale, 6% abv
Guinness; Ireland, Dry Stout, 4.1% abv

Sunday: Trivia Night; 7-9pm, win gift cards
Tuesday and Wednesday: Mug Night, buy a mug and get $2 off draught beer
Thursday: Blind Pig Beer's 1st Birthday Party

Crane Alley

Moyland's Dragoons Irish Stout
Great Divide Hercules Imperial IPA 10.0%
Anderson Valley Hop Ottin Ipa 7.0%
Konig Pilsener 4.9%
Nogne O Imperial Stout 9.0%
Bells Hell Hath No Fury 7.7%
Flying Dog In Heat Wheat 4.7%
New Holland Black Mad Hatter IPA 7.1%
Coniston Bluebird Bitter
Rogue Dead Guy Ale 6.6%
Founders Red's Rye 6.6%
Fullers London Porter 5.0%
Dark Horse Raspberry Ale 5.5%
Schlafly Pumpkin Ale 8.0%
St Bernardus Abt 12 10.0%
PBR 4.2%

Specials for the Weekend of November 12th

Inferno Burger 1/2lb burger patty seasoned with chili de arbol, chorizo, serrano, jalapeno, habanero, and, for good measure, red pepper flakes.Topped with roasted poblano strips and chipotle aioli. Served with fries.$14.95

Fried Portabella Appetizer Buttermilk batterd and ancho dusted portabella mushroom caps served with petit salad and ancho buttermilk ranch. $8.95

ChiliMac Housemade mac'ncheese topped with Crane Alley's chili and dusted with asiago cheese. $9.95

Black Dog Smoke and Ale House

Schlafly Irish Extra Stout
Port Brewing High Tide Fresh Hop IPA
Dark Horse Perkulator Coffee Dopplebock
Anderson Valley Boont Imperial Amber Ale
Ballast Point Even Keel Session Ale
North Coast Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout
Sinebrychoff Porter

Mike n' Molly's

Schneider Hopfen Weiss
Great Divide Titan IPA
Mikkeller Chinook
Port 4th Anniversary Double IPA
Founders Harvest Ale
Southern Tier Mokah

Buzz Best of CU 2010 edition

The Buzz has put out their best of 2010 edition.

Here's the important parts of their list:

Best Liquor Store: Friar Tuck

From an extensive wine selection to beers you have never heard of, the selection at Friar Tuck is nothing short of astounding. Vodka to gin, IPA to lager, pinot noir to merlot — if this libation power house doesn’t have it, then you aren’t likely to find it within an hour radius of CU.

Best On-Campus Bar: Murphy's Pub

With its friendly staff and laid-back atmosphere, Murphy’s Pub is the ultimate spot where tradition and authenticity are in no short supply.

Best Wine Selection: Corkscrew Wine Emporium

With wines from over 20 countries and exceptional services, the winner of this year’s Best Wine Selection is Corkscrew Wine Emporium, located in Urbana.

Best Gay-Friendly Nightlife: Chester Street Bar

Best Barbecue: Black Dog Smoke & Ale House

Best Beer Selection: Blind Pig

If the dim-lit old-English pub ambiance is not enough to get you to enjoy Blind Pig off of Walnut Street in downtown Champaign, then the beer selection certainly should.

In fact, according to bartender Jason Ewing, Blind Pig has 26 beers on draft and one hand-pulled beer to fill out their impressive list of options. If you prefer to hold a bottle, the Blind Pig offers 100 different choices from domestic beer like Budweiser to a variety of international beer. Fortunately, should you have trouble deciding, you can sample any five of the bar’s draft beers for $8.

Best Place to Bust a Move: Joe's Brewery

Best Place to Find a One-Night Stand: Kam's

Best Date Spot: Radio Maria

It is not a surprise who received this award. With a reputation of being the best place to go on a date, Radio Maria has the chops to give you a guaranteed good time on your date. Known for their exquisite and unique dishes, Radio Maria’s cuisine is inspired by a combination of many different cultures.

“Our cuisine is varied. We use a lot of local, fresh ingredients,” said co-owner Sharon Owens. “We have influences from Spain, Latin America, Asia and some American as well.

Best Off-Campus Bar: The Blind Pig Co.

The Blind Pig Co., located on Walnut Street in downtown Champaign, has been a staple for older crowds to congregate since 2004. However, in the past three years, bartender Jason Ewing has seen a change in the crowd.

“We have anything from beer-heads to grad students,” said Ewing. “Lately, younger crowds come here from campustown, people who haven’t had a chance to have good beer.”

Friendliest Wait Staff: Legends

Editor's Picks

four loko news; Carle expert discusses dangerous drink Four Loko

From WICD 15 ABC

Carle expert discusses dangerous drink Four Loko

Jeff Evans of the Carle Addiction Recovery Center visits Sunrise This Morning to discuss the dangerous effects the drink Four Loko poses to consumers.

four loko news; Popular drink to be banned?

From WAND 17 NBC

Popular drink to be banned?

Beer in the news; Beer Lubricated the Rise of Civilization, study suggests

From Live Science

Beer Lubricated the Rise of Civilization, Study Suggests

May beer have helped lead to the rise of civilization? It's a possibility, some archaeologists say.

Their argument is that Stone Age farmers were domesticating cereals not so much to fill their stomachs but to lighten their heads, by turning the grains into beer. That has been their take for more than 50 years, and now one archaeologist says the evidence is getting stronger.

Signs that people went to great lengths to obtain grains despite the hard work needed to make them edible, plus the knowledge that feasts were important community-building gatherings, support the idea that cereal grains were being turned into beer, said archaeologist Brian Hayden at Simon Fraser University in Canada.

When Kridz and I went on our Easterly Trip a couple years ago, while at the Victory Brewing Company, the tour guide asked something like "how long have people been brewing?" My response was "since the dawn of civilization".

This story isn't really new NEWS to beer-ophyles, but it might be for people who don't spend much of their day thinking about beer (and not just thinking about what to have as their next beer).

Four Loko news, Washington State: the next to ban four loko

From ABC News

Washington State: The next to ban four loko



Unwanted sex?

"Just one can of four loko has the same amount of alcohol as six cans of light beer".

Four Loko, where is it banned?

Here's the list as of Nov. 16:

Washington (starts Nov 17)

Michigan

Oklahoma (starts in December 3)

Pennsylvania (voluntary by retailers)

New York (have until Dec 10 to clear inventory)

Massachusetts (starts Nov 22)

Connecticut

Utah




* Oklahoma panel bans deliveries of Four Loko after Dec. 3
+Four Loko Ban Hits State of Washington

Alcohol in the news; Got beerdom? a different type of beer for a different type of experience

from the buzz

Got beerdom? A different type of beer for a different type of experience

This is apparently the first beer style review by the buzz's new beer person. This one is about, IPA's.

India Pale Ales are a unique class of beers known for their high alcohol content and bitter, hoppy illustriousness. The name is interesting because the beer actually originated in England in the late 1700s, however, to make the long journey to India by way of the East India Company, it was beneficial to ship a beer that had a high hop content. The extra hoppy-ness acts as a natural preservative to endure the long journey. Another trick the brewers used was to reduce the soluble sugars in the yeast to prevent a variety of micro-organisms from attacking the greatness that is beer. This, in turn, produced a beer that is lighter in color, higher in alcohol, and very bitter compared to the darker porters of their day.

Mostly... myth.

To gain a grasp on IPAs that are relatively easy to find on the market or at one’s local market, I went ahead and created my own six-pack consisting of Sierra Nevada Torpedo Extra IPA, New Belgium’s Ranger IPA, and Goose Island’s IPA.

If you read the article, you'll notice he talks about abv, and bitterness, along with some talk of sweetness. No mention of what style of bitter (pine, citrus, floral). Just that this was more bitter, less bitter, more sweet, less sweet.

The Torpedo was by far my more favorite of the three; the smell is subtle and a tad sweeter than the other two, and the taste had a lasting effect that didn’t bite at your taste buds too badly. It is also worth noting that the Torpedo has the highest alcohol content at 7.2% so if you’re looking for a good time with a classy beer, look no further.

Classy

The Goose Island IPA was definitely my second favorite. It certainly kept intact the idea that I was drinking an IPA with a good bite, but nothing too strong that a seasoned beer connoisseur couldn’t handle.

The term "bite" is used quite often.

And that is the truth about IPAs, most people at first glance claim the beer to be too bitter and hoppy for their taste but the fact of the matter is that most people don’t like beer in general at first taste; most things in life that are truly worth having are worth striving for and in this case the acquired taste of IPAs are certainly worth the training your taste buds will need to endure.

Alright Ramine, I invite you to go drink some tarts with me, my treat.

Alcohol in the news; 2 more Four Loko articles

Both are in the Daily Illini

Officials concerned about alcoholic energy drinks on campuses

Officials locally and nationally are taking a closer look at the Four Loko drink.

Four Lokos are flavored, highly caffeinated drinks sold in 23.5 ounce cans that contain between 6 and 12 percent alcohol by volume. Sgt. Scott Friedlein of the Champaign Police Department has noticed an increasing prevalence of the Phusion Projects product in the Champaign area. He said that as the drink became more popular, he noticed more unruly behavior.

...

“People would typically drink this as they would a regular can of beer,” Friedlein said. “The problem is it contains similar to five shots of alcohol, some people say a six-pack of beer, and then four cups of coffee on top of that. Where our concern is, that quick accelerated consumption of that much alcohol is going to really cause problems for people who aren’t used to consuming alcohol in the first place.”

Currently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is looking into Four Loko (among other caffeinated alcoholic products) for safety concerns. Phusion Projects said on its website that it is cooperating with the federal government.

more of the sky falling

Four Loko's allure stays strong despite health warnings

From first glance, Four Loko appears to look like a can of AriZona Ice Tea — something fruity to quench your thirst on a sunny day. Flavors range from orange to blue raspberry, grape to watermelon. But upon closer inspection, one can of Four Loko seems to reveal a far more sinister and less than sweet purpose.

With an alcohol content of 12% and as much caffeine as two cups of coffee, it is an indisputable fact that Four Loko is in no way beneficial to one’s health — yet for many students, this fact does not deter one from drinking it.

...

Trey Ward, a senior in the College of Engineering, said “Drinking Four Loko with your friends is an extremely entertaining experience.”

Undeterred from the harmful effects Four Loko has on the body, Ward said that Four Loko provides countless humorous anecdotes that are too good to pass up. He also mentioned that each time he and a few friends tried it, the result has always left them with an interesting story to tell, and it is for this reason that Ward believes students continue to buy packs of Four Loko.

One unforgettable story concerning a wild barn-dance has Ward admitting that in spite of reports of alcohol poisoning he is still likely to purchase the beverage.

“It’s just interesting to see what’s going to happen,” Ward said. “In a lot of ways drinking it turns into a contest,” he said.

This article is going to make people want to try it more.

Adan Miranda, senior in LAS, said that Four Loko may not be as dangerous as health officials are reporting — if drank in moderation.

“If you drink one can to pregame, you’re going to get buzzed, not ridiculous,” he said.

Unfortunately, Miranda notes that because students “try to drink it like regular beer” it is fairly easy to be rendered out of control by the night’s end.

“I’ve seen people, especially girls, who have gotten sick and throw up because they think they can drink two cans consecutively,” he said.

...

If this isn’t reason enough to consider ending consumption of such a harmful beverage, Ward provides one last reason: humiliation.

“Four Loko made my friend look like a fool at that barn-dance,” he said, laughing.

We're all going to die.