Days of the Beer, April 8

The beer for today is Dieu du Ciel Aphrodite.

On April 8, 1820; a peasant named Yorgos Kentrotas discovered the Aphrodite of Milos (Venus de Milo). The statue was found in two main pieces, the upper torso, and the covered legs. He also found pieces of the upper left arm and a hand holding an apple.

Venus was the Roman goddess of love, Aphrodite is the Greek version of her.

The statue is of marble and stands 6 foot, 8 inches tall. It is believed to be the work of Alexandros of Antioch. It is on display at the Louvre in Paris.

Yes, it's the naked girl with no arms.

As to the beer:

Dieu du Ciel is located in Montreal, Canada.

Black ale with aromas and flavours of vanilla, dark chocolate, bourbon and roasted malt. The vanilla and cocoa marry nicely, without out-competing each other, to produce a surprisingly well balanced beer. This beer is mildly hoppy, but the cocoa introduces a touch of bitterness. Its colour may be intimidating, but it is a very smooth beer within reach of most beer drinkers. This highly appreciated dessert beer is brewed with organic fair-trade cocoa and first rate vanilla beans.

The beer is 6.5% abv. It has a 100 score on ratebeer. In Canada, the beer is called Aphrodisiaque, but due to American labeling laws, it can't be called that, because there's a chance that some idiot would think that a beer named Aphrodisiaque would actually let them make a girl horny.

So, for the discovery of Aphrodite of Milos, have an Aphrodite.

(It's one of my favorite beers)

(It's available in bottles at Radio Maria and other places throughout CU)

Days of the Beer, April 6

The beer for today is Lightning Brewery Old Tempest Ale.

On April 6, 1861, the first performance of The Tempest (incidental music, Op. 1) by Arthur Sullivan, debuted at the Leipzig Gewandhaus. The music was to accompany Shakespeare's play The Tempest.


As to the beer:

Lightning Brewery is located in Poway California.

The Old Tempest Ale is our award-winning UK strong ale. A bold aroma of sherry, dried fruit, and hearty maltiness exudes from a thin, off-white head. A warm fermentatino produces a rich, smooth, and slightly spicy flavor that masks the high alcohol content, perceived as gentle warming. Unfiltered by definition, subtle complexities enhance this bold and flavorful beer which only gets better with age.

The beer is 9.5% ABV.

So, for the first performance of The Tempest incendental music by Arthur Sullivan, have a Lightning Brewery Old Tempest Ale.

Days of the Beer, April 5

The beer for today is Emerald City Beer Company Dottie's Seattle Lager.

On April 5, 1994; Kurt Cobain died. On April 5, 2002; Layne Staley died.

Kurt Cobain was the lead singer of the Seattle based band, Nirvana. He died of a gunshot wound, listed as Suicide by shotgun.

Layne Staley was the lead singer of the Seattle based band, Alice In Chains. Staley died of a probable overdose.

Cobain's body was discovered several days after his death, it took more than two weeks before Staley's body was discovered.


As to the beer:

Emerald City Beer Company is located in the old Rainier Brewery.

A copper colored session lager made almost exclusively from ingredients grown right here in Washington.

The beer is 4.9% ABV. I don't know why they called it Dottie's.

So, for two of the singers who made the Seattle sound of grunge, if you can find it, have a Dottie's Seattle Lager. The beer is pretty much only available around the Seattle area.

Days of the Beer, April 4

The beer for today is Dixie Blackened Voodoo Lager.

On April 4, 1859; Bryant's Minstrels debuted "Dixie" in New York City in the finale of a blackface minstrel show.

The song is also known as "I Wish I was in Dixie" and "Dixie's Land". It is one of the most distinctively American musical products of the 19th century, and is possibly the best-known song to have come out of blackface minstrelsy. The song is likely the reason the word "Dixie" is a synonym for the southern United States.

According to some stories about the term, "Dixieland" was originally located on a farm in Long Island New York, owned by John Dixie. He befriend slaves prior to the civil war, and his place "Dixie's Land" became a sort of paradise to them. Later, the term was given to the south.

As to the beer:

Blackened Voodoo is a Schwarzbier. Dixie Brewing Company is located in New Orleans, Louisiana. It began production in 1907. The brewery was damaged during Hurricane Katrina. After it was dewatered, the complex was looted and much of the equipment was stolen.

Brewed for Dixie Brewing by Joseph Huber during the breweries renovation. Brewed in the EU as well.

Not much of a description.

Schwarzbier is a black lager style.

So, for the advent of the song "Dixie" done in blackface, have a Dixie Blackened Voodoo Lager, and think of the racist undertones in both the name and the origination of it.

Days of the Beer, April 1

The beer for today is Wallace Brewing Jack Leg Stout.

On April 1, 1885, Wallace Fitzgerald Beery was born. Beery was an actor, best known for his role of Sweedie, in The Champ, for which he won an Academy Award for Best Actor.

He appeared in more than 250 movies over a 36-year time. He died on April 15, 1949 at age 64.

His brother Noah Nicohlas Beery was also an actor. He was born on January 17, 1882. He died on April 1, 1946, also at age 64. Noah appeared in nearly 200 films and was probably best known for his role as Sergeant Gonzales in The Mark of Zorro.

The brothers appeared in 1923's Stormswept, with poster taglines claiming "Wallace and Noah Beery, The Two Greatest Character Actors on the American Screen".

As to the beer:

Wallace Brewing Company is located in Wallace Idaho. The brewery celebrates the town's mining past.

Cream Stout evolved from Irish Porters. Jackleg is smooth and as dark as the underground. The roasted coffee flavor and aroma come from chocolate and debittered black malts.

(I picked Jack Leg, as one of Wallace's last roles was in Big Jack).

So, for the Beery brothers, one who was born on April 1, and one who died on April 1, have a beer Jack Leg Stout from Wallace Brewing.

Days of the Beer, March 31

The beer for today is New Glarus Wisconsin Belgian Red.

On March 31, 2005; Terri Schiavo died. Schiavo was born on Dec. 3, 1963. On February 25, 1990, she collapsed in her home in full cardiac arrest. She suffered massive brain damage due to lack of oxygen and after two and a half months in a coma, she was diagnosed as being in a vegetative state. Her feeding tube was disconnected on March 18 and she died on March 31.

As to the beer:

Wisconsin Belgian Red is the top rated fruit/vegetable beer according to Beer Advocate.

You hold the marriage of wine and beer. Belgian Red is a tapestry of flavor. This beer is brewed with whole Montmorency Cherries, Wisconsin Farmed Wheat and Belgian Roasted Barleys, lagered in oak tanks and balanced by Hallertau hops we aged in our brewery one full year.

Over a pound of Door county Cherries in every bottle makes this beer uniquely "Wisconsin". So unique, in fact, that we applied for a patent. Expect this beer to be ruby red, with a medium body that is highly carbonated and intense with cherry flavor and bouquet. Serve your friends Belgian Red in a brandy snifter or champagne flute and toast life with beer from the land of Wisconsin.

The beer is 4% abv.

So, for the most famous vegetable in recent memory, have the best rated fruit/vegetable beer.

Days of the Beer, March 30

The beer for today is Midnight Sun Brewing, Oosik Amber Ale.

On March 30, 1867; Alaska was purchased from Russia for $7.2 million, about 2 cents an acre, by United States Secretary of State, William H. Seward. At the time, it was called Seward's Folly.

Alaska is the largest state in the US. Alaska has about 698,000 residents, most living in the greater Anchorage area.

It became an organized territory on May 11, 1912, and the 49th state on January 3, 1959.

The name came from the Aleut alaxsxaq, meaning "the mainland" or "the object towards which the action of the sea is directed". It is also known as Alyeska, the "great land".

As to the beer:

An Oosik is a term to describe the baculum of walruses, seals, sea lions, and polar bears. A baculum is the penis bone found in most mammals (absent in humans). In Alaska, it is often polished and used as a handle for knives and other tools. They can be as long as two feet. A 4.5-foot fossilized from an extinct species of walrus was once sold for $8000.

Oosik Amber Ale is a true German-style altbier, brewed with pale, Munich and crystal malts. Deep amber with copper highlights, Oosik sports a toasted and caramel malt profile, balanced by traditional noble hops. A special yeast strain ferments this ale at cooler lager temperatures, giving it a smooth malt character and a clean finish.

Want to hang-so to speak- for a while? Oosik Amber Ale gives you hang time. Great flavor, big mouthfeel, satisfying finish... all in a session-worthy beer. Compare it to other ambers-Oosik rules. Look for our 20-inch Oosik tap in better beer bars throughout AK.

You can't just have a little Oosik.

So, for Seward's Folly, have a beer named for a penis bone.

Days of the beer, March 29

The beer for today is Billy Beer.

On March 29, 1937, William Alton "Billy" Carter III was born. Billy Carter was the younger brother of United States President Jimmy Carter.

In 1977, he endorsed Billy Beer, based on his reputation as a beer-drinking Southern Good Ol' Boy.

Billy died in 1987 at age 51 after unsuccessful treatments for pancreatic cancer.

As to the Beer:

Billy Beer isn't made anymore.

Originally, the beer was produced by Cold Spring Brewing, then West End Brewing, and finally Pearl Brewing Company.

Brewed expressly for and with the personal approval of one of America's all-time great beer drinkers - Billy Carter.

I had this beer brewed just for me. I think it's the best I've ever tasted. And I've tasted a lot. I think you'll like it, too.

After production ended, people started hoarding the cans, assuming they would be worth a lot of money. But, since the cans were produced in the millions, the value is about $1.

Discovery Channel's series Auction Kings, had a case sell for $100.

So, for Billy Carter's birthday; see if you can find a 34 year old can of beer. If you drink it, you should probably get a tetanus shot as the can probably rusted.

Days of the Beer, March 28

The beer for today is Pabst Blue Ribbon Light.

On March 28, 1836, Johann Gottlieb Friedrich Pabst was born in the village of Nikolausrieth, Prussia. In 1948, he emigrated to the US, first settling in Milwaukee, and then Chicago. Pabst became a pilot of a Lake Michigan steamer by the time he turned 21. As this, he met the German Phillip Best, who owned a brewery in Milwaukee. Pabst married Best's daughter, Maria, on March 25, 1862.

He became a partner in the brewery in 1864. He became president in 1873. Later, the brewery's name was changed to Pabst Brewing Company.

As to the beer:

Pabst Blue Ribbon Light Beer is a smooth and refreshing lighter beer, with a full-bodied taste. Only the finest ingredients are used in our brewing process to assure absolute quality. We hope you enjoy the taste and drinkability of this fine light beer.

The beer comes in at 4.3%.

So, for Frederick Pabst's birthday, have a PBR Light.

(PBR Light was picked, as PBR was already used for Dec. 1)

Days of the Beer, March 27

The beer for today is Avery Salvation.

On March 27, 1881, in Basingstoke, England, the people rioted against the promotion of Temperance by the Salvation Army.

The Salvation Army came into town in 1880. When they did, they promoted extreme Temperance (no alcohol).

In 1881, the town had at least 50 pubs and three breweries, with a population of about 7,000. When the Salvation Army arrived in town, they marched up and down the streets singing hymns and telling the townsfolk not to drink. This caused the beer drinkers (called Massagainians)to also march up and down the streets, playing instruments and banging on cans and pans (and whatever else they could find). People who didn't have instruments, sang obscene songs.

It culminated on Sunday, March 27, 1881 with troops being called upon to break up the conflict after the mayor had read the Riot Act (which allowed force in breaking up a riot).

As to the beer:

Avery Salvation is a Belgian Strong Golden Ale.

The success of Hog Heaven and The Reverend clearly demonstrates that beer drinkers are willing to embrace "BIGGER" beers. In the fall of 2001, we decided that a lighter BIG BEER would complement its darker colored predecessors. Salvation has luscious apricot and peach aromas delicately interwoven with spicy suggestions of nutmeg and cinnamon. This heavenly soft, champagne-like elixer is cellarable for 3 years.

The beer is roughly 9% ABV.

So, for the Salvation Army getting beat up by drunks in Basingstoke in 1881, have an Avery Salvation.

Fuck Temperance!

Days of the Beer, March 26

The beer for today is Fitger's Brewhouse, Mr Spock Eisbock.

On March 26, 1931, Leonard Simon Nimoy was born. Nimoy is most famous for his role of Spock in the original Star Trek series, and in the films.

After Star Trek, Nimoy joined the cast of Mission: Impossible. Later he hosted In Search of... Currently, he plays the role of William Bell, in the show Fringe.

In April 2010, he announced plans to retire from acting, in February 2011 he announced he would return to Fringe.

As to the beer:

Fitger's Brewhouse is located in Duluth, Minnesota. It officially opened in 1995, but has been around in various forms from 1857.

Sadly, Mr Spock Eisbock has been retired. It was 12% abv. It appears to have been made for several years, from 2006 to 2009. It received good reviews on Beer Advocate and Ratebeer.

A triplebock aged then frozen to take out extra water and increase smoothness. This also brings the alcohol content up. Very limited release, the bulk of this beer will age another year.

So, for the not-so-retired Leonard Nimoy, try to find a retired Mr Spock Eisbock. If you can't find it, which you probably can't, have any other eisbock for Mr Spock. (Kulmbacher or Aventinus are probably your best bets).

Days of the Beer; March 25

The beer for today Magic Hat Howl.

On March 25, 1957; United States customs officials seized 520 copies of the poem "Howl", by Allen Ginsberg, for obscenity. In particular one line from the poem really irked them.

"who let themselves be fucked in the ass by saintly motorcyclists, and screamed with joy"

An obscenity trial was brought against Lawrence Ferlinghetti, who ran City Lights bookstore, the publisher. Nine literary experts testified on the poem's behalf. Ferlinghetti won the case when Judge Clayton Horn decided the poem was of "redeeming social importance".

As to the beer:

Howl is the winter seasonal beer from Magic Hat brewery, it's a black lager.

Born of dark, cold and snow in the marrow of the northeast's longest night, HOWL comes in on wailing winds with winter-weary eyes, burning holes in sunless shadows. In its darkened depths our inner voids are warmed. HOWL will remain until your bones are thawed, your spirit is freed... and until there is no longer a need...

A dark, medium-bodied beer with a rich roasted malt flavor and smooth hop bitterness.

The beer comes in at 4.6% ABV.

So, for the confiscation of Howl, go get yourself a HOWL, and try not to get fucked up the ass by motorcyclists.

Days of the Beer, March 24

The beer for today is Pisgah Brewing Valdez.

On March 24, 1989; the Exxon Valdez, struck Prince William Sound's Bligh Reef and spilled 260,000 to 750,000 barrels of crude oil. It was considered to be one of the most devastating human-caused environmental disasters. It wasn't one of the world's largest oil spills, but due to it's remote location, government and industry response efforts were difficult and hard to implement.

The oil spill eventually covered 1,300 miles of coastline, and 11,000 square miles of ocean.

As to the beer:

Pisgah Brewing Company is located in Black Mountain, North Carolina (a couple miles away from Frank and Dana's).

This mouth watering stout is brewed with organic, fair-trade coffee beans from Dynamite Coffee Roasters and weighs in at a respectable 6.8%. The aroma of fresh coffee leaps from the glass, and finishes slightly dry. Treat yourself to the finest coffee stout this season. Available at the tap room and in 22oz bottles at your local grocer and specialty beer store.

Oddly, on March 24, 1944; 76 prisoners began breaking out of Stalag Luft III, in an event that was to be dramatized in the movie The Great Escape. So, I was going to pick that event, and found a one time brewed beer called, The Great Escape. It was made by Asheville Brewing Company. But then I found Valdez by Pisgah, and went with that; either way, it was destined to be an Asheville beer day.

Days of the Beer, March 23

The beer for today is Southern Tier Gemini (Imperial IPA).

On March 23, 1965, NASA launched Gemini 3. The spacecraft was named The Molly Brown and it was the first manned Gemini flight. The crew was Virgil Grissom and John Young.

The flight was a test flight. The primary mission was to test the new, maneuverable Gemini spacecraft. In space, the crew fired thrusters to change the shape of their orbit, shift their plane and drop to a lower altitude. Other firsts achieved were: two people flew on an American spacecraft (the russians had a 3 person crew); and the first manned reentry where the spacecraft was able to produce lift to change its touchdown point.

The only major incident during the flight involved a contraband corned beef sandwich that Young had snuck on board. They both took a few bites before the sandwich had to be put away, as the crumbs could have damaged the spacecraft's electronics.

As to the beer:

Southern Tier Gemini is a blend of their Unearthly Imperial IPA and Hoppe Imperial Extra Pale Ale. Gemini is listed as an Imperial Blended Ale on their site.

High in the winter sky, two parallel stick figures are visible & known as “the twins,” or the constellation Gemini. The astronauts of the 1960s flew as teams of two in a program named after the celestial pairing. At Southern Tier, we have our own fraternal twins, Hoppe & Unearthly. Blended together & placed in this vessel, the mission of our Gemini is to travel high & take passengers on a journey far into the heavens.

The beer is 9% ABV.

It would go really well with a corned beef sandwich.

So, for the first manned flight of the Gemini program, have a Southern Tier Gemini. Again, try it with a corned beef sandwich, or maybe a reuben.

Days of the Beer, March 22

The beer for today is Thomas Hooker American Pale Ale.

On March 22, 1931; near Montreal Quebec, William Alan Shatner was born.

Shatner is best known for portraying Captain James T. Kirk on Star Trek from 1966 to 1969. He currently stars in the CBS sitcom SH*! My Dad Says. Other roles have included Denny Crane on The Practice and Boston Legal, and as the title character in T. J. Hooker.

He was the guy in the episode "Nightmare at 20,000 Feet" of The Twilight Zone. He also appeared in 3rd Rock from the Sun as the "Big Giant Head". (John Lithgow was also in 3rd Rock and appeared in Twilight Zone: The Movie in "Nightmare at 20,000 Feet". )

As to the beer:

Thomas Hooker Ales and Lagers is located in Bloomfield, Connecticut.

Thomas Hooker American Pale Ale is an extremely vivid, medium-bodied brew. Hooker Pale Ale stresses the crisp bitterness, lingering resin flavor, and aroma of American hops which are characteristic of the most distinctive West Coast Ales. The caramel sweetness of the malt balances the chock-full-of-hops flavor to yield a complex but quite refreshing brew.

The beer is 5.3% ABV.

So, for the guy who played Thomas J. Hooker, have a Thomas Hooker American Pale Ale, even though Shatner is a Canadian.

Days of the Beer, March 21

The beer for today is Red Hook Mud Slinger Sprint Ale.

Today is the day after the Vernal Equinox. The Equinox happened yesterday at 11:21 pm, so today is the first full day of spring. There will be 12 hours of daytime, and 12 hours of night, depending on your latitude. In Urbana, today the sun rose at 6:55 AM and sets at 7:06 giving us 12 hours and 11 minutes of daylight.

As to the beer:

Red Hook Mud Slinger Spring Ale is an English Brown Ale.

Mudslinger is a Nut Brown Ale with a Medium body and a fresh aroma. Its malty flavor is layered with light chocolate, caramel, brown sugar and a hint of vanilla. Six barley malts and two hop varieties result in a surprisingly smooth, well balanced dark beer.

Mudslinger pairs nicely with grilled meats, stews, fowl, and even smoked oysters or salmon.

Available on the West Coast from January through April.

The beer is 5.8% ABV.

So, for the first full day of spring, have a Red Hook Mud Slinger Spring Ale. Then, wait for summer.

Days of the Beer, March 20

The beer for today is Alaskan Brewing Company Barley Wine.

On March 20, 1985, Libby Riddles became the first woman to win the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race.

riddles was born April 1, 1956 in Madison, Wisconsin. She moved to Alaska before her 17th birthday. Her first race was the Clines Mini Mart Sprint race in 1978, which she won. She finied 18th and 20th in the 1980 and 81 Iditarod races, then started breeding her own dogs. She won in 1985, and wrote three books about her adventure.

This years race was won by John Baker, on March 15. There are still people on the course, three days after his victory.

The Iditarod is more than 1,150 miles through Alaska. It runs from Anchorage to Nome.

As to the beer:

Alaskan Brewing Company opened in 1986. They are probably most famous for their award winning Alaskan Amber.

Alaskan Barley Wine is a full bodied ale, deep mahogany in color and brewed with an array of complementing malts to achieve its high original gravity. Multiple hop additions in the boil and dry hopping during fermentation provide contrast to the big malt character resulting in the smooth balance that distinguishes this specialty brew. Like many fine wines, Alaskan Barley Wine may be aged in the bottle and gains deeper malt complexity and smoothness over time.

The label has a sled dog team.

From the Alaska Natives who first trained dog teams for winter transportation to the Russian and American settlers of the 19th century to today's Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race®, the history of Alaska is tethered alongside the history of dog mushing. Dog teams were the primary source of winter transportation in Alaska before the advent of the airplane and are widely used even today for sport racing as well as travel in remote areas of the state.

This beer is very hard to find. It is 10.4% ABV. If you can get one, get me one too.

So, for the first woman to win the Iditarod, have an Alaskan Brewing Company Barley Wine.

Days of the Beer, March 19

The beer for today is Great River Brewery, 483 Pale Ale.

On March 19, 1687, explorer Robert Cavelier de La Salle, was murdered by his men, when they were searching for the mouth of the Mississippi River.

de La Salle, had explored the Great Lakes, the Mississippi River, and the Gulf of Mexico. He claimed the entire Mississippi River basin for France.

As to the beer:

Great River Brewery is out of Davenport, Iowa (part of the Quad Cities).

True to the style, our pale ale is brewed with pale malt and a touch of crystal malt which gives it that copper hue. Then we aggressively hop it with centennial hops for a big citrus hop aroma and taste.

Beer for the hop lover. Nice bitterness and a good long aftertaste with a smack of grapefruit.

It's a really good beer.

Great River Brewery started in October, 2004 in Iowa City. They moved in December, 2008 to Davenport. Their first batch at the new location was brewed in February, 2009. Two of their beers are available in 16 ounce cans, 483 Pale and Roller Dam Red Ale.

So, for de La Salle, who was killed while trying to find the end of the Great River, have a beer that's made on the Great River.

(the beer is available in cans at Radio Maria, and other places around Champaign Urbana)

Days of the Beer, March 18

The beer for today is Long Trail Brewing Company Double Bag Ale.

On March 18, 1962; Michael Gregory "Mike" Rowe was born in Baltimore, Maryland. Mike is best known as the host of the Discovery Channel series Dirty Jobs.

In season 1 of Dirty Jobs, episode titled Chick Sexer, mike was a baby chicken sexer, oyster harvester, and beer brewer. The episode originally aired August 16, 2003. During that episode, Mike visited Long Trail Brewing in Bridgewaters Corners, Vermont.

As to the beer:

This malty, full-bodied double alt is also known as "Stickebier" -German slang for "secret brew". double Bag was originally offered only in out brewery taproom as a special treat to our visitors. With an alcohol content of 7.2%, please indulge in moderation. The Long Trail Brewing Company is very proud to have Double Bag named Malt Advocate's "Beer of the Year" in 2001. Malt Advocate is a national magazine devoted to "expanding the boundaries of fine drinks". Their panel of judges likes to keep things simple, and therefore of thousands of eligible competitors they award only two categories; "Imported" and "Domestic". It is a great honor to receive this recognition!

The beer comes in at 7.2% ABV.

So, for Mike Rowe's birthday, have an award winning beer from the first brewery he went to in season 1 of Dirty Jobs. Stickebier sounds kind of dirty anyway, doesn't it?

Days of the Beer, March 17

The beer for today is Wexford Irish Cream Ale.

It's Saint Patrick's Day. Saint Patrick died March 17, 493 (or 460).

Patrick was born in Roman Britain. When he was 16, he was captured and carried off as a slave to Ireland, where he was a herdsman for 6 years. He heard a voice telling him to go home, so he left. He later became a priest, and then was sent back to Ireland to expand the church there.

When he got back to Ireland, he was threatened by the druids. He used a shamrock (clover) to explain the trinity.

He is rumored to having banished snakes from Ireland, however, post-glacial Ireland never had snakes. Some people consider the banishing of the snakes to be symbolic of him establishing Catholicism and ending the druids.

As to the beer:

Wexford Irish Cream Ale is based on a traditional Irish recipe from Wexford, Ireland which dates back to 1810. Wexford uses only the finest ingredients to ensure a smooth mellow creaminess. Best served slightly chilled to be smooth and refreshing.

Wexford Irish Cream Ale is an English Bitter. It's 5% ABV.

It's not green.

So, for Saint Patrick's Day, have an Irish Cream from Wexford.

(the beer is on tap at Radio Maria currently)