Well, Thanksgiving has come and gone. For it, Kridz and I went south east. Our initial plans were to go down to Marietta Georgia and spend the week with my uncle helga, and do Thanksgiving day (proper) with the mother.
Then we thought a whole week in Georgia might be too much, so we thought about going to Asheville on Friday (or Saturday) and spending some time with Frank and Dana. Then we changed our minds again, and went to Asheville first, and headed to Atlanta area on Thanksgiving itself.
On the Sunday before we left, I stopped at Friar Tucks to pick up some things to trade with Julie from BruisinAles. She had asked for some of this years Goose Island Bourbon County Stout, Three Floyds Behemoth, and Three Floyds Alpha Klaus. GIBCS and Behemoth were available at Tucks so I picked up some of that for her.
We left on Monday morning around 8:30 or so. We got to 465 in Indy around 10:45 (with the time change; maybe). Then had to get gas, so we stoped at Crown Liquors. Crown Liq is at exit 2B on 465. Take that for about 3 miles south and it's on the left. It doesn't have a huge selection, but the selection it has is outstanding. (If you go down 31 further south, you'll come to E Stop 11 road, turn left there and go down another 2 miles and on the right is Parti-pak Liquors, that store doesn't look like much, but has an OUTSTANDING beer selection, and everything is available in singles; we didn't go there this time) We weren't really shopping to get much, just hoping to pick up some more GIBCS (tucks only had the bombers) and hopefully some Alpha Klaus. The store had Alpha Klaus, horray. It also had bombers and 4 packs of GIBCS, horray. It also had Behemoth, horray. It didn't just have Behemoth, it had '09 Behemoth, sitting next to '08 Behemoth, sitting next to '07 Behemoth. All were the same price, exactly how that was possible, I have no idea. So, I got one of each of those (for Julie). I also picked up a 4pack of Bells Hell Hath No Fury, because that's awesome. I think that's about all we got there. The guy working was nice enough to give us 15% off our purchase, it was supposed to be just for bombers, but he did it for the whole thing. I'm sure we got more, I just don't remember what all else we got there.
We continued traveling to Asheville. Interstate 40 is closed just inside the North Carolina border, so we hadda take a detour. This was through some of the windy-est up and down backwoods parts of North Carolina. In Illinois, we are pampered. Seriously. The ground is flat, and pretty much all the roads go north and south, or east and west. There are a few curves, but it's pretty straight. Even the non-interstate roads are pretty straight. You can take route 150 from Danville to the Quad Cities, and you'll be stopping a lot, but it's pretty straight. This backroad route that we had to take in North Carolina, I swear we stayed on the same road, but intersected the road we were on. There's a lot of turning. There's a lot of ups and downs. There's mountains. There's valleys. There's OMG YOU ARE GOING TO FAST FOR THIS CORNER!!!! ARRRRGGGGHHH.
We made it to Asheville, without much incident (although my car is making a weird rattling noise). Got to Frank and Dana's and ate and had a beer or 2, not exactly sure what all we drank that night, the week got kind of fuzzy...
Woke up on Tuesday and ate breakfast. Killed some time, then headed to downtown to the Mellow Mushroom to eat lunch. I had a Sweetwater Motorboat, Kridz had a Wedge Pale, Frank had a Highland Cold Mountain. I had a second beer, that was the French Broad Rye Hopper. We left there and headed to Pisgah Brewery. There we met Julie and J from BruisinAles. We all got beer and went and sat at the tables and chatted about beer. Based on my twitter messages, I know that the first beer I had was their Belgian Amber. Kridz had their porter and Frank had the Nitro Stout. Because we were there with Julie and J, we got to go back and check out the works of the brewery (I'm sure they would have let us back their without them; but it didn't hurt that we were there with one of the top beer store people in the world). We talked to one of the brewers and learned some of their stuff. We finished up and headed to the next brewery.
Our next stop was Wedge Brewing Co. Wedge is pretty. Wedge is possibly how I'd like my brewery to look. While there, I had their belgian abbey ale, which was awesome. Frank and Kridz both got their DIPA. We got to go back and talk with Carl, the brewer, about some of the things he was doing, and to look at their setup. I'm pretty sure that I had another beer there, but who really knows. We packed up there and headed to the next brewery.
Our next stop was Dirty Jacks. While there, we got to talk with the brewer, John. I was drinking the DIPA, and Kridz got the ESB. Their ESB was one of the first non-bud light beers that Kridz had. From our first trip to Asheville, when we helped move Frank and Dana down. It's a good gateway beer. Back then, it was probably a lot more flavor than she was used to, now it's probably kind of tame. John was working on something special for something special (not exactly sure what it was) but he brought out some samples of a stout for us, and that was pretty darn good. We packed up there and headed to our next stop.
Next stop, the Thirsty Monk. The monk is pretty much 2 pubs, downstairs is all Belgian and belgian style, upstairs is pretty much... beer, any and all beer. When we were there, we got to sit in on a tasting of Hanssens Lambics in the basement, which I enjoyed, but Frank and Kridz didn't seem to like. At one point I said, "you have to want to like these beers" if you don't you'll never get around to appreciating them. If you don't want it, you'll hate them and just be stuck with the vinegar flavor. Then we went upstairs and got to drink some cask Ola Dubh 12 year. That was awesome too. I'm pretty sure I had a beer from downstairs, but I have no clue what it was. While we were finishing up the Ola Dubh glasses, Dana called and said she was about ready to be picked up from work. That call ended a LONG day of drinking. A LONG great day of drinking. Although I think we may have had another one or two when we got back to Frank and Dana's.
Woke up Wed, and felt a little small, not horribly hungover, but not the greatest. Dana managed to get the day off, so we ate breakfast and headed out to go do some beer exchanging with BruisinAles. We got there before they opened, so we had to figure out something else to do. We wound up going to The Grove Park Inn Resort and Spa for the National Gingerbread House Display. That was... interesting. The place smelled like gingerbread, which I guess is to be expected. Some of them were nice, others were... meh. We finished up there and went to BruisinAles again. (the final haul list will be at the bottom of this post).
We left there, went back to Frank and Dana's ate dinner had a couple beers (including a Troegs Nugget Nectar from Julie and J's private stash) and watched Pelham 123. Woke up Thursday and headed towards Atlanta. Made the 200 wind-y drive in about 4 hours. Got to mom's a little bit into the packer game. Had to call mother for directions to her house from the road we exited the interstate from. She apparently doesn't know the road's name to turn on from the road we were on, which I believe is the road she works on.
Watched football, ate, played scategories, left and went to Uncle Helga's. Wanted a beer during dinner, but not so much after. Relaxed the rest of the night at Harolds. Friday went back to go work on their laptops that both had issues. Frank's display was turning off, and they needed the data from it on the other lappy. Mom's lappy wasn't printing. I managed to transfer the data without having much visibility on the monitor, and managed to get her printer working (Windows 7 security features have a tendency to lock down machines to a point where they don't work). Ate, then headed to Highland Beverage in Hiram.
Highland doesn't have the biggest selection, but they do have a decent one. This whole trip my plan was to only get beers from the south east, I pretty much succeeded, but did get a couple of Stone's and some other things.
Left there and went to Taco Mac Marietta. Other than pizza, Taco Mac is the beer place that Old Chicago wishes it was. Old Chicago has like 20 taps, Taco Mac Marietta has 50. Old Chicago claims 110 brews. Taco Mac has 402 bottles. I don't know any place locally with that number, (other than the houses of people in the beer club). While there, met my cousin, his wife and 2 daughters. That was nice. I added 4 beers (between kridz and I) to my passport club thing.
Saturday, packed up and headed back to Illinois.
That's pretty much the trip. Here's the haul...
4 pack Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout
4 pack Atlanta Brewing Company Double Chocolate Oatmeal Porter
4 pack Terrapin Coffee Oatmeal Imperial Stout (and another for Puffer)(commonly known as Wake and Bake)
2 Dogfish Head/Sierra Nevada Life and Limb
3 Terrapin Gamma Ray
2 Stone Sublimely Self Righteous
2 Duck Rabbit Wee Heavy Scotch
2 Weyerbacher Blithering Idiot
Sweetwater Festive '09 #1655 (must check to see what number my '06 is)
Bruery 2 Turgle Doves
Stone Old Guardian Early '09 Release
Smuttynose Baltic Porter
Smuttynose Imperial Stout
Smuttynose Wheat Wine Ale
Weyerbacher Insanity
Hanssens Oude Kriek (from Thirsty Monk tasting)
Highland Tasgall
Sweetwater Wet Dream (dank tank)
Terrapin Side Project #6 90 Shelling
Terrapin Side Project #7 Maggies' Farmhouse Ale
Weyerbacher XIII
Weyerbacher 12
Deschutes Jubelale '08 (from Julie and J)
Highland Imperial Black Mocha
Sweetwater Big Ol' Belgian Blue Balls (dank tank)
Troegs Mad Elf (from Julie and J)
Terrapin Imperial Red Ale Big Hoppy Monster
Brewdog Paradox Smokehead #15
Brewdog Paradox Isle of Arran #16
Weyerbacher 14
Weyerbacher Quad
(the Paradox gives me numbers 1,3,5,8,10,11, 13, 15, and 16)
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Friday, November 20, 2009
CU Beer Weekend Nov 20
It's the week of Thanksgiving. I hope you have your beer planned for Thursday. Garrett Oliver, of Brooklyn Brewery, and the author of The Brewmaster's Table, recommends a Biere de Garde for turkeyday. Two Brothers Domaine DuPage, is probably the localest version of a Biere de Garde that you'll find (it's also quite good).
7 Saints
Wednesday: Whiskey Wedensday, this week, Scotch
Thanksgiving: closed
Radio Maria
Online beer list hasn't been updated in a week; waiting on the email.
Friday: Happy Hour 4:30-5:30
Thanksgiving: closed
Blind Pig
Tap List:
Rogue XS Old Crustacean 10 Year Vintage Newport, OR, Barley Wine, 11.5% abv
Rogue XS Imperial I²PA Newport, OR, Imperial IPA, 9.5% abv
Rouge XS Imperial Porter Newport, OR, Imperial Porter, 8.2% abv
Rogue Chocolate Stout Newport, OR, Sweet Stout 6.3% abv
Rogue Brutal Bitter Newport, OR, Premium Bitter, 6.2% abv
Rogue Dead Guy Ale Newport, OR, Heller Bock, 6.6%
Southern Tier IPA Lakewood, New York, India Pale Ale, 6.5% abv
Bells Amber Kalamazoo, Michigan, Amber Ale, 6% abv
Fullers 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
Krusovice Imperial 12° Bohemian Pilsener, Czech Republic, 5% abv
Stella Artois Belgium, Pale Lager, 5.2% abv
Pabst Blue Ribbon San Antonio, Texas, Pale Lager, 5% abv
Dark Horse Reserve Special Black Bier Marshall, Michigan, Porter, 7.5%
Atwater Teufel Bock Detroit, Michigan, Weizen Bock, 10.9% abv
Founders Dirty Bastard Grand Rapids, Michigan, Scotch Ale, 8.3%
Lagunitas IPA Petaluma, California, India Pale Ale, 5.7% abv
Duchesse De Bourgogne Belgium, Sour Ale, 6.2% abv
Tucher Helles Hefe Weizen Germany, German Hefeweizen, 5.3% abv
Lindemans Framboise Belgium, Lambic, 2.5% abv
Monk’s Café Sour Ale Belgium, Sour Ale, 5.5% abv
Youngs Double Chocolate Stout England, Stout, 5.2%
Guinness Dublin, Ireland, Dry Stout, 4.1% abv
December 3: 7 p.m. Left Hand Fade to Black Kickoff Party
Blind Pig Brewery (the Piglet)
Blind Pig English Bitter
Blind Pig Hefeweizen
Blind Pig Weizen Bock
Schlafly Dry Hopped APA Maplewood, Missouri, American Pale Ale, 5.9% abv
Veltins Pilsener Germany, Classic German Pilsener, 4.8% abv
Arcadia Roggen Berry Battle Creek, Michigan, Fruit Beer% abv
Port Brewing Wipeout IPA San Marcos, California, India Pale Ale, 7% abv
Two Brothers Cane & Ebel Warrenville, Illinois, American Strong Ale, 7% abv
Dark Horse Scotty Karate Marshall, Michigan, Scotch Ale, 9.75% abv
Heileman's Old Style Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Pale Lager, 5% abv
Gulden Draak Belgium, Quadrupel, 10.5% abv
König Ludwig Weiss Germany, German Hefeweizen, 5.5% abv
Guinness Ireland, Dry Stout, 4.1% abv
Coming soon: Blind Pig Belgian Pale Ale, Blind Pig Oatmeal Stout
I've heard good things about the Weizen Bock.
Sunday: Trivia from 7-9 pm
Crane Alley
Veltins Pilsener 4.9%
Big Sky Moose Drool Brown Ale 5.3%
Arcadia Nut Brown Ale 5.6%
Lost Abbey Red Barn Saison 6.7%
Dogfish Head Indian Brown Ale 7.2%
Lindemans Pomme 4.0%
Southern Tier Imperial Oatmeal Stout 11.0%
Hoegaarden Belgian Wit 5.4%
Guinness 4.2%
Rogue Cap'n Sig's India Red Ale 6.2%
Piraat Belgian Pale Ale 10.5%
Two Brothers Red Eye Coffee Porter 9.2%
Pabst Blue Ribbon 4.7%
Troubadour Obscura Stout 8.5%
Lagunitas IPA 5.7%
Ballast Point Big Eye IPA 7.0%
Thanksgiving: Closed
Dec 7, 7:30: Chimay Beer Dinner. Tickets available at Crane Alley or contact aaron@crane-alley.com
Cowboy Monkey
Friday: DJ Stifler, 10 pm, free
Saturday: The Sugar Prophets, 10pm, $5
Sunday: Dirt Daubers, 9:30, $5
Thanksgiving: closed
Highdive
Friday: DJ Delayney, 10pm, $5
Saturday: DJ, 10pm, $5
Monday: 80's Night, 10pm, free
Wednesday: DJ A-Ron, 10pm, free before midnight, $5 after
Thanksgiving: Closed
Canopy Club
Friday: Achtung Baby, U2 Tribute Band, $7
Saturday: Monte Montgomery, $12 in Advance
Sunday: Pizza, Pitcher & Movie, 6pm Planes, Trains, and Automobiles; 8pm The Jerk; 10pm Watchmen
Monday: Jobu, no cover, $1 beers and well
Tuesday: Trivia Diner: Live Game Show/The Piano Man
Wednesday: Physical Challenge: A Dance Party Getdown
Jupiters at the Crossing
Thanksgiving: open in the evening
Other places that might be open on Thanksgiving are Guidos and Jupiters (downtown) (according to Cowboy Monkey website).
7 Saints
Wednesday: Whiskey Wedensday, this week, Scotch
Thanksgiving: closed
Radio Maria
Online beer list hasn't been updated in a week; waiting on the email.
Friday: Happy Hour 4:30-5:30
Thanksgiving: closed
Blind Pig
Tap List:
Rogue XS Old Crustacean 10 Year Vintage Newport, OR, Barley Wine, 11.5% abv
Rogue XS Imperial I²PA Newport, OR, Imperial IPA, 9.5% abv
Rouge XS Imperial Porter Newport, OR, Imperial Porter, 8.2% abv
Rogue Chocolate Stout Newport, OR, Sweet Stout 6.3% abv
Rogue Brutal Bitter Newport, OR, Premium Bitter, 6.2% abv
Rogue Dead Guy Ale Newport, OR, Heller Bock, 6.6%
Southern Tier IPA Lakewood, New York, India Pale Ale, 6.5% abv
Bells Amber Kalamazoo, Michigan, Amber Ale, 6% abv
Fullers 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
Krusovice Imperial 12° Bohemian Pilsener, Czech Republic, 5% abv
Stella Artois Belgium, Pale Lager, 5.2% abv
Pabst Blue Ribbon San Antonio, Texas, Pale Lager, 5% abv
Dark Horse Reserve Special Black Bier Marshall, Michigan, Porter, 7.5%
Atwater Teufel Bock Detroit, Michigan, Weizen Bock, 10.9% abv
Founders Dirty Bastard Grand Rapids, Michigan, Scotch Ale, 8.3%
Lagunitas IPA Petaluma, California, India Pale Ale, 5.7% abv
Duchesse De Bourgogne Belgium, Sour Ale, 6.2% abv
Tucher Helles Hefe Weizen Germany, German Hefeweizen, 5.3% abv
Lindemans Framboise Belgium, Lambic, 2.5% abv
Monk’s Café Sour Ale Belgium, Sour Ale, 5.5% abv
Youngs Double Chocolate Stout England, Stout, 5.2%
Guinness Dublin, Ireland, Dry Stout, 4.1% abv
December 3: 7 p.m. Left Hand Fade to Black Kickoff Party
Blind Pig Brewery (the Piglet)
Blind Pig English Bitter
Blind Pig Hefeweizen
Blind Pig Weizen Bock
Schlafly Dry Hopped APA Maplewood, Missouri, American Pale Ale, 5.9% abv
Veltins Pilsener Germany, Classic German Pilsener, 4.8% abv
Arcadia Roggen Berry Battle Creek, Michigan, Fruit Beer% abv
Port Brewing Wipeout IPA San Marcos, California, India Pale Ale, 7% abv
Two Brothers Cane & Ebel Warrenville, Illinois, American Strong Ale, 7% abv
Dark Horse Scotty Karate Marshall, Michigan, Scotch Ale, 9.75% abv
Heileman's Old Style Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Pale Lager, 5% abv
Gulden Draak Belgium, Quadrupel, 10.5% abv
König Ludwig Weiss Germany, German Hefeweizen, 5.5% abv
Guinness Ireland, Dry Stout, 4.1% abv
Coming soon: Blind Pig Belgian Pale Ale, Blind Pig Oatmeal Stout
I've heard good things about the Weizen Bock.
Sunday: Trivia from 7-9 pm
Crane Alley
Veltins Pilsener 4.9%
Big Sky Moose Drool Brown Ale 5.3%
Arcadia Nut Brown Ale 5.6%
Lost Abbey Red Barn Saison 6.7%
Dogfish Head Indian Brown Ale 7.2%
Lindemans Pomme 4.0%
Southern Tier Imperial Oatmeal Stout 11.0%
Hoegaarden Belgian Wit 5.4%
Guinness 4.2%
Rogue Cap'n Sig's India Red Ale 6.2%
Piraat Belgian Pale Ale 10.5%
Two Brothers Red Eye Coffee Porter 9.2%
Pabst Blue Ribbon 4.7%
Troubadour Obscura Stout 8.5%
Lagunitas IPA 5.7%
Ballast Point Big Eye IPA 7.0%
Thanksgiving: Closed
Dec 7, 7:30: Chimay Beer Dinner. Tickets available at Crane Alley or contact aaron@crane-alley.com
Cowboy Monkey
Friday: DJ Stifler, 10 pm, free
Saturday: The Sugar Prophets, 10pm, $5
Sunday: Dirt Daubers, 9:30, $5
Thanksgiving: closed
Highdive
Friday: DJ Delayney, 10pm, $5
Saturday: DJ, 10pm, $5
Monday: 80's Night, 10pm, free
Wednesday: DJ A-Ron, 10pm, free before midnight, $5 after
Thanksgiving: Closed
Canopy Club
Friday: Achtung Baby, U2 Tribute Band, $7
Saturday: Monte Montgomery, $12 in Advance
Sunday: Pizza, Pitcher & Movie, 6pm Planes, Trains, and Automobiles; 8pm The Jerk; 10pm Watchmen
Monday: Jobu, no cover, $1 beers and well
Tuesday: Trivia Diner: Live Game Show/The Piano Man
Wednesday: Physical Challenge: A Dance Party Getdown
Jupiters at the Crossing
Thanksgiving: open in the evening
Other places that might be open on Thanksgiving are Guidos and Jupiters (downtown) (according to Cowboy Monkey website).
Thursday, November 19, 2009
A beer to your health; even more for better health!
Some of the best news you'll ever read.
Either way, drinking lowers the risk of heart disease; according to that study.
Thanks to smart@ss for sending me the link.
I think I probably fit into the large quantities of alcohol group.Drinking alcohol every day cuts the risk of heart disease in men by more than a third, a major study suggests.
The Spanish research involving more than 15,500 men and 26,000 women found large quantities of alcohol could be even more beneficial for men.
For those drinking little - less than a shot of vodka a day for instance - the risk was reduced by 35%. And for those who drank anything from three shots to more than 11 shots each day, the risk worked out an average of 50% less.I'm confused does that mean my risk is 50% less, or does that mean it's 17.5% less?
Either way, drinking lowers the risk of heart disease; according to that study.
Thanks to smart@ss for sending me the link.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Blind Pig Brewery
Well, yesterday was the Blind Pig Brewery (Piglet) beer release.
They currently have three house beers and a cider on tap. Their samplers were 3 for $4, and are decent sized. They are also served on a neat carrier.
The bar is dark, so getting a good picture on the cellphone isn't the easiest thing. Each of the beers are in vats behind the bar, and have their Original Gravity, Final Gravity, and Alcohol By Volume on them. Additionally the IBU's are listed (not on the cider).
I had the Hefe, Kolsch, and IPA.
The Hefeweizen was a pale yellow, it was cloudy with a light thin head. There was a little bit of a malt presence and no hops in the nose, unless there was a bit of a floral smell, but I couldn't tell if that was leftover soap on my hands. When I first smelled the three beers to figure out which was which, the Hefe had an obvious banana note. Later that went away. It had a decent mouthfeel and was a little bit fizzy. It didn't have any noticeable banana. There was some sweetness and a bit of florally hops in it. I thought it to be a decent sessionable beer.
The next beer was the Kolsch. (Kolsch beer can only be brewed in Cologne, Germany, so this one is a Kolsch style). This was light and somewhat clear, almost a bit greenish; there was some haze. Apparently it's a Wieß Kölsch, which is an unfiltered version that is cloudy (So they don't have filtering capabilities, I get it). It had a slight hoppy smell. It had a rather thick mouthfeel. The taste was predominately a bit bitter, with a little bit of malt. I didn't really like it. Gene (from the beer club) thought this to be his favorite beer there.
My final sample was the IPA. This was to be a traditional IPA. It was 6.5% ABV, and had 55 IBU. It wasn't that bitter. It had a lot of malt. It was a darker brown than I would have expected. It looked to be unfiltered, as all their beers seemed to be unfiltered. It smelled bitter, but that's from the East Kent Goldings hops. They didn't really smell piney, or floral, it just smelled... bitter. It did have a bit of sweetness in the smell initially. As it warmed up, it started to smell quite caramelly. It felt rather thick. Definitely more thick than the others on the menu. It's final gravity was 1.012, and it seemed really heavy for that. It also was quite drying. It initially tasted sweet (Gene thought there was an unpleasant initial taste that he couldn't quite figure out; he thought the beer was off or wrong) it eventually turned into a lingering bitter, that came with the drying. It was decent. As it warmed up, the caramel smell became a caramel taste, mixed with a little bitterness.
I didn't have a full sample of the Cider, which was made with Curtis Orchard (also local) sweet cider. I did have a taste, and it seemed like it was granny smith apples, because there was the tart flavor that is common with those apples. It seemed very sparkly, like a champagne, was quite effervescent. It was more like Original Sin cider, than the regular woodchuck's or strongbow. It was close to the Granny Smith Woodchuck.
All in all, it was... ok. The beers were... just ok. They weren't great, they weren't horrible. They were just... beer. The hefe was my favorite of them, but that's not saying that much. The Blind Pig Brewery has Konig Ludwig on tap, I would drink that before I had this one again. They've got Port Wipeout IPA on tap, I'd have that before the house IPA. They don't have another Kolsch on, so if I were in the mood for a Kolsch, I'd go to the Blind Pig Brewery. They are the only place in town that has Kolsch on tap, so if I wanted a Kolsch, I'd go there. I'm not sure I've ever said "You know, I really want a Kolsch".
Destihl is set to open in about 6 months. Blind Pig beat them to market, but still has some work to do. At the Urbana Beer and Chili Cookoff, Destihl showed off some of their beers, their line was the longest of the day, and their beers were some of the best ones there. If Blind Pig doesn't get better quick, they are going to be put out of business. Destihl isn't the greatest brewpub in Illinois (I'd pick Flossmoor) but their's are better than the ones I had yesterday. I will go back to the Piglet for their other beers, but unless their beers get better, it won't be my first choice in town.
They currently have three house beers and a cider on tap. Their samplers were 3 for $4, and are decent sized. They are also served on a neat carrier.
The bar is dark, so getting a good picture on the cellphone isn't the easiest thing. Each of the beers are in vats behind the bar, and have their Original Gravity, Final Gravity, and Alcohol By Volume on them. Additionally the IBU's are listed (not on the cider).
I had the Hefe, Kolsch, and IPA.
The Hefeweizen was a pale yellow, it was cloudy with a light thin head. There was a little bit of a malt presence and no hops in the nose, unless there was a bit of a floral smell, but I couldn't tell if that was leftover soap on my hands. When I first smelled the three beers to figure out which was which, the Hefe had an obvious banana note. Later that went away. It had a decent mouthfeel and was a little bit fizzy. It didn't have any noticeable banana. There was some sweetness and a bit of florally hops in it. I thought it to be a decent sessionable beer.
The next beer was the Kolsch. (Kolsch beer can only be brewed in Cologne, Germany, so this one is a Kolsch style). This was light and somewhat clear, almost a bit greenish; there was some haze. Apparently it's a Wieß Kölsch, which is an unfiltered version that is cloudy (So they don't have filtering capabilities, I get it). It had a slight hoppy smell. It had a rather thick mouthfeel. The taste was predominately a bit bitter, with a little bit of malt. I didn't really like it. Gene (from the beer club) thought this to be his favorite beer there.
My final sample was the IPA. This was to be a traditional IPA. It was 6.5% ABV, and had 55 IBU. It wasn't that bitter. It had a lot of malt. It was a darker brown than I would have expected. It looked to be unfiltered, as all their beers seemed to be unfiltered. It smelled bitter, but that's from the East Kent Goldings hops. They didn't really smell piney, or floral, it just smelled... bitter. It did have a bit of sweetness in the smell initially. As it warmed up, it started to smell quite caramelly. It felt rather thick. Definitely more thick than the others on the menu. It's final gravity was 1.012, and it seemed really heavy for that. It also was quite drying. It initially tasted sweet (Gene thought there was an unpleasant initial taste that he couldn't quite figure out; he thought the beer was off or wrong) it eventually turned into a lingering bitter, that came with the drying. It was decent. As it warmed up, the caramel smell became a caramel taste, mixed with a little bitterness.
I didn't have a full sample of the Cider, which was made with Curtis Orchard (also local) sweet cider. I did have a taste, and it seemed like it was granny smith apples, because there was the tart flavor that is common with those apples. It seemed very sparkly, like a champagne, was quite effervescent. It was more like Original Sin cider, than the regular woodchuck's or strongbow. It was close to the Granny Smith Woodchuck.
All in all, it was... ok. The beers were... just ok. They weren't great, they weren't horrible. They were just... beer. The hefe was my favorite of them, but that's not saying that much. The Blind Pig Brewery has Konig Ludwig on tap, I would drink that before I had this one again. They've got Port Wipeout IPA on tap, I'd have that before the house IPA. They don't have another Kolsch on, so if I were in the mood for a Kolsch, I'd go to the Blind Pig Brewery. They are the only place in town that has Kolsch on tap, so if I wanted a Kolsch, I'd go there. I'm not sure I've ever said "You know, I really want a Kolsch".
Destihl is set to open in about 6 months. Blind Pig beat them to market, but still has some work to do. At the Urbana Beer and Chili Cookoff, Destihl showed off some of their beers, their line was the longest of the day, and their beers were some of the best ones there. If Blind Pig doesn't get better quick, they are going to be put out of business. Destihl isn't the greatest brewpub in Illinois (I'd pick Flossmoor) but their's are better than the ones I had yesterday. I will go back to the Piglet for their other beers, but unless their beers get better, it won't be my first choice in town.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
The Prisoner, Night 2
Episodes 3 and 4
Last night's episodes were "Anvil" and "Darling".
"Anvil" is about 6 becoming an undercover spy for 2. In it we learn some things about the village.
In "Anvil" 6 asks the question we've all been waiting for: "Who is number one?" Apparently, there is no #1.
"There is no number 1, there never has been, and there never will be. The concept of the number 2 is an act of humility. The title reminds us all that we are all public servants."
Ok, so that makes the place sort of communist/socialist. Everyone has their role, and everyone should be treated the same. This is not the case.
It's evident in that there are groups of similar houses, but there are different groups, from #2's palace, to the A frames in 6's neighborhood, 147's family neighborhood, to 909's trailerpark; each area has their role and a stereotype.
"Darling" is about 6 falling in love, or at least thinking he's falling in love. In this episode we find out that the village has been messing with 6 while he's sleeping. Pretty much every night. This time, they are manipulating him to fall in love, and be with the girl that he was with in New York before his abduction. There's also holes in the ground, what the hell they are about, we don't know.
We also get to find out more about what 6 did at his former job, but not very much.
Some things I noticed.
1. Everyone in the village seems to have blue eyes. The only person that I really noticed that didn't have blue eyes, was Lucy (415). Oddly, the brown eyed girl is also blind (or acting that way). Did 6 have brown eyes in New York? Looking at the pictures from the show, it seems everyone doesn't have blue eyes. It sure seemed like everyone did last night.
2. "Anvil" almost had a classic opening sequence. It did show him resigning, which he did on the first night. So that was kind of cool.
3. All the vehicles have the steering wheels on the right, except for the golf cart. Why, dunno. Do all golf carts come with the steering wheel on the left?
4. The teaser commercials are really pissing me off. "What's with the holes, we'll tell you in 30 seconds" after this subaru commercial... and then ... the teaser is crap. It doesn't tell you anything.
5. 11-12 has a relationship with 909.
6. Rover can light up and vaporize people.
Night two was a lot better than night one. We know that the outside world is real. Is this all a dream?
Tonight is the conclusion. Does he escape? Does he take anyone with him?
If this is just a dream, I will be very disappointed.
Last night's episodes were "Anvil" and "Darling".
"Anvil" is about 6 becoming an undercover spy for 2. In it we learn some things about the village.
In "Anvil" 6 asks the question we've all been waiting for: "Who is number one?" Apparently, there is no #1.
"There is no number 1, there never has been, and there never will be. The concept of the number 2 is an act of humility. The title reminds us all that we are all public servants."
Ok, so that makes the place sort of communist/socialist. Everyone has their role, and everyone should be treated the same. This is not the case.
It's evident in that there are groups of similar houses, but there are different groups, from #2's palace, to the A frames in 6's neighborhood, 147's family neighborhood, to 909's trailerpark; each area has their role and a stereotype.
"Darling" is about 6 falling in love, or at least thinking he's falling in love. In this episode we find out that the village has been messing with 6 while he's sleeping. Pretty much every night. This time, they are manipulating him to fall in love, and be with the girl that he was with in New York before his abduction. There's also holes in the ground, what the hell they are about, we don't know.
We also get to find out more about what 6 did at his former job, but not very much.
Some things I noticed.
1. Everyone in the village seems to have blue eyes. The only person that I really noticed that didn't have blue eyes, was Lucy (415). Oddly, the brown eyed girl is also blind (or acting that way). Did 6 have brown eyes in New York? Looking at the pictures from the show, it seems everyone doesn't have blue eyes. It sure seemed like everyone did last night.
2. "Anvil" almost had a classic opening sequence. It did show him resigning, which he did on the first night. So that was kind of cool.
3. All the vehicles have the steering wheels on the right, except for the golf cart. Why, dunno. Do all golf carts come with the steering wheel on the left?
4. The teaser commercials are really pissing me off. "What's with the holes, we'll tell you in 30 seconds" after this subaru commercial... and then ... the teaser is crap. It doesn't tell you anything.
5. 11-12 has a relationship with 909.
6. Rover can light up and vaporize people.
Night two was a lot better than night one. We know that the outside world is real. Is this all a dream?
Tonight is the conclusion. Does he escape? Does he take anyone with him?
If this is just a dream, I will be very disappointed.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Seven Saints Whiskey Wednesdays
For all you whiskey lovers, Seven Saints has published their schedule for Whiskey Wednesday.
Whiskey Wednesday is half off the selected whiskey type.
Nov. 18; Bourbon + Rye
Nov. 25; Scotch
Dec. 2; Canadian + Micro
Dec. 9; Irish
Dec. 16; Bourbon + Rye
Dec. 23; Scotch
Dec. 30; Canadian + Micro
Now, I'm not a whiskey guy, but I do know that 7S has one of the best back bars south of Chicago (in Illinois). It's one of the most impressive that I've seen in my travels. The liquor menu is huge.
(They have whiskeys that go up to $250 if not higher; so you can get that at half price.)
So, if you like whiskey's, 7 Saints is probably where you want to go on Wednesday nights. If I was a whiskey guy, I'd be there.
*edit* Wow, when did they get a website.
Here's the whiskey list.
Bourbon:
Basil Hayden’s
Baker’s
Black Maple Hills
Blanton’s
Booker’s
Buffalo Trace
Eagle Rare
Eagle Rare 17yr
Elijah Craig 18yr
Elmer T. Lee
George T. Stagg
Jefferson’s Reserve
Jim Beam
Knob Creek
Maker’s Mark
Noah’s Mill
Pappy Van Winkle 15yr
Pappy Van Winkle 20yr
Pappy Van Winkle 23yr
Pogue Master’s Select
Rip Van Winkle
Rock Hill Farms
Van Winkle 12yr
Vintage Bourbon 17yr
Wild Turkey
William Larue Weller
Woodford Reserve
Rye:
Black Maple Hills Rye
Michter’s Reserve 10yr
Sazerac Rye
Sazerac 18yr Rye
Templeton Rye
Thomas Handy
VW Family Reserve
Scotch:
Ardbeg Uigedial
Arran Single Cask
Auchentoshan Select
Auchentoshan 3Wood
Balvenie 15 yr
Benraich 1994 Unchill
Benromach Marsala
Bladnoch Unchillfiltered
Bruidladdich 1989
Bunnahabhain 1978
Caol Ila
Chivas Regal
Clynelish 9yr 1996
Cragganmore 12yr
Dalwhinnie 15yr
Edradour Grand Arome
Glenkitchie Distiller’s Edition
Glenlivet 12yr
Glenmorangie
HIghland Park 12yr
Highland Park 25yr
Johnnie Walker Black
Johnnie Walker Blue
Johnnie Walker Gold
Johnnie Walker Green
Johnnie Walker Red
Jura 1989
Lagavulin
Laphroaig
Laphroaig Cask Str.
Ledaig 1994
Macallan 12yr
Macallan 18yr
Macallan 25yr
Mortlach 1994
Oban 14yr
Rosebank 1994
Rosebank Cask Str.
Springbank
Talisker
Canadian:
Wiser’s 18yr
Pendleton
Forty Creek
Seagram’s 7
Seagram’s VO
Canadian Club
Crown Royal
Crown Royal Cask 16
Crown Royal XR
Irish:
Bushmills Black Bush
Bushmills 10yr
Bushmills 16yr
Bushmills 21yr
Bushmills 1608
Connemara
Cooley (Murray McDavid)
Greenore
Jameson
Jameson 12yr
Jameson 18yr
Jameson Gold
Midleton Very Rare
Red Breast 12yr
Tyrconnell
Whiskey Wednesday is half off the selected whiskey type.
Nov. 18; Bourbon + Rye
Nov. 25; Scotch
Dec. 2; Canadian + Micro
Dec. 9; Irish
Dec. 16; Bourbon + Rye
Dec. 23; Scotch
Dec. 30; Canadian + Micro
Now, I'm not a whiskey guy, but I do know that 7S has one of the best back bars south of Chicago (in Illinois). It's one of the most impressive that I've seen in my travels. The liquor menu is huge.
(They have whiskeys that go up to $250 if not higher; so you can get that at half price.)
So, if you like whiskey's, 7 Saints is probably where you want to go on Wednesday nights. If I was a whiskey guy, I'd be there.
*edit* Wow, when did they get a website.
Here's the whiskey list.
Bourbon:
Basil Hayden’s
Baker’s
Black Maple Hills
Blanton’s
Booker’s
Buffalo Trace
Eagle Rare
Eagle Rare 17yr
Elijah Craig 18yr
Elmer T. Lee
George T. Stagg
Jefferson’s Reserve
Jim Beam
Knob Creek
Maker’s Mark
Noah’s Mill
Pappy Van Winkle 15yr
Pappy Van Winkle 20yr
Pappy Van Winkle 23yr
Pogue Master’s Select
Rip Van Winkle
Rock Hill Farms
Van Winkle 12yr
Vintage Bourbon 17yr
Wild Turkey
William Larue Weller
Woodford Reserve
Rye:
Black Maple Hills Rye
Michter’s Reserve 10yr
Sazerac Rye
Sazerac 18yr Rye
Templeton Rye
Thomas Handy
VW Family Reserve
Scotch:
Ardbeg Uigedial
Arran Single Cask
Auchentoshan Select
Auchentoshan 3Wood
Balvenie 15 yr
Benraich 1994 Unchill
Benromach Marsala
Bladnoch Unchillfiltered
Bruidladdich 1989
Bunnahabhain 1978
Caol Ila
Chivas Regal
Clynelish 9yr 1996
Cragganmore 12yr
Dalwhinnie 15yr
Edradour Grand Arome
Glenkitchie Distiller’s Edition
Glenlivet 12yr
Glenmorangie
HIghland Park 12yr
Highland Park 25yr
Johnnie Walker Black
Johnnie Walker Blue
Johnnie Walker Gold
Johnnie Walker Green
Johnnie Walker Red
Jura 1989
Lagavulin
Laphroaig
Laphroaig Cask Str.
Ledaig 1994
Macallan 12yr
Macallan 18yr
Macallan 25yr
Mortlach 1994
Oban 14yr
Rosebank 1994
Rosebank Cask Str.
Springbank
Talisker
Canadian:
Wiser’s 18yr
Pendleton
Forty Creek
Seagram’s 7
Seagram’s VO
Canadian Club
Crown Royal
Crown Royal Cask 16
Crown Royal XR
Irish:
Bushmills Black Bush
Bushmills 10yr
Bushmills 16yr
Bushmills 21yr
Bushmills 1608
Connemara
Cooley (Murray McDavid)
Greenore
Jameson
Jameson 12yr
Jameson 18yr
Jameson Gold
Midleton Very Rare
Red Breast 12yr
Tyrconnell
Friday, November 13, 2009
CU Beer Weekend Nov 13
This is going to be a busy week for beer in Champaign Urbana; so get your schedules planned now.
7 Saints
Rotating taps at Saints are still:
Bells Rye Stout
Southern Tier Back Burner Barleywine
Sunday: NORTH SHORE COCKTAIL EVENT 6-8 pm.
Wednesday: Whiskey Wednesday, Half off Whiskey Category, this Wed, Bourbon + Rye.
Not exactly sure how open to the public this is, but if you read it here, call the bar and ask for Andy. I'm sure he'll let you in. 217-351-7775
Radio Maria
Radio has a new dinner menu. They also have a new bottle menu, it's been trimmed down to get rid of some of the less sellers, and to make room for some other beers. Highlights include Goose Island Matilda; Rodenbach Grand Cru; Allagash Curieux; Orval; Westmalle. There's also several Mikkeller's that are now on the menu, so that's nice.
Tap list (as of Nov 13):
1. Ename Belgian Trippel $6
2. Brasserie Blanche de Bruxelles $5
3. Two Brothers Red Eye Coffee Porter $5
4. Two Brothers Heavy Handed IPA $4
5. Three Floyd's Robert the Bruce $4
6. Ballast Pointe Sculpin IPA $6
7. Founders Breakfast Stout $5
8. Victory Prima Pils $5
9. Scaldis Bush Ambree $5
10.Kulmbacher Eisbock $5
11.Pizza Port Hop 15 IPA $5.5
12.Green Flash Hop Head Red $5
13.Unibroue La Terrible $6.5
14.DogfishHead 90 Min IPA $4
15.Three Floyd's Pride N' Joy $4
16.Guinness $4
17.North Coast Old Rasputin $5.5
18.Southern Tier Hop*Sun $3.5
19.Old Bruin Brown $6.5
20.Lagunitas A Little Sumpin Extra $5
21.Capital Autumnal Fire $4
22.Capital Wild Rice $3
23.Arcadia Jaw Jacker $4
24.Dark Horse Perkulator Dopplebock $5.5
25.Coney Island Albino Python $6
26.Kapuziner Weissbier $5
27.PBR $2.25
Friday: Happy Hour 4:30-5:30. Southern Tier Hop*Sun $3. DJ's at 10, with $10 Smirnoff drinks
Saturday: Salsa Night 10 p.m. $3 Bacardi Drinks, $6 Bacardi Mojitos
Sunday: $2 wells, $1 PBR
This weekend will also be Prime Rib specials.
Jan 17, North Coast Brewing Company beer dinner.
Blind Pig
Tap List:
Bells Amber Kalamazoo, Michigan, Amber Ale, 6% abv
Arcadia Jaw-Jacker Pumpkin Battle Creek, Michigan, Spice Ale, 6% abv
Southern Tier Pumpking Lakewood, New York, Spice Ale, 9% abv
Southern Tier Oat Lakewood, New York, Imperial Stout, 11% abv
Celis Grand Cru Webberville, Michigan, Belgian Strong Ale, 8% abv
Unibroue Maudite Canada, Belgian Strong Ale, 8%
Arcadia Hop Rocket Battle Creek, Michigan, Imperial IPA, 9%% abv
Rogue Chocolate Stout Newport, Oregon, Sweet Stout, 6.3% abv
Fullers 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
North Coast Scrimshaw Fort Bragg, California, Pilsener, 4.4% abv
Stella Artois Belgium, Pale Lager, 5.2% abv
Pabst Blue Ribbon San Antonio, Texas, Pale Lager, 5% abv
Arcadia Nut Brown Battle Creek, Michigan, Brown Ale, 5.6%
Atwater Teufel Bock Detroit, Michigan, Weizen Bock, 10.9% abv
Founders Dirty Bastard Grand Rapids, Michigan, Scotch Ale, 8.3%
Lagunitas IPA Petaluma, California, India Pale Ale, 5.7% abv
Duchesse De Bourgogne Belgium, Sour Ale, 6.2% abv
Tucher Helles Hefe Weizen Germany, German Hefeweizen, 5.3% abv
Lindemans Framboise Belgium, Lambic, 2.5% abv
Monk’s Café Sour Ale Belgium, Sour Ale, 5.5% abv
Youngs Double Chocolate Stout England, Stout, 5.2%
Guinness Dublin, Ireland, Dry Stout, 4.1% abv
Tuesday, Nov 19: Blind Pig 5th Anniversary Party. From 7-9 p.m. Rogue giveaways & meet Rogue Brewery rep Dennis Zulanas. Chocolate Stout, Dead Guy Ale, Brutal Bitter, Vintage Aged Imperial Porter, Vintage Aged Imperial IPA, 10 Year Old Crustacean Barleywine, and Dry-Hopped Mogul Madness on CASK!
The Brewery (the Piglet)
Southern Tier Harvest Lakewood, New York, Premium Bitter, 5.7% abv
Veltins Pilsener Germany, Classic German Pilsener, 4.8% abv
Arcadia Roggen Berry Battle Creek, Michigan, Fruit Beer% abv
Port Brewing Wipeout IPA San Marcos, California, India Pale Ale, 7% abv
Two Brothers Cane & Ebel Warrenville, Illinois, American Strong Ale, 7% abv
Dark Horse Scotty Karate Marshall, Michigan, Scotch Ale, 9.75% abv
Heileman's Old Style Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Pale Lager, 5% abv
Gulden Draak Belgium, Quadrupel, 10.5% abv
König Ludwig Weiss Germany, German Hefeweizen, 5.5% abv
Guinness Ireland, Dry Stout, 4.1% abv
Sunday: Trivia 7-9. $2 well liquor; $3 Guinness.
Tuesday, Nov. 17: 3 p.m. Beer Release Party! The starting lineup will be a Kölsch, Hefe Weizen, IPA and a Hard Cider made with Curtis Orchard apples.
Crane Alley
Tap list:
Veltins Pilsener 4.9%
Victory Moonglow Weizenbock 8.7%
Arcadia Nut Brown Ale 5.6%
Lost Abbey Red Barn Saison 6.7%
Dogfish Head Indian Brown Ale 7.2%
Lindemans Pomme 4.0%
Founders Breakfast Stout 8.3%
Hoegaarden Belgian Wit 5.4%
Guinness 4.2%
Rogue Xs Imperial Ipa 9.5%
Unibroue La Terrible 10.5%
Original Sin Hard Cider 6.0%
Pabst Blue Ribbon 4.7%
Troubadour Obscura Stout 8.5%
Two Brothers Heavy Handed Ipa 5.6%
Port Brewing High Tide Fresh Hop Ipa 6.5%
Coming soon:
Schneider Weiss 5.4%
Piraat 10.5%
Founders Porter 6.5%
Belhaven Wee Heavy 6.5%
Old Speckled Hen
Erdinger Octoberfest Weizen 5.6%
Gulden Draak 10.5%
Avery Dugan A Imperial Ipa 8.5%
Great Divide Hibernation
Southern Tier Oatmeal Stout 11.0%
Two Brothers Red Eye Coffee Porter 8.2%
Three Floyds Robert The Bruce 7.0%
Lagunitas Ipa 5.6%
Hebrew Origin Pomegranate Ale 8.0%
Food specials for the weekend of November 13:
BRIE AND PEAR QUESADILLAS - Flour tortillas with pear, red onion, bell peppers, and brie cheese served with lime sour cream
PINEAPPLE FRIED RICE - Pineapple, bell peppers, and green onion tossed in fried rice with a sweet chili sauce
3 PEPPER RIBEYE - Chipotle dusted ribeye with guajillo mashed potatoes, sauteed vegetables, and ancho chili cream suace
Cowboy Monkey
Friday: Heyokas $5 opening act at 9:45, Heyokas at 11:45
Saturday: Heavy Trash $12, Whiskey Daredevils at 10
Highdive
Friday: DJ Delayney $5 10pm
Saturday: DJ World $5 10pm
Monday: 80's night 10pm Free
Wednesday: Stephen Kellogg and the SK6ERS 8pm $15 in Advance.
Canopy Club
Friday: Family Groove Company $7
Saturday: Urbanite Fall '09 "MJ Forever" $10
Sunday: Pizza + Pitcher and Movie, 6 pm Trading Places; 8 pm National Lampoon's Vacation; 10 pm Burn After Reading
Monday: Jobu, no cover, $1 beers and well
Tuesday: Trivia Diner: Live Game Show/The Piano Man
Wednesday: Physical Challenge: A Dance Party Getdown
Thursday: Cross Canadian Ragweed, $15
Other events:
Champaign Urbana Beer Club
November Meeting.
Wednesday 6:30 Crane Alley
There is no cover, no fees, no dues. Just show up with a beer that goes with the theme.
The November theme is 10%+ ABV. So you may want to have a cab on standby or a designated driver handy. Also, you might want to think about taking Thursday off.
Here's how my schedule is currently shaping up.
Friday: Radio Maria happy hour around 5. Probably go get something to eat somewhere after
Saturday: Seems to be free right now
Sunday: Hooters for football, The Prisoner remake on AMC on Sunday night.
Monday: Currently open
Tuesday: 3 p.m. Blind Pig Brewery beer release party. I'm probably going to the Illini vs Northern Ill game with Phil (from highschool)
Wednesday: CU Beer Club November meeting, Crane Alley 6:30 theme is 10%+ ABV
Thursday: Blind Pig 5th Anniversary Party, with Rogue Brewery Rep from 7-9. Beer Class at 7 Saints at 9:30, hopefully we'll get to do IPA's.
7 Saints
Rotating taps at Saints are still:
Bells Rye Stout
Southern Tier Back Burner Barleywine
Sunday: NORTH SHORE COCKTAIL EVENT 6-8 pm.
Wednesday: Whiskey Wednesday, Half off Whiskey Category, this Wed, Bourbon + Rye.
Not exactly sure how open to the public this is, but if you read it here, call the bar and ask for Andy. I'm sure he'll let you in. 217-351-7775
Radio Maria
Radio has a new dinner menu. They also have a new bottle menu, it's been trimmed down to get rid of some of the less sellers, and to make room for some other beers. Highlights include Goose Island Matilda; Rodenbach Grand Cru; Allagash Curieux; Orval; Westmalle. There's also several Mikkeller's that are now on the menu, so that's nice.
Tap list (as of Nov 13):
1. Ename Belgian Trippel $6
2. Brasserie Blanche de Bruxelles $5
3. Two Brothers Red Eye Coffee Porter $5
4. Two Brothers Heavy Handed IPA $4
5. Three Floyd's Robert the Bruce $4
6. Ballast Pointe Sculpin IPA $6
7. Founders Breakfast Stout $5
8. Victory Prima Pils $5
9. Scaldis Bush Ambree $5
10.Kulmbacher Eisbock $5
11.Pizza Port Hop 15 IPA $5.5
12.Green Flash Hop Head Red $5
13.Unibroue La Terrible $6.5
14.DogfishHead 90 Min IPA $4
15.Three Floyd's Pride N' Joy $4
16.Guinness $4
17.North Coast Old Rasputin $5.5
18.Southern Tier Hop*Sun $3.5
19.Old Bruin Brown $6.5
20.Lagunitas A Little Sumpin Extra $5
21.Capital Autumnal Fire $4
22.Capital Wild Rice $3
23.Arcadia Jaw Jacker $4
24.Dark Horse Perkulator Dopplebock $5.5
25.Coney Island Albino Python $6
26.Kapuziner Weissbier $5
27.PBR $2.25
Friday: Happy Hour 4:30-5:30. Southern Tier Hop*Sun $3. DJ's at 10, with $10 Smirnoff drinks
Saturday: Salsa Night 10 p.m. $3 Bacardi Drinks, $6 Bacardi Mojitos
Sunday: $2 wells, $1 PBR
This weekend will also be Prime Rib specials.
Jan 17, North Coast Brewing Company beer dinner.
Blind Pig
Tap List:
Bells Amber Kalamazoo, Michigan, Amber Ale, 6% abv
Arcadia Jaw-Jacker Pumpkin Battle Creek, Michigan, Spice Ale, 6% abv
Southern Tier Pumpking Lakewood, New York, Spice Ale, 9% abv
Southern Tier Oat Lakewood, New York, Imperial Stout, 11% abv
Celis Grand Cru Webberville, Michigan, Belgian Strong Ale, 8% abv
Unibroue Maudite Canada, Belgian Strong Ale, 8%
Arcadia Hop Rocket Battle Creek, Michigan, Imperial IPA, 9%% abv
Rogue Chocolate Stout Newport, Oregon, Sweet Stout, 6.3% abv
Fullers 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
North Coast Scrimshaw Fort Bragg, California, Pilsener, 4.4% abv
Stella Artois Belgium, Pale Lager, 5.2% abv
Pabst Blue Ribbon San Antonio, Texas, Pale Lager, 5% abv
Arcadia Nut Brown Battle Creek, Michigan, Brown Ale, 5.6%
Atwater Teufel Bock Detroit, Michigan, Weizen Bock, 10.9% abv
Founders Dirty Bastard Grand Rapids, Michigan, Scotch Ale, 8.3%
Lagunitas IPA Petaluma, California, India Pale Ale, 5.7% abv
Duchesse De Bourgogne Belgium, Sour Ale, 6.2% abv
Tucher Helles Hefe Weizen Germany, German Hefeweizen, 5.3% abv
Lindemans Framboise Belgium, Lambic, 2.5% abv
Monk’s Café Sour Ale Belgium, Sour Ale, 5.5% abv
Youngs Double Chocolate Stout England, Stout, 5.2%
Guinness Dublin, Ireland, Dry Stout, 4.1% abv
Tuesday, Nov 19: Blind Pig 5th Anniversary Party. From 7-9 p.m. Rogue giveaways & meet Rogue Brewery rep Dennis Zulanas. Chocolate Stout, Dead Guy Ale, Brutal Bitter, Vintage Aged Imperial Porter, Vintage Aged Imperial IPA, 10 Year Old Crustacean Barleywine, and Dry-Hopped Mogul Madness on CASK!
The Brewery (the Piglet)
Southern Tier Harvest Lakewood, New York, Premium Bitter, 5.7% abv
Veltins Pilsener Germany, Classic German Pilsener, 4.8% abv
Arcadia Roggen Berry Battle Creek, Michigan, Fruit Beer% abv
Port Brewing Wipeout IPA San Marcos, California, India Pale Ale, 7% abv
Two Brothers Cane & Ebel Warrenville, Illinois, American Strong Ale, 7% abv
Dark Horse Scotty Karate Marshall, Michigan, Scotch Ale, 9.75% abv
Heileman's Old Style Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Pale Lager, 5% abv
Gulden Draak Belgium, Quadrupel, 10.5% abv
König Ludwig Weiss Germany, German Hefeweizen, 5.5% abv
Guinness Ireland, Dry Stout, 4.1% abv
Sunday: Trivia 7-9. $2 well liquor; $3 Guinness.
Tuesday, Nov. 17: 3 p.m. Beer Release Party! The starting lineup will be a Kölsch, Hefe Weizen, IPA and a Hard Cider made with Curtis Orchard apples.
Crane Alley
Tap list:
Veltins Pilsener 4.9%
Victory Moonglow Weizenbock 8.7%
Arcadia Nut Brown Ale 5.6%
Lost Abbey Red Barn Saison 6.7%
Dogfish Head Indian Brown Ale 7.2%
Lindemans Pomme 4.0%
Founders Breakfast Stout 8.3%
Hoegaarden Belgian Wit 5.4%
Guinness 4.2%
Rogue Xs Imperial Ipa 9.5%
Unibroue La Terrible 10.5%
Original Sin Hard Cider 6.0%
Pabst Blue Ribbon 4.7%
Troubadour Obscura Stout 8.5%
Two Brothers Heavy Handed Ipa 5.6%
Port Brewing High Tide Fresh Hop Ipa 6.5%
Coming soon:
Schneider Weiss 5.4%
Piraat 10.5%
Founders Porter 6.5%
Belhaven Wee Heavy 6.5%
Old Speckled Hen
Erdinger Octoberfest Weizen 5.6%
Gulden Draak 10.5%
Avery Dugan A Imperial Ipa 8.5%
Great Divide Hibernation
Southern Tier Oatmeal Stout 11.0%
Two Brothers Red Eye Coffee Porter 8.2%
Three Floyds Robert The Bruce 7.0%
Lagunitas Ipa 5.6%
Hebrew Origin Pomegranate Ale 8.0%
Food specials for the weekend of November 13:
BRIE AND PEAR QUESADILLAS - Flour tortillas with pear, red onion, bell peppers, and brie cheese served with lime sour cream
PINEAPPLE FRIED RICE - Pineapple, bell peppers, and green onion tossed in fried rice with a sweet chili sauce
3 PEPPER RIBEYE - Chipotle dusted ribeye with guajillo mashed potatoes, sauteed vegetables, and ancho chili cream suace
Cowboy Monkey
Friday: Heyokas $5 opening act at 9:45, Heyokas at 11:45
Saturday: Heavy Trash $12, Whiskey Daredevils at 10
Highdive
Friday: DJ Delayney $5 10pm
Saturday: DJ World $5 10pm
Monday: 80's night 10pm Free
Wednesday: Stephen Kellogg and the SK6ERS 8pm $15 in Advance.
Canopy Club
Friday: Family Groove Company $7
Saturday: Urbanite Fall '09 "MJ Forever" $10
Sunday: Pizza + Pitcher and Movie, 6 pm Trading Places; 8 pm National Lampoon's Vacation; 10 pm Burn After Reading
Monday: Jobu, no cover, $1 beers and well
Tuesday: Trivia Diner: Live Game Show/The Piano Man
Wednesday: Physical Challenge: A Dance Party Getdown
Thursday: Cross Canadian Ragweed, $15
Other events:
Champaign Urbana Beer Club
November Meeting.
Wednesday 6:30 Crane Alley
There is no cover, no fees, no dues. Just show up with a beer that goes with the theme.
The November theme is 10%+ ABV. So you may want to have a cab on standby or a designated driver handy. Also, you might want to think about taking Thursday off.
Here's how my schedule is currently shaping up.
Friday: Radio Maria happy hour around 5. Probably go get something to eat somewhere after
Saturday: Seems to be free right now
Sunday: Hooters for football, The Prisoner remake on AMC on Sunday night.
Monday: Currently open
Tuesday: 3 p.m. Blind Pig Brewery beer release party. I'm probably going to the Illini vs Northern Ill game with Phil (from highschool)
Wednesday: CU Beer Club November meeting, Crane Alley 6:30 theme is 10%+ ABV
Thursday: Blind Pig 5th Anniversary Party, with Rogue Brewery Rep from 7-9. Beer Class at 7 Saints at 9:30, hopefully we'll get to do IPA's.
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