February 2009 Archives

If you drink beer and use the Internet, you're probably familiar with Beer Advocate, a popular magazine and Website devoted to beer.  Between the copius beer reviews and the busy forums, it's an easy way to burn through time without even realizing it.

One discussion thread that's been active the past few days concerns the replacement of a brewer over at Rohrbach's, a German-style brewery and restaurant in Rochester, NY.

You can click here to view the discussion, but you may need to login to see the complete thread.  Beer Advocate uses a partial walled-garden approach to some of their content that requires you to complete a free registration to view certain content.  While I'm typically reluctant to register to view anything on any site, I finally gave in for Beer Advocate.

I was poking around Buttle's Beer Blog (a great blog out of Rochester that links to us, hurrah) and thought I would share an interesting post that mentions Custom Brewcrafters in Honeoye Falls, NY (near Rochester) and reviews their St. Patrick's Irish Ale.

The business model for Custom Brewcrafters intrigued me.  From the official site:

Custom BrewCrafters introduced to the market in 1997 an innovative micro-brewing concept in which they have partnered with dozens of local restaurant and tavern owners in offering unique signature craft-brews custom designed for each establishment.

If I am ever in Honeoye Falls again, I think I will be giving them visit.

While your checking out the blog, also check out the post and link to an article about the legalization of homebrewing from the libertarian magazine, Reason, for a good read.

I understand that this may not fall under the umbrella of "craft beer," but it's heartening economic news for another depressed upstate city.  Plus, it ties into the KPS purchase of High Falls.

The Buffalo News writes that Labatt USA will remain headquartered in Buffalo, and in these days of economic turbulence, not having bad news is good news in its own right.  And, a representative of KPS is quoted as saying more local jobs may be added. 

So cheers to Buffalo.

One statistic in particular caught my eye:

The Labatt and Anheuser- Busch families of brands are the two biggest sellers in Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse. About half of the sales of Labatt-brand beers in the United States are to customers in those three upstate markets.

That's a lot of rice! Geographically, it makes sense, but I'm starting to wonder if I should have started a "Bud and Blue Blog" for pure readership.  As it turns out, writing about great tasting beer is like drinking great tasting beer- it's just more interesting.  So no worries, I'll be sticking with the craft beer concept. 

Rochester's High Falls Brewery has been sold to the New York City investment firm, KPS Capital Partners.  According to News 10, rumors are swirling inside and outside the brewery, but the news doesn't seem bad.  In fact, good news may be on the horizon, including more investment in marketing and equipment, and more jobs if Labatt beer is produced there.

The Democrat and Chronicle reports that the decision to make Labatts at the brewery has yet to be made by the new owners.  Other breweries the firm may acquire are also contenders.  Regardless, the current consensus appears to be positive.

Each Saturday from now through April 4th, Brewery Ommegang is hosting their "great beer deserves great food" winter dining series.  The brewery hooks up with local chefs who feature Ommegang beer as a key ingredient in various dishes.

I can personally attest this is a good time to visit the brewery, but like Ommegang's Website warns, it's a good idea to get there soon after it starts at noon- the food goes quickly, no surprise.

Best of all, it's free.  So taste some food, take a tour and sample a few beers on the house.

 Brooklyn Brewery is releasing its latest concoction, the Brooklyn Local 2 on Friday, March 6.  According to the Brooklyn Website, the Local 2 is an abbey-inspired ale that features New York State raw wildflower honey, Belgian dark candi sugar, and sweet orange peel.

Interested in attending the launch party?  Visit Brooklyn Brewery's event page for details.

I came across a fascinating article from The New York Times today, one of those finds that makes you wonder "is there anything that isn't on the Web?"  The article in question was originally published September 9, 1894, and is available as a free PDF of the original print.

"HOP INDUSTRY IN THIS STATE: In Madison and Oneida Counties it is of Much Importance," the headline blandly states.  But following the unassuming title is a treasure-trove of historic insight and titillation. 

The article begins with an overview of the signficance of hop farming in Central New York and investigates its decline over the past ten years, which the writer attributes to several factors, not the least being greed.  According to the article, in 1883-1884 there was a hop shortage (sound familiar?) due to the failing of crops in England and Australia.  Already a major source of the world's hops, Central New York farmers drastically increased their prices and made a killing. 

However, this spurred the search for new sources of hops, and that search ended in the state of Washington, where land was fertile and plentiful, and the help was cheap. 

Is history repeating itself?  Perhaps I am trying too hard to make a connection, but it seems the hop shortage of today has spurred a similar search for new hop resources.

All very fine and interesting, you might say, but what about the orgies?  Where do they come in? 

After a summation of the economic signifance of hop farming, the article shifts to an exploration of the hop-picking culture.  This section goes into much detail and tawdry supposition.

Apparently, the big draw for seasonal hop-pickers was not just financial.  "Hop-dig" was the local slang for the post-harvest jamboree held in a baling room or a boarding hall.  All the dance and drink caught the eye of the Syracuse Rescue Mission:

"The devil has long had a monopoly of the fields.  Every year thousands of men, women, and children engage in hop picking.  The worst elements from the cities of Central New York go, besides many respectable families.  It is a sort of vacation for many, where the restraints of home life are laid aside..."

Innocent celebrations or depraved "orgies of the hop field?"  We may never know. 

Kid Rock is "designing" his own craft beer with the Michigan Brewing Co., according to an article from the Detroit Free Press:

The beer's name, style and pricing are yet to be decided. Kid Rock is working closely with Mason (the brewer) on the design, naming and style of the beer...

I'm almost afraid to see what they come up with, but maybe they could break some new ground with adjuncts.  Skunkweed, an edible plant that grows near streams and tastes like its name implies might be an interesting, fitting choice.  (I want credit if they run with this idea).

Granted, this isn't exactly New York related except that the beer will be distributed in the state.  But it did get me thinking... why not combine home-grown celebrities with local brewers and come up with some new craft beers to stimulate the state economy?

A few ideas to get the gears turning:

  Steve Wynn + Matt Brewing Co. = Wynn's Vegas Club Pilsener

Raised in Utica, Steve Wynn is a bajillionaire Vegas entrepeneur.  You may recognize a few of his ventures including The Mirage, Treasure Island, and the Bellagio.  Combined with the classic Utica Club, we get the new Wynn's Vegas Club.  Special adjuncts could include gold flakes, like in Goldschläger.  It would also be light-bodied, and easy-to-drink reminscent of watered-down casino cocktails.

Tom Cruise + Empire Brewing Co. = Tom's Top-Hop ESB

Born in Syracuse, this celebrity powerhouse needs no introduction.  I'm thinking a super-hopped ESB that plays off of his Top Gun days, and also his current status of crazy couch hopping.  This started off as an IPA, but given the uncertain future of his star-power, Extra Special Bitter just sounds better.

Kristen Wiig + High Falls Brewery = Saturday Night Lager

Fans of Saturday Night Live will be familiar with comedian and Rochester native Kristen Wiig.  Saturday Night Lager will be an eccentric brew that is fun to drink for a while but may grow repetitive over frequent imbibings.

I'm imagining there are better possibilities out there, so if you think of one, please share.

Lake Placid Pub & Brewery has a recent distribution update on their site:

We are FINALLY able to expand our distribution.  We have re-entered the Albany area market and are back in the Syracuse region (Clark's Blue Tusk, Awful Al's, Wegman's, and more)...

For the complete update, head over to the official site.  You can also find the nearest spot to pick up your next Ubu Ale!

Here's a follow-up to the post about beer taxes in New York- The Syracuse Post-Standard has published letters to the editor on the issue.

So, is beer a "recession-proof beverage?"

It's hard to imagine summer when you're still chipping ice off of your windshield and shoveling out your driveway, but that hasn't stopped the Matt Brewing company.

First things first.  The brewery has named Blues Traveler as the first confirmed act of the Saranac 2009 Concert Series.  If you enjoy Saranac beer and live music in an outdoor setting, the Saranac concerts are great events.  I've seen Robert Randolph, Lucinda Williams and moe., which are just a few of the top-notch acts that have been booked in the recent past.  The brewery courtyard makes for a great venue with good sound and views of the stage from all angles.  For more information on the June 14th show, check out Saranac's event page.

Next on the list we have the date for the first Saranac Thursday, May 28th.  If you are from the Utica area, you are likely familiar with the event.  Every Thursday from 5 - 8 pm a couple thousand Saranac lovers gather for this social event in the brewery's courtyard.  With an admission of five dollars (which also gets you your first beer), the price is right for live music and a good time overall.

And of course, the beer.  Saranac has announced the line-up for the 12 Beers of Summer which includes four new brews:

• Saranac Helles
• Saranac Rye Pilsener
• Saranac Amber Wheat
• Saranac Pale Pale Ale
• Saranac Summer Ale
• Saranac Pomegranate Wheat

Check here for full descriptions of each beer, three of which feature wheat malt.

Syracuse.com has an interesting article today about the potential impact (if any) of Governor Paterson's proposed beer tax increase.

According to the article, the change would increase the excise tax on beer from 11 cents to 24 cents per gallon.

While the first page of the article focuses largely on Anheuser-Busch, the second page of the article has craft brewers  Empire Brewing of Syracuse and Brewery Ommegang of Cooperstown quoted on the issue.

Yes Virginia, there are people who still care about Genny.

And most of them live in Rochester.

A comment was left on an earlier post by TG who asked "Maybe I'm being a little too harsh, but does anyone really care about Genny anymore?"

Let this video from WROC-TV be your answer...

The Cooperstown Brewing Company makes a "Backyard IPA" that uses a quantity of locally grown hops in their mix of finishing hops.  In addition to being a tasty beverage, it started me thinking about the possibility of growing my own hops.

As a homebrewer, I buy most of my hops online (I don't have a full-fledged homebrewing shop where I live).  This had been working well until about the last year or so, when the hop shortage made product hard to find and more expensive.  The outlook for this year seems better, but even so, growing my own hops still has a lot of appeal.

In 1850, New York was producing over three million pounds of hops a year.  I don't need quite that much, but at least I know my efforts may be successful.  This article by Richard Vang is a good read on the history of New York hop farming, though it's a bit old.

My first challenge will be acquiring hop rhizomes (like roots) so I can plant them.  I've heard of people having wild hops growing in their backyards, but I'm pretty sure I don't have any in mine.  Wild hops may also have wild flavors, which intrigues me, but if I'm going to put the time into growing them...

I will probably end up buying rhizomes online.  There are a few sources out there, but I may go with MoreBeer, as I've bought from them before.  Their rhizome product page states that they will be taking reservations in February.  So apparently, if like me you're interested in growing your own hops this summer, this is the time to make your move.

Once I have my rhizomes, the next challenge will be keeping them alive.  Luckily for me, a search on Google brings up a wealth of tips and strategies for growing hops.  If you know of a great resource to get hop rhizomes, please share in the comments! 

The kind folks over at The Foaming Head gave The NY Brew Authority a shout out on their New York beer blog, check it out.

There is a lot of great content over at The Foaming head, including a domestic beer blog, the NY beer blog, and lots of beer reviews.  Plus they have videos!

You can find your way to all this great stuff from their main page:

foaminghead.com

Reuters is reporting that a private equity firm, KPS Capital Partners, may be making a deal to buy the High Falls Brewery in Rochester, NY in exchange for taking on their debt.

High Falls makes the iconic Genesee brand beers and also the Dundee line, in addition to importing and distributing a few other labels.

Read the brief article here and visit the High Falls site here. 

Mayhaps the time has come to take a trip to Garrattsville.  Where?  Why?

Moo Thunder.

No, my neurons aren't firing on the fritz.  Moo Thunder is a goodly stout that I had the honor of trying this summer at the Tap and Mallet in Rochester.  Smooth, malty and featuring less body than the stouts you might be used to, Moo Thunder is an easy drinker.

The novelty packaging demands your attention.  Moo Thunder, like the other brews from Butternuts (yes, Butternuts), comes in a cartoony can marketed to the fifteen-year old boy in all of us.  It's one of the better beers I've had from a can, actually. 

For your amusement, the other Butternuts beers feature "witty" names as well:

• Porkslap Pale Ale
• Snapperhead IPA
• Heinieweisse

When your done rolling on the floor laughing, you can check out the official Butternuts site for more information.  Wait, scratch that, visit their Myspace page- it's less confusing and more up to date.

Not ready to make the trip to Garrattsville?  Here are a couple other upcoming options:

March 7th - Landin Ales Butternuts Cask Fest happening at Mr. Beery's in Bethpage, NY

April 17th - Butternuts beer tasting at C's Beverage Center located at 7 Third Ave Oswego, NY 13126

No plans for the weekend?  Grab a designated driver and make a short roadtrip down the Bru-way using this list of New York breweries from The New York Brewer's Association as your guide.

At the same link, you'll also find a downloadable brochure with a map of the listed breweries and brewpubs.

Have a favorite beer-tour you'd like to suggest?  Please share.

Here's an idea: This article from the Buffalo Bulletin offers homebrewing as a response to tough economic times.

Homebrewing isn't necessarily cheap (thanks again, hop shortage), but if you compare it to buying quality beer by the six-pack, it looks better. Say on average you spend $20 - $40 dollars to brew five gallons (approximately two cases) of beer.  You're looking at about 63 cents per bottle.  Now think about how much you spent on your last trip to the grocery store.

And who can put a price on the pride of brewing delicious beer and having total control over the quality of the ingredients?

Not sure you're ready, or able?  It's easier than you might think.  Check out the article linked above for some basic details.

What ales me?  Not much with the latest mixpack from Saranac.

In case you were tired of the 12 beers of winter, or just tired of winter in general, here's a package update: What Ales You?

The contents:

• Irish Red Ale
• Pale Ale
• Pomegranate Wheat
• India Pale Ale
• Brown Ale
• Stout

I personally like this sampling, as it leaves out the Adirondack Amber.  Yeah, there's nothing wrong with it, but I always find myself passing it on to someone else.  Plus, you get a chance to try the new Irish Red Ale without going in for an entire sixpack. (It's OK).

Here's a policy any party should agree on:  Obama-inspired beer by Brewery Ommegang is delicious.

I stumbled upon the aptly titled Obamagang in a local tavern, quick to notice a new tap handle from Ommegang.  Being a fan of their world-class beer, I of course ordered a draft.  The copy from Ommegang's official site may say it best:

The beer itself is a dark ale close to a stout, but hinting at a porter. At 6.2% and full of robust roasted malt and chocolate flavors, "Obamagang" is fortifying yet highly drinkable.

Yep, sounds about right.  Sure beats a commemorative plate.

One might wonder what beer could be brewed for John McCain.  My instinct says an Irish Red Ale with an ample dose of bittering hops.  

Where can you find some Obamagang?  If you live in a major east coast city like New York or DC, it shouldn't be a problem.  Or, if you're "privileged" enough to live in Upstate NY, a rare perk: it's on tap at select bars in Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Utica, and of course, Cooperstown.  Check out the official Ommegang site for the complete list.

Legally, Obamagang is being marketed as "Inauguration Ale 2009," but the tap handles read differently. 

Democrat, Republican or Independent, Obamagang is a clear winner. 

You may or may not be aware of the recent global hop shortage, but you've probably noticed the price of your sixpack going up over the last year or so.  Love IPA's?  Then you've felt the pinch.  If you're a homebrewer like myself, you've definitely noticed it in the inavailability of certain hops.

Good news appears to be on the horizon.  According to an article from BNET, hop farmers have had a bumper crop, which is good news for you and me.  I'm curious to see how long it takes to see the $benefit$ in the supermarket cooler. 

Well, clearly there's still a long way to go for craft beer adoption in Upstate New York, but the signs are good overall, according to this article and video from WKTV in Utica.  I especially enjoyed this quote regarding the increase in craft beer sales:

"I think it's a change in their overall tastes," said Craig Martell. "I think that people just want to try different things. I mean, I've got beers here that are banana nut bread, ones that are 23% alcohol."

A beer that is "banana but bread?"  Hmmm, interesting.  Looks like I have something new to try, perhaps?  How about a banana nut bread beer that is also 23% alcohol?  That'd get you peeled.

From News10Now out of Syracuse:

Thousands gathered for what was on tap at the State Fairgrounds; samples of Central New York's finest beers. More than 60 brewers served up their best to the area's beer enthusiasts Saturday...

Follow this link for the complete article and a video.

We love you.  Come back and read more!  More updates on the way including lots more posting and some improvements in the design.  Until then, why not crack open a beer?