Ladies of Craft Beer

Posted By: SBenner

Poster courtesy of stonebrew.com

The Raleigh Times Bar in Raleigh, NC, has earned quite a few distinctions over the years, including multiple recognitions on Draft’s “100 Best Beer Bars” list. The most recent is a bit more specific, but carries quite the honor – Stone Brewing Co. declared it the “Most Arrogant Bar in America.” The honor came after North Carolinians drank the most pints of Stone Arrogant Bastard Ale, Double Bastard Ale, and OAKED Arrogant Bastard Ale during a week-long promotion in fall 2011. This is the third year in a row a North Carolina drinking hole took the honors, with previous winners being from Charlotte.

Greg Koch, Stone Brewing Co. CEO, was at the celebration at Raleigh Times on March 24 to present the plaque and join hundreds of thirsty admirers in enjoying a prime lineup of a dozen Stone beers. After careful consideration, my husband and I chose Arrogant Bastard Ale, dry-hopped Arrogant Bastard, Imperial Russian Stout, Double Bastard Ale with chipotle peppers, and the Smoked Porter with vanilla beans. The special additions, like chipotle peppers or vanilla beans, enhanced the base beer just enough to smooth them out, and not change the flavor so much you wouldn’t recognize what you’re drinking.

I had the great opportunity to talk with Greg about the event and his impression of the following that Stone, and specifically the “Bastard” series, has developed over the years. When asked about the impression North Carolina has made having taken the honors three years in a row, he said we are “unquestionably very passionate” about our craft beer. The state is home to 21 brewpubs and 28 breweries, and most recently added Sierra Nevada to that list. The craft beer pioneer will set up their East coast facility, including restaurant, about 20 miles south of Asheville, which currently holds the title of “Beer City USA.”

Greg said to expect the Stone version of the Dogfish Head/Victory/Stone collaboration, Saison du Buff, later this year. The three breweries are getting together at the San Diego-based facility in May to put a California spin on the previously brewed batches from Dogfish Head and Victory. The herbs for the beer, which have included rosemary, thyme, and coriander, are grown right at Stone’s own 18-acre farm.

The event lived up to expectations, with Raleigh Times even creating a menu for the day that they deemed “Incredibly Arrogant.” We are looking forward to that week in the fall where we accept the challenge to bring the title back to North Carolina once again!

Related Posts:

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• Interview with Randy Mosher about Women and Beer (Guest post by Ingrid Calderoni)
• Vicki Stowe – Brewmaster (The College Years, Part 15)
• Vicki Stowe – Brewmaster (The College Years, Part 14)

Posted By: Theresa Carpine

Last fall, I noticed that Dry Fly Distilling, Washington’s first legal distillery to operate since Prohibition, was selling some of their used whiskey barrels. I don’t have much use for whiskey barrels, so I didn’t think much of it until Boundary Bay Brewery, my favorite Washington brewery, announced that they were aging some of their beers in the Dry Fly barrels.

My hometown distillery and my adopted hometown brewery were joining forces to create craft beer? I was excited, to say the least.

After some weather-related delays, the two quarter-kegs of Boundary Bay beer made it over the Cascades to Spokane for a crowded tasting event at the Elk Public House on Thursday, March 8, 2012. For $7, patrons received a shot of Dry Fly Whiskey and a 12 oz. pour of either Boundary Bay Barrel Aged Imperial Oatmeal Stout or Cabin Fever.

By the end of the night, both quarter-kegs were gone and at least six empty Dry Fly Whiskey bottles lined the bar.

I started off with the stout, while my companions, Jackie and Dylan of Sweet and Stout Cupcakes, tried the Cabin Fever. I really love the Boundary Bay’s IOS as it is, so I was anxious to see how the whiskey barrels had changed the flavor. The aged version seemed less sweet and drier, which surprised me; I find that aging usually adds smoothness to a beer. The whiskey flavor really came out in the finish, which was a stark contrast to some of the original elements of the beer. Tasting the beer and whiskey side-by-side seemed to emphasize the competing flavors, rather than bring them together.

We flipped beers for the second round and I thought that the whiskey-aged version of Boundary Bay’s winter seasonal benefited from the aging more than the stout. Cabin Fever, a spicy winter warmer, took on some of the elements of a barleywine: strong, sweet, and smooth. Here, the flavor of the beer was enhanced and matched by the whiskey.

Full disclosure: I’m not a whiskey drinker and apparently I made a lot of interesting faces while sipping my shot, which I made last both rounds, but tasting each beer with the whiskey created a different experience than drinking the beer alone. Now, if only I had the unaged versions to taste side-by-side with the aged beer! Maybe next year…

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• Deschutes Brewery Inland Northwest Base Camp
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Posted By: Theresa Carpine

Don’t forget that Ladies of Craft Beer is celebrating Seattle Beer Week on Wednesday, May 25, 2011 from 6 to 9 PM at Full Throttle Bottles with Pike Brewing! Seattle-area women who love craft beer, and those who are curious to learn more about craft beer, are invited to an evening of conversation, networking, and imbibing. Gentlemen are also welcome to attend.

RSVP on Facebook or by emailing locb.reservation@gmail.com. Visit Ladies of Craft Beer – Seattle Beer Week for more details.

Originally posted 2011-05-24 13:31:04.

Posted By: Stevie Caldarola

The following is a press release sent to me by Nicole Courides, Social Media Chair of the Pink Boots Society:

NATIONWIDE: This Mother’s Day, May 13 from 1-4PM, raise a pint to honor the world’s first beer brewers – women. The ladies of the Pink Boots Society invite breweries, brewpubs, restaurants, bottle shops and patrons to participate in the nationwide educational campaign, Bring Mom Out For A Beer (BMOFAB).

“Not only were women the first brewers,” says Teri Fahrendorf, founder of the Pink Boots Society, “but those first women brewers were also mothers,” she concludes. Fahrendorf refers to as early as 3500 BC when women were responsible for the beer making since it was considered a provisional food group.1 And many may argue it still is.

Whether it is enjoying a brewery tour, a guided beer tasting or food pairing, the Pink Boots Society encourages beer lovers to share quality time, as well as a bit of beer education, with the special woman they call “Ma.”

All participating establishments are invited to post their Mother’s Day festivities on www.craftbeer.com under “Events,” or on BMOFAB 2012’s Facebook page (Bring Mom Out For A Beer 2012).

Last year’s participants included:

Saraveza (Portland, Ore.), The Thirsty Monk (Asheville, N.C.), Pi Bar (San Francisco, Calif.), Brown’s Brewing Company (Troy, N.Y.), Wolverine State Brewing Co. (Ann Arbor, Mich.), Wild Rose Brewery (Canada), Icicle Brewing Co. and Munchen Haus Bavarian Grill & Beer Garden (Leavenworth, Wash.), Brugge Brasserie (Indianapolis, Ind.), Full Sailing Brewing Co. (Hood River, Ore.), SanTan Brewing Co. (Chandler, Ariz.), Ladyface Alehouse & Brasserie (Agoura Hills, Calif.), Market Cross Pub & Brewery (Carlisle, Pa.), Triumph Brewing Co. (New Hope, Pa.) and Pike Brewing Co. (Seattle, Wash.).

PBS background
Since 2007, Fahrendorf has been marching one pink boot in front of the other in creating a renowned network of women with one strong passion – encouraging the education and appreciation of beer. The international Pink Boots Society is composed of more than 735 professional females within the beer industry (i.e. owners, CEOs, brewers, packagers, marketers, manufacturers, servers and beer journalists).

Posted By: Theresa Carpine

What do you get for the beer lover in your life that has everything (cellared) this holiday season? Tickets to the Holiday Ale Festival in Portland, Oregon, of course. At the five-day event, they’ll have the chance to try rare, vintage, and/or specially-crafted beer from more than 40 craft breweries.

“You aren’t going to come here and find a beer that you could purchase at your local supermarket,” said festival manager Preston Weesner in the press materials for the festival, which is the premier winter beer tasting event on the West Coast.

When I think of winter ales, I think of rich, dark stouts, but let’s not forget the sweet and spicy barley wines and strong ales that keep us warm during the dreary Northwest winter too. Natian Brewing, a Portland nanobrewery, is even bringing a Winter IPA to Holiday Ale Festival, which their website describes as having “[a] predominant hop presence from start to finish with enough malt character to remind you it isn’t always JUST about the IBUs.”

Attendees will be especially eager to try these ales and other winter warmers, as the festival technically takes place outdoors. Brrr! While you may want to wear lots of layers to this event, don’t let the weather stop you from venturing out for beer; the 18,000 festival-goers will stay warm and dry as they enjoy craft beer next to gas heaters under clear-topped tents.

The 2010 Holiday Ale Festival takes place at Pioneer Courthouse Square on December 1st through 5th. Daily hours of the festival are as follows:

Wednesday, 2 to 10 PM
Thursday – Saturday, 11 AM to 10 PM
Sunday, 11 AM to 5 PM

The purchase of an entry package is required for beer tasting, which includes a 2010 souvenir mug and 10 beer tickets. Advance entry tickets (available online) are $20; tickets at the door are $25. A four-ounce taste costs one beer ticket (two for some specialty beers), and a full mug is four beer tickets. Additional beer tickets can be purchased for $1 apiece. Free re-admission is allowed throughout the festival with a wristband and 2010 mug.

Designated drivers in parties of two or more may purchase a designated driver wristband for $5. They can enjoy complimentary root beer, courtesy of Crater Lake Soda Company, during the festival.

You’re also invited to celebrate the close of the festival at the 2010 Belgian Beer & Brunch on Sunday, December 5, 2010 at 11 AM. This exclusive event features special Belgian-style beers that are not available at the regular festival, paired with European-style brunch items. Tickets are limited to this festival event, so purchase yours now if you plan to attend!

For more information, visit Holiday Ale Festival or call (503) 252-9899.

Happy holidays and merry drinking!

Originally posted 2010-11-23 10:30:05.

Posted By: Stevie Caldarola

The following is from a press release I received from Emily Garland of Tapped Craft Beer Events in NYC.

NEW YORK, NY – Over 100 women who work or are involved in the beer industry in NYC will gather together on Monday, February 27 for “New York City Women in Beer,” a social and networking event to be held at Taproom 307 (307 3rd Ave.) in Manhattan.

The event is organized by Emily Garland, Founder and CEO of Tapped Craft Beer events, and Sonya Giacobbe, co-owner of Kelso Beer Co.

“The idea for NYC Women in Beer originally came to me because I’m interested in meeting more women in the industry,” said Garland. “Sonya and I are thrilled with the response. Our hope is that this event will not only provide women with an opportunity to expand their networks and discover new business opportunities, but also encourage dialogue and education among different sides of the the industry that may not frequently interact, leading to a strengthening of the community and a foundation for further growth and innovation.”

Giacobbe added, “Networking is the grease in any field of work. It’s through networking that unexpected opportunities, surprising collaborations and new ideas are formed. For whatever reason, most women in the industry just aren’t in the positions that afford them the chance to network on a regular basis, so we wanted to create that space. Also, beer people are good people, so why not organize a night of drinking with them?”

Admission is free but an RSVP is required. There will be $5 draft beers during the event, which will run from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Women from many notable breweries, bars, distributors and other beer-related organizations have registered, including the Brooklyn Brewery, Peekskill Brewery, Union Beer Distributors, Blind Tiger, Brooklyn Homebrew and Yankee Brew News.

“It is a very exciting time for beer in New York City – I’m excited to see where this event could lead us, and encourage all women in the industry to attend!” said Garland.

Visit http://nycwomeninbeer.eventbrite.com/ for more information.

Related Posts:

• Reminder for Ladies of Craft Beer at Seattle Beer Week
• Women Belong in the Kitchen! (why it’s actually a compliment) – Guest Post by Stephanie Benner
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• Women in Beer Series – Martha Holley-Paquette
• Women in Beer Series – Audra Marotta

Posted By: Theresa Carpine

One of my favorite breweries, Deschutes Brewery, is making all my dreams come true next week. I exaggerate, but I am very excited about a variety of Deschutes events taking place in my hometown and its surrounding environs between February 28 and March 3, 2012. I love that we get them for an extra day; thanks, Leap Year!

Spokane, Washington and several nearby cities in north Idaho are the first stop of Deschutes’ 2012 “Base Camp” series, a ten city tour that brings “specialty beer tastings, beer and food pairings and a celebration of craft beer goodness” to locations around the brewery’s distribution territory.

Woody, via Deschutes Flickr

I’m especially excited for the event on Tuesday, February 28th at Soulful Soups and Spirits to Celebrate Women and Craft Beer at a beer pairing dinner with Deschutes employees Angela and Gina. Beer cocktails, beer cheese soup, and a chocolate dessert with some beer loving ladies? Yes, please!

Another must for Deschutes Base Camp? Getting my picture taken with Woody, a giant traveling beer barrel and mobile tavern. Woody will be parked outside The Blue Spark on Wednesday, February 29th for Trivia Night, so don’t miss this opportunity to best Deschutes employees with your beer knowledge for swag and prizes.

Visit Deschutes Brewery Events to find all the great opportunities to drink Deschutes beer at Base Camp in the Inland Northwest and beyond.

Related Posts:

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• Dry Fly Barrel Aged Boundary Bay Beer Tasting
• Craft Beer with Cookies by South Durham Confection Company
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Posted By: Julia Taylor

Catherine the Great

Valentine’s Day is around the corner, which means that the commercial world is very busy brainwashing guys to buy roses, chocolates, and heart shaped jewelry. We are Ladies of Craft Beer, so it is only appropriate that our Valentines present us with a special brew, a true chick beer, one suitable for an empress…

During the porter rage of the 18^th century, Peter the Great of Russia became a fan during his visit to England.  He requested that some of this brown elixir be sent to his Imperial Court, but the beer spoiled along the thousand-mile route.  In an effort to salvage England’s brewing reputation, Barclay Brewery of London increased the amount of alcohol and hops for the second batch.  The result was the “Russian Imperial Stout”, a dark complex ale that quickly warmed the bodies and hearts of the people of Russia. According to legend, Empress Catherine the Great of Russia  was very partial to the stout and repeatedly ordered large quantities for her own consumption and for her court. Her support of this brew made in popular inEngland and has contributed to its popularity today.

Russian Imperial Stouts are very popular among craft brewers, and today’s ebony brew has moved far from tradition with additives like chocolate, chili peppers, fruit, and herbs. Sometimes, however, the rich, roasty, and bittersweet flavors of this complex ale is all that is needed. I have tried many Imperial Stouts, but the one that you have not tried always seems to be the best, and I aspire for a Portsmouth Brewery’s Kate the Great.  This brew has received a World-Class (100) rating on Beer Advocate  from both Reviewers and The Bros , which places it as the crème de la crème of Imperial Stouts. The beer is brewery only release  planned for March 5 and is sold via a lottery system. Fourteen barrels were brewed for this year’s release, and 2,000-11.6 oz. bottles will be available for sale. A total of 15,000 scratch-off tickets will go on sale at the brewery approximately three weeks before the release, and there will be 2,000 “winners” mixed randomly among them, entitling the bearer to purchase a bottle for $8. The tickets are $2 each and all revenue will go to charity. Ticket announcements will be posted on their  Facebook  and sent out on Twitter , so stay tuned if you’re in the Portsmouth, NH area.

If you’re not lucky enough to get a “winning” ticket, join me in my attempt to brew a Kate the Great clone  utilizing the brewer’s recipe and the meticulous notes of  The Mad Fermentationist.

Kate the Great Clone

OG: 1.101  FG: 1.030  SRM: 51 ABV: 12%  IBU: 73

Mash Temp: 149 Boil Time: 135 minutes  Volume: 5.5 gal.

Grain Bill

17.75 lbs. American Pale “2-row” (73.9%)

1.00 lbs. Light DME (4.2%)

0.81 lbs. Flaked Barley (3.4%)

0.81 lbs. Special B (3.4%)

0.81 lbs. Wheat Malt (3.4%)

0.69 lbs. Carafa Special III (2.9%)

0.56 lbs. Aromatic Malt (2.3%)

0.50 lbs. Crystal 60L (2.1%)

0.44 lbs. Roasted Barley (~500L) (1.8%)

0.22 lbs. Black Patent Malt (0.9%)

0.22 lbs. Chocolate Malt (0.9%)

0.22 lbs. Crystal 120L (0.9%)

 Hops

2.00 oz. Columbus (Pellet, 13.00% AA) @ 75 min.

1.00 oz. Styrian Goldings (Pellet, 5.25% AA) @ 0 min.

 Additions

0.50 tsp Yeast Nutrient @ 15 min.

0.50 Whirlfloc @ 15 min.

0.75 oz Port soaked medium toast French oak cubes for 120 days

Yeast

WYeast 1272 American Ale II

Related Posts:

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• Vicki Stowe – Brewmaster (The College Years, Part 5)
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• Vicki Stowe – Brewmaster (Part 15)

Posted By: Stevie Caldarola

When: Wednesday February 9 6:30pm

Where: Taco Mac Lindbergh (573 Main Street Atlanta, 30324)
Entry is $25, and seating is limited– reserve your spot today!

Tower has teamed up with the GALS to present a special GALS Night Out Heavy Seas Tasting at Taco Mac Lindbergh. Meet Kevin Fox, Territory Manager for Clipper City Brewing, enjoy your favorite Heavy Seas brews (or find a new favorite), and snack on some appetizers from Taco Mac. Come catch up with the GALS for some weeknight fun!

Featured Heavy Seas beers for the evening include:

Marzen
Small Craft Warning Uber Pils
Loose Cannon – American Hop3 Ale
Peg Leg Imperial Stout
Black Cannon Black IPA

Please RSVP through Tower, and let us know on Twitter or Facebook if you’ll be joining in on the High Seas fun!

Related Posts:

• Introducing… Jennifer O’Connell
• Beki’s Pumpkin Draught
• Slate.com – The Hops Ceiling
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• Holiday Gifts for Home Brewers (Or Those Who Want to Start)

Originally posted 2011-02-07 09:10:23.