Hopheads rejoice!
Tue. 11/25 - 9:00 p.m. & Wed. 11/26 - 1:00 a.m. EST - Discovery Channel
Mike Rowe and his cast of characters travel to Yakima with an episode of Dirty Jobs.
A visit to a hop farm is his job of choice. While I don't know how dirty it will be, it should be entertaining, and a great time to try my latest thanksgiving ale. I can smell it from here.
http://www.yakima-herald.com/stories/7335
Monday, November 24, 2008
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
An Album for Beer Drinkin'
Here at the Brouha Blog, our love for beer is matched only by our love for music. Often the two go hand and hand. Some of the best nights combine the two in some way or another, whether it's a concert or just sitting around with friends listening to great music. In the same way that there can be a perfect beer to fit the circumstances, there can be a perfect song or album. We decided every once in a while, we'd try to give our recommendations for the song or album we think goes well with a night of good beer drinking!
The first album we'll talk about in this new series has to be The Doors' Morrison Hotel.
First off, the songs Roadhouse Blues and Land Ho have two of the greatest lyrics about drinking you'll ever hear. See if you can find them. The Doors are easily one of the great rock bands of all times, but it wasn't until recently that I started getting into their later work. I had been missing out. Everyone's familiar with their early stuff (Break on Through, Light My Fire), and with good reason, but some of their later songs are so much stronger. This album is the first to cut back on some of the more experimental elements in their earlier albums. It shows the band delivering straightforward, in-your-face, hard rock. I can't listen to this album without imaging sitting in a dark, dusty bar. Going along with that mood, the album makes me want to drink something dark and heavy, maybe a BBC Bourbon Barrel Stout, which is easily my favorite local beer and one of my favorite beers overall. So get a little rowdy during Peace Frogs and Ship of Fools, sit back and enjoy tunes like Waiting For the Sun and The Spy, and end the night getting down with the jam, Maggie M'Gill. And do it all with a good beer in hand.
The first album we'll talk about in this new series has to be The Doors' Morrison Hotel.
First off, the songs Roadhouse Blues and Land Ho have two of the greatest lyrics about drinking you'll ever hear. See if you can find them. The Doors are easily one of the great rock bands of all times, but it wasn't until recently that I started getting into their later work. I had been missing out. Everyone's familiar with their early stuff (Break on Through, Light My Fire), and with good reason, but some of their later songs are so much stronger. This album is the first to cut back on some of the more experimental elements in their earlier albums. It shows the band delivering straightforward, in-your-face, hard rock. I can't listen to this album without imaging sitting in a dark, dusty bar. Going along with that mood, the album makes me want to drink something dark and heavy, maybe a BBC Bourbon Barrel Stout, which is easily my favorite local beer and one of my favorite beers overall. So get a little rowdy during Peace Frogs and Ship of Fools, sit back and enjoy tunes like Waiting For the Sun and The Spy, and end the night getting down with the jam, Maggie M'Gill. And do it all with a good beer in hand.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
A Great Beer on a Great Night
I don't think it would be right to put a post up today without talking, at least briefly, about the election. I must admit that I had a weird feeling on the way to the voting booth yesterday. For the first time in my life I was excited about both candidates, and I was still a little unsure which way I would go. If you were able to skim through all the campaign craziness, you could see that we were truly blessed with a decision between two fine Americans. On the one hand you had a man who had dedicated his life to serving his country and wanted nothing more than to continue to do so. On the other, there was a man who had energized and inspired the American people in a way that was completely unprecedented, at least in my lifetime. Voters couldn't ask for much more. I knew that no matter how things turned out I would be proud to be an American, and I was not disappointed.
I'll leave it at that and turn to another bright spot from last night...Avery's Ale to the Chief. This is a beer worthy of the highest office in the land. A Presidential Pale Ale (Imperial would be the technical term, but as Avery points out this is a democracy!), it's an American Pale with jacked up hop and malt levels that was then dry-hopped with American Cascade hops. It poured a beautiful deep gold with a nice, creamy head that hung around until the final sip. When I poured the beer the room filled with a wonderful hop aroma. My dog even noticed something in the air. The first taste you get is a wonderfully overwhelming citrusy hop flavor that is almost immediately balanced out with a smooth, yet powerful, maltiness. There is really nothing better than a big beer that, despite the ultra high hop levels, can be completely balanced. I'm not sure if it was the perfect pairing, but I had it with some apple pie flavored ice cream (what can I say, it was a patriotic night). Just a quick warning - this comes in big bottles and packs a 8.75% abv, so don't down one of these right before giving your acceptance speech. Overall, it was a beer worthy of the night, and I think I'll have another on Inauguration Day (maybe a couple between now and then, as well).
I'll leave it at that and turn to another bright spot from last night...Avery's Ale to the Chief. This is a beer worthy of the highest office in the land. A Presidential Pale Ale (Imperial would be the technical term, but as Avery points out this is a democracy!), it's an American Pale with jacked up hop and malt levels that was then dry-hopped with American Cascade hops. It poured a beautiful deep gold with a nice, creamy head that hung around until the final sip. When I poured the beer the room filled with a wonderful hop aroma. My dog even noticed something in the air. The first taste you get is a wonderfully overwhelming citrusy hop flavor that is almost immediately balanced out with a smooth, yet powerful, maltiness. There is really nothing better than a big beer that, despite the ultra high hop levels, can be completely balanced. I'm not sure if it was the perfect pairing, but I had it with some apple pie flavored ice cream (what can I say, it was a patriotic night). Just a quick warning - this comes in big bottles and packs a 8.75% abv, so don't down one of these right before giving your acceptance speech. Overall, it was a beer worthy of the night, and I think I'll have another on Inauguration Day (maybe a couple between now and then, as well).
Monday, November 3, 2008
Time to Hit the Booth!
First of all, I apologize for the fact that this post has nothing to do with beer. Occasionally, our minds wander off our favorite beverage and our attention turns to something else. It happens. We here at the Brouha Blog just wanted to encourage everyone to get out and vote tomorrow. I know we're all tired of seeing the annoying ads and the even more annoying cable news shows, but I think we often lose sight of the fact that...we get to vote! Tomorrow morning we get to go stand in a little booth and decide who we think should lead our great nation. It truly is a wonderful thing.
What's even more wonderful is that the law school decided to cancel classes for the whole day tomorrow! That means I'm going to go vote, come home, watch about five episodes of the West Wing (an Election Day must), and then watch as the ballots are counted and our new leader is chosen. Then, whoever wins, I'll hoist a cold one of these...
...and welcome in the next four years. (See we always bring it back to the beer. That's Avery Brewing Company's Ale to the Chief, by the way. I'll let you all know how it tastes later).
So, an early Happy Election Day to you, America!
What's even more wonderful is that the law school decided to cancel classes for the whole day tomorrow! That means I'm going to go vote, come home, watch about five episodes of the West Wing (an Election Day must), and then watch as the ballots are counted and our new leader is chosen. Then, whoever wins, I'll hoist a cold one of these...
...and welcome in the next four years. (See we always bring it back to the beer. That's Avery Brewing Company's Ale to the Chief, by the way. I'll let you all know how it tastes later). So, an early Happy Election Day to you, America!
Thursday, October 30, 2008
We've Struck Gold in the Bluegrass!
We here at the Brouha Blog would like to congratulate Bluegrass Brewing Company on their recent victory at the Great American Beer Festival. When you think Kentucky beer, the first name that comes to mind has to be BBC. They have done so much for the Louisville community as leaders of the craft beer scene, and it's great to see them finally get the credit they deserve. BBC (the St. Matthews location - brewmaster Jerry Gnagy) won a gold medal for their Kick in the Baltic Porter (the name alone is worthy of gold). A gold medal at GABF is the dream of anyone who has ever brewed beer, and we couldn't be happier to have one in the bluegrass state. Congrats to everyone at BBC!Check out the full list of winners from this year's GABF here.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Something Election-related That Doesn't Make Me Want to Pull My Hair Out
The primaries almost ruined it before it ever started. Then came the debates, where any excitement I had for this election was sucked out by both candidate's ability to dodge questions and avoid talking to the American people like adults. Then came the 24-hour, non-stop news with story after story about a new poll or a new ad. I kept thinking that this election couldn't come soon enough. Then I discovered a new campaign. A campaign that truly excited me. A campaign I could get behind. I'm talking of course about Magic Hat's Participation 12-packs.
Here's what it is - Magic Hat, a Vermont-based Brewery, together with HeadCount, a voter registration organization, has released limited edition 12-packs in an attempt to get "We the People" interested in the election and the issues of our day, and ultimately to get us out to the voting booths. I'm not sure if this 12-pack achieves that goal, but it did succeed in putting together a tasty mix of beers.
The 12-pack includes Magic Hat's flagship ale, #9, which is described as a lighter pale ale. It pours solid gold and has a nice foamy head. Lighter pale ale really is the best way to describe it. It's very crisp, a little fruity, and a lot delicious.
Also on the ticket is Circus Boy Hefeweizen. It has some good spice for a hefeweizen, along with some lemon zest flavors. It was very refreshing. If I were putting this campaign together, however, I would have added something a little bolder or darker. I like lighter refreshing beers, but there's already plenty of that with the other beers in this pack. Bottom line, it's October, I want something heavier.
The newcomer to this campaign is Participation Lager. With this beer, Magic Hat decided to take a stab at a true American Lager. They succeeded, but don't tip this expecting a PBR or a Schlitz. This has a much fuller flavor and has a decent hop character.
Finally, the beer that definitely gets my vote is Jinx, Magic Hat's Autumnal Strong Ale. This is one of my favorite ales right now. Magic Hat describes it as an ale for dancing bonfires and falling leaves. That's enough for me. It rings in at a solid 6.9% abv and pours a deep reddish brown. You get a lot of roasted, peat-smoked maltiness, but there's also a decent hop background. I got flavors ranging from raisins to cinnamon to nuts.
So the Participation 12-pack may not be perfect. If there had been a robust porter or, even better, a barley wine in the mix, it would have won in a landslide. However, in a season where we often have to choose the lesser of two evils, it's good to know that you can go to the liquor store and get a solid selection of tasty beers, all in one ballot box of ale!
Here's what it is - Magic Hat, a Vermont-based Brewery, together with HeadCount, a voter registration organization, has released limited edition 12-packs in an attempt to get "We the People" interested in the election and the issues of our day, and ultimately to get us out to the voting booths. I'm not sure if this 12-pack achieves that goal, but it did succeed in putting together a tasty mix of beers.The 12-pack includes Magic Hat's flagship ale, #9, which is described as a lighter pale ale. It pours solid gold and has a nice foamy head. Lighter pale ale really is the best way to describe it. It's very crisp, a little fruity, and a lot delicious.
Also on the ticket is Circus Boy Hefeweizen. It has some good spice for a hefeweizen, along with some lemon zest flavors. It was very refreshing. If I were putting this campaign together, however, I would have added something a little bolder or darker. I like lighter refreshing beers, but there's already plenty of that with the other beers in this pack. Bottom line, it's October, I want something heavier.
The newcomer to this campaign is Participation Lager. With this beer, Magic Hat decided to take a stab at a true American Lager. They succeeded, but don't tip this expecting a PBR or a Schlitz. This has a much fuller flavor and has a decent hop character.
Finally, the beer that definitely gets my vote is Jinx, Magic Hat's Autumnal Strong Ale. This is one of my favorite ales right now. Magic Hat describes it as an ale for dancing bonfires and falling leaves. That's enough for me. It rings in at a solid 6.9% abv and pours a deep reddish brown. You get a lot of roasted, peat-smoked maltiness, but there's also a decent hop background. I got flavors ranging from raisins to cinnamon to nuts.
So the Participation 12-pack may not be perfect. If there had been a robust porter or, even better, a barley wine in the mix, it would have won in a landslide. However, in a season where we often have to choose the lesser of two evils, it's good to know that you can go to the liquor store and get a solid selection of tasty beers, all in one ballot box of ale!
Friday, October 24, 2008
The Lost Art of Advertising
Before I can remember ever tasting a beer, I can remember watching beer commercials. No other commercials ever compared to the hilarity of these ads. Whether big beer company advertising is a good or bad thing is a question for another day. No matter what you thought about it though, big beer advertising was damn entertaining. Who can forget these gems...
These were classics. They were as much a part of our culture at the time as anything else on television. As played out as it may seem now, I'd like for someone to think of a word aside from "wassup" that was said more that year.
Now, however, it's all gone downhill. It's undeniable that the craft beer movement has had an effect on the big beer companies, and nowhere can that be seen more clearly than through the advertising. I heard a Budweiser ad on the radio the other day that made me cringe. It was for the American Ale, which I have not yet tried. It said, in a completely serious tone, "It's not a cherry wheat or a berry wheat, and it doesn't taste like chocolate." Well, that's good, I guess. I'm not really sure what their trying to say though, and I'm pretty sure no one else does. Even worse, Budweiser now has a campaign out focusing on the "Drinkability" of Bud Light. Really?! That's the best you could do? Drink Bud Light because it is...drinkable? That's like Applebee's advertising that the food it serves is "edible." Mmm...that sounds delicious. Budweiser has created some of the most hilarious, memorable ads of all-time. Now the ads themselves are just jokes. Whether it was Bud or Miller or Coors, they never took themselves too seriously or tried to be something they weren't. They were just beers...nice, cool, refreshing beers. In fact, the ads usually never even said anything about the beer.
There is one advertising campaign out there that is brilliant, and that approaches the craft beer movement in a way that every big beer company should. It essentially pokes fun at "beer snobs" or snobs of any kind, and it's a riot. Check this out...
"I need to smell me a hotdog!" This is what these companies should be doing. One problem I run into sometimes now that I've started drinking bigger, more complex beers is that I feel like a jackass when everyone else in my party orders a light beer and I have to look over the beer list for an hour. Everyone else is thinking, "Good Lord, it's just beer." After a while, I start thinking that as well. My grandfather drank Sterling longnecks. My uncle drinks Natty Light with a lime. Yet, here I am asking the waitress at Chile's if she has anything bolder than an Amberbock. This is where advertising should be targeted - at making me feel like a snob. No one's going to believe a Budweiser ad claiming to be a great, complex beer. And, most importantly, no one's going to laugh at it.
These were classics. They were as much a part of our culture at the time as anything else on television. As played out as it may seem now, I'd like for someone to think of a word aside from "wassup" that was said more that year.
Now, however, it's all gone downhill. It's undeniable that the craft beer movement has had an effect on the big beer companies, and nowhere can that be seen more clearly than through the advertising. I heard a Budweiser ad on the radio the other day that made me cringe. It was for the American Ale, which I have not yet tried. It said, in a completely serious tone, "It's not a cherry wheat or a berry wheat, and it doesn't taste like chocolate." Well, that's good, I guess. I'm not really sure what their trying to say though, and I'm pretty sure no one else does. Even worse, Budweiser now has a campaign out focusing on the "Drinkability" of Bud Light. Really?! That's the best you could do? Drink Bud Light because it is...drinkable? That's like Applebee's advertising that the food it serves is "edible." Mmm...that sounds delicious. Budweiser has created some of the most hilarious, memorable ads of all-time. Now the ads themselves are just jokes. Whether it was Bud or Miller or Coors, they never took themselves too seriously or tried to be something they weren't. They were just beers...nice, cool, refreshing beers. In fact, the ads usually never even said anything about the beer.
There is one advertising campaign out there that is brilliant, and that approaches the craft beer movement in a way that every big beer company should. It essentially pokes fun at "beer snobs" or snobs of any kind, and it's a riot. Check this out...
"I need to smell me a hotdog!" This is what these companies should be doing. One problem I run into sometimes now that I've started drinking bigger, more complex beers is that I feel like a jackass when everyone else in my party orders a light beer and I have to look over the beer list for an hour. Everyone else is thinking, "Good Lord, it's just beer." After a while, I start thinking that as well. My grandfather drank Sterling longnecks. My uncle drinks Natty Light with a lime. Yet, here I am asking the waitress at Chile's if she has anything bolder than an Amberbock. This is where advertising should be targeted - at making me feel like a snob. No one's going to believe a Budweiser ad claiming to be a great, complex beer. And, most importantly, no one's going to laugh at it.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Budweiser American Ale Conspiracy
Ok let's start this out by saying this isn't a beer review. I'm gonna give you some thoughts on this beer...but bottom line...you gotta produce something better than this to get me to give you an actual review.So yeah, I tried Budweiser's new "American Ale" (the name alone makes me wanna puke). I really like the idea of this beer. Millions of people drink Bud products, so making a slightly darker "craft" beer is not a bad thing. It could easily get people to open up their taste buds to the other more complex beers. Well let's just say if that was their goal...they failed.
The beer pours a decent color (decent compared to Budweiser), the aroma smells a lot like a Budweiser and the taste/mouthfeel...well lets just say I would have rather had a Budweiser...or better yet, a Bud Light. I mean this is easily the worst beer I've had in years...and I just graduated college where Natty Light and Old Style pass for currency!
Each sip of this beer left me in utter shock. I couldn't believe it, each taste made me want to gag more and more. I looked at my roommate and offered him a sip...he just laughed at me and said, "judging by your face...I'll pass."
Like I said earlier, the idea of this beer is great. Let's try to broaden people's horizons and help the entire beer industry and encourage people to celebrate beer of all kinds! Well Bud missed, they were lobbed a 80mph fastball with a 3-2 count...and they whiffed big time.
However, the more I thought about it...the more I realized what Bud's main plan may have been. We all know the craft beer industry is booming, to go along with that...Budweiser just sold to foreign owners. Clearly, the people of Budweiser then thought...well let's make an "American beer" Yeah, let's make a craft beer to show all our drinkers what it will be like if they decide to switch over and drink craft ales. So what they did was create the absolute worst beer ever. As I said, it tastes like a Budweiser...but worse (how is that possible you ask? Just try one). So now, all of those people who have been life long Bud drinkers are trying this beer and thinking...why would I spend more money on these fancy American craft ales when they taste just like my ice-cold Bud...but a bit worse? Then they decide they will just continue to drink Bud and Bud Light and never even think about expanding their drinking horizons ever again.
I don't know if this was Budweiser's exact plan...but it had to be close. I mean seriously, no one could ever brew a beer that bad and actually expect people to like it.
For those of you looking for a REAL beer to transition your way from Bud/Miller/Coors drinker to noble, well-rounded craft beer drinker...I suggest you check out our top five "gateway beers"
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Dude's Gettin' Married!!!
Woo-Hoo! That's right the master of brewing at the Brouha House is gettin' hitched. Last weekend on vacation in North Carolina, Dude proposed to his long-time girlfriend Melissa! It's truly great to see these two kids set to tie the knot and myself and everyone else couldn't be happier for them.
Some sweet ideas have been tossed around in regards to what kind of wedding the two should have. Some have voted for a Medieval wedding, others for a fly fishing wedding which would take place in the middle of a stream. However the happy couple decides to do it, one thing is for sure, it will involve lots of Brouha beer, lots of dancing...and lots of embarrassing photos that we'll all laugh/cry at for years and years to come. Congrats Dude and Melissa, we're all so happy for you guys!
I've already got a design for the cake!!!
Some sweet ideas have been tossed around in regards to what kind of wedding the two should have. Some have voted for a Medieval wedding, others for a fly fishing wedding which would take place in the middle of a stream. However the happy couple decides to do it, one thing is for sure, it will involve lots of Brouha beer, lots of dancing...and lots of embarrassing photos that we'll all laugh/cry at for years and years to come. Congrats Dude and Melissa, we're all so happy for you guys!
I've already got a design for the cake!!!
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Banana Bread Beer
That's right. Banana Bread Beer. I don't mean banana bread made with beer. I don't mean beer paired with a nice slice of banana bread. I mean beer brewed with banana bread (or at least bananas).
The other night I spotted this at the local beer store and was immediately drawn to it, if for no other reason that it kinda freaked me out. Don't get me wrong, I love some banana bread, and God knows I love beer, but it's one of those combinations that just didn't sound right to me. I love both pizza and ice cream, but that doesn't mean I want to combine the two any time soon.
Anyway, I picked up a bottle and gave it a shot. It's brewed in England by Charles Wells Brewery (we tried their Bombardier ale during our recent London trip, and I remember it to be pretty tasty). This one weighed in at 5.2% abv and is brewed using organic bananas. It poured a deep copper color with very little head. There wasn't a strong banana flavor (in taste or smell) at first. It was pretty balanced, but was a little too carbonated. I decided to let it sit for a second, and I soon began to smell banana bread in the air. The smell was right on. I tasted it again and was really impressed. Honestly, I expected a gimmicky beer that was fun to try, but that I would likely never have again. I also didn't expect to get much of a banana bread flavor (or at least not a good one). I was definitely wrong. It wasn't overly sweet, but the banana bread flavor was definitely there. I'm not sure what type of food would be good with this one, but for some reason I kept thinking it would be good to have with a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Don't ask. There was all kinds of weird stuff going on in the kitchen that night.
Tasting Tip: It's been my experience that beer can sometimes be too cold. When I first started drinking beer, this idea would have completely grossed me out. After all, with every other beverage (except maybe red wine) the general rule is "the colder the better." However, sometimes beer can be so cold that any flavors or aromas are overwhelmed. It may be more refreshing, but you won't get the full flavor. I should point out though, that there's a limit to this theory. Don't let your beer sit out for hours. Don't go popping it in the microwave. But if the beer is really cold and you're not getting anything good from it, just give it a second. A good beer will make it's way out if given the opportunity. This one sure did.
Banana Bread Beer. What will they think of next?
The other night I spotted this at the local beer store and was immediately drawn to it, if for no other reason that it kinda freaked me out. Don't get me wrong, I love some banana bread, and God knows I love beer, but it's one of those combinations that just didn't sound right to me. I love both pizza and ice cream, but that doesn't mean I want to combine the two any time soon.
Anyway, I picked up a bottle and gave it a shot. It's brewed in England by Charles Wells Brewery (we tried their Bombardier ale during our recent London trip, and I remember it to be pretty tasty). This one weighed in at 5.2% abv and is brewed using organic bananas. It poured a deep copper color with very little head. There wasn't a strong banana flavor (in taste or smell) at first. It was pretty balanced, but was a little too carbonated. I decided to let it sit for a second, and I soon began to smell banana bread in the air. The smell was right on. I tasted it again and was really impressed. Honestly, I expected a gimmicky beer that was fun to try, but that I would likely never have again. I also didn't expect to get much of a banana bread flavor (or at least not a good one). I was definitely wrong. It wasn't overly sweet, but the banana bread flavor was definitely there. I'm not sure what type of food would be good with this one, but for some reason I kept thinking it would be good to have with a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Don't ask. There was all kinds of weird stuff going on in the kitchen that night.
Tasting Tip: It's been my experience that beer can sometimes be too cold. When I first started drinking beer, this idea would have completely grossed me out. After all, with every other beverage (except maybe red wine) the general rule is "the colder the better." However, sometimes beer can be so cold that any flavors or aromas are overwhelmed. It may be more refreshing, but you won't get the full flavor. I should point out though, that there's a limit to this theory. Don't let your beer sit out for hours. Don't go popping it in the microwave. But if the beer is really cold and you're not getting anything good from it, just give it a second. A good beer will make it's way out if given the opportunity. This one sure did.
Banana Bread Beer. What will they think of next?
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Let's go to work
Tonight marks the beginning of a significant step towards laying the foundation of the Brouha House. Yup, tonight I will start my employment at O'Shea's Family of Pubs right here in weird and wonderful Louisville. I figured if we want to be successful in the bar business, experience and knowledge are going to be in great need...so why not try to gain that knowledge from the best?
For those of you unfamiliar with O'Shea's family of pubs. Here is a little background. The "family" consit of three members, Flanigan's, Brendan's and O'Shea's. Each of them are Irish Pubs and they are wonderful pubs at that. O'Shea's is the biggest and best of their pubs and is a regular staple in the city's social scene. O'Shea's does a great job of helping put on festivals, events and other things that take place in and around their bar. However, perhaps the best thing about O'Shea's (besides their outstanding beer selection) is that each Monday they raise money for a different cause. They call Mondays "fund days" and when they have one, 100% of their profits from that day go to a different charitable cause. It is truly great to see a bar as big and as good as their's give back to the community in such a big way.
Anyway, as you can see when it comes to the Louisville bar scene...the O'Shea's folks know what they're doing. Luckily, thanks to Jim (good friends with the owner) I had a bit on an in with them. I got into contact with them a couple weeks ago and met with them last week to discuss a possible "intership" in hopes of gaining some very valuable experience. They were really great about the whole situation and have set up about a 10-15 week crash course in bar management for me!
Starting tonight...I will work every Tuesday, Wednesday...and most Friday's at one of their pubs. I'll spend a week at Brendan's and then a week at O'Shea's or Flannigan's and for each two week period I'll be trained at one position. For instance, tonight I'll start as a host and bus boy...I'll work this week and next week at that position before moving up the totem poll a bit. Eventually, I'll shadow the manager and sit in on everything they do...from payroll to shift meetings...I'll be there for it all. It will be a lot of work, especially on top of my 9-5 job, but the opportunity is great! I really can't express enough thanks to O'Shea's pubs for helping me and the Brouha House out in such a great way.
The 10-15 weeks are sure to be a rollercoaster of madness...but they are sure to help us here at the Brouha House take a gigantic step toward our goal of sharing our beer with the rest of the world!
For those of you unfamiliar with O'Shea's family of pubs. Here is a little background. The "family" consit of three members, Flanigan's, Brendan's and O'Shea's. Each of them are Irish Pubs and they are wonderful pubs at that. O'Shea's is the biggest and best of their pubs and is a regular staple in the city's social scene. O'Shea's does a great job of helping put on festivals, events and other things that take place in and around their bar. However, perhaps the best thing about O'Shea's (besides their outstanding beer selection) is that each Monday they raise money for a different cause. They call Mondays "fund days" and when they have one, 100% of their profits from that day go to a different charitable cause. It is truly great to see a bar as big and as good as their's give back to the community in such a big way.
Anyway, as you can see when it comes to the Louisville bar scene...the O'Shea's folks know what they're doing. Luckily, thanks to Jim (good friends with the owner) I had a bit on an in with them. I got into contact with them a couple weeks ago and met with them last week to discuss a possible "intership" in hopes of gaining some very valuable experience. They were really great about the whole situation and have set up about a 10-15 week crash course in bar management for me!
Starting tonight...I will work every Tuesday, Wednesday...and most Friday's at one of their pubs. I'll spend a week at Brendan's and then a week at O'Shea's or Flannigan's and for each two week period I'll be trained at one position. For instance, tonight I'll start as a host and bus boy...I'll work this week and next week at that position before moving up the totem poll a bit. Eventually, I'll shadow the manager and sit in on everything they do...from payroll to shift meetings...I'll be there for it all. It will be a lot of work, especially on top of my 9-5 job, but the opportunity is great! I really can't express enough thanks to O'Shea's pubs for helping me and the Brouha House out in such a great way.
The 10-15 weeks are sure to be a rollercoaster of madness...but they are sure to help us here at the Brouha House take a gigantic step toward our goal of sharing our beer with the rest of the world!
Monday, September 29, 2008
What's in your fridge?
As you might know, the 'Ville was hit with a hellacious wind storm on Sept. 14. Massive tree carnage as far as the eye can see. I was without power for a little over 4 days. When the power came back on, my beer supply was nonexistent. Things had to change and quick. So, Saturday I made the trek across the river to Keg Liquors in Clarksville. The new store is opening Oct. 6th. First off, don't judge this book by its cover. It may look like a hole from the outside, but the inside is glorious. Mind you the prices are a bit higher than most local stores, the impressive selection of beer makes it all worth while. Along with a walled cooler of six packs there is a second wall of big bottled beer and the best selection of Indiana beers in the area. I have become smitten with a few of the Hoosier state's breweries.
I walked away with quite a dent in the wallet. Salvation - the beer fridge is stocked again.
My purchase ...
Jolly Pumpkin - Maracaibo Especial
Brauerei Weihenstephan - 1809 Berliner Weisse
Brouweirij Van den Bossche - Buffalo Belgian Stout
Kasteel - Rouge
Brugge - Black
Barley Island - Bourbon Barrel Oatmeal Stout
If you haven't been to Keg, do yourself a favor and make the trek. Tell 'em Dude sent ya.
I walked away with quite a dent in the wallet. Salvation - the beer fridge is stocked again.
My purchase ...
Jolly Pumpkin - Maracaibo Especial
Brauerei Weihenstephan - 1809 Berliner Weisse
Brouweirij Van den Bossche - Buffalo Belgian Stout
Kasteel - Rouge
Brugge - Black
Barley Island - Bourbon Barrel Oatmeal Stout
If you haven't been to Keg, do yourself a favor and make the trek. Tell 'em Dude sent ya.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Well it's finally here
HAPPY FALL
You know what that means – a chill in the air, brilliant colors all around, and Oktoberfest - the world's largest beer festival.
The 175th Oktoberfest celebration runs from September 20 until October 5.
The tradition developed as a celebration of the marriage of Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig to the Saxon-Hildburghausen Princess Therese on October 12, 1810. Citizens were invited to the festivities originally held over five days on the fields in front of Munich's city gates. The main event of the original Oktoberfest was a grand horse race. The festival was eventually moved to September allowing for better weather.
It's all about the beer and ponies people.
If you are lucky enough to have a decent beer selection nearby you can't help but notice the plethora of Oktoberfest beers coming onto the market. These medium to high ABV lagers were originally brewed in March (Märzen) and kept in cold storage until the fall.
According to the Beer Judge Style Guidelines, Oktoberfest is category 3B (European Amber Lager)classified as being “Smooth, clean, and rather rich, with a depth of malt character. This is one of the classic malty styles, with a maltiness that is often described as soft, complex, and elegant but never cloying.”
It's the beer that got me into home brewing. The beer we brewed for the first Brew-Ha-Ha. It holds a special place in my heart and stomach.
Some commercial examples are Paulaner Oktoberfest, and Ayinger Oktoberfest-Märzen on the import front and Victory Festbier, and Great Lakes Oktoberfest as domestic examples.
An Oktoberfest would go great with a few bratwurst and sauerkraut on rye and the Chargers/Jets MNF game tonight. There is a six-pack of Brooklyn's sitting in the fridge just looking for a mate.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Dogfish Head Punkin Ale
The best part of trying to open a brewpub is all the "research" you have to do. We want our beers to be the best, so we try as many different offerings as we can (without drastically affecting our lifestyles) and we see what we like and what we don't. I figured it would be a good idea to keep you all updated on the various beers we try. Feel free to share your reviews as well.
Last night I picked up a four pack of Dogfish Head's Punkin Ale. For the most part I am a big fan of Dogfish Head. Their beers are always unique and usually tasty. Even when they don't totally appeal to me, I always respect the fact that they are constantly trying to expand the definition of beer. They use ingredients most would never even consider and methods others wish they had thought of themselves. They've become a major player on the beer scene, and while I often go after smaller, harder-to-find breweries when I'm at the liquor store, it's good to know that a company like Dogfish Head can have so much success.
I am very happy I jumped back into the Dogfish Head pool last night. I had never tried this fall offering, and I realize now that was a mistake. Dogfish describes this ale as "a full-bodied brown ale brewed with real pumpkins, brown sugar, allspice cinnamon, and nutmeg." More simply put, it tastes like Autumn in a bottle. This week the temperature dropped 5-10 degrees and I was starting to get really fired up about my favorite season, Fall. This beer took that to the next level. Pumpkin ales are very hit or miss in my opinion, and even the good ones often have a strange pumpkin flavor and are usually a little too weak for my liking (especially when it gets cooler outside). This beer rings in at 7% abv and has a wonderful flavor. It tastes more like pumpkin pie (maybe with a hint of sweet potatoes), but it's definitely not overly sweet. I can't wait to drink this with a warmed up plate of Thanksgiving leftovers in a couple months!
Last night I picked up a four pack of Dogfish Head's Punkin Ale. For the most part I am a big fan of Dogfish Head. Their beers are always unique and usually tasty. Even when they don't totally appeal to me, I always respect the fact that they are constantly trying to expand the definition of beer. They use ingredients most would never even consider and methods others wish they had thought of themselves. They've become a major player on the beer scene, and while I often go after smaller, harder-to-find breweries when I'm at the liquor store, it's good to know that a company like Dogfish Head can have so much success.
I am very happy I jumped back into the Dogfish Head pool last night. I had never tried this fall offering, and I realize now that was a mistake. Dogfish describes this ale as "a full-bodied brown ale brewed with real pumpkins, brown sugar, allspice cinnamon, and nutmeg." More simply put, it tastes like Autumn in a bottle. This week the temperature dropped 5-10 degrees and I was starting to get really fired up about my favorite season, Fall. This beer took that to the next level. Pumpkin ales are very hit or miss in my opinion, and even the good ones often have a strange pumpkin flavor and are usually a little too weak for my liking (especially when it gets cooler outside). This beer rings in at 7% abv and has a wonderful flavor. It tastes more like pumpkin pie (maybe with a hint of sweet potatoes), but it's definitely not overly sweet. I can't wait to drink this with a warmed up plate of Thanksgiving leftovers in a couple months!
Thursday, September 18, 2008
What’s up in the wonderful world of beer?
Just a few random items in the news:
Beer goggles: We’ve all experienced the beer goggle effect at one time or another. After a couple of brews, the girls (or guys, depending on who’s doing the drinking) just seem a little better looking, don’t they? It’s probably gotten a few of you in trouble once or twice. Made you think: “Where’s my wingman, Goose, when I really need him?” Well, it’s apparently not your imagination. It’s now been scientifically proven.
Beer is recession-proof: Once again, statistics are showing that, despite economic hard times, beer sales are not declining. In fact, they’re increasing! Best line from the article? "Beer will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no beer."
A man after our own hearts: One of the goals of all of us here at the Brouha Blog is to open peoples’ eyes (actually, their taste buds) to the wonderful world of craft ales. If you haven’t begun to at least experiment a bit, you really owe it to yourself to try. Here’s a guy in Maryland, who might just be our long, lost brother. Converting the Miller Lite crowd, one glass of ale at a time. Listen and learn, grasshopper.
The royal treatment: A beer delivery intended for the Windsor Castle Pub, accidentally ended up at the real Windsor Castle and Queen Elizabeth decides to knock back a few with the staff, before they realize it’s a mistake. Well, not really, but don’t you think the English would love her even more, if she did?
Beer goggles: We’ve all experienced the beer goggle effect at one time or another. After a couple of brews, the girls (or guys, depending on who’s doing the drinking) just seem a little better looking, don’t they? It’s probably gotten a few of you in trouble once or twice. Made you think: “Where’s my wingman, Goose, when I really need him?” Well, it’s apparently not your imagination. It’s now been scientifically proven.
Beer is recession-proof: Once again, statistics are showing that, despite economic hard times, beer sales are not declining. In fact, they’re increasing! Best line from the article? "Beer will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no beer."
A man after our own hearts: One of the goals of all of us here at the Brouha Blog is to open peoples’ eyes (actually, their taste buds) to the wonderful world of craft ales. If you haven’t begun to at least experiment a bit, you really owe it to yourself to try. Here’s a guy in Maryland, who might just be our long, lost brother. Converting the Miller Lite crowd, one glass of ale at a time. Listen and learn, grasshopper.
The royal treatment: A beer delivery intended for the Windsor Castle Pub, accidentally ended up at the real Windsor Castle and Queen Elizabeth decides to knock back a few with the staff, before they realize it’s a mistake. Well, not really, but don’t you think the English would love her even more, if she did?
Monday, September 15, 2008
Brouha House Gets A Major Shout-Out
Good news, gang. Our friends at Flying Dog Brewery have posted a picture featuring our very own Bud! We spent some time with the guys from Flying Dog at Alefest Dayton last month. We had a great time at their booth, and they seemed to have a good time meeting Bud. They've posted the picture on their blog, and they give a very nice shout out to us here at Brouha! Check out Flying Dog's September 9th blog entry here.
This was very big news for the Brouha crew. For a new blog run by four guys with dreams of opening a brewpub, getting a little publicity at the hands one of the biggest craft breweries out there is about as good as it gets.
We have always been impressed with the beers of Flying Dog (my personal favorite is their Gonzo Imperial Porter. In fact, check out their entire Canis Major series, which also includes Horn Dog Barleywine, Double Dog Double Pale Ale, and Kerberos Tripel), but what's even more impressive is how a brewery with such high national notoriety will take the time to acknowledge us little guys. So do yourself a favor, pick up some Flying Dog Ales, check out the brilliantly bizarre artwork by Ralph Steadman (the close friend of Louisville's own Hunter S. Thompson), and enjoy great beer made by great people.
Thanks for the shout-out Flying Doggers.
This was very big news for the Brouha crew. For a new blog run by four guys with dreams of opening a brewpub, getting a little publicity at the hands one of the biggest craft breweries out there is about as good as it gets.
We have always been impressed with the beers of Flying Dog (my personal favorite is their Gonzo Imperial Porter. In fact, check out their entire Canis Major series, which also includes Horn Dog Barleywine, Double Dog Double Pale Ale, and Kerberos Tripel), but what's even more impressive is how a brewery with such high national notoriety will take the time to acknowledge us little guys. So do yourself a favor, pick up some Flying Dog Ales, check out the brilliantly bizarre artwork by Ralph Steadman (the close friend of Louisville's own Hunter S. Thompson), and enjoy great beer made by great people.
Thanks for the shout-out Flying Doggers.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Is your beer cellar well-stocked?
Do you even have a beer cellar?
Did you even know that there was any reason to have a beer cellar?
Well, this guy does -- and he might have the coolest beer cellar you'll ever see. It's located in a former gold mine, a tunnel stretching 3,000 feet into the side of a mountain, with a stream running through the middle and remaining a steady 50 degrees year round.
Okay, that might be a bit much for most of us, but don't dismiss the idea of having your own little beer cellar at home. You see, despite everything you've heard about freshness dating on your beer, many beers actually get better with age. I knew that high-alcohol beers often improve with age, but the story explains that many people also cellar bottle-conditioned beers, lambics, barley wines, imperial stouts and other strong, bold ales.
So clean out a corner of your basement, dust off that old wine rack and, next time you decide to try something big, or bold, or just plain funky, pick up an extra bottle or two and stash them away for six months, or a year, or even a couple of years. Imagine the anticipation of pouring it into the glass, checking the color, taking in the aroma and then savoring that first tentative sip.
Careful, though, someone might accuse you of becoming a beer connoisseur. If that bothers you, just keep a six-pack of of something with a "born on" date handy. Your secret will be safe.
Did you even know that there was any reason to have a beer cellar?
Well, this guy does -- and he might have the coolest beer cellar you'll ever see. It's located in a former gold mine, a tunnel stretching 3,000 feet into the side of a mountain, with a stream running through the middle and remaining a steady 50 degrees year round.
Okay, that might be a bit much for most of us, but don't dismiss the idea of having your own little beer cellar at home. You see, despite everything you've heard about freshness dating on your beer, many beers actually get better with age. I knew that high-alcohol beers often improve with age, but the story explains that many people also cellar bottle-conditioned beers, lambics, barley wines, imperial stouts and other strong, bold ales.
So clean out a corner of your basement, dust off that old wine rack and, next time you decide to try something big, or bold, or just plain funky, pick up an extra bottle or two and stash them away for six months, or a year, or even a couple of years. Imagine the anticipation of pouring it into the glass, checking the color, taking in the aroma and then savoring that first tentative sip.
Careful, though, someone might accuse you of becoming a beer connoisseur. If that bothers you, just keep a six-pack of of something with a "born on" date handy. Your secret will be safe.
If a creek was a beer ...
Besides all things beer, another passion of mine is fly flying, more importantly, fly fishing for trout. The best water in the state is the Cumberland river at 2 1/2 hours away. With current gas prices, I find myself heading down that way only a few times each year. It's also quite finicky being a cold tailwater with a leaky dam. That being said - I am a fly fishing nomad. I travel the country in search of that next trout. The tug is the drug. The closest trout water and the water I claim as my home is Otter Creek.
Otter is a tributary of the Ohio River in Meade County, KY. Most of the water containing trout is located within Otter Creek Park. The park is maintained by Louisville Metro Parks. There is a second portion of water located within Fort Knox that requires a special permit to fish.
I'd venture to say that I've put more time on Otter than any other water I've fished. It holds sentimental value as it's the site of my first encounter between a fly rod and a rainbow trout (10” caught on a hand tied Prince #14.)
What can I say about Otter Creek.
It's a quick 45 minute drink to the entrance of the park. Listed as having 9.7 miles of trout water starting at the confluence with the Ohio, it's very accessible with a trail system running along most of its length. Blessing or curse it holds numerous other species. On my last trip I managed to catch smallmouth bass, bream, a freshwater drum, and a small catfish.
Part of Otter's problem is a lack of stream side stability. It's prone to washouts after heavy rains. The water muddies up quickly and stays that way for way too long. In June 2007 the local chapter of Trout Unlimited joined forces with metro parks as steward of the stream. Hopefully there are plans in place to remedy the situation. It's a put and take fishery with stocked trout. There are a few holdovers. The water just gets too warm and oxygen levels too high to support a sustaining population. The trout average 10-12” and in my experience are taken more on nymphs than dries. The exception is during the fall when Otter gets it's last stocking of the year and goes into a seasonal catch-and-release season from October 1 - March 31. During this period a size 22 cream midge is my go to fly. Otter also holds a surprising population of small stream smallmouth. I find myself fishing for them more often than trout.
As for linking it to a specific beer I have the following criteria
1.Has to be one easy to find and drink.
Otter Creek is very close and accessible and this beer can be found in most stores, bars, and bowling allies.
2.Has to be a gateway beer being familiar yet a just a tad different.
Otter Creek is pretty easy to fish with nothing really standing out. The water is easy to read and wade and offers very few surprises. This beer is quite ordinary with nothing jumping too far out the bottle. It's neither too sweet, roasted, or hoppy. The beer has an overall slightly sweet smooth malty taste with a simple hop character.
3.Has to be drinkable all year long.
Otter is a year round fishery and a good place when I feed a fix. While I wouldn't purchase this beer on a regular basis, I wouldn't turn it down if bought for me or if it was the best option on a night on the town. I could drink it year round - if I had to.
Any guesses...
Otter Creek would be...
you guessed it - Michelob's Amber Bock
Otter is a tributary of the Ohio River in Meade County, KY. Most of the water containing trout is located within Otter Creek Park. The park is maintained by Louisville Metro Parks. There is a second portion of water located within Fort Knox that requires a special permit to fish.
I'd venture to say that I've put more time on Otter than any other water I've fished. It holds sentimental value as it's the site of my first encounter between a fly rod and a rainbow trout (10” caught on a hand tied Prince #14.)
What can I say about Otter Creek.
It's a quick 45 minute drink to the entrance of the park. Listed as having 9.7 miles of trout water starting at the confluence with the Ohio, it's very accessible with a trail system running along most of its length. Blessing or curse it holds numerous other species. On my last trip I managed to catch smallmouth bass, bream, a freshwater drum, and a small catfish.
Part of Otter's problem is a lack of stream side stability. It's prone to washouts after heavy rains. The water muddies up quickly and stays that way for way too long. In June 2007 the local chapter of Trout Unlimited joined forces with metro parks as steward of the stream. Hopefully there are plans in place to remedy the situation. It's a put and take fishery with stocked trout. There are a few holdovers. The water just gets too warm and oxygen levels too high to support a sustaining population. The trout average 10-12” and in my experience are taken more on nymphs than dries. The exception is during the fall when Otter gets it's last stocking of the year and goes into a seasonal catch-and-release season from October 1 - March 31. During this period a size 22 cream midge is my go to fly. Otter also holds a surprising population of small stream smallmouth. I find myself fishing for them more often than trout.
As for linking it to a specific beer I have the following criteria
1.Has to be one easy to find and drink.
Otter Creek is very close and accessible and this beer can be found in most stores, bars, and bowling allies.
2.Has to be a gateway beer being familiar yet a just a tad different.
Otter Creek is pretty easy to fish with nothing really standing out. The water is easy to read and wade and offers very few surprises. This beer is quite ordinary with nothing jumping too far out the bottle. It's neither too sweet, roasted, or hoppy. The beer has an overall slightly sweet smooth malty taste with a simple hop character.
3.Has to be drinkable all year long.
Otter is a year round fishery and a good place when I feed a fix. While I wouldn't purchase this beer on a regular basis, I wouldn't turn it down if bought for me or if it was the best option on a night on the town. I could drink it year round - if I had to.
Any guesses...
Otter Creek would be...
you guessed it - Michelob's Amber Bock
Monday, September 1, 2008
A Fest of Ales
Last weekend two of my favorite things collided...beer and festivals! First of all, I'm sorry for the delay in posting about this wonderful event. Let's just say I needed a little time to reflect on the greatness of Alefest Dayton.
Here's how it happened. One hundred brewers hauled over 250 different beers into Carillon Park, and each attendee got 20 beer tickets and a small glass. Once your ticket was scanned, you were let loose in the park and allowed to run like mad from tent to tent trying as many different beers as possible. Everyone from Anheuser Busch to Ommegang to Hopping Frog was there. Some of our favorites, among the many, were Bear Republic's Hop Rod Rye, Unibroue's 17 Belgian Dark Strong Ale, and the always tasty Left Hand Milk Stout. Also, I have a much greater respect for Flying Dog Brewery. Their tent was clearly the most fun...and the most irreverent.
If I could offer one piece of advice for the next beer festival you attend, it would be to stay until the very end. You see, as the end of the festival nears, the brewers realize that the beer has to go, and the attendees realize that the beer has to go...and, well, the beer goes. The last thirty minutes of Alefest Dayton were a free-for-all. The orderly lines turned to mass crowds of beer glass wielding savages craving one last taste. The beer tickets no longer had any value. It was first come first serve...and it was awesome. Unfortunately, our friend Bud had long since passed out.
Beer festivals are a really good way to get out and try a variety of good beers. And the crowds are usually pretty fun. Of course, you have plenty of beer snobs who will snub any beer that doesn't burn your tongue off with an extreme hop load, but you also have people who couldn't care less what gets poured in their cup. They just want to drink a lot and pass out in a field (just like Bud). I like to think I fall somewhere in the middle, enjoying the quality beers that were served, but also never forgetting that the majority of the time good beer leads to good times. That's why we love beer. And that was definitely the case in Dayton. Next time you hear about a beer fest in driving distance, load up the car and go. Oh, and book a hotel room. Twenty 4-oz glasses of beer are more than you think.
Oh, also, don't wear pants to an outdoor festival in late August. I'm an idiot.
Here's how it happened. One hundred brewers hauled over 250 different beers into Carillon Park, and each attendee got 20 beer tickets and a small glass. Once your ticket was scanned, you were let loose in the park and allowed to run like mad from tent to tent trying as many different beers as possible. Everyone from Anheuser Busch to Ommegang to Hopping Frog was there. Some of our favorites, among the many, were Bear Republic's Hop Rod Rye, Unibroue's 17 Belgian Dark Strong Ale, and the always tasty Left Hand Milk Stout. Also, I have a much greater respect for Flying Dog Brewery. Their tent was clearly the most fun...and the most irreverent.
If I could offer one piece of advice for the next beer festival you attend, it would be to stay until the very end. You see, as the end of the festival nears, the brewers realize that the beer has to go, and the attendees realize that the beer has to go...and, well, the beer goes. The last thirty minutes of Alefest Dayton were a free-for-all. The orderly lines turned to mass crowds of beer glass wielding savages craving one last taste. The beer tickets no longer had any value. It was first come first serve...and it was awesome. Unfortunately, our friend Bud had long since passed out.
Beer festivals are a really good way to get out and try a variety of good beers. And the crowds are usually pretty fun. Of course, you have plenty of beer snobs who will snub any beer that doesn't burn your tongue off with an extreme hop load, but you also have people who couldn't care less what gets poured in their cup. They just want to drink a lot and pass out in a field (just like Bud). I like to think I fall somewhere in the middle, enjoying the quality beers that were served, but also never forgetting that the majority of the time good beer leads to good times. That's why we love beer. And that was definitely the case in Dayton. Next time you hear about a beer fest in driving distance, load up the car and go. Oh, and book a hotel room. Twenty 4-oz glasses of beer are more than you think.
Oh, also, don't wear pants to an outdoor festival in late August. I'm an idiot.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Top 5 Gateway Beers
So you're going to grab a beer with some friends, eh? The time comes to order and while all of your friends order a hard to pronounce craft beer, you are afraid to step out of your comfort zone and just ask for a light beer. It's a tough situation, I've seen it a thousand times. You don't want to feel inferior for ordering a beer you like, but you are afraid you wouldn't like what their having, or perhaps you don't even know what to order. Well, here are five gateway beers that will help you move from light beer drinker to bad ass beer connoisseur. Use these beers to escape those awkward situations and open up your world to more daring (and delicious) beers.
1.) Newcastle Brown Ale
- This English ale is very dark in color, but not too extreme in terms of taste. I know many people, including myself, who have named this beer as one of the first "dark" beers they tried. It's easy to drink and is a good way to learn about the wonderful world of brown ales.
2.) Leinenkugel's Red
- A fine Red lager that will easily help you learn to branch out from your "light" comfort zone. Red brews are often on the top of my favorite list and when learning about them this is a great beer to start with.
3.) Goose Island - Honker's Ale
- This brew is golden in color, which is nice for those light beer drinkers who can't get over the fact that beer can look different and still taste good. It is a version of an English Bitter and its smooth taste is certain to help those who are looking for just a bit more in their beer.
4.) BBC - Amber Ale
- When I first started drinking this it was called "Altbier" to reflect it's German background. However, the Louisville brewers have simplified it by now just calling it "Amber." The reason this is such a great gateway beer is because it doesn't get too crazy in terms of taste and it is only a little bit darker in terms of color. It is sure to open up your taste buds to something different.
5.) Sierra Nevada - Pale Ale
- This is where things get tricky. I'll go a head and admit that this beer will be the one that pushes your limits the most. The color won't scare anyone, but the first taste of hops might run off some "Bud" drinkers. This is a wonderful Pale Ale, and while the hops are definitley noticable, they're not too overwhelming. If you learn to like this beer you'll end up liking about 20 other kinds of pale ales.
I know I said top 5, but I'm giving one more recommendation.
I firmly believe that at least 90% of people who don't like darker, craftier beer don't like it because of a mental reason. It's not that they don't like the taste...it's mostly because they see the color of the beer, or smell the aroma and before they taste it, they believe they won't like it because it is "different." Well that's why you need to try this...the ultimate gateway beer:
Go to your favorite bar...sit down...order a pint of the black stuff...and drink it.
Don't think...just drink.
You've heard the comments....
"Man, that tastes like a milkshake."
"It's like a full meal in itself."
"You pretty much have to chew it."
"It tastes like burnt oil"
Well, those are all false. Guinness is a pretty wild beer the first time you have it...it's creamy...it's black...I get it. However, as you start drinking other craft brews you'll soon realize that Guinness is actually a bit weak. If you can learn to drink Guinness, you can overcome the mental block that is keeping you from enjoying the many wonders of craft beer!
Give these a try...expand your horizons...thank me later!
1.) Newcastle Brown Ale
- This English ale is very dark in color, but not too extreme in terms of taste. I know many people, including myself, who have named this beer as one of the first "dark" beers they tried. It's easy to drink and is a good way to learn about the wonderful world of brown ales.
2.) Leinenkugel's Red
- A fine Red lager that will easily help you learn to branch out from your "light" comfort zone. Red brews are often on the top of my favorite list and when learning about them this is a great beer to start with.
3.) Goose Island - Honker's Ale
- This brew is golden in color, which is nice for those light beer drinkers who can't get over the fact that beer can look different and still taste good. It is a version of an English Bitter and its smooth taste is certain to help those who are looking for just a bit more in their beer.
4.) BBC - Amber Ale
- When I first started drinking this it was called "Altbier" to reflect it's German background. However, the Louisville brewers have simplified it by now just calling it "Amber." The reason this is such a great gateway beer is because it doesn't get too crazy in terms of taste and it is only a little bit darker in terms of color. It is sure to open up your taste buds to something different.
5.) Sierra Nevada - Pale Ale
- This is where things get tricky. I'll go a head and admit that this beer will be the one that pushes your limits the most. The color won't scare anyone, but the first taste of hops might run off some "Bud" drinkers. This is a wonderful Pale Ale, and while the hops are definitley noticable, they're not too overwhelming. If you learn to like this beer you'll end up liking about 20 other kinds of pale ales.
I know I said top 5, but I'm giving one more recommendation.
I firmly believe that at least 90% of people who don't like darker, craftier beer don't like it because of a mental reason. It's not that they don't like the taste...it's mostly because they see the color of the beer, or smell the aroma and before they taste it, they believe they won't like it because it is "different." Well that's why you need to try this...the ultimate gateway beer:
Go to your favorite bar...sit down...order a pint of the black stuff...and drink it.Don't think...just drink.
You've heard the comments....
"Man, that tastes like a milkshake."
"It's like a full meal in itself."
"You pretty much have to chew it."
"It tastes like burnt oil"
Well, those are all false. Guinness is a pretty wild beer the first time you have it...it's creamy...it's black...I get it. However, as you start drinking other craft brews you'll soon realize that Guinness is actually a bit weak. If you can learn to drink Guinness, you can overcome the mental block that is keeping you from enjoying the many wonders of craft beer!
Give these a try...expand your horizons...thank me later!
Monday, August 25, 2008
Are we genetically pre-disposed to be beer drinkers?
Apparently so.
Here's a link to an article by political commentator George Will in which he relates two extremely important facts about beer drinkers.
#1. Investor's Business Daily (which I, of course, read just for my horoscope and the crossword puzzle) reported recently, in commenting on the efforts (now complete) of InBev to purchase Anheuser-Busch, that:
"The (alcoholic beverage) industry's continued growth, however slight, has been a surprise to those who figured that when the economy turned south, consumers would cut back on nonessential items like beer."
Non-essential. Right. True beer lovers could make a list a mile long of things they would consider non-essential, before they would give up their beloved brews. Ice cream. Vegetables. Socks. Deodorant. Pets. The list is endless. During Prohibition, we didn't let a pesky little thing like Federal law stop us from drinking alcohol. A weak economy? Please.
#2. More importantly, according to Mr. Will's research, we are actually genetically bred to hold our alcohol. I won't go into great detail. Just read over the article. The meat of it, though, is that, due to the lack of methods to sanitize water until recent years (relatively speaking) people normally drank alcohol, especially beer. Lots of it. Some peoples' bodies were able to respond to the intake of alcohol by increasing the production of particular enzymes controlled by certain genes found in human DNA. Those who lacked this ability, though, usually died early and childless, either from alcohol poisoning or from waterborne diseases. Survival of the fittest, at its best.
God Bless the DNA.
Here's a link to an article by political commentator George Will in which he relates two extremely important facts about beer drinkers.
#1. Investor's Business Daily (which I, of course, read just for my horoscope and the crossword puzzle) reported recently, in commenting on the efforts (now complete) of InBev to purchase Anheuser-Busch, that:
"The (alcoholic beverage) industry's continued growth, however slight, has been a surprise to those who figured that when the economy turned south, consumers would cut back on nonessential items like beer."
Non-essential. Right. True beer lovers could make a list a mile long of things they would consider non-essential, before they would give up their beloved brews. Ice cream. Vegetables. Socks. Deodorant. Pets. The list is endless. During Prohibition, we didn't let a pesky little thing like Federal law stop us from drinking alcohol. A weak economy? Please.
#2. More importantly, according to Mr. Will's research, we are actually genetically bred to hold our alcohol. I won't go into great detail. Just read over the article. The meat of it, though, is that, due to the lack of methods to sanitize water until recent years (relatively speaking) people normally drank alcohol, especially beer. Lots of it. Some peoples' bodies were able to respond to the intake of alcohol by increasing the production of particular enzymes controlled by certain genes found in human DNA. Those who lacked this ability, though, usually died early and childless, either from alcohol poisoning or from waterborne diseases. Survival of the fittest, at its best.
God Bless the DNA.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
What I did on summer vacation
For the first time in my rather short life I got to travel to Big Sky country. Yep, you guessed it - Montana.
Early on Dude took me fishing on the Gallatin River. The water was pretty high and off color, as most of the rivers in the areas were still in runoff. I was satisfied with spending the morning sunning in the streamside brush. Dude managed a few trout along the edges of the river. Show-off.
searching for salmonflies on the Gallatin
Later that afternoon, I was super hopped up for heading to the Big Sky Resort where luckily they was a "Brews, Brats and Brisket" festival. I managed to catch up with some distant cousins. There were about a dozen local breweries represented. I couldn't ask for a better day.
Jürgen Knöller - the brewmaster at Bayern
The best beer of the festival was easily Bayern's Dragons Breath Dark Hefeweizen.
Throughout the week we ventured into Yellowstone National Park. If you've never been to YNP, I'd quickly put it on your to-do list. It's simply incredible. There is so much to see and I can't get over how huge it is. Of course it's surrounded by great brewerys/pubs at almost every entrance.
Gardiner entrance
We also headed back to into Bozeman, where we spent the day exploring the Museum of the Rockies. The dinosaur exhibit is top notch. From there we headed to Montana Ale Works for some delicious brews and met up with the rest of our crew for a wonderful dinner.
Another stroke of luck, while talking to our very friendly bartender, we were told to hang around for Music on Main later that evening. We did. Visiting with the locals, gotta love it. The headliner was Tony Furtado. Pretty good music played by some great musicians. I'll just say I've never heard slide banjo and yes, they simply pulled up a flatbed truck and played on Main Street.
Wow, how do I love Bozeman!
My... what big teeth you have
Overall it was a really great first trip. The only thing I really didn't enjoy was the flight, as I was stuffed in suitcase alongside fishing equipment. Let me tell you after a week or so of Dude's fishing - that gear can get rank.
My only wish was that some of my other buds could have come along...
Maybe on my next trip to Big Sky Country. I'll keep you all informed.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Keg O Rator
So yeah, I'm a young buck. I recently graduated college and soon I will hopefully be moving into my own apartment. It's not easy making the adjustment from youngster to semi-grown up (but still mostly youngster), but it's exciting none the less.
When faced with the task of moving out I realized I needed a few things. Mainly a bed that I would fit in. However, I also know my lifestyle and the number of sports I watch so a big HDTV was in order as well. I took care of the TV, getting a nice 32 inch Vizio for a good price, and I'm working on getting a nice bed...but last night I took care of the 3rd and arguably most important piece of equipment needed when moving into your first apartment:
That's right...in true Brouha fashion, I bought a Kegerator. I know it may seem silly, especially since I bought this before I bought a bed, but it is a really good investment. Here is why.
I can go get a small (5 gallon) keg from the BBC taproom for $35 dollars. Out of that keg, I will be able to drink about 60 beers. Now, if I were to go buy a 6 pack of BBC beer it would cost me 8 dollars. So ten 6-packs would cost $80, which is more than double the amount I would pay for the same beer..but in draft form. So as you can see, the kegerator will eventually pay for itself. I'm going to drink beer anyway, might as well save a whole bunch of money and drink even more, right?
For those interested, as you all should be, I bought mine at Bed Bath and Beyond (Stop laughing, you know you love it). It was $499, but Bed Bath and Beyond gives away 20% off coupons like their going out of style...so as a result I saved $100 dollars on my kegerator! It was a great purchase!
I suggest you all stop trying to talk yourself out of it and go get one of your very own...you'll end up saving money in the long run. Plus, you'll be happier knowing that draft beer is only a few steps away at all times!
Cheers!
When faced with the task of moving out I realized I needed a few things. Mainly a bed that I would fit in. However, I also know my lifestyle and the number of sports I watch so a big HDTV was in order as well. I took care of the TV, getting a nice 32 inch Vizio for a good price, and I'm working on getting a nice bed...but last night I took care of the 3rd and arguably most important piece of equipment needed when moving into your first apartment:
That's right...in true Brouha fashion, I bought a Kegerator. I know it may seem silly, especially since I bought this before I bought a bed, but it is a really good investment. Here is why.I can go get a small (5 gallon) keg from the BBC taproom for $35 dollars. Out of that keg, I will be able to drink about 60 beers. Now, if I were to go buy a 6 pack of BBC beer it would cost me 8 dollars. So ten 6-packs would cost $80, which is more than double the amount I would pay for the same beer..but in draft form. So as you can see, the kegerator will eventually pay for itself. I'm going to drink beer anyway, might as well save a whole bunch of money and drink even more, right?
For those interested, as you all should be, I bought mine at Bed Bath and Beyond (Stop laughing, you know you love it). It was $499, but Bed Bath and Beyond gives away 20% off coupons like their going out of style...so as a result I saved $100 dollars on my kegerator! It was a great purchase!
I suggest you all stop trying to talk yourself out of it and go get one of your very own...you'll end up saving money in the long run. Plus, you'll be happier knowing that draft beer is only a few steps away at all times!
Cheers!
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Tuesday Session
Tuesday night I spent a portion of the evening brewing up a lovely brown ale. Man, how I love the brown. If given the choice of only drinking one style of beer to drink for the rest of my life, this just might be the one.
There are several types of brown ales that developed from the original English Mild. The term brown beer originated during the late 1600s, while the commercial term “brown ale” didn't come into play until the beginning of the 20th century.
Browns can be stylized as mild, sweet, nutty, and hoppy. I prefer the nutty & hoppy variety myself. The original sweet style developed as an English southern brown. They are crafted with bunches of crystal malt and a low hop bitterness and aroma. The northern English brown adds a bit of roasted malt to the southern's grain bill which adds a more complex roasted nutty taste. American brewers took the northern brown style and jacked up the hop character. The hop character should be bigger but we're not looking for a brown IPA. A good American brown should be malt-dominated with the hops riding the barrel of the taste wave.
Two words... Simply scrumptious.
Some commercial browns I really like
Barley Island Dirty Helen Brown Ale
Rogue Hazenut Brown Nectar
Samuel Smith's Nut Brown
Avery Ellie's Brown
The ale I'm brewing is closer to an American brown, but using quite a bit of imported grains. I like a real toasty nut flavor with a definite hop backbone. This is the first time I've used Maris Otter as the principal grain in the beer.
It's going to be a bit over 4.5 % alcohol by volume with a dark brown color and a balanced hop bitterness.
The tentative name is Bronzeback Brown (nickname for the smallmouth bass) and hopefully it can tie in with an upcoming camp-out on a Kentucky smallmouth stream with some pretty good local fly fishing guides. We might even have a small music jam session and a one-fly fishing tournament. The details are to be ironed out in the next few weeks. Sounds great to me – fish the morning, eat great food during the day, fish the afternoon, wash it all down with good tunes and some great beer.
Although I brew on a screened in porch it only makes sense that my brewing song of the day is...
In the Garage by Weezer
An introduction is in order...
Yep, that's the fifth member of our band - Bud visiting with some of his cloned siblings.
They are in the second yeast buildup for an English Barleywine I'll be brewing in an upcoming session.
There are several types of brown ales that developed from the original English Mild. The term brown beer originated during the late 1600s, while the commercial term “brown ale” didn't come into play until the beginning of the 20th century.
Browns can be stylized as mild, sweet, nutty, and hoppy. I prefer the nutty & hoppy variety myself. The original sweet style developed as an English southern brown. They are crafted with bunches of crystal malt and a low hop bitterness and aroma. The northern English brown adds a bit of roasted malt to the southern's grain bill which adds a more complex roasted nutty taste. American brewers took the northern brown style and jacked up the hop character. The hop character should be bigger but we're not looking for a brown IPA. A good American brown should be malt-dominated with the hops riding the barrel of the taste wave.
Two words... Simply scrumptious.
Some commercial browns I really like
Barley Island Dirty Helen Brown Ale
Rogue Hazenut Brown Nectar
Samuel Smith's Nut Brown
Avery Ellie's Brown
The ale I'm brewing is closer to an American brown, but using quite a bit of imported grains. I like a real toasty nut flavor with a definite hop backbone. This is the first time I've used Maris Otter as the principal grain in the beer.
It's going to be a bit over 4.5 % alcohol by volume with a dark brown color and a balanced hop bitterness.
The tentative name is Bronzeback Brown (nickname for the smallmouth bass) and hopefully it can tie in with an upcoming camp-out on a Kentucky smallmouth stream with some pretty good local fly fishing guides. We might even have a small music jam session and a one-fly fishing tournament. The details are to be ironed out in the next few weeks. Sounds great to me – fish the morning, eat great food during the day, fish the afternoon, wash it all down with good tunes and some great beer.
Although I brew on a screened in porch it only makes sense that my brewing song of the day is...
In the Garage by Weezer
An introduction is in order...
Yep, that's the fifth member of our band - Bud visiting with some of his cloned siblings.
They are in the second yeast buildup for an English Barleywine I'll be brewing in an upcoming session.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Top 5 Beers of Summer
Ok, it's August...and it's about to get nasty hot. Especially if you're in Kentucky...you know that at any moment you could step outside and just start dripping with sweat. In cases like these, even though you and I would both prefer a darker, perhaps heavier beer...there are several delicious beers that are light in color but big on taste! So in hopes of preventing you from drowning in a puddle of your own sweat...here are the Top 5 summer/hot weather beers.
1.) Bell's Oberon Ale
This American wheat ale has the perfect touch of spice and a pinch of fruit flavor. The taste, the body and the aroma of this beer are enough to remind you of a lazy summer afternoon.
2.) Sierra Nevada Pale Ale
In my opinion, Pale Ale's don't get much better than this. It has the perfect amount of hops which make the taste and smell something to desire. Another plus is that this beer seems to be everywhere these days...so picking up that Bud Light and claiming that the store or bar didn't have any "good" beer is even more lame than you thought.
3.) Dogfish Head 90 min IPA
This is another good pale ale from the wackiest brewery around. This brew is loaded with hops, and while the flavor may be overwhelming at first for some less experienced beer drinkers...I think that the more daring drinkers out there will hop right in to this brew.
(See what I did there?)
4.) Leinenkugel's Sunset Wheat
A fine wheat beer that with one sip will make you say, "hmmm???" It's fruity taste will have you not only trying to figure out which fruits are in it (I think it's orange and blueberry), but it will also have you reaching into the fridge to try another one. On a side note, if you want to get crazy, try Leinenkugel's Summer Shandy, which is a mix of lemonade and beer. It's really different...but also not too bad.
5.) Pabst Blue Ribbon
Ok, as much as we all want to sit around and act like macho beer snobs...sometimes you need a cheap cold one. So if you're gonna go for it, go for the best. PBR is delicious, your grandpa loves it and you should too. Plus, with the recent buyout of Budweiser...PBR is now the biggest brewery in America. So how bout 'dem apples?
Well, there you have it...the top 5 beers to help you cope with the summer heat. If you have a beer that you like to drink to stay cool, but also because it's delicious, feel free to share by posting a comment. For now, I suggest you go get one of these fine brews and, as Conan O'Brien would say, "Keep cool my babies!"
1.) Bell's Oberon Ale
This American wheat ale has the perfect touch of spice and a pinch of fruit flavor. The taste, the body and the aroma of this beer are enough to remind you of a lazy summer afternoon.
2.) Sierra Nevada Pale Ale
In my opinion, Pale Ale's don't get much better than this. It has the perfect amount of hops which make the taste and smell something to desire. Another plus is that this beer seems to be everywhere these days...so picking up that Bud Light and claiming that the store or bar didn't have any "good" beer is even more lame than you thought.
3.) Dogfish Head 90 min IPA
This is another good pale ale from the wackiest brewery around. This brew is loaded with hops, and while the flavor may be overwhelming at first for some less experienced beer drinkers...I think that the more daring drinkers out there will hop right in to this brew.
(See what I did there?)
4.) Leinenkugel's Sunset Wheat
A fine wheat beer that with one sip will make you say, "hmmm???" It's fruity taste will have you not only trying to figure out which fruits are in it (I think it's orange and blueberry), but it will also have you reaching into the fridge to try another one. On a side note, if you want to get crazy, try Leinenkugel's Summer Shandy, which is a mix of lemonade and beer. It's really different...but also not too bad.
5.) Pabst Blue Ribbon
Ok, as much as we all want to sit around and act like macho beer snobs...sometimes you need a cheap cold one. So if you're gonna go for it, go for the best. PBR is delicious, your grandpa loves it and you should too. Plus, with the recent buyout of Budweiser...PBR is now the biggest brewery in America. So how bout 'dem apples?
Well, there you have it...the top 5 beers to help you cope with the summer heat. If you have a beer that you like to drink to stay cool, but also because it's delicious, feel free to share by posting a comment. For now, I suggest you go get one of these fine brews and, as Conan O'Brien would say, "Keep cool my babies!"
Monday, August 11, 2008
Just in time for the dog days of summer
So simple.
It was right there in front of you the whole time. Sort of like the Pet Rock. "Now why didn't I think of that?"
What is it? Why frozen beer on a stick, that's what.
That's right, the Hopsicle
Pure genius. Let's have a couple of cold ones!
It was right there in front of you the whole time. Sort of like the Pet Rock. "Now why didn't I think of that?"
What is it? Why frozen beer on a stick, that's what.
That's right, the Hopsicle
Pure genius. Let's have a couple of cold ones!
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Craft Ales!
While this blog is indeed about all things beer, let's be clear. We have a definite bias here in favor of craft ales. Specifically, in favor of craft ales as opposed to mass-produced lagers. Your Anheuser Busch, Coors, Miller - what have you. Those beers are fine. They have their place and we may even discuss that from time to time. What those beers lack, however, is the uniqueness, the creativity, the quirkiness, the flavor and the character of fine craft ales. That's what we're about and that's what you will often hear us celebrate here. Dude is our brewmeister and he is far more qualified than I am to explain to you the wonderful world of fine ales - why they are superior to plain old beer, what gives them their amazing flavor and character and why - if you haven't already - you should explore the wonderful world of pale ales, stouts, porters, brown ales, red ales, kolsch, wheat ales, cream ales, etc., etc. etc.
In case you hadn’t noticed, craft ales have entered the mainstream. Not by way of some giant brewery (although they’ve tried to get on the gravy train), but through steadily rising consumer demand for a huge variety of high quality, unique ales being produced all over our country and in all parts of the world.
To illustrate the point, the Democratic National Committee is holding its national convention to choose its candidate for U.S. President this month in Denver, Colorado. Already a near-paradise for those in search of really good craft ales, the folks in Colorado are pulling out all the stops for the thirsty delegates. Whereas, in the past, I suspect the convention might have been better named something like The Bud Light Democratic National Convention, not so this year. Sure, Coors is there. After all, they are in Denver and they are apparently a "Presidential level sponsor of the DNC Host Committee". Of course they are. But this year Great Divide Brewing Company is brewing up Liberally Hopped American Pale Ale, a limited edition American-style pale ale just for the convention. Avery Brewing Company, on the other hand, is brewing Ale to the Chief. Described as no ordinary brew, this is billed as “a big, bold brew packing an 8.75% alcoholic punch”. Breckinridge Brewery is the exclusive beer provider for the CNN Grill at the convention. Russian River Brews of California is going to be there with several of their award-winning but rarely available brews.
Not convinced? Liberal Democrats will drink anything alcoholic, get their secretaries drunk and drive them off a bridge, you say, regardless of the quality of the beverage? Okay, what would it take to convince you that craft ales are here to stay? Republicans drinking them? How about grandmothers? How about the Pope? Seriously, how about the Pope? Recently, when the Archbishop of York visited the Pope Benedict XVI, he gave him a gift of a bottle of Monty Python's Holy Grail Ale. Honest to God.
My favorite line from the article? "The Pope is said to prefer beer to wine and water and this wasn’t the first time that he had sampled one of the brewery’s beers." So, if you're not on board with craft ales yet, stick around and keep reading. Sooner or later, we'll convert you. God is on our side.
Monday, August 4, 2008
Howdy Folks!
The other day at our weekly brewpub meeting we decided that the Brouha House needed a blog. We realize, the last thing this world needs is another blog, but this one’s all about beer, and you can never talk too much about beer. This is simply a way for us to share our passion for good beer (and, more importantly, good times had over beer) with others. Here’s a little insight into the fellows from Louisville behind the blog…
Dude – When Dude’s not waist-deep in a trout stream or stealing some vacation time out west, he’s brewing mind-blowing beer for the Brouha House. When the Dude’s a-brewing, all is right with the world. (For the record, Dude was given the name Dude as a young pup. He was Dude before Lebowski was “The Dude,” before Bart Simpson said “Dude,” and way before Bud Light commercials made everyone sick of saying “Dude.”)
Brian - A young buck fresh from college, with passions for college sports, great music, and ultimately just enjoying life. Brian’s currently doing all he can to learn the ins and outs of the brewpub business, so that soon he’ll be the mastermind behind the best brewpub around.
Ben - A twenty something, who can be found sitting on the front porch, playing guitar, and sampling fine brews. Ben is set to wrap up law school soon and hopes to follow in the footsteps of his idols Denny Crane and Sandy Cohen.
Doug – The Brouha House’s elder statesman, Doug is a lawyer by day, who spends his down time tearing up the kitchen and gaining knowledge on anything and everything. His hair may twinkle with silver streaks, but don't be fooled. He can still toss ‘em back with the best of them.
Bud – Bud (a.k.a. Clint Yeastwood) is the Brouha House mascot – our very own yeast baby! Bud probably won’t be typing up too many blog entries (he doesn’t have fingers) but he definitely won’t be a stranger to the site. He’s the puppet master, pulling the strings on all that we do. (He somehow manages to pull strings without fingers…we don't know how he does it).
Now that you know the people that make up the Brouha Blog we hope you'll enjoy reading our blog and learning what goes on in our unusual minds.
Cheers!
Dude – When Dude’s not waist-deep in a trout stream or stealing some vacation time out west, he’s brewing mind-blowing beer for the Brouha House. When the Dude’s a-brewing, all is right with the world. (For the record, Dude was given the name Dude as a young pup. He was Dude before Lebowski was “The Dude,” before Bart Simpson said “Dude,” and way before Bud Light commercials made everyone sick of saying “Dude.”)
Brian - A young buck fresh from college, with passions for college sports, great music, and ultimately just enjoying life. Brian’s currently doing all he can to learn the ins and outs of the brewpub business, so that soon he’ll be the mastermind behind the best brewpub around.
Ben - A twenty something, who can be found sitting on the front porch, playing guitar, and sampling fine brews. Ben is set to wrap up law school soon and hopes to follow in the footsteps of his idols Denny Crane and Sandy Cohen.
Doug – The Brouha House’s elder statesman, Doug is a lawyer by day, who spends his down time tearing up the kitchen and gaining knowledge on anything and everything. His hair may twinkle with silver streaks, but don't be fooled. He can still toss ‘em back with the best of them.
Bud – Bud (a.k.a. Clint Yeastwood) is the Brouha House mascot – our very own yeast baby! Bud probably won’t be typing up too many blog entries (he doesn’t have fingers) but he definitely won’t be a stranger to the site. He’s the puppet master, pulling the strings on all that we do. (He somehow manages to pull strings without fingers…we don't know how he does it).
Now that you know the people that make up the Brouha Blog we hope you'll enjoy reading our blog and learning what goes on in our unusual minds.
Cheers!
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