Grain Belt Premium is TOO good.

After years and years of drinking beer, I've become accustomed to having a little bite at the end of every drink. Then I tried Grain Belt Premium.

Here's what happened, initially it tasted very good, nice and malty. Then I waited for the everyday beer kick at the end.

I'm still waiting.

That's the story behind Grain Belt Premium. There is no freakin' bite. And I'm not sure I like it. It's like Pavlov's dog, I've been classically conditioned to believe that every beer has an ending flavor that either tickles your balls, or bites them. I'm so used to the bite of beer, that I don't know if I can let Grain Belt Premium into my beer-drinking life.

Grain Belt Premium is like the perfect set of boobies that everyone thinks are fake...but actually, they're real.

After the approximately 2 billion beers that I've already drank in my lifetime, it's taking me a little while to grasp this whole "biteless" beer. But I'll get there.

I guess I agree...

It happened.

The great American Institution that is Anheuser Busch, is now owned by Belgians. Just this morning, InBev purchased the American beer juggernaut for a cool $52 Billion dollars.

Here's the story from CNN.

Many people think this is a horrible thing, the end to one of the great American companies. But others (i.e. stockholders) think this is a good move.

So what's your take?

Key West Sunset Ale - Everything Key West isn't

Whoever named this beer either a.) has never been to key west, or b.) is 15. For a beer named Key West Sunset Ale, this beer is everything I imagine Key West NOT to be.

Unfortunately, the only frame of reference I have of Key West is from MTV's The Real World. Hence, I can only imagine what KW is like. I imagine barely dressed women getting so wasted they pass out along the beach. I imagine heat, lots of it. So hot it makes me sweat out of my eyeballs. I imagine an island full of Carribbeans who feel somewhat like Americans, but when we go there, they get us drunk and make fun of us. Which is fine because we're too drunk to care. I imagine palm trees, hurricanes, steel drums, and more drunk college students all singing Jimmy Buffet. I image flip-flops, sand, and erections. And if I had to imagine a sunset, it would be perfect. A bright orange sun that dips below the crystal clear water, creating an absolute heaven.

With that, this beer is almost illegally disappointing. If I had to liken it to anything, it'd be Fat Tire, which is the furthest from key west you can get. Hippy chicks, not naked ones. Cool Fort Collins air where they don't even have air conditioners, not sweltering heat with AC in every 5-star resort. Fat Tire is eco-friendly, which is the opposite of drunk tourists scattering their beer bottles and salt shakers all over the beachfront.

Fat Tire stands for something. Key West Sunset Ale stands for something too...shit.

The taste is malty with a hint of crappy citrus flavor. It actually tastes like whatever citrus they put in it was grown in Colorado. Sure, it's a smooth beer with a decent malty flavor. But you don't prance around like some flaming ballerina and call yourself Ray Lewis.

Horrible metaphors aside, Key West Sunset Ale is a horrible metaphor for Key West, but a great metaphor for anus.

Hangovers: The After-Party Grab Bag of Booze

One of the best things, in fact it may be the only good thing about having people at your house besides not driving, is all the leftover booze that people place in your fridge.

The other night I had a meager 10 people over to mostly grill burgers, drink, and light M80s in my driveway to the dismay of my uptight suburban neighborhood. In the span of one rather low-key night, I collected the following:

A four pack of ginger beer for Moscow Mules

One Michelob Ultra bottle, which I am drinking right now

Three very chic Michelob cans, that are streamlined to suggest to coke-addled models, "Drink me and you can still see your clavicles in the mirror while you chop out the next one."

At least a dozen Coors Light cans

Four or five Coors Light bottles

A half empty bottle of Skyy

So I ask you, dear Brews and Booze readers, what is your best after-party haul?

I can't believe this almost happened.

Apparently, about two months ago, there was major speculation that Guinness was planning to close their original James Gate Brewery.

Brews & Booze apologizes for falling asleep on this one. How could we not have heard about this? Anyway, lucky for us (and all brew enthusiasts) the fine people at Guinness changed their mind.

Here's the entire story, from NYTIMES.com.

Redbridge - Smells like feed lot, tastes like small town prom night.

This is a pretty unique beer. Disguised as a small batch micro, Anheuser-Busch just made a beer that has given 3.2 million yankees hope. 3.2 million men and women can now temporarily remove the pain of foreclosure. They can numb their domestic disputes without fear of violent illness. And best of all, its smooth as hell and will stand up to reasonably sloppy marathons.

Long and short, its made with sorghum, and does not contain wheat or barley,which apparently makes 3.2 million people, suffering from Celiac Disease, super bitchy and not fun to be around. This according to Anheuser. And I always trust health reportings from the people who mess us up.
It really does smell sorghumy and a bit like that shit that sticks to the inside of a lawnmowery smell. But it finishes hoppy and almost creamy.


Verdict: Glad I picked it up. Its worth the experience. I saw this at GABF 2006, however, and I've always said this, if you locate your beer in the center of the GABF, you better have stickers or some other gimmick, because no one will remember what it tasted like.

July 4th Beer - the obvious choice

One of the Founding Fathers of our great country, Sam Adams was integral in the Boston Tea Party and other events. But it's funny, he's now associated with great beer, eventhough he ran his family's brewery into the ground.

Cheers, Sam Adams. Cheers, America.

Have a safe 4th of July everyone.

July Beer of the Month

Dear Brews and Booze drinkers-

My official July brew/booze of the month nomination is sour beers. Actually, no one in particular, just that oft misunderstood, bizarre, and tangy category of beers perfected by the Belgiums (is it Belgese or even Belginians, which ever it is, I bet their women are hot). As a placeholder for this beer, my prediction for the new 'it' beer type for the masses, was crafted in Nebraska's favorite rival city, Boulder, by Avery Brewing Co. *Note* as you can tell by the 'craftiness' of their website, their beers are usually a disappointment)
I asked a specialty beer shop worker in San Francisco for a 'sour beer', and this is what I was dealt. Avery Fifteen Anniversary Ale.

The label describes the ingredients as follows: mission figs, hibiscus flowers, and white pepper. Having tried a total of none of those things, I can tell you, I still have no idea what this beer tastes like. Plus, it was 8 dollars. So all in all, this is the most unhelpful, non productive beer suggestion ever. But it was sour on the tail. And that, my boozers, is what I'm after.

Further research tells me it gets this sourness from the yeast strain 'brettanomyces' which is generally a deal-killer for beers and wines, except for the Belginians, who use this strain to draw out the tart in their beers' fruit notes.
There are others methods of making beer sour (see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brettanomyces). I like those better.

What turned me on the sour beers? My love for vinegar, an accidental buy of a tub of 'cry-baby' chewing gum in the early 90's, and New Belgium's La Folie. If you find yourself in their Fort Collins tasting room, ask for a bottle of this. You will hit someone, it tastes so good.

And I paired it with the new season of the Real World. The Real World was over-cooked, tough, and certainly dry. Sarah sucks at journalism.

Nominated by JimStock.

Booze of the Month

Well, for July we received two nominations for Brew of the Month. However, one of the nominations was liquor. Which is perfect, because now I don't have to pick a winner, because this nomination won BOOZE of the Month:

White Grape Smirnoff, nominated by Jen:


A sweet drink without being "Jolly Rancher". You'll want to drink it on the rocks. Chasers are a thing of the past. It's that good.

I could have opted for a professional image of the bottle but felt the counter view was easier to relate to.

There you have it. Thanks, Jen.

MillerCoors Light - Two Companies, One Cup

For what its worth, Miller and Coors are now one damned entity. Creatively, the name of the company is Millercoors. Hours upon nerdy-marketing hours were spent brainstorming the name of this new company. So what are the implications of Miller and Coors colliding?
Uhh...2 Heineken's please!

Ah, the future is nice.

Brew of the Month Nominations due TOMORROW!!!

Three exclamation points means business...Brew of the month nominations are due tomorrow.

email them to brewofthemonth@brewsnbooze.com

Bud Buyout Heating Up

America is taking notice of the potential Anheuser-Busch buyout by InBev.

It was one of the top stories on FastCompany.com yesterday. Check it out.

Mighty Arrow: Another reason to go down on New Belgium?

Has anyone tried New Belgium's Mighty Arrow pale ale yet? I'd like a review if possible. I saw it during my one day visit to the Fort this year, and it was only available in these new "folly packs" (a brilliant new marketing ploy in which you must buy a 12 pack containing 3 each of 4 of New Belgium's beers in order to try their seasonal oddities). Apparently Mighty Arrow is a tribute to the owners' dog, which just passed away. There a plenty of reviews for it at the Beer Advocate, but I refuse to read words that won't end up making me laugh. If you are closer to the brewery than I, and I'm guessing you are, save our South American readers, pick up a folly pack today and post your drunk opinion.

Wild West Microbrew Fest: A Report

Random Thoughts from Year two of the Newest Cool Thing Added to Nebraskaland Days:

• They checked ID's but let my 6 month old son in.
• The Free Glass they gave me said "Beamish Genuine Irish Stout." That beer wasn't included in the tasting.
  
• Big Sky Brewing Company (Missoula, Montana) was highly represented. About half of the 20 or so beers there were from this Brewery. None of them were any good--perhaps you've tasted "Moose Drool"?
• JW Dundee's Honeybrown was one of the featured beers--seemed to be a big hit. Is this even a "microbrew"?
• My favorite was probably Sierra Nevada's Summer Ale. A nice Ale without too much "Summer" added. Breckenridge Brewery's "Summerbright" was not as good--bad aftertaste.
• Drank beer with the Assistant Superintendent and HS Principal. Wish I could remember all of the cliches and bad jokes.
• Zach Linstedt (sp?) and Shayna Dunn (sp?) were there.
  
• People were pissed that they didn't get full beers.
• Lifehouse plays tomorrow. Hope they play "Hanging By a Moment." I should bring a lighter.
  

Little known hangover cure made in Memphis...really just crushed aspirin.

A colleague of mine informed me today of a hangover remedy that is big in the south. No it isn't chicken and waffles, or illiteracy. BC Powder has been marketed for a 100 years as "the working man's friend", "freeing up your time spent dealing with headaches from the workplace, to spend time with your family."
Well, naturally drunks have gotten ahold of it, and use it to shake their julep benders.
Moderately entertaining website, considering A) its a pharmaceutical and B) 30% of their market can't read so they have to rely on graphics to convey their message.
I think they did a good job-If you are a southern dude; 1. rip the powder down your throat 2. continue breaking up Union railroad lines with that shovel, hangover-free of course.
If you are a southern belle; 1. in a powder room, drop powder into glass 2. mix in sexism, domestic fear 3. throw it down, now get out there and watch men vote!

I have a theory on how this stuff works: once the contents of the crushed medicated powder cover your tongue and start to dissolve your mouth, you forget about your hangover. Its no menudo, but I suppose it might just do the trick.

New Belgium makes good beer without giving mother nature a hangover.

A great post from GreenUpgrader.
Basically, it breaks down how The New Belgium Brewery is nearly 100% sustainable. A couple highlights:

-- They use 50% less water than the industry average
-- Energy efficient brewing process with equipment that uses 65% less energy
-- Their building is lit with solar tubes
-- Their building is built from reclaimed lumber and their furniture from reclaimed materials
-- They send their spent grain (used in the brewing process) to a local cattle farm for feed.
-- They are able to divert 98% of their waste from the landfill!

Check out even more at New Belgium's site.

Via Green Upgrader

Yep.

From The Onion = hilarious.


Study: Nearly 80 Percent Of Roommates Got So Drunk Last Night

Become a Maker's Mark Ambassador

Ladies and gentlemen, I'm proud to say that I'm now an official Maker's Mark Ambassador. I get my name on a barrel of Maker's, they're sending me a certificate, and I get all sorts of special offers. Pretty Rad. However, it's your responsibility as an ambassador to recruit more ambassadors.

So if you love Maker's Mark Bourbon, I encourage you to join the family.

Makers Mark website

Beer of the month nominations

You can now email your beer of the month nominations to:

brewofthemonth@brewsnbooze.com

On the 26th of every month, one of the regular bloggers will be selected to pick the best nomination. He/She will have to pick the winner by the 30th, for it to be posted on the 1st or 2nd.

So, nominations are now open for July, with the nominating period ending June 26th. Dig?

For any other inquiries, email thecaptain@brewsnbooze.com

That's right.

Leninade - A drink for the Masses!!!

I found this gem through Pete's link. When it asked "flavor?" I clicked "strange."

What a fantastic mixer for Russian Vodkas. In fact, apparently people call any mix with this stuff, a COMMIE KAZI.

F'n genius.

Here's it's Narration, from the site:

Leninade
12oz Bottle. Many people who once escaped from the Soviet Union, upon tasting Leninade, have overwhelmingly remarked that it is "BETTER THAN EXPECTED"; and those who prefer vodka in their potables have been known mix it with Leninade and ice to make a COMMIE KAZE. The Marx Brothers would be so proud. But even if you're a teetotaler you can get tired of Russky Chai and Drink As Lenin Drank!

Contains: Carbonated water Cane Sugar Citric Acid Gum Acacia Natural and Artificial flavors. Calories: 150

SODA GURU'S RATING: 5 Red Stars

...came the unforgettable October of 2002 when the flavours and colours of seven decades of Soviet History were condensed into a bottle for the first time. Thus presented itself the choice that needed to be made as to whether this bottle should be placed on display in a mausoleum or spread out for the masses to enjoy. Choice... what a concept; so a compromise was made: Only one flavour of Leninade but enough for everybody!!!

At your next Party, follow the Party Line by mixing Leninade with your favourite Soviet Vodka and make COMMIE KAZES for your comrades who will then name you a Hero Of Socialist Flavour!
__________________
BINGO. This is amazing.

Leninade via SodaKing

By Popular Demand

Although there doesn't appear to be a Kentucky Nip website, it is allegedly made by White Rock beverages, who make Sioux City Sasparilla, among others, and it is available from bluedogbeverages.com.

Also found this review from bevnet:

"Kentucky Nip is one of the smoothest, most easy sipping cherry flavored sodas that we have ever tasted here at The BevNET. Actually, it is much more than just a cherry flavored soda. Kentucky Nip has natural raspberry and mint flavors as well. This gives it an even more sophisticated taste. A highly recommended beverage."

June Beer of the Month = Summer Shandy

Looks like Leinenkugel pretty much wrote their own nomination on this one. But from personal experience, this beer is one of the finest citrus flavored beers I've ever tasted. First off, it's lemonade, not just lemon. So you get the sour of lemon, with the sweetness of aids.

Wait, that didn't come out right.

When it comes to beer, lemon is the best citrus. Orange can go to hell. And don't give me your "what about Blue Moon" b.s.. Orange and beer are a match made in anus (unless it's orange beers at a morning tailgate). And Lime is the first cousin of Lemon, so I won't bash it too much, in fear of some citrus mafia thugs throwing me in the Rio Grande with "cement shoes" or "zapatos cementos."

But back to Summer Shandy. What a fine summer drink. Normally, citrus-based drinks are very strong and bitter, with too high of a fruit to beer taste ratio. But not the Shandy. It starts smooth, with just a hint of lemon. But as you finish, the drink ends with a perfect summer taste of lemonade.

Personally, I took a first sip, sat for about two seconds, then thought to myself, "Whoa," then proceeded to pound about 7 back. You can't do that with many fruity beers, the fruit is just too sweet. But you can easily throw back 100 of these gems and not think twice.

There's probably a lot of funnier and more interesting things I could write about the perfect summer beer...but I'm at work...just wishing I was outside, at a lake, drinking some Lieiny Summer Shandies. But if anyone asks, this 1/2 hour was totally billable.

New recipie: Kahlua Strawberry Shots

So, I joined a BBQ team this year and while it has its own host of stories, one pertinent tidbit of information that I thought I should offer up that is mostly unrelated to BBQ is something new that I experienced in the way of artful intoxication. This really seemed to help the transition from eating and hanging out to a full on frenzy on the dance floor (read: it will get females dance floor tipsy in a hurry).

What you need:
-fresh strawberries, with stems and cores removed with a paring knife so as to create a hollow cup-like vessel
-vodka or grain alcohol
-kahlua or other coffee liquer
-whipped cream

1. Soak the prepared strawberries in the vodka or grain alcohol for an hour or two in the fridge to absorb some of the booze and to cool them off.

2. Pour the strawberry shot glasses full of Kahlua and top with whipped cream, preferrably the stuff in the can.

3. Eat the whole thing and enjoy.

Let me know what observations and comments you have on this, variations you come up with or have heard of, or even better, stories and pictures of the results of trying it on your own.

Cheers!