Sour is the new hoppy.

Hang around your local bar or beer store long enough chances are you will hear the following statement: “sours are the new hoppy.” Do you believe it? Not quite sure myself, I have been enjoying the style for the last few months exclusively, and I understand sours are not new. Additionally, they are not taking over the hoppy beer market. I believe sours represent an expansion of the American sophistication. We are searching for new styles and new flavors. Sours fulfill the void.  Simply put, the average beer drinker may think sour beer represent liquid vinegar, but for the craft beer drinker sours are a welcome slap to the face if you’re close to hitting your ‘beer wall.’ New and exciting sours are here to stay.

Hoptaneous Combustion

June 19, 2009: As the crackling embers float into the humid Athens air, the crowd stands tired and haunted watching the dreams of many go up in flames. The Georgia Theater burns to the ground. This glorious theater was the home to acts such as Wide Spread Panic, Phish, REM and the B52’s.  The roof's trusses were the type of wood you can't get anymore, 300 year old heart pine. They removed those charred beams to build new bars out of the unburned inner core. The fire burned so hot it was estimated 2500 degrees inside. Only the walls were salvageable and they required help to rebuild. Terrapin Brewery stepped up to help in any way they can. They developed the Theater Sessions: Each release in the series will highlight a different era in the history of the building:

Olde Blind Dog Pub

I normally don’t review bars and places, but I had such a great experience at this location I can’t help myself. Olde Blind Dog Pub in Alpharetta is the location; they have a good tap line-up (the usual suspects) Boddintons, Guiness, Harp and others, but they also carry some craft suds – Bells, Skullsplitter, and Avery.  I was happy with the selection but the atmosphere, service and food makes this place outstanding. Just in time for St.Patty’s day.

MacGyver brewer - You can do it at home

Preface:

It’s been snowing non-stop for 4 days; you live in Georgia, and you ran out of Natty Light 2 days ago. PROBLEMS, what are you going to do? Besides the Cabin Fever and you are chasing your wife with an axe like the shining you need sustenance. You need Beer!

White House Superbowl Party and craft beer!

From the official Obama food Blog: Recipe below:
President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama have joined the home brewing beer trend that's swept the US, and will be serving a very special White House brew tonight when they welcome guests for the annual Super Bowl party, to watch as the Packers take on the Steelers. (Above: President Obama listens as the National Anthem is played on television during the 2009 White House Super Bowl party in the East Garden Room, when the Cardinals took on the Steelers)
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An old response to low/zero carbonation in angels share - Lost Abbey

For those who have not had an opportunity to read this love letter to the Beer Advocate community. I present the Tomme response to low carbonation. (04-30-2009)

4 sticks Porter Recipe

4 sticksBeer Style: Wood-Aged Porter
The beer has not been moved over to bottles but this is the recipe if you are interested in recreating it.