Monster-maker to Vt. brewer: No 'Vermonster' beer mycentraljersey.com MyCentralJersey.com
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Good pubs, Good Beer, Good People
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Monster vs. Vermonster
Does anyone really think we'd confuse a beer with an energy drink? Monster, the energy drink maker, has threatened action against a small artisanal craft brewery in Vermont for using the name Vermonster in its product line. It looks like the "people" are rallying around the little guy...click below for the story.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Diamond Dave De Beers
Good brewers are committed to making good--and often great--beers. But to think they are all the same in approach to the task is a mistake. As in most other artisan endeavors, personality also plays a role. Fresh off his recent smashing Oktoberfest success down in Toms River, we learn that Dave is cloning his his approach to brewing. We'll settle for that rather than a cloning of himself, because Der Biermeister is, quite simply, sui generis.
Now there's an idea, Dave. A new beer from Hoffman called Sui Generis.Click the link below for the story and big props to Dave!
Climax Brewing Company in Roselle Park trains brewers Local New Jersey News - - NJ.com
Friday, October 9, 2009
The PubScout: Ahead of the Curve Again?
My buddy Don Russell (Joe Sixpack) sends me his weekly column. Below is a link to one of the features in today's column about a Dogfish head beer called "Chicha," a beer brewed with spit.
It's written with regard to a new book called "Uncorking the Past," an account of ancient past--and current--brewing techniques. That reminded me of a column I did way back in 2002 about a brewing practice called "Leinting." Read it here before drinking and eating. And check the bottle of your next beer for ingredients.
In case any of you are wondering what's the difference between Joe Sixpack and The PubScout, it's simple.
He gets paid handsomely to write.
Cheers till next time!
The PubScoutJoe Sixpack - Reporting and drinking beer in Philly and beyond
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
An (almost, and nearly sacrilegious) Non-Beer Related Post
I love old ships. This magnificent three-master docked for a few days in my hometown of Perth Amboy. It will be here till Sunday Oct. 11, then heads for exotic ports of call. Tours are free. Check out the pictures here. And learn about the Peacemaker here.
So what does this have to do with beer?
When I finished the tour, I walked the two blocks back to my cave (singing a raft of sea-shanties the while) and had a Spaten Oktoberfest. I sure hope I never meet a Cape Cod Girl...
Ein Prosit und Smooth Sailing!
The PubScout
So what does this have to do with beer?
When I finished the tour, I walked the two blocks back to my cave (singing a raft of sea-shanties the while) and had a Spaten Oktoberfest. I sure hope I never meet a Cape Cod Girl...
Ein Prosit und Smooth Sailing!
The PubScout
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Two upcoming Oktoberfests
I know it's early October, but November will be upon us before we know it, and we'll be talking about trimming the turkey, then trimming the tree. So while you're still in a Marzen state of mind, keep Monday October 12 (Uno's Grill and Brewery) and Monday October 26 (Dick's Dock, Main St. Metuchen) clear on your calendar. Contact the restaurants for information and tickets. Dick's Dock number is 732-744-1274.
Ein Prosit!
Ein Prosit!
Sad News, Good News
First the "sad" news: Last evening's Oktoberfest was the last one that will ever be celebrated at the venerated brewpub. The Basil T's Dirndl Beauties made their last appearance as such. The Fire House Polka Band, which has put the oomph in Basil T's Oompah for several years. has played its last lederhosen-clad "Ein Prosit!" And yours truly will no longer have the honor of emceeing an event which has become so successful the owners had to redecorate and put in more seats in just to accommodate the crowds for this event, which have blossomed from 45 in its first event to 107 for last night's extravaganza.
Now for the Good news. The reason for the sad news above is that Basil T's Toms River is shedding its name and adopting a new one. "It's time," said both owners named Pete (don't ask), "to establish our own identity." As readers will probably know, there have been two Basil T's for some time now. But that comes to an end on January 1, 2010 when the new name--
The Artisan Brewery and Italian Grill--goes up on the marquee.
But the name change will have no effect on the quality and concern for customer satisfaction that has marked this place since The Petes took over. They are "hands-on" owners who treat their staff with respect--and even love (in a non-Letterman way)--and because of that their staff is not only highly efficient, but supremely loyal. The distaff side of that staff is also something else--gorgeous. Check the pictures out.
While a soft economy has many places feeling the pinch, the Petes say they really haven't been adversely affected, and are actually seeing an increase in business. They have developed a loyal customer base that, like the attendance at the annual Oktoberfest dinner, seems to be increasing each year. Customers come because they can count on certain things from the Petes' Place. Quality food by Master Chef Steve Farley, exceptional beer by nationally known Biermeister Dave Hoffman, an attentive, efficient staff and a decor that is reminiscent of Tuscany.
That said, the name choice is apt because there is artisanship at virtually every level of the operation, from food to beer to staff to ownership.
And nowhere was that artisanship more in evidence than at last night's beer dinner. So many people wanted tickets that the Firehouse Polka Band had to set up in single file to ply their trade, as tables of revelers bracketed them.
Steve Farley's food from the first course Bavarian Shrimp to the dessert was done in his signature style--superb. Dave Hoffman's selection of beers went very well with each course, though I confess that I stayed with his knockout Oktoberfest the whole night, and it went well with everything, too.
The pictures tell the story. Multiple "Ein Prosits" and a rousing "God Bless America" still reverberate, accompanied by smiles all around with good beer raised in celebration of good food and good company. Next year's event--The Artisan Brewery and Italian Grill Oktoberfest Celebration--will likely be a sellout, as this one was.
And they may have to start ticket sales for next year's blast on January 2, 2010, right after the new marquee goes up.
The smart money says "Buy early."
Cheers till next time!
Now for the Good news. The reason for the sad news above is that Basil T's Toms River is shedding its name and adopting a new one. "It's time," said both owners named Pete (don't ask), "to establish our own identity." As readers will probably know, there have been two Basil T's for some time now. But that comes to an end on January 1, 2010 when the new name--
The Artisan Brewery and Italian Grill--goes up on the marquee.
But the name change will have no effect on the quality and concern for customer satisfaction that has marked this place since The Petes took over. They are "hands-on" owners who treat their staff with respect--and even love (in a non-Letterman way)--and because of that their staff is not only highly efficient, but supremely loyal. The distaff side of that staff is also something else--gorgeous. Check the pictures out.
While a soft economy has many places feeling the pinch, the Petes say they really haven't been adversely affected, and are actually seeing an increase in business. They have developed a loyal customer base that, like the attendance at the annual Oktoberfest dinner, seems to be increasing each year. Customers come because they can count on certain things from the Petes' Place. Quality food by Master Chef Steve Farley, exceptional beer by nationally known Biermeister Dave Hoffman, an attentive, efficient staff and a decor that is reminiscent of Tuscany.
That said, the name choice is apt because there is artisanship at virtually every level of the operation, from food to beer to staff to ownership.
And nowhere was that artisanship more in evidence than at last night's beer dinner. So many people wanted tickets that the Firehouse Polka Band had to set up in single file to ply their trade, as tables of revelers bracketed them.
The event was peppered with beer cognoscenti, from Star-Ledger Columnist Paul Mulshine, to beer writer and Jersey beer promoter Jeff Linkous, to Beer Artist Greg Hinlicky to Dave Hoffman's dad Kurt in full Bavarian regalia.
Steve Farley's food from the first course Bavarian Shrimp to the dessert was done in his signature style--superb. Dave Hoffman's selection of beers went very well with each course, though I confess that I stayed with his knockout Oktoberfest the whole night, and it went well with everything, too.
The pictures tell the story. Multiple "Ein Prosits" and a rousing "God Bless America" still reverberate, accompanied by smiles all around with good beer raised in celebration of good food and good company. Next year's event--The Artisan Brewery and Italian Grill Oktoberfest Celebration--will likely be a sellout, as this one was.
And they may have to start ticket sales for next year's blast on January 2, 2010, right after the new marquee goes up.
The smart money says "Buy early."
Cheers till next time!
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Beer and Cigars: Heaven in Tampa
After the missus and my three lads, beer and cigars rank pretty high in my life. Comes now news of a seven-month-old brewery in Tampa walking off with a Gold Medal at the GABF for a beer that tastes like a cigar box.
"Cigar City's Humidor Series India Pale Ale won gold in the "Wood-Aged Beer" category. The company entered seven of its styles in its first year of competing at the festival. The Humidor brew bested 32 other beers in the category.
It's the second award the brewery has won this year. In February, brewer Wayne Wambles won a first-place ribbon in the Atlanta Cask Ale Tasting for his Mayan Chocolate Imperial Stout."
Click on the link below to read the story. I've contacted the brewery to see if they'll ship some up this way so I can report on it officially. I could probably go to NYC to get some, but then I'd be a temporary New Yorker. Today, at least, I'd rather be in Tampa. What DO they call people from Tampa, anyway....
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