Confessions of a Sober Cab - The Parental Version

Cousin Mark was getting married! Clearly that meant two things; his wonderful girlfriend would now be an official member of the family, and we were going to party! The hubby and I were in a pickle though, seeing as we both wanted to get a little pickled ourselves that evening. I knew that Andy would want to drink and celebrate with his cousin and I certainly didn’t want to ruin his fun by asking him to sober cab. Besides, I knew the only way I’d manage to get at least one dance out of the guy was to get him drunk enough to not notice he was dancing. I wanted to cut loose as well and enjoy my night drinking with my siblings in law. It’s not very often that we’re all in town together, much less for a party, and a wedding at that. Plus, craft beer loving Mark would be supplying the party with kegs galore of Schell’s Oktoberfest. I really enjoy their Oktoberfest and wanted to take full advantage of the bride and groom’s hospitality. We did have an option for a ride though… Ma and Pa Strom.

Our sober cabs for the evening. (Studio Veil photo booth)

 

Really, it was perfect. They were going the same place we were, at the same time! Those are of course, the most basic rules of carpooling. And since they planned on driving home we knew at least one of them would be sober. Which is the first rule of taking a sober cab – making sure your driver is actually sober. Besides, if your parents were like the majority of parents I knew growing up, they always stressed the same rule – don’t get in a car with someone who’s been drinking. Andy’s parents were no different. And just because we were now adults and could legally drink didn’t mean that they had stopped worrying. Sometimes I think they worry more especially because we can legally drink. So of course they weren’t going to tell us that they couldn’t give us a ride. Go back on what they’ve been preaching since we were sixteen? That’s something no parent ever really wants to do. Besides, Andy still mows their lawn and they really didn’t want to mess that up.

As a bonus, brother Bob and sis-in-law Nichole were rolling in from out of town and needed a ride too. It was a regular family reunion. As we piled six deep into the old minivan I got the distinct impression that Ma and Pa Strom were actually enjoying themselves. Ok, maybe not so much when we were hinting (and not so subtly) that we wanted to pregame the wedding at the bar near the church. The idea was shot down and instead we arrived early and found our seats with the rest of the Strom clan in the church. We were witness to a beautiful and touching wedding, complete with a family photo at the end. And then it was on to dinner, dancing, and a night of debauchery!

 

Photographic evidence of debauchery. (Studio Veil photo booth)

 It was the best of both worlds – a lovely family wedding and a night of beer drinking with the buds.  The beer was wonderful, as the Oktoberfest from Schell's always proves to be, and it was free and free flowing. The beer flowed so freely in fact that Mark’s loving cousins got together and rewrote the announcement on the marquee sign at the venue with a touching message for the loving couple. I did successfully get Andy drunk enough to dance with me for the last song of the evening and my mood got as ripped as my fishnets stockings did after a night of breaking it down on the dance floor.  The ‘rents drove us safely home and I could tell that they were touched by our drunken bonding in the back seats of their van. They had most of their clan safely in their care, giggling over a night of drunken escapades and fun. We took them at their word, to always let them know when we needed a safe ride home, and they in turn held up their end of the bargain. Who knew mom and dad would provide one of the best sober rides we’ve had in a while. Besides, they got to spend some time with the kids, even if we were a little extra bubbly, and what parent doesn’t like that?

This is what happens when you provide such good beer. (via Mark and Jess Strom)

 

So while you think your parents are the last people you'd like to get a sober ride from, remember that they really do want to see you just as safe now as they did when you were younger. And if you're going the same place already, why not take them up on a ride and carpool? Besides, you're a legal, drinking adult and they can't yell at you for drinking all the free beer you can hold! Consider your parents the next time you need a sober cab, and hey, if they need a ride, return the favor!

Beerploma's Interview with Summit's Eric Harper, Brewer of Hop Silo Double IPA

Summit Brewing Company's 18th Unchained Series, Hop Silo, has been available a little over a week now.  It has met with a myriad of positive reviews.  Hop Silo is a Double IPA that has the hop punch to satisfy even the biggest hop-head while remaining incredibly drinkable and smooth.  I sat down with the man behind  Hop Silo, Eric Harper, who had the responsibility of brewing up this fantastic brew.  The atmosphere of the Summit beer hall complete with open windows and delicious beer acted as the perfect backdrop for this interview.  Our chat was both informative and enjoyable as Eric is a very knowledgeable and down to earth brewer who likes to talk beer.

Eric has been with Summit for 6 years and New Glarus before that, so he has a great pedigree when it comes to brewing.  Hop Silo is Eric's third Unchained beer; the previous Unchained brews were Series #4 a Belgian Style Golden Ale and Series #11 Old 152, a Kentucky Common Ale.  The seven brewers at Summit rotate who gets to brew the Unchained beers.  Eric said that being able to have 100% control over the development of a beer that Summit makes is incredibly cool.  He loves the fact that he gets the trust of the Brewmaster and Head Brewer to do something that he feels incredibly passionate about.  Summit has never brewed a Double IPA before, but when Eric was out in the Yakima Hop valley, he discovered some hops that he felt he absolutely had to use and that was what put the wheels in motion.  

Eric used Azacca, Zeus, Lemondrop and Cascade hops as well as a Beta Aroma Hop Extract.  All these things work together to give Hop Silo a decent hop presence, but not to the point where it will overwhelm the palate.  He wanted to maintain a balance between aroma and bitterness and I think that he does that because there is enough malt in this beer.  When you drink Hop Silo, it doesn't taste like it is 8.3% ABV, and that is why it is so drinkable.  One reason why I am always a little wary of a Double IPA is that it can be so strong and so astringent, that it is hard to enjoy more than one without totally destroying my palate.  Hop Silo did not destroy my palate and I even enjoyed another!  The only negative about this beer is that it is a somewhat limited quantity.  It released about 10 days ago and people are responding positively to Hop Silo.  Summit brewed roughly 900 barrels of this beer (a barrel is 31.5 gallons) and is available in 16 oz. cans as well as on tap at many of the places in the Twin Cities.  

As a local craft beer fan, I am so happy that Summit puts such trust in the capable hands of their brewers.  Eric is incredibly passionate about beer and in talking to him, the pride that he has in this beer comes across genuinely and unabashed.  His ear to ear grin about how happy he is that Hop Silo turned out so well speak volumes about what this opportunity means to him.  Not many other breweries in this market do a series like this where they give over total control to every brewer to create something unique that may or may not be in their regular portfolio.  Get out and try this wonderful beer while you can.  

A Beerploma Taproom Tour: Fair State Brewing Cooperative

There are plenty of places in the city to and get a beer.  However, in the last five years, the focus has turned from places to get a beer to places where you really want to go to get a beer.  The drinking options in the midst of the Twin Cities taproom explosion have increased in a staggering way.  As places continue to open, it becomes more and more about providing drinkers with great beer to drink, but also an atmosphere that is conducive to enjoying the company of others as they drink craft beer.

Fair State Brewing Cooperative has been open for just about six months and provides craft beer drinkers with unique and delicious beers.  Fair State also fosters a wonderful craft beer drinking community with a co-op membership that is over 600 strong and growing.

Lets start with the look of the taproom.  The exposed brick and long, beautiful bar give the taproom a very comfortable feel.  The bar was made of the reclaimed wood from the original building.  The uniqueness and high quality of the bar allow for plenty of seating, as it stretches far down at least half the length of the taproom.  The layout is perfect for meeting people and having great conversation.  There are windows that allow you to see into the brewhouse.  The bathroom is down a hallway and on the wall of that corridor the words, "Drink like you own the place" are painted.  That statement speaks volumes about the experience that the founders of the brewery want their patrons to have.

Fair State Brewing Cooperative was founded by three college friends, Evan Sallee, Niko Tonks and Matthew Hauck, who all have shared an interest in beer dating back to 2002 when they met in college.  The cooperative nature of the business stems from a desire to connect good people with good beer.  The state of MN has a very high number of cooperative businesses ranging from farm shares to places to shop for groceries, so a cooperative brewery seemed like something that would work well.  As of 2-19-15, Fair State had over 600 members, a number that has far exceeded what they initially projected.  The membership benefits include, but are not limited to voting on different beer styles every couple of months.  Members also enjoy Happy Hour prices ($1.00 off pints and $.50 off half-pints) all day on Monday and Wednesday-Friday from 4-7pm.  Recently, a Fair State Brewing Cooperative-themed Members Only jacket became a perk for signing up!

Fair State's beers are the deft and nuanced concoctions of Head Brewer, Nico Tonks.  Nico started at Jester King Brewing and Live Oak Brewing in Austin, TX, where he learned the art of brewing continental lagers and wheat beers.  The availability of local ingredients often dictates what is brewed.  Although, Pilsner is the favorite style of the taproom and their version is on-point.  In addition to lagers, they also brew ales and will usually have a nice selection of each on tap.  One of the things I was especially impressed with was their sour beer, Lactobac 1.  Their barrel aging program is expanding and in the future, there will be more and more delicious barrel aged selections to enjoy.

Groucho Marx once said, "I refuse to join any club that would have me as a member."  Fair State Brewing Cooperative's passion for beer combined with the amazing community being fostered there might cause him to rethink his prolific statement.  The options for drinking good beer in the Twin Cities and beyond are great, but finding a place with this type of inviting atmosphere is not as easy.  Fair State has hit all the marks, so get there and try the amazing drinking experience for yourself.  Prost!

The Pint Report: Surly Abrasive VS. Bell's Hopslam

Craft beer drinkers look forward to the release of Bell's Hopslam every year with a vigor matched only by someone who consumed 8 Fiber One bars on a road trip and is looking for a rest stop.  This beer is iconic and believed by many to be the standard to which all others should be measured.  Luckily, for Minnesotans, and more recently people in Chicago, Surly has a beer called Abrasive Ale, which is also a very uniquely uber-hopped Double IPA.

Surly Abrasive and Bell's Hopslam are now both available in our market.  These are probably two of the best representations of Double IPAs in this market and craft beer drinkers will naturally be having the debate about which of these beers is better.  Is it even fair to compare these two beers?  Maybe not, but I like to live on the edge and a comparison of these two fabulous beers cannot possibly be worse than my Fiber One Bar debacle on my way to Wichita. . .

Let's start with the local beer, Surly Abrasive Ale.  As of 2/15/15, it is ranked 51st on Beer Advocate's list of the top 250 beers.  It was released a little after mid-January and is widely available in the metro at bars, liquor stores and at the brewery.  It is an American Double IPA/Imperial IPA with an ABV of 9% and 120 IBUs.  It is brewed with Warrior and Citra hops and balanced out with malted oats and 2-row malt according to the Surly Brewing Company website.

Bell's Hopslam started showing up in MN around the 9th of February and is also an American Double IPA.  It ranks 66th out of 250 on Beer Advocate's list of the top 250 beers.  Hopslam has an ABV of 10% and 70 IBUs.  The Bell's website states only that is uses hop varietals from the Pacific Northwest and that it is dry-hopped with Simcoe hops.  According to their website, Bell's uses a "generous malt bill and a solid dollop of honey" to balance out the hops.

Let's start with the things that these great beers have in common.  The rich hue of vibrant marmalade orange makes this a breathtaking sight in a nice goblet.  The ABV of the beers are also in the 9-10% range, so more of a sipper as opposed to something you would invite the frat boys down the street over to play beer pong with.  These beers are also incredibly sought after.  There might still be some available in your local craft beer liquor stores, but it might be easier to find these beers on tap.

Head of Bell's Hopslam

The differences that set these beers apart are also what makes them similarly great.  When I tasted them side by side, it was a very pleasant way to spend my time.  I will start with aroma and tell you that they are both extremely aromatic, but in two separately distinct ways.  The Hopslam has a very citrusy and sweet aroma.  Whereas the Abrasive is more piney and almost woody.  Both hop aromas are inviting to the nose and really stimulate the olfactory senses.

Hopslam has a little head retention where the Abrasive has almost none.  The mouthfeel of the Hopslam was slightly more effervescent and eventually smoothed out.  The resiny nature of the Abrasive lingers on the tongue and transitions to a pretty bitter bite in the aftertaste.  Hopslam is a lot more balanced because of the honey as opposed to the Abrasive that is pretty hoppy the whole way through.

Head of Surly Abrasive

Flavor-wise, these beers are both tremendous.  In the abrasive, amongst the piney and grapefruity intensity, there is also almost the bitterness of citrus pith.  Obviously, diehard hop-heads love Abrasive for this quality.  Hopslam is citrusy at first and then melds into a more grapefruit hop bite which is balanced out by the malt and honey, resulting in a much more balanced taste.

To say which one is better is tough.  Is it possible to say which animal print pattern of Zubaz go better with a fanny pack?  Can we possibly say that there is one distinct Kim Kardashian quote that proves her to be the queen of stupidity?  Can we truly look at the label of a Fiber One bar and think to ourselves that 35% of your daily fiber is more of an estimation than a scientific certainty?  I believe that it is not fair to say one is better than the other.  They are each superb representations of a style while being drastically different in hop character.  That is why they are sought after and rated highly.  There is not one person who considers themselves a fan of hoppy beer who would say that either of these beers are bad.

Valentine's Day Lovin' - Get a Taproom!

Once again February has come around, and with it Valentine’s Day. And unfortunately, for some, this can cause a bit of distress. What should we do, where should we go to celebrate? Should we celebrate? What if I buy someone a gift and they don’t like it? What if my gift is totally inappropriate for what we have going on? Oh God, what do we have going on? Do we classify it, quantify it, or just have a little fun? Should I have gotten reservations? I can’t make reservations because everyone booked a table last year! How was I supposed to know I’d meet someone and actually have a dinner companion? I can’t predict that! I’m used to eating alone damn it! And what would we do after dinner? Oh God, if there’s an after. I’ve probably already blown it and won’t even be able to get a date for coffee! Slow down lover pants, and let me help you out for 2015. I did a little bit of research again this year and I’ve got a few suggestions for a great day or night out for you and a special friend (or friends, I don’t judge). It doesn’t involve reservations, messy foods, or rude overworked waiters. Take it easy, take some notes, and let me show you how you can impress your love with some local chocolates and a trip out to some great twin cities tap rooms.

If beer pairings aren’t new to you, you already know how well chocolates and beers can go together. If you are new to beer pairings, you probably think I’ve lost it. Yes, everyone knows that you can make a chocolate stout cake, and that’s great. But chocolate, like beer, comes in such great variety that you really should take a chance and explore pairing your sweets with your beers, especially chocolate. Play around with the flavors and in the spirit of Valentine’s Day, do some experimenting. Surprise yourselves a little and step outside your box. The worst that can happen is you find something you won’t want to try again. The best thing that could happen? You’ll enjoy something new with your partner. Besides, experimenting is fun, isn’t it?

If you’re looking for a taproom with a little more of a romantic feel, I suggest hitting up Steel Toe Brewing. You’ll find that their tap room can be pretty romantic! Its lighting is on the low side, perfect for setting a close and personal mood. I like to sit at the bar on the back wall, and with my back to the rest of the room, create my own privacy to enjoy my company.  On your way stop off at The Drooling Moose and grab some of their Malted Milk Boulders. The Drooling Moose makes their version of malted milk balls in super-sized form. These are huge, roughly the size of a quarter, and covered in ¼ inch of sweet milk chocolate. Order yourselves a couple pints of Steel Toe’s Dissent and enjoy how the malty sweetness of the beer melts the malted center of the chocolates in your mouth. The milk chocolate in turn enhances the smooth, creamy mouth feel you’ll get from the beer. If there’s a downside to these chocolates it’s only that they’ll ruin whoppers for you forever. If you really enjoy yourselves, make sure to grab some growlers to go, and continue your party in an even more intimate setting.

I next headed over to Big Wood Brewery for a glass of the tried and true Morning Wood Coffee Stout. This stout has an incredible kick of coffee flavor with sweet chocolaty notes. My pick for a great compliment chocolate is one of my favorites, milk chocolate toffee. I stopped off in Arden Hills at a place new to me, Sweet Chocolat. You will absolutely love how their toffee breaks apart into crunchy, buttery chunks in your mouth. It pairs perfectly with the Morning Wood, the other enhancing the best parts of its companion. Isn’t that what is perfect about so many great relationships throughout time? We should all be so lucky to fine someone who bring out the best in us, yet still showcases just how awesome they are in their own right. The tap room at Big Wood works great for new and more established couples as well. There’s plenty of intimate seating off the sides of the room if you’re looking to spend some quieter time together. Not sure if you can handle that level of closeness? Enjoy your treats at the larger tables in the middle of the room, or at the centralized bar area. And if toffee isn’t your bag, check out the incredible selection of molded chocolate shapes Sweet Chocolat has to offer. Their Valentine’s Day selection blew me away, with everything from traditional hearts to anatomically correct hearts. One of my favorite offerings was the anatomical lungs packaged with the following – ‘You take my breath away’. How can you not love that sense of loving humor? Or for the more adventurous, try the chocolate hand cuffs on for size. See how much fun you can have with your Morning Wood and chocolate this Valentine’s Day.

But what if you’re feeling really adventurous? Then I suggest you and your date go get ‘funked up’ at Bent Brewstillery. Bent is quickly making a name for themselves with their funked up series of sour beers, each a little different, each an incredible way to try a new beer profile that you might not be familiar with. I myself love sour beers and I’m always curious to see what Bent has been up to with this series. Right now they have their Belgian Berlin Ur-Bock on tap and I highly recommend it. This is a beer reminiscent of a Berliner Weisse so if you like a slightly more wine like beer, give it a try. You might think that finding a chocolate pairing for this would be hard, but if you’ve had this style beer before you’ll know that it pairs quite well with fruity flavors. I actually found a great one for you to try at the nearby Roseville Mall in the Godiva store. Pick yourselves up a tin (or bag) of their Strawberry Cheesecake Truffles and prepare to have your mind blown away. The strawberry will help to pull the fruitiness out of the beer while the cheesecake layer tempers it with a slightly creaminess to counteract the sour in just the slightest way. Yes darling, opposites can and do attract and will make for some of the best experiences of your life. You’ll have a blast in their gorgeous tap room with plenty of seating to hide away in a corner. Or make sure to head over on a night when they have a local band playing and do some dancing! Their knowledgeable and friendly beertenders will make sure you have everything you need so you can concentrate on making sure your date has everything they need. And isn’t that what it’s all about? Also, they will be releasing a new beer on Valentine's Day at the taproom. Uber Lupin Shwarz IPA. You could experience something brand new with your date!

So when you’re making plans for Valentine’s Day remember to think outside the standard chocolate boxes and wine that every store is offering. Hit up your local tap rooms and chocolate shops for some new and fun ideas to show your date. Experiment a little bit and try some new things this year. Valentine’s Day shouldn’t be stressful, especially when you have so many great options to choose from! Your date with love it, and if you’re lucky and buy enough chocolate they’ll probably love you before the night is over. Send them home with their own growler, you just might get a proposal out of the deal.


www.steeltoebrewing.com
www.droolinmoose.com
www.bigwoodbrewery.com
www.mysweetchocolat.com
www.bentbrewstillery.com
www.godiva.com

The Pint Report: Northgate's Red Headed Piper

In a day in age when beer collaborations are all the rage, a collaboration between a craft brewery and a bar is something that is pretty unique.  However, Northgate's Irish Red Ale, Red Headed Piper, is something special and delicious that can only be found at Northgate Brewing's taproom in Northeast Minneapolis and Merlins Rest in South Minneapolis.

The story of how Red Headed Piper came to be is a testament to both the quality of Northgate's beer and Merlins Rest's passion for showcasing great British style ales made locally.  As the story goes, Lee and Tracie of Merlins Rest were Northgate's first account when they put Wall's End on tap.  Wall's End, a sessionable English Style Brown Ale, sold incredibly well and Merlins approached Northgate about the possibility of Northgate brewing a special beer for them to have on tap.  Merlins got to choose the style and the name of the beer and Tuck Carruthers, the head brewer at Northgate, began to formulate a recipe.  What Tuck came up with is the perfect marriage between flavor and sessionability.  

I first tried Red Headed Piper one night at Merlins when I was there for trivia on a Sunday night.  I will say, without too much shame, that back in the day, I drank enough Killian's Irish Red to turn me into a Leprechaun.  Killian's was one of my gateway beers.  Since then, my palate has evolved and I have been looking for better and more flavorful Irish Red Ales to enjoy.  If you have been to trivia at Merlins before, you know that the questions are tough and you need to have your wits about you.  That being the case, I saw that the Red Headed Piper was 4.5% ABV and so I made that my selection.  When the beer arrived, my first sip was akin to running into an old friend that you haven't seen for a long time.  Since the Killian's days, I have had a tough time finding an Irish Red Ale that I really liked.  Well, I guess my search is over because the flavors present in this beer are everything that I love about Irish Red Ales and I am hooked.  Several of my friends were also enjoying pints of Red Headed Piper and could not believe how much flavor was in a beer that was so light in ABV.  The server explained that Red Headed Piper is brewed exclusively for Merlins, but is also available in the taproom at Northgate.  I walked out of Merlins that night with my sides aching from laughter, my brain hurting from trivia and my palate intrigued by this amazing new beer I discovered.  

Not even a week later, I was at the Northgate taproom imbibing the Red Headed Piper and really trying my best to savor and dissect the flavors and aromas of the beer.  The Red Headed Piper is 4.5% ABV and has 25 IBUs.  The color of the beer is a rich, dark copper color.  The aroma has hints of roasted malt and is incredibly enticing.  The flavor of this beer is what impresses me greatly.  The richness of the malt character is complex.  There are caramel, biscuit and toasted malt flavors that compliment each other.  The malt flavor is balanced nicely by a perfect amount of bitterness from the roasted malt and while keeping the biscuity nature of Maris Otter malt.  This beer's harmonious flavor profile really is a testament to Tuck, who clearly understands the necessary nuances of brewing a great beer.  This sessionable beer is smooth and perfect for sitting down with some friends to share some laughs.  

While this beer is only available at two locations at present, they are both great locations to relax and have a pint.  I strongly urge that you round up a few folks and head out to Merlins Rest for a pint, I am partial to Sunday night trivia because I am a glutton for intellectual punishment.  If you want to experience a great taproom with a pub vibe, then get over to Northgate for some pints.  Either way, by trying the Red Headed Piper you will honestly be impressed how Northgate can pack so much flavor and depth into a sessionable ale.  Prost!

The Pint Report: Tin Whiskers Barrel Shifter Review

In the grips of a Minnesota winter, many of us crave a nice big beer to warm our bones and dazzle our palates.  Tin Whiskers has put forth a tremendous and unique offering in their Barrel Shifter Porter, an oak-aged porter with plenty of flavor and warmth to get you through these chilly nights.

The Barrel Shifter is a bigger beer at 8% ABV and is very balanced at 48 IBUs.  I tried this beer at the taproom and it is served in a 10 oz. glass.  The beer has a little bit of a head on it and the its obsidian color is incredibly appealing to the eye.  The aroma consists of roasted malt and a slight barrel-aged aroma that is not too overpowering.  My one fear with this beer was that the barrel aging would muddle out some of the other flavors and aromas, but the brewer made sure that all of the flavors and aromas were able to be present in this beer.

As I continued to drink, the head dissipated and clung to the sides of the glass.  This beer drinks very easy and smooth.  The bite from the roasted malt are balanced out by the nice chocolate notes and slight hint of cherry from the wood.  The vanilla, another flavor that can sometimes overshadow other things going on in the beer, is also just the right amount and not too over-the-top.  There is also a slight dark chocolate aftertaste that left me feeling very satisfied with this beer.  All the flavors intensify as the porter warms up.  Beers like this are best enjoyed when you have ample time to do so.  With each delicious sip of the Barrel Shifter, the dread of Monday seemed to dissipate.  I was enjoying a great beer and watching the NFL playoff game along with the rest of the patrons.  What a great way end a weekend!

The beertender said that this beer has been popular with the Tin Whiskers patrons and I totally agree.  This beer is an ideal winter seasonal.  It has a great combination of sweetness from the chocolate malt and vanilla.  When you factor in the balancing component of roasted malt and the slight cherry flavor from the cherry wood that was used in the aging, the beer comes together in a harmonious way.  If you are lucky enough to see it on tap around town, I urge you to try a pint.  However, it will be on at the taproom for a limited time, so head down to Tin Whiskers and try some.  Not only will you be able to stick it to Old Man Winter, but you will be able to enjoy doing so in what is becoming a great place to hang out in Saint Paul and chat with other like-minded craft beer drinkers.  Prost!

Brew Year's Resolutions: 5 Things To Broaden Your Craft Beer Horizons In 2015

In my opinion, New Year's Resolutions work about as well as two story outhouses.  Get to the gym more.  Eat fewer non-complex carbohydrates.  Eat more riboflavin.  This is what has been bombarding my Twitter Feed and Facebook Page over the past few days and I am sick of it.  Very few of the resolutions that I have seen over the last couple of days have looked appealing or achievable, much less appealing and achievable.  Perhaps even more egregious, very few of the resolutions I saw mentioned anything about craft beer.  So, let me present you with a couple of things to add into the mix in 2015 that up the gravity on your beer geek goals.  Whether you are a Certified Cicerone or just dipping you toe in the craft beer pool, you will hopefully find something to ponder as we move forward and into the new year.



Brew Year's Resolution #1-Try a new beer style.  We all have our favorites.  We are partial to certain qualities of those brews, but why not try breaking into a new direction?  You would be surprised (I know I was) about exactly how many different beer styles and sub-categories are out there.  My own foray into this resolution will be the ESB category.  ESB stands for Extra Special Bitters.  When I first heard of this style, I thought that it meant that it would be very hoppy and bitter.  That is actually not the case and, in fact, this beer style is remarkably balanced and drinkable.  If you are curious about where to find information about different beer styles, start with Beer Advocate or BJCP (Beer Judge Certification Program) as some great resources.  Not only will you see that there are a myriad of styles out there, there is usually a list of style representations that you can pick up at the local liquor store.  Read up on your favorite beer style and then try something that is similar to it.  You will be broadening your horizons while still staying in a palate and flavor profile that you are comfortable with.

Brew Year's Resolution #2-Order a new beer every time you are out at a bar or restaurant.  This is much easier than biking with a blindfold on and will allow for the same level of excitement.  As more and more bars and restaurants are catering to the needs of craft beer drinkers, they are providing us with more options for enjoying a pint.  Gone are the days where all you see are mainstream domestics on tap.  Both in the Twin Cities Metro area as well as in greater Minnesota, the tap lines are becoming more interesting and diverse.  Some of my favorite places in the Twin Cities are Republic and Muddy Pig.  These places have a great selection of local and regional craft beers as well as staffs that are intelligent and willing to help you pick the right beer for you.

Brew Year's Resolution #3-Try a new taproom.  With taprooms popping up like prairie dogs in a South Dakota summer, this is extremely doable.  The other night I went to Northgate's taproom for the first time and I absolutely loved it.  I got a chance to try their Parapet ESB and that helped me work on my first resolution.  The vibe is great there and with each different taproom, you are introduced to a collection of new and exciting beers.  We have some hidden gems in this state and each one has a vibe and feel that is unique.  There are no cookie-cutter taprooms that I have seen and I have been to my fair share.




Brew Year's Resolution #4-Hit the books.  While there is much beer geek knowledge that can be gleaned from going out and trying new beers in taprooms and bars, if you really want to up the gravity of your beer knowledge, you need to check out some of the great titles that have been written about craft beer.  One of my personal favorites is Tasting Beer: An Insider's Guide To The World's Greatest Drink by Randy Mosher.  This is one of the most accessible books about everything one needs to know about tasting, understanding and evaluating beer.  If you are looking for something more of the narrative variety, Microbrewed Adventures by Charlie Papazian has you covered.  Papazian's writing style is engaging and humorous and you read wonderful tales about his beer travels all over the world.



Brew Year's Resolution #5-Build Your Own 6-Pack.  One of the most common obstacles in trying new beer is the intimidation factor.  I have heard people become hesitant to spend anywhere from 8-12 dollars on a 6-pack of beer they are not sure they will like.  Well, most liquor stores have began to cater to the new craft beer enthusiast and they will usually have a section of single bottles that you can use to build your own 6-pack.  This is a wonderful way to expand your beer geek horizons.  Most liquor stores that have a build your own 6-pack will also be more than willing to help you fill it up with great beer that you will really like.

While the new year can bring a lot of pressure to set goals that may or may not be realistic or achievable, these 5 Brew Year's Resolutions are definitely something that you will have fun attempting to achieve.  Craft beer is not just something you drink, it is a means to social interaction and discovery.  So, get some friends together and try to work on these together.  I will be right out there with you trying to mark these off my list, all the while, having a great time meeting new people and drinking delicious craft beer.  Prost!

You Betcha, It Is Worth A Trip Up To The Fargo Brewing Company!

When most people think of Fargo, ND, they start quoting lines from the 1996 Coen Brothers movie.  Surely, there are quite a few people up in that area whom have grown tired of this, given the fact that Fargo is not even in MN (the actual setting of the movie).  However, someone once said, "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery."  By that logic, the movie and constant quoting of the lines from said movie are a way to pay homage to a place that flies under the radar.  People who live up in Fargo and its surrounding communities will tell you that Fargo's food and drink scene is on the upswing.  Driving around in Fargo, one notices an increase in eating and drinking establishments that tempt patrons with hip storefronts and neon craft beer signs in the windows.

On the day after Thanksgiving,  when most people were headed to the West Acres Mall in Fargo, ND, I set my GPS for the Fargo Brewing Company.  Having connected with them earlier in the year at the Autumn Brew Review, which coincided with their launch in the Twin Cities, I was pining to head up there and check out their operation.





The Fargo Brewing Company is located in a relatively large industrial warehouse between downtown Fargo and the NDSU campus.  Upon stepping inside, my olfactories were met with the familiar and intoxicating aroma of malted grains.  It was a busy day for them as they were releasing their 4th anniversary beer, Double Buster, an Imperial Porter.  When we got there, Zach Click, the Operations Manager was there to greet us and we chatted for a bit.  Then John Anderson, one of the owners came and began a very thorough tour of the facility.  The story of how it all started is chronicled on the brewery's website, but in short, the four owners all decided that each of them had an area of expertise that was right for opening a brewery.  They started in 2010 contract brewing out of Sand Creek Brewing Company in Black River Falls, WI.  Last March, they opened their current facility in Fargo complete with a taproom.  They operate on a 20 barrel system and they toured plenty of other breweries to make sure they laid out their brewery exactly the way that they wanted to streamline efficiency and production.  From the brewing kettles to the canning line, it all flows very well so that they can maintain a smooth flow from one part of the brewing process to the next.




One of the things that John is very proud of is how well their ownership group and employees work as a team.  About ten minutes into our tour, Chris Anderson, came up and started ribbing John for not putting a bucket under one of the fermenters.  They gave each other some "brotherly love" in the form of sarcastic banter and it was then that I really got to see why this operation works so well.  The same respect and admiration that they have for each other, they also have for putting out quality and tasty craft beer.



One of the most exciting things that they showed me on the tour was their barrel-aged souring program which is in the beginning stages now, but will eventually be a significant part of their seasonal rotation.  The water in Fargo lends itself well to dark and maltier beers, which is why their most popular beer is their Sodbuster Porter.  They had ten total beers on tap, 7 of which are regular offerings and 3 that are taproom trials of things that they are tweaking and experimenting with.  Their flagship beers consist of the previously mentioned Sodbuster Porter, Woodchipper IPA, Stone's Throw Scottish Ale and the Iron Horse Pale Ale.  In the interest of information dissemination, I tried several of their flagships and a few of the specialty beers that are taproom only offerings (Bent River Munich Style Helles and Deceiver Belgian Strong Ale) and was impressed by each one!  I brought a growler of the Woodchipper IPA home to a friend who is a very discerning IPA drinker.  He polished it off and has since procured more of the IPA in cans, which are available in most liquor stores in the Twin Cities.  He is quite taken with the IPA citing its cleanness and balanced flavor.

Driving around Northeast Minneapolis and seeing all the taprooms open, it is easy to forget that it was not that long ago that there was no craft beer scene over there.  Fargo Brewing Company can boast being on tap at 33 of the establishments in the Fargo area.  Over the weekend of September 27th, they launched distribution in the Twin Cities.  While craft beer is catching on mightily in Fargo, North Dakota was the last state in the union to have a craft brewery after prohibition.  In Fargo, they are the biggest craft brewery with their sights set on expansion.  They referenced Fulton, and how they quickly outgrew their space and had to expand as being a driving force behind settling on the taproom site.  They will be able to expand and stay in their same facility for a long time.  There is plenty of space to add more brewing capacity.  With John's culinary background, one of the things that is important to them is brewing beer that can pair well with food.  They are already planning on opening up a restaurant on site that will allow him to do beer pairings.

The Fargo Brewing Company's zymurgical offerings are spot-on and delicious, but the reason I will go back is because of the people and passion behind their beers.  The time that Chris and John took to show me around that day was the epitome of hospitality.  They answered questions and really enjoyed talking beer.  I was thinking I would be lucky if I got to briefly talk with the owner, but the fact that they spent an hour and a half showing my wife and I around their brewery speaks to their generosity and sincerity.  They want to put their personal touch on everything and make sure each and every person who walks into their taproom feels like they are welcome and valued.  Craft beer is still in its infancy in Fargo, but the people at the brewery have gone to great lengths to get people in the doors and feeling welcome.  They host Trivia Mafia events and even have a night called "Yoga on Tap."  The Fargo Brewing Company is gathering a following of faithful beer enthusiasts who are proud to call the taproom their gathering space.  So, do yourselves a favor and plan a weekend getaway to head up and have a pint or two.  You will be in for a nice surprise when you see the burgeoning craft beer culture developing in a city that desperately deserves it.

12 Beers of Christmas: Craft Beers to Celebrate the Holiday Season

When the weather dips down and the dulcet tones of Michael Buble assault my ear drums, it is time for two things: taking my bath and the colossal selection of holiday-themed craft beers.  We are not only lucky in this market to have local breweries concocting delicious holiday and seasonal offerings, but we also get many of the best national selections to fill our tulip glasses and pair with our holiday feasts.  I contend that if the Grinch had been able to savor the deliciousness of Indeed Stir Crazy, his holiday disposition would have been much different.  It is indeed a wonderful time of year and below you will find my list of 12 Beers of Christmas!  These beers go well, but are not limited to the following occasions: holiday work parties, family gatherings, helping one get through the wall to wall holiday music on Kool 108, happy hours with friends, family holiday fun, Bikram Yoga class, dealing with holiday shopping, waiting up for St. Nick to arrive, celebrating making it through your Festivus Airing of Grievances, and the wall to wall holiday music on Kool 108.  Whether you are with others in a crowd, or just at home relaxing by yourself, these yummy yuletide libations will take the chill out of the air and dazzle your palate with a variety of holiday flavor sensations.  While this is a list, there is no order.  This is a list of beers, of which each one offers something special that you will enjoy in your holiday season.  So, without further ado, I present my 12 beers of Christmas.




Indeed Stir Crazy-This Winter Ale is 6.5% ABV and 22 IBUs.  Stir Crazy is available in the taproom and most liquor stores starting in November and lasts usually until February.    It has a dark brown, and slightly dark reddish color with a slight to medium head.  This beer has a very nice roasted malt aroma, with a subtle hint of coffee.  The flavors of dark chocolate, vanilla, caramel and raisin intensify as it warms, so make sure you are not drinking it too cold.  There is just a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg spice in this beer which is nice because many people find overdoing of spices in a beer off-putting.  The mouthfeel is medium and the dark color of this beer makes it seem like the beer is heavier than it is.  It is not overly sweet and almost has a dry finish.  At 6.5% ABV, this is a very drinkable beer that will still take the chill out of your bones.



Bau Haus Brew Labs Jingle Fever-This Baltic Porter is 8% ABV and 20 IBUs.  This is a beer style that I am not all that familiar with and was very eager to try.  As most porters are very roasty in their aroma, the roasted malt character in this beer is more subtle.  However, that is not to say that it is lacking in flavor and depth.  It drinks smooth and velvety with the bittersweet chocolate and caramel notes and a nice black licorice flavor.  If you are dealing with a few humbugs at the work mixer, knock a few of these back and suddenly you will be riding the one-horse sleigh to fun town!




Summit Winter Ale-This beer is 6.5% ABV and 40 IBUs.  Summit Winter Ale has become synonymous with my holiday imbibing over the years.  Trust me on this, you will not regret getting a sixer of this to bring to the in-laws for some holiday cheer.   I know that there are people out there who often bypass Summit to have something trendier.  However, this is a great representation of the Winter Warmer style and has flirted with my palate for years with its nice nutty, roasty and malty flavor.  It drinks really smooth and goes well with many holiday foods like ham or a nice roasted prime rib.  For me, this is the beer I always drink when I am out at my favorite wing joint with my buddies.  So, to say that this beer is representative of the embodiment of holiday cheer is an understatement.  




Schell's Snowstorm Grand Cru-This beer is 6.5% ABV and 20 IBUs.  This is a bit of a departure from the dark and velvety Winter Warmers that are readily available during this time.  This is part of a series from Schell's that is a little different every year in regards to the style.  This year's rendition is an incredibly refreshing Grand Cru.  The aromas of citrus, esters and slight coriander are really bright.  It drinks very clean with a nice carbonation effervescence.  There is a slight chocolate hint that is an homage to the wonderful marriage of orange and chocolate.  This beer drinks lighter than the 6.5 ABV would suggest and because of that, is one of the more approachable beers on this list.



Bad Weather Ominious Midwest Warmer-This beer is 7.5% ABV and 40 IBUs.   The first thing I notice before I even take a sip is how amazing this beer smells.  The roasted malt character is so enticing and then you add in the hints of chocolate and coffee and I am ready for the snowdrifts to force me to stay home and read Garfield's 5th Treasury by the fire.  The beer is medium bodied and is very smooth.  Barry White would have absolutely loved this beer.  It is remarkably effervescent for having as much body as it does.  This is probably not the first thing that you think of when you think winter beers, but if you give this a try, you will be rewarded with a very solid drinking experience.



Lift Bridge Commander Barley Wine-This beer is 12.5% ABV and 75 IBUs.  This is a special beer.  The aroma has notes of bourbon barrel, vanilla and some slight cardamom spice.  There is no head on the beer and it is amber in appearance.  This beer is complex and is perfect for the season.  It is very balanced and there is very little hop bitterness.  The malty sweetness is the main act in this flavor show and as it warms, the flavors intensify.  The cardamom is used sparingly, and yet, it has a definite presence in the beer.  What a perfect beer for a nice cold night when all you have to worry about is which really good cheese are you going to pair with your snifter of Commander.





Great Lakes Christmas Ale-This beer is 7.5% ABV and 30 IBUs.  This beer is so easy drinking and delicious.  The spice is done with a deft hand and the hints of honey and cinnamon come through in a very pleasing way.  This beer is a mainstay for me and I have been lucky enough to have this in my kegerator during the holidays for the last couple of years.  Most of the people who come over and try this beer wind up enjoying it and by the end of the night are big fans of its drinkability and approachable flavor.  This is the beer that I want to be drinking when I am sharing a laugh at a holiday party with my family and friends.  This beer is as harmonious as the sound of the laughter that fills your home when you have people over to celebrate the holidays.




Odell Isolation Ale-This beer is 6.1% ABV and 29 IBUs.  This beer is a straight-forward ale with a very subtle aroma of cookie-like malt.  The flavor is balanced with caramel malt flavor and a subtle dry hoppiness.  This is the least spicy of all the beers on this list and would be a nice alternative for someone who doesn't enjoy too much spice in their beer.  It drinks smooth, like most of Odell's beers, it is very approachable and you will definitely want to have more than one of these!







Deschutes Jubelale-This beer is 6.7% ABV and 60 IBUs.  The smell of roasted malt along with some slight spice is very inviting.  This beer has a definite hop presence that is noticeable in the finish.  The flavor is roasty, somewhat sweet and toffee-like.  This beer is smooth and balanced.  As it warms up, the flavor of raisins and dates is more obvious.  This beer is very smooth for having as much of a hop presence as it does.  Deschutes is always a great choice, no matter what time of year it is.  However, you would be wise to add this to your holiday beer list and just pray that Santa saw you being nice this year. . .



Southern Tier Old Man Winter Ale-This beer is 7%ABV in the style of an Old Ale.  This has a nice aroma of earthy hops along with a boozy aroma with a hint of smokiness.  The color is a beautiful reddish brown and looks magnificent in a snifter.  Old Man Winter is robust and has a good body.  One can definitely tell they are drinking a 7% ABV beer.  I still have yet to try a Southern Tier offering that I don't like.  This beer is definitely a nice sipper and almost tastes boozier than it is.  It has a very good hop flavor that cuts through the booziness of the beer.





Rogue Santa's Private Reserve-This beer is 6% ABV and 65 IBUs.  This beer has a very floral hop aroma.  The head is rocky with nice retention.  The flavor is very earthy and clean at the start.  That transitions to a piney and resiny hop flavor that stays on the tongue for a bit until it finishes very dry.  Based on this beer, I am thinking that Santa is definitely a hop lover.  It makes perfect sense, after spending all night long drinking milk and eating cookies he needs something hoppy to balance out all those sweets.








Great Divide Hibernation Ale-This beer is 8.7% ABV.  This is an English Style Old Ale.  It is has a rich and malty aroma with hints of roasted malt and coffee.  It drinks smooth and medium bodied without feeling heavy.  The malt and booze in the beer balance really well with the hoppy notes.  The color of this beer is a really beautiful hue of reddish brown.  This is the essence of a Winter Warmer as it really does take the chill out of the air.  I enjoyed this in my living room as we put up the holiday decorations and it was the perfect compliment to the nostalgia that comes along with this time of year.





As always, our mission at Beerploma is to educate and promote craft beer, locally and nationally.  Since this is the season for sharing and good cheer, head on down to your local craft beer store and maybe make yourself up a holiday six pack to bring to the next gathering on your calendar.  I am sure that you will find something on this list that you would want to have on your wish list.  My hope is that you find yourself enjoying this great season for merriment and laughter with the people that you find most important.  Beerploma wishes you all a very happy holiday season and please let me know if there are any of your favorites that I should go out and try.  As the season progresses, I will be enjoying many of these beers myself, as well as a Swiss Colony Beef Log or two.  Prost!

Beerploma's Interview with Alexis Irivin, director and producer of Blood, Sweat, and Beer

Beerploma was recently approached by Alexis Irvin, who along with her partner, Chip Hiden, have directed and produced an independent film entitled:  Blood, Sweat, and Beer.  The feature documentary is about craft beer growth in the U.S. and the dramatic journey of two specific start-up breweries.  After self-funding this project and a successful Kickstarter campaign to put the finishing touches on the project, they wanted us to help them get the word out about their project.


Beerploma:  What was your initial inspiration for this movie?
Alexis:  Chip and I both love craft beer!  We travel a lot, screening our first documentary, The Dream Share Project (www.thedreamshareproject.com) at colleges across the U.S., and our favorite thing to do after an event is find local breweries or fun beer bars to check out.  We noticed such fast and exciting growth in the craft beer world, we thought there had to be some good stories to tell.

Beerploma:  How did you arrive at the two breweries that you featured in the movie?
Alexis:  We knew from the start that we wanted to find passionate people and brewery stories with a narrative arc-we wanted brewers that were pursuing a big goal, or going on some sort of journey.  We thought interviewing start-ups would be a good place to go looking for these stories.  We first interviewed Danny Robinson from Backshore Brewing Co. (formerly Shorebilly Brewing Co.) on the day that he cut the ribbon to open his brewery.  We really liked his passion and enthusiasm for beer and entrepreneurship and how candid he was on camera, so we decided to keep checking-in with him and capture his first year of business as he pursued a distribution deal.  A few months after that, Danny's story took an unexpected turn when he was hit with a trademark lawsuit over the name Shorebilly and was forced to change the name of his brewery.
We first met Matt and Asa from the Brew Gentleman Beer Comany at a Cicerone exam in Washington DC.  We were instantly intrigued by how young they were (22 years old at the time) and how big their ambitions were.  A few months later, we decided to check out their under-construction brewery in Braddock, Pennsylvania.
When we first entered Braddock, it was like driving onto a post-apocalyptic film set.  Homes and historic buildings were boarded up or falling apart.  Ivy crawled over front doors.  Trees grew through front porches and roofs.  The streets were empty and most of the businesses were shut down.  We learned that Braddock was once a bustling steel town and had been left for dead many years ago.  Now, led by the efforts of renegade mayor John Fetterman, Braddock is struggling to make a comeback-and Matt and Asa want their new brewery to help liven up Braddock and bring new manufacturing jobs back to the area.

Beerploma:  You interviewed so many experts in the craft beer world, whom were you most excited to talk to?
Alexis:  The governor of Colorado, John Hickenlooper!  We were so nervous before the interview-we had ten minutes to ask our questions!  But, he had a great story about starting up the Wynkoop Brewing Co. in 1988, and how the brewery helped revitalize lower downtown Denver-which is now a bustling part of town, filled with local businesses!
We also loved chatting with Joey Redner and Wayne Wombles from Cigar City (I'm kind of obsessed with Cigar City beer and so is Chip!), had a great time with Matt Brynildson, David Walker and Jemma Wilson at Firestone-Walker, and loved chatting about food and beer with Ting Su at Eagle Rock in L.A.

Beerploma:  I am a huge fan of Charlie Papazian and have read several of his books.  Is he as energetic in person as he comes off in his writing?
Alexis:  We had a fun experience meeting Charlie Papazian!  Chip and I filmed in Colorado and up and down the West Coast for six weeks this past February and March.  We lined up our interviews in Colorado first, and sent an e-mail request to Charlie in early January.  The same night we sent out the e-mail to Charlie, we attended a DC Homebrewers Club to film the homebrewers sampling each other's beer.
An hour into the meeting, the excited whispers started . . . Charlie Papazian had walked into Bluejacket Brewery and had spend the next few hours hanging out at the DC Homebrewers Club meeting.  Needless to say, the homebrewers were super excited!
We then introduced ourselves to Charlie, he gave us a look and said, "Hey, its you guys!  I just got your email for an interview request today!"  Small world in craft beer.  We interviewed him in Colorado and he was great.  He is someone that truly values and appreciates the strong community surrounding craft beer, and has worked so hard to foster that community over the years.

Beerploma:  Are the Beer Chicks, Christina Perozzi and Hallie Beaune (authors of The Naked Pint) truly as engaging in person as they are in their book?
Alexis:  Christina and Hallie were so fun!  We met them at Hallie's house, where they promptly cracked some beers for us before we got to filming!  I would love to drink another beer with them (or maybe two. . . ) with them in the future.

Beerploma:  The pathos of what the brewery in Braddock means to its community is very strong, even in the trailer.  Could you speak to craft beer's role in lifting the spirits, and possibly the economy in places like Braddock?  Is this something that could possibly benefit other communities from a positive economic standpoint?
Alexis:  I think that a brewery is a great way to revitalize a neighborhood.  You've got a community space for people to hang out and celebrate or catch-up with friends and family.  A brewery draws locals into their community and brings new visitors to an area, which can stimulate revenue for other businesses.  A new brewery brings new jobs and tax dollars to your town and state.  There's pride in having a delicious, handcrafted product created in your own backyard.  And, craft beer as a whole is massively contributing to the U.S. economy-craft brewers contributed $33.9 billion to the U.S. economy in 2012, and the industry also provided more than 360,000 jobs, with 108,440 jobs directly at breweries and brewpubs.  Craft beer is a true American small business success story.

Beerploma:  What were the biggest challenges in bringing the project to fruition?
Alexis:  This project was 100% self-funded until we reached our Kickstarter goal a few weeks ago!  It was also the work largely of two people-Chip and myself-which truly made this a labor of love.  But, we feel very strongly that the stories we found were meant to be shared, and the next step, now that the movie is almost complete, is to share this film with as many people as possible.

Beerploma:  What was the biggest unexpected joy you experienced as you were making this film?
Alexis:  Making this movie was truly a dream come true for us.  We traveled all over the country and got to talk to so many brilliant, hilarious and creative people about one of our favorite topics-beer!  I feel like with the explosive growth of the industry right now, we were able to capture some really unique footage of a burgeoning industry, and grab a little slice of a very special time for American craft beer.
And, I am still amazed with the warmth and candor that Danny Robinson (Backshore) and the Brew Gents (Matt, Asa, and Brandon) showed us as we followed them around with cameras.

Beerploma:  As a craft beer fan, this film is something I would want to see anyway.  How do you get someone who isn't a craft beer fan to want to see this film from a marketing perspective?
Alexis:  Although this is a movie about craft beer and two breweries, it is also a story about the entrepreneur's journey.  Our film explores what happens when you have a dream, put it all on the line, and decide just to go for it.   The risk-taking, optimism and hope of these entrepreneurs should interest anyone who has ever had a big idea-whether or not they enjoy craft beer.

Beerploma:  Do you plan to have showings of the film in some of the up-and-coming craft beer markets?  Where will you be releasing the film for people to see in theaters?
Alexis:  Our plan is to release our film in early 2015.  We would like to do events and screenings in great beer towns like Minneapolis/St. Paul, St. Louis, Portland, Austin, Seattle, Chicago, Boston, etc., as well as at film festivals around the U.S..

The DVD and digital download of our film will be released later in 2015.

Beerploma:  How can someone purchase the film?
Alexis:  Go to www.bloodsweatbeermovie.com and pre-order your digital download of the film for just 4.99 today!  We also have pre-orders for a physical DVD, and a special edition DVD, which will feature content from interviews that we didn't have room for in the film.

Learn more, get interviews + new content at:

www.bloodsweatbeermovie.com
Twitter: @bloodsweatbrew
Intagram:  @bloodsweatbeermovie
Facebook:  www.facebook.com/bloodsweatbeermovie

Beerploma:  Why will a craft beer fan love this movie?
Alexis:  We hope that Blood, Sweat, and Beer, isn't just about beer-it's a movie with narrative arcs with true stories to tell.  I think Danny's case of dealing with a trademark lawsuit gives you a unique, behind-the-scenes look at a hot issue in the brewery world right now.  The Brew Gentlemen choosing to open in Braddock is fascinating-Braddock has truly been left abandoned, and it's so inspiring to see three young people decide to invest in a community and hope they can, in some way, help bring it back.

Beerploma:  Could this movie help convince someone who isn't currently a craft beer fan to take the plunge into the craft beer world?
Alexis:  I think it could!  Most of my girlfriends are more into wine and spirits-but the past few times I've been out with my best friends, they've all ordered beer!  I think that after watching the movie, and seeing the excitement and passion these breweries put into their beers, it makes you curious to learn and taste more.