Breweries

Grenada Beer

by Jay Brooks on February 7, 2012 · 0 comments

in Beers,Breweries

Today in 1974, Grenada gained their Independence from the United Kingdom.

Grenada

Grenada Breweries

Grenada Brewery Guides

Other Guides

Guild: None Known

National Regulatory Agency: None

Beverage Alcohol Labeling Requirements: Not Known

Drunk Driving Laws: BAC N/A

Full Name: Grenada
Location: Caribbean
Government Type: Parliamentary democracy and a Commonwealth realm
Currency: East Caribbean Dollars
Language: English (official), French patois
Religion(s): Roman Catholic 53%, Anglican 13.8%, other Protestant 33.2%
Capital: Saint George’s
Population: 108,419; 189th
Area: 344 sq km, 206th
Comparative Area: Twice the size of Washington, DC
National Food: Oil Down
National Symbol: Nutmeg
Nickname: The Spice Isle or The Isle of Spice
Affiliations: UN, Commonwealth, OAS
Independence: From the UK, February 7, 1974

Alcohol Legal: Yes
Minimum Drinking Age: 18
BAC: N/A
Label Requirements: N/A
Number of Breweries: 1

How to Say “Beer”: bière
How to Order a Beer: N/A
How to Say “Cheers”: N/A
Toasting Etiquette: N/A

Alcohol Consumption By Type:

Beer: 29%
Wine: 4%
Spirits: 66%
Other: <1%

Alcohol Consumption Per Capita (in litres):

Recorded: 9.85
Unrecorded: 0.50
Total: 10.35
Beer: 3.16

WHO Alcohol Data:

Per Capita Consumption: 9.9 litres
Alcohol Consumption Trend: Stable
Excise Taxes: N/A
Minimum Age: 18
Sales Restrictions: N/A
Advertising Restrictions: N/A
Sponsorship/Promotional Restrictions: N/A

Patterns of Drinking Score: 3

Prohibition: None.

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MillerCoors’ Tenth & Blake Buys Crispin Cider

by Jay Brooks on February 6, 2012 · 1 comment

in Breweries,News

Amid recent rumors, the Tenth and Blake Beer Company, the craft-and-import division MillerCoors created last year, announced today that they’re purchasing Crispin Cider, which includes both the Crispin and Fox Barrel hard cider brands.

From the press release:

Minneapolis-based Crispin sold its first cases on St. Crispin’s Day, October 25, 2008. The company grew approximately 200 percent in 2011, outpacing the overall cider category’s 26 percent growth during the same period, and is already the No. 3 producer of cider in the U.S.

“Our vision is to accelerate our portfolio expansion within the world’s most exciting beer market. With cider’s explosion in the U.S., we were looking at the best way to participate in that growth,” said Tenth and Blake President and CEO Tom Cardella. “As we explored the category, Crispin stood out, not only because they were the most progressive and innovative producer, but also because we shared great personal chemistry. In addition to the best cider portfolio in the business, we love their energy, creativity and unsurpassed innovation capability. They make us an even better company right away.”

The deal includes Crispin’s affiliate, Fox Barrel Cider Company.

“We’re thrilled to be part of the Tenth and Blake family,” said Joe Heron, Crispin’s CEO. “We’ve always had very ambitious plans, and we’re proud of what we’re achieving with great products and an unrivaled creativity that mirrors the inspirational American craft-beer ethos. Tenth and Blake provides us the capability to scale up at the same pace as our increasingly accelerating demand in the U.S. and beyond.”

Crispin Cider Company produces European-style natural hard apple ciders using fermented unpasteurized fresh-pressed apple juice in Original, Light and Brut varietals, as well as additional unfiltered Artisanal Reserves — Honey Crisp, Lansdowne, The Saint and Cho-tokkyu, and also imports a classic English Dry Cider, Crispin Browns Lane.

Crispin affiliate, Fox Barrel Cider Company, is dedicated to the production of superior pure pear ciders, using fermented unpasteurized fresh-pressed pear juice. Available in Pacific Pear, Blackberry Pear and Apricot Pear varietals and additional unfiltered Cidery Reserves — Ginger & Blackcurrant and Rhubarb & Elderberry.

Crispin will be run as an independent division of Tenth and Blake.

In addition to these two cider brands, Tenth and Blake also controls the following brands: “Blue Moon Brewing Co. at the Sandlot in Denver, Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Co. in Chippewa Falls, Wis., 10th Street Brewery in Milwaukee, AC Golden in Golden, Colorado, Birra Peroni in Rome and Plzeňský Prazdroj (Pilsner Urquell) in Pilsen, Czech Republic. Tenth and Blake beers include Blue Moon Belgian White, Leinenkugel’s Honey Weiss, George Killian’s Irish Red, Batch 19, Henry Weinhard’s IPA, Colorado Native, Pilsner Urquell, Peroni Nastro Azzurro and Grolsch.”

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Sri Lanka Beer

by Jay Brooks on February 4, 2012 · 0 comments

in Beers,Breweries

Today in 1948, Sri Lanka gained their Independence from the United Kingdom.

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka Breweries

Sri Lanka Brewery Guides

Other Guides

Guild: None Known

National Regulatory Agency: None

Beverage Alcohol Labeling Requirements: Not Known

Drunk Driving Laws: BAC 0.06% — Breathalyzer testing is not used routinely. If suspected by police the driver is produced before the closest government medical officer who examines and determines whether the driver is under influence. If the driver refuses examination by the medical officer he is considered to have been under influence by default. [Note: WHO lists BAC at 0.08%]

Full Name: Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka (f.k.a. Ceylon)
Location: Southern Asia, island in the Indian Ocean, south of India
Government Type: Republic
Language: Sinhala (official and national language) 74%, Tamil (national language) 18%, other 8%; English spoken by 10%
Religion(s): Buddhist 69.1%, Muslim 7.6%, Hindu 7.1%, Christian 6.2%, unspecified 10%
Capital: Colombo
Population: 21,283,913; 57th
Area: 65,610 sq km, 122nd
Comparative Area: Slightly larger than West Virginia
National Food: Rice and Curry
National Symbol: Blue Lily, Jungle Fowl, Mesua Ferrea tree, Lion & Sword
Nickname: Teardrop of India, Island of Dharma, Pearl of the Orient, Pearl of the Indian Ocean
Affiliations: UN, Commonwealth of Nations
Independence: From the UK, February 4, 1948

Alcohol Legal: Yes
Minimum Drinking Age: 21
BAC: 0.06% or 0.08% (sources differ)
Label Requirements: N/A
Number of Breweries: 4

How to Say “Beer”: Bire (Sinhala); Madhubaanam or Oru vakai cārāyam (Tamil)
How to Say “Cheers”: Seiradewa (Sinhala)
Toasting Etiquette: N/A

Alcohol Consumption By Type:

Beer: 6%
Wine: <1%
Spirits: 94%

Alcohol Consumption Per Capita (in litres):

Recorded: 0.35
Unrecorded: 0.44
Total: 0.79
Beer: 0.02

WHO Alcohol Data:

Per Capita Consumption: 0.4 litres
Alcohol Consumption Trend: Stable
Excise Taxes: Yes
Minimum Age: 21
Sales Restrictions: Time, location, specific events, petrol stations
Advertising Restrictions: Yes
Sponsorship/Promotional Restrictions: Yes

Patterns of Drinking Score: 3

Prohibition: None.

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Pliny the Younger Day 2012

by Jay Brooks on February 3, 2012 · 0 comments

in Beers,Breweries,Events,Just For Fun,News,Reviews

Now fixed as the first Friday in February, today was Pliny the Elder Day for 2012 at Russian River Brewing in Santa Rosa, California.

When I arrived around 10:30, the line stretched from the entrance of the brewpub to the end of the block. I’m told the first fans arrived at around 6:00 a.m. this morning to wait for a taste of this year’s triple IPA.

Owners Vinnie and Natalie Cilurzo now set limits on the number of people that can be in the pub at any give time, unlike two years ago, when it devolved into a madhouse. Between that, and the elimination of growler sales, it remained blissfully civilized inside throughout the morning.

I found a table with some friends, and Natalie brought over a copy of today’s Press Democrat, which featured a story about Russian River’s big day — Credit the Hops — which I read as I enjoyed my first Pliny the Younger of the year.

This year’s version seemed smoother than previous years, and the hops, while monstrously omnipresent, were nonetheless very well balanced and never harsh. This may be my favorite batch yet, particularly because of the smoothness. Plus, it never seemed like a 10.7% beer. The strength was relatively muted behind a rich, thick mouthfeel of full flavors, so that the alcohol never dominated. It seems almost counter-intuitive to use the word delicate for such a big beer, but that why it’s so great, because despite its heft, it’s also complex and elegant; quite recherché.

Meanwhile the patio outside filled up, too. Here Dan DelGrande (co-owner of Bison Brewing), Steve Shapiro (of Beer By BART) and Stephen Johnson (from New Brew Thursday) enjoy some sunshine and Pliny.

While back inside, the bar was full, but not overcrowded.

Eventually, it was time to leave, and hosts Vinnie and Natalie said so long as they toasted another successful Pliny the Younger Day.

Look for Pliny the Younger at select accounts throughout the Bay Area and at their Santa Rosa brewpub for at least the next two weeks. Around 30% more was brewed this year, but you can still expect it to sell out fast, so don’t wait around too long if you’re hoping to get a taste of this year’s triple IPA.

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Nauru Beer

by Jay Brooks on January 31, 2012 · 0 comments

in Beers,Breweries

Today in 1968, Nauru gained their Independence from Australia.

Nauru

Nauru Breweries

None Known

Nauru Brewery Guides

Other Guides

Guild: None Known

National Regulatory Agency: None

Beverage Alcohol Labeling Requirements: Not Known

Drunk Driving Laws: Not Known

Full Name: Republic of Nauru
Location: Oceania, island in the South Pacific Ocean, south of the Marshall Islands
Government Type: Republic
Currency: Australian dollar
Language: Nauruan (official, a distinct Pacific Island language), English (widely understood, spoken, and used for most government and commercial purposes)
Religion(s): Protestant 45.8% (Nauru Congregational 35.4%, Nauru Independent Church 10.4%), Roman Catholic 33.2%, other 14.1%, none 4.5%, unspecified 2.4%
Capital: No official capital; government offices in Yaren District
Population: 9,322; 225th
Area: 21 sq km, 239th
Comparative Area: About 0.1 times the size of Washington, DC
National Food: Noddy Tern
National Symbol: Frigatebird
Nickname: Pleasant Island
Affiliations: UN, Commonwealth, Pacific Community
Independence: From Australia, January 31, 1968

Alcohol Legal: Yes
Minimum Drinking Age: 18
BAC: Unknown
Label Requirements: N/A
Number of Breweries: None known

How to Say “Beer”: beer
How to Order a Beer: N/A
How to Say “Cheers”: cheers
Toasting Etiquette: N/A

Alcohol Consumption By Type:

Beer: 97%
Wine: 3%
Spirits: <1%

Alcohol Consumption Per Capita (in litres):

Recorded: 2.33
Unrecorded: 2.50
Total: 4.83
Beer: 2.24

WHO Alcohol Data:

Per Capita Consumption: 2.3 litres
Alcohol Consumption Trend: Decreasing
Excise Taxes: N/A
Minimum Age: 18
Sales Restrictions: N/A
Advertising Restrictions: N/A
Sponsorship/Promotional Restrictions: N/A

Patterns of Drinking Score: N/A

Prohibition: None.

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Kelley Brothers Brewpub To Close Today

January 31, 2012

I got an e-mail last night from a reader that the Manteca brewpub Kelley Brothers Brewing was closing and today is to be their last day. I haven’t been able to independently confirm that news, but will do so when I’m able. It’s always sad news to hear that a brewery is closing. UPDATE 2.1: [...]

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Lagunitas IPA Brewed At Anchor

January 26, 2012

If you were following the twitterverse closely on Tuesday, you might have noticed an interesting story developing, as relayed in tiny bites by Lagunitas owner Tony Magee. I’ve rejiggered the twitter stream, re-ordered it, uncompressed abbreviated words, and added additional ones for clarity in an attempt to make it a more coherent story. “We had [...]

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Sierra Nevada Chooses Asheville North Carolina Site For New Brewery

January 25, 2012

After scouting numerous sites in North Carolina and neighboring states, Sierra Nevada Brewing announced today they have selected a location near Asheville, North Carolina to build a new brewery to supply their beer throughout the east coast. From the press release: The site, approximately 90 acres in the Henderson County town of Mills River — [...]

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Anchor Zymaster #1 To Be A California Lager

January 24, 2012

Yesterday Anchor Brewing announced their new line of beers under the “Zymaster Series,” with the first to debut during SF Beer Week in February. This morning I spoke to the Zymaster himself — Mark Carpenter — who told me a bit more about the beer. It sounds like it will be a pretty interesting beer, [...]

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Big Changes At A-B InBev

January 23, 2012

Wow, there’s a lot going over at Anheuser-Busch InBev, and besides the slip in sales of their core brands. Last week, rumors abounded that ABI was planning to roll out some version of 100% Share of Mind, which had been the “unofficial” policy until a few years ago, when it became unworkable. I wrote about [...]

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Anchor Announces New Zymaster Series

January 23, 2012

As promised on Friday, Anchor Brewing announced today a new series of beers they’ll be debuting during SF Beer Week. The new beers will be under the series designation “Zymaster,” which Anchor describes like this: Zymaster n [Gk zyme leaven + master – more at ZYMURGY] 1: a new word coined by Anchor Brewing to [...]

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Ukraine Beer

January 22, 2012

Today in 1918, the Ukraine declared their Independence from Soviet Russia and unified the same day, a year later in 1919. Ukraine Ukraine Breweries Baltika Breweries Chernomor Brewery Chernihiv Brewery Desna / Чернігів Donetsk Brewery Lugansk Brewery Lvivske L’vivska Brewery / Перша Приватна Броварня Obolon Pivzavod Rogan Radomyshl Beer and Beverages Plant Slavutich Slavutich Brewery [...]

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Anchor Teases About New Beer Series

January 20, 2012

Anchor Brewery is teasing us. Earlier today they tweeted this enigmatic photo that vaguely hints at a new series of beers from the oldest craft brewery in America. All the tweet says is that we have to wait until Monday. “We’re brewing up a special announcement for Monday, January 23. Here’s a little taste…” Can’t [...]

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Loving the White Rabbit

January 19, 2012

We all know good labels, packaging and artwork can help a beer sell. I may not like that a mediocre beer might sell better than a great one if it has more eye-catching artwork, but it happens all the time. It was especially true in the early days of craft beer when many people who [...]

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Coors Light: Now The Avis Of Beers

January 14, 2012

I’m not exactly sure why this appears to be such big news, but it seems to be everywhere. Beer Marketer’s Insights is reporting that, based upon estimated numbers for 2011, Coors Light has overtaken Budweiser to become the 2nd best-selling beer in America. According to the report, “[t]his is the first time in almost 20 [...]

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