Brookston Beer Bulletin

Jay R. Brooks on Beer

Socialize

Suriname Beer

By

suriname
Today in 1975, Suriname gained their Independence from the Netherlands.

Suriname
suriname-color

Suriname Breweries

Suriname Brewery Guides

Other Guides

Guild: None Known

National Regulatory Agency: None

Beverage Alcohol Labeling Requirements: Not Known

Drunk Driving Laws: BAC 0.08%

suriname

  • Full Name: Republic of Suriname
  • Location: Northern South America, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between French Guiana and Guyana
  • Government Type: Constitutional democracy
  • Language: Dutch (official), English (widely spoken), Sranang Tongo (Surinamese, sometimes called Taki-Taki, is native language of Creoles and much of the younger population and is lingua franca among others), Caribbean Hindustani (a dialect of Hindi), Javanese
  • Religion(s): Hindu 27.4%, Protestant 25.2% (predominantly Moravian), Roman Catholic 22.8%, Muslim 19.6%, indigenous beliefs 5%
  • Capital: Paramaribo
  • Population: 560,157; 170th
  • Area: 163,820 sq km, 92nd
  • Comparative Area: Slightly larger than Georgia
  • National Food: Chicken and Rice
  • National Symbol: Faja Lobi flower
  • Affiliations: UN, OAS
  • Independence: From the Netherlands, November 25, 1975

suriname-coa

  • Alcohol Legal: Yes
  • Minimum Drinking Age: 18
  • BAC: 0.05%
  • Number of Breweries: 1

suriname-money-1

  • How to Say “Beer”: bier
  • How to Order a Beer: Un beer, ahls-yer-bleeft
  • How to Say “Cheers”: Geluch / Gezondheid / Proost / Prut / Santé / Schol
  • Toasting Etiquette: N/A

suriname-map

Alcohol Consumption By Type:

  • Beer: 37%
  • Wine: 2%
  • Spirits: 60%
  • Other: 2%

Alcohol Consumption Per Capita (in litres):

  • Recorded: 5.19
  • Unrecorded: 0.90
  • Total: 6.09
  • Beer: 2.00

WHO Alcohol Data:

  • Per Capita Consumption: 5.2 litres
  • Alcohol Consumption Trend: Increase
  • Excise Taxes: Yes
  • Minimum Age: 18
  • Sales Restrictions: No
  • Advertising Restrictions: No
  • Sponsorship/Promotional Restrictions: No

Patterns of Drinking Score: 3

Prohibition: None

suriname-so-amer

Lebanon Beer

By

lebanon
Today in 1943, Lebanon gained their Independence from France.

Lebanon
lebanon-color

Lebanon Breweries

Lebanon Brewery Guides

Other Guides

  • CIA World Factbook
  • Official Website
  • U.S. Embassy
  • Wikipedia

Guild: None Known

National Regulatory Agency: None

Beverage Alcohol Labeling Requirements: Not Known

Drunk Driving Laws: BAC 0.08%

lebanon

  • Full Name: Lebanese Republic
  • Location: Middle East, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Israel and Syria
  • Government Type: Republic
  • Language: Arabic (official), French, English, Armenian
  • Religion(s): Muslim 59.7% (Shia, Sunni, Druze, Isma’ilite, Alawite or Nusayri), Christian 39% (Maronite Catholic, Greek Orthodox, Melkite Catholic, Armenian Orthodox, Syrian Catholic, Armenian Catholic, Syrian Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Chaldean, Assyrian, Coptic, Protestant), other 1.3% [Note: 17 religious sects recognized]
  • Capital: Beirut
  • Population: 4,140,289; 126th
  • Area: 10,400 sq km, 170th
  • Comparative Area: About 0.7 times the size of Connecticut
  • National Food: Kibbeh; tabbouleh
  • National Symbols: Phoenix; Lebanon Cedar; Baalbek, Byblos
  • Affiliations: UN, Arab League
  • Independence: From a League of Nations mandate under French administration, November 22, 1943

lebanon-coa

  • Alcohol Legal: Yes
  • Minimum Drinking Age: 18
  • BAC: 0.05%
  • Number of Breweries: 2

lebanon-money

  • How to Say “Beer”: beereh (biræ) / جعة / شراب من الشعير / جعة / المزر شراب نوع من الجعة / بيرة
  • How to Order a Beer: Waheed beera, meen fadleek
  • How to Say “Cheers”: Bismilah / Fi schettak or Fisehatak (“to your health”) / في صحتك
  • Toasting Etiquette: N/A

lebanon-map

Alcohol Consumption By Type:

  • Beer: 21%
  • Wine: 33%
  • Spirits: 46%
  • Other: <1%

Alcohol Consumption Per Capita (in litres):

  • Recorded: 1.73
  • Unrecorded: 0.50
  • Total: 2.23
  • Beer: 0.36

WHO Alcohol Data:

  • Per Capita Consumption: 1.73 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

lebanon-asia

Morocco Beer

By

morocco
Today in 1956, Morocco celebrated their Independence from France and Spain.

Morocco
morocco-color

Morocco Breweries

Morocco Brewery Guides

Other Guides

  • CIA World Factbook
  • Official Website
  • U.S. Embassy
  • Wikipedia

Guild: None Known

National Regulatory Agency: None

Beverage Alcohol Labeling Requirements: Not Known

Drunk Driving Laws: BAC 0.00%

morocco

  • Full Name: Kingdom of Morocco
  • Location: Northern Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, between Algeria and Western Sahara
  • Government Type: Constitutional monarchy
  • Language: Arabic (official), Berber languages (Tamazight (official), Tachelhit, Tarifit), French (often the language of business, government, and diplomacy)
  • Religion(s): Muslim 99% (official), Christian 1%, Jewish about 6,000
  • Capital: Rabat
  • Population: 32,309,239; 38th
  • Area: 446,550 sq km, 58th
  • Comparative Area: Slightly larger than California
  • National Food: Couscous, Tagine, Pastilla
  • National Symbols: Pentagram; Lion
  • Affiliations: UN, Arab League
  • Independence: From France, March 2, 1956; From Spain, April 7, 1956 /

morocco-coa

  • Alcohol Legal: Yes
  • Minimum Drinking Age: None (to drink); 16 (to buy)
  • BAC: 0.00%
  • Number of Breweries: 6

morocco-money-2

  • How to Say “Beer”: beereh (biræ) / جعة / شراب من الشعير / جعة / المزر شراب نوع من الجعة / بيرة
  • How to Order a Beer: Waheed beera, meen fadleek
  • How to Say “Cheers”: Bismilah / Fi schettak or Fisehatak (“to your health”) / في صحتك
  • Toasting Etiquette: N/A

morocco-map

Alcohol Consumption By Type:

  • Beer: 50%
  • Wine: 37%
  • Spirits: 13%

Alcohol Consumption Per Capita (in litres):

  • Recorded: 0.46
  • Unrecorded: 1.00
  • Total: 1.46
  • Beer: 0.23

WHO Alcohol Data:

  • Per Capita Consumption: 0.46 litres
  • Alcohol Consumption Trend: Stable
  • Excise Taxes: N/A
  • Minimum Age: 20
  • Sales Restrictions: Time, location, specific events, petrol stations
  • Advertising Restrictions: Yes
  • Sponsorship/Promotional Restrictions: No

Patterns of Drinking Score: 2

Prohibition: None

morocco-africa

Bagby Signs Lease On New Brewery Location

By

Bagby
This is excellent news. Jeff Bagby, who won a boatload of awards while brewmaster at Pizza Port Carlsbad and Director of Brewery Operations for the entire chain, has been searching for the ideal location to open his own brewery, to be called Bagby Beer Co. He announced earlier today that he and his wife, and business partner, Dande Bagby, have signed a lease for the property at 601 S. Coast Highway in Oceanside, California. The 11,000 square foot space used to be “the historical Continental Motors and BMW Oceanside,” and consists of three separate buildings and a small courtyard, which they hope to turn into an outdoor beer garden. They anticipate starting construction on the brewery and restaurant in early 2013. There’s still a lot of work to do before they’re up and running, and Jeff is brewing beer again, but at least they’re over the first hurdle. Join me in congratulating Jeff and Dande on finding a location for their brewery.

coast-hwy

Northern Cyprus Beer

By

northern-cyprus
Today in 1983, Northern Cyprus gained their Independence from Cyprus, though it remains only partially recognized.

Northern Cyprus
north-cyprus-color

Northern Cyprus Breweries

Northern Cyprus Brewery Guides

Other Guides

Guild: None Known

National Regulatory Agency: None

Beverage Alcohol Labeling Requirements: Not Known

Drunk Driving Laws: BAC 0.05%

northern-cyprus

  • Full Name: Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus
  • Location: Middle East, island in the Mediterranean Sea, south of Turkey
  • Government Type: Republic
  • Language: Turkish (official), English
  • Religion(s): Muslim 98%,Christian 2%
  • Capital: Nicosia (Levkòsia)
  • Population: 294,906; 161st
  • Area: 3,355 sq km, 174th
  • Comparative Area: Slightly smaller than Rhode Island
  • National Food: Fasolada
  • National Symbol: White Dove
  • Affiliations: None
  • Independence: From Cyprus, November 15, 1983

northern-cyprus-coa

  • Alcohol Legal: Yes
  • Minimum Drinking Age: 17
  • BAC: 0.05%
  • Number of Breweries: 1

north-cyprus-money

  • How to Say “Beer”: bira
  • How to Order a Beer: N/A
  • How to Say “Cheers”: Eis Igian / Stin ijiasas / Jamas / Gia’sou
  • Toasting Etiquette: N/A

northern-cyprus-map

Alcohol Consumption By Type:

  • Beer: 35%
  • Wine: 32%
  • Spirits: 32%
  • Other: 1%

Alcohol Consumption Per Capita (in litres):

  • Recorded: N/A
  • Unrecorded: N/A
  • Total: N/A
  • Beer: N/A

WHO Alcohol Data:

  • Per Capita Consumption: N/A
  • Alcohol Consumption Trend: N/A
  • Excise Taxes: Yes
  • Minimum Age: 17
  • Sales Restrictions: N/A
  • Advertising Restrictions: N/A
  • Sponsorship/Promotional Restrictions: N/A

Patterns of Drinking Score: N/A

Prohibition: None

no-cyprus-eu

Palestine Beer

By

palestine
Today in 1988, Palestine unilaterally declared their independence.

Palestine
palestine-color

Palestine Breweries

Palestine Brewery Guides

Other Guides

Guild: None Known

National Regulatory Agency: None

Beverage Alcohol Labeling Requirements: Not Known

Drunk Driving Laws: BAC 0.05%

palestine

  • Full Name: State of Palestine
  • Location: Within Israel, on the West Bank and the Gaza Strip
  • Government Type: The Palestinian Authority is an administrative organization established to govern parts of the West Bank and Gaza Strip, following the Oslo Accords in 1994
  • Language: Arabic, Hebrew
  • Religion(s): Sunni Muslim, Jewish, Christian
  • Capital: Gaza City
  • Population: West Bank: 2,514,845, Gaza Strip: 1,604,238
  • Area: 5,641 sq km
  • Comparative Area: Slightly smaller than Delaware
  • National Food: Palestinian Cuisine
  • National Symbols: Palestine Sunbird, Olive Tree
  • Affiliations: UN, Arab League
  • Independence: Unilaterally declared, November 15, 1988, currently recognized by 131 UN nations

palestine-coa

  • Alcohol Legal: Yes
  • Minimum Drinking Age: 16 [Note: Legal in most cities]
  • BAC: 0.05%
  • Number of Breweries: 1

palestine-money

  • How to Say “Beer”: beereh (biræ)/ جعة / شراب من الشعير / جعة / المزر شراب نوع من الجعة / بيرة
  • How to Order a Beer: Waheed beera, meen fadleek
  • How to Say “Cheers”: Bismilah / Fi schettak or Fisehatak (“to your health”) / في صحتك
  • Toasting Etiquette: N/A

palestine-map

Alcohol Consumption By Type:

  • Beer: N/A
  • Wine: N/A
  • Spirits: N/A
  • Other: N/A

Alcohol Consumption Per Capita (in litres):

  • Recorded: N/A
  • Unrecorded: N/A
  • Total: N/A
  • Beer: N/A

WHO Alcohol Data:

  • Per Capita Consumption: N/A
  • Alcohol Consumption Trend: N/A
  • Excise Taxes: Yes
  • Minimum Age: 16
  • Sales Restrictions: N/A
  • Advertising Restrictions: N/A
  • Sponsorship/Promotional Restrictions: N/A

Patterns of Drinking Score: N/A

Prohibition: None

palestine-asia

Live Vertical Vertical Epic Tasting Thursday

By

stone-vert
Thursday is going to be a fun day, an extra fun day, apart from the travel, at least. I’m flying down to San Diego for what should be a very interesting beer tasting, one that you’ll actually be able to watch, but more on that in a minute.

Almost eleven years ago Stone Brewing began an epic journey, releasing a new beer on subsequent Bonza Bottler Days each year. Created by Australian Elaine Fremont in 1985, “Bonza,” in down under slang, meaning “super, great or fantastic,” while “Bottler” is apparently Australian slang for “something excellent.” So a Bonza Bottler Day is a “super excellent day.” She created Bonza Bottler Day so there would be at least one day each month to celebrate. They occur each month when the day matches the month, so there’s a Bonza Bottler Day every January 1, February 2, March 3, April 4, etc.

Stone Brewing went one step farther and added the year, so that the first Stone Epic Vertical was released on 02.02.02, or February 2, 2002. The sixth was on my daughter Alice’s 3rd birthday, 07.07.07, or July 7, 2007. The eleventh, and last, release will come out in a few weeks on December 12, 2012, thankfully just nine days before the world will end … or not.

But before the Earth is reduced to a smoldering mass of ash by a cataclysmic fireball, I’ve been invited to try all eleven Stone Epic Vertical beers, which includes an early taste of the latest offering, 12.12.12. The entire beer tasting will be broadcast live over that series of tubes known as the interwebs via livestream this coming Thursday. Here is Stone Brewing’s description of the event.

Stone 12.12.12 Vertical Epic Ale marks the end of an era. Since 2002, Stone has released a unique, Belgian-influenced, bottle-conditioned ale, with each subsequent beer available one year, one month and one day from its predecessor, and designed to be aged and enjoyed together on 12.12.12. Beer collectors everywhere are planning tastings and wondering how these long ago procured beers taste. In preparation, Stone founders Greg Koch and Steve Wagner assembled a panel of beer experts to provide fans a live, comprehensive report on the state of the Vertical Epic Ales. That group includes top tasters and the very artisans who constructed these beers. Join Stone brewmaster Mitch Steele, former brewmaster Lee Chase, craft beer ambassador “Dr.” Bill Sysak, beer journalist Jay Brooks, Joe Tucker of RateBeer, Stephen Johnson of New Brew Thursday, plus Jason and Todd Alström of BeerAdvocate as they join Greg and Steve for an examination of one of the most ambitious brewing projects in history.

So join us for this monumental beer tasting on Thursday, November 15, beginning at Noon, Californy time (3:00 PM EST) until 1:30 PST (4:30 East Coast time). Watch the festivities on livestream. It’s going to be epic!

stone-vertical-12

Spill-Proof Beer

By

hahn
As far as I can tell, the Australian beer brand Hahn Brewing has some of the cleverest beer commercials around. I suspect there’s not much to the beer, even though it was founded by Chuck Hahn, who also started Malt Shovel Brewing (a.k.a. James Squire), and both are now owned by Lion Nathan. But the beers appear to variations on light lagers, running the gambit from Hahn Super Dry, Premium, Premium Light to Hahn Ice. I’ve had the pleasure of judging at GABF and the World Beer Cup with Chuck several times. At any rate, this ad is for Spill-Proof Beer. Enjoy.

Poland Beer

By

poland
Today in 1918, Poland proclaimed themselves a Republic.

Poland
poland-color

Poland Breweries

Poland Brewery Guides

Other Guides

  • CIA World Factbook
  • Official Website
  • U.S. Embassy
  • Wikipedia

Guild: The Union of Brewing Industry Employers in Poland / Polish Brewers

National Regulatory Agency: Agricultural Market Agency (Agencja Rynku Rolnego)

Beverage Alcohol Labeling Requirements: Poland follows EU Regulations

Drunk Driving Laws: BAC % Varies Note: 0.02% (driving license banned from six months up to three years, prison up to one month), 0.05% (driving license banned from 1 year to 10 years, prison up to two years). Limits and penalties for riding the bicycles are same as for motorized vehicles. Almost half of people imprisoned for drunk driving were riding bicycles.

Poland

  • Full Name: Republic of Poland
  • Location: Central Europe, east of Germany
  • Government Type: Republic
  • Language: Polish (official) 97.8%, other and unspecified 2.2%
  • Religion(s): Roman Catholic 89.8% [about 75% practicing], Eastern Orthodox 1.3%, Protestant 0.3%, other 0.3%, unspecified 8.3%
  • Capital: Warsaw (Warszawa)
  • Population: 38,415,284; 33rd
  • Area: 312,685 sq km, 70th
  • Comparative Area: Slightly smaller than New Mexico
  • National Food: Bigos; Pierogi; Kotlet schabowy; Żurek
  • National Symbols: White Eagle; corn poppy; Alder; the old Castle; Vistula River
  • Affiliations: UN, EU, NATO
  • Independence: Republic proclaimed, November 11, 1918 / Notable earlier dates: The adoption of Christianity, traditional founding date, A.D. 966 / Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth created, July 1, 1569

Angola-coa

  • Alcohol Legal: Yes
  • Minimum Drinking Age: None (to drink); 18 (to buy) [Note: Section 15.1 Clearly states that buyers must be at least 18 and prove it with ID if they look like they may not be at least that age. According to the International Center for Alcohol Policies, as of February 2007, the minimum age for alcohol consumption is 18 years of age.]
  • BAC: 0.02%
  • Number of Breweries: 68

Poland-money-2

  • How to Say “Beer”: piwo
  • How to Order a Beer: Yed-no peev, proshe
  • How to Say “Cheers”: Na zdrowie / Vivat
  • Toasting Etiquette: Expect frequent toasting throughout the meal. The host offers the first toast. Do not begin drinking until your host has proposed a toast to everyone at the table. If your host stands when proposing a toast, so should you. Toasts are only made with hard liquor (generally vodka). You should reciprocate with your own toast later in the meal. If you propose a toast it is important to maintain eye contact. You may also toast your hosts or the success of the business venture. The most common toast being “Na zdrowia!” (pronounced nah ZDRO-vee-ah, meaning “To your health!”). Alcohol is served in small glasses so you can swallow in one gulp.

poland-map

Alcohol Consumption By Type:

  • Beer: 56%
  • Wine: 13%
  • Spirits: 31%

Alcohol Consumption Per Capita (in litres):

  • Recorded: 9.55
  • Unrecorded: 3.70
  • Total: 13.25
  • Beer: 4.72

WHO Alcohol Data:

  • Per Capita Consumption: 9.6 litres
  • Alcohol Consumption Trend: Increase
  • Excise Taxes: Yes
  • Minimum Age: 18
  • Sales Restrictions: Places, intoxicated persons
  • Advertising Restrictions: Yes
  • Sponsorship/Promotional Restrictions: Yes

Patterns of Drinking Score: 3

Prohibition: None

poland-eu

Angola Beer

By

angola
Today in 1975, Angola gained their Independence from Portugal.

Angola
angola-color

Angola Breweries

Angola Brewery Guides

Other Guides

Guild: None Known

National Regulatory Agency: None

Beverage Alcohol Labeling Requirements: Not Known

Drunk Driving Laws: BAC No Limit

Angola

  • Full Name: Republic of Angola
  • Location: Southern Africa, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean, between Namibia and Democratic Republic of the Congo
  • Government Type: Republic; multiparty presidential regime
  • Language: Portuguese (official), Bantu and other African languages
  • Religion(s): Indigenous beliefs 47%, Roman Catholic 38%, Protestant 15%
  • Capital: Luanda
  • Population: 18,056,072; 59th
  • Area: 1,246,700 sq km, 23rd
  • Comparative Area: Slightly less than twice the size of Texas
  • National Food: Muamba de galinha
  • National Symbol: Sable Antelope
  • Affiliations: UN, African Union
  • Independence: From Portugal, November 11, 1975

Angola-coa

  • Alcohol Legal: Yes
  • Minimum Drinking Age: 18
  • BAC: 0.10%
  • Number of Breweries: 8

Angola-money

  • How to Say “Beer”: cerveja
  • How to Order a Beer: Uma cerveja, por favor
  • How to Say “Cheers”: A sua saúde / Saúde (“to your health”)
  • Toasting Etiquette: N/A

angola-map

Alcohol Consumption By Type:

  • Beer: 38%
  • Wine: 29%
  • Spirits: 24%
  • Other: 9%

Alcohol Consumption Per Capita (in litres):

  • Recorded: 3.80
  • Unrecorded: 1.60
  • Total: 5.40
  • Beer: 1.81

WHO Alcohol Data:

  • Per Capita Consumption: 3.8 litres
  • Alcohol Consumption Trend: Increase
  • Excise Taxes: No
  • Minimum Age: 15
  • Sales Restrictions: No
  • Advertising Restrictions: No
  • Sponsorship/Promotional Restrictions: No

Patterns of Drinking Score: 3

Prohibition: None

angola-africa