Speakeasy Black Hand Chocolate Milk Stout Beer Debuts in January

Speakeasy Ales & Lagers and local San Francisco chocolatier, TCHO, have collaborated on a brand new beer for 2014 called Black Hand, a Chocolate Milk Stout.

“There just didn’t seem to be a whole lot of milk stouts out there,” said Brandon Borgel, the brewery’s Director of Sales & Marketing. “We’ve done a few pilot batches in the past and we’ve absolutely fallen in love with the style. It’s a nice departure from the hoppy, West Coast-style beers that people have come to know and love from us.”

The brewery teamed up with Brad Kintzer, Head Chocolatier at San Francisco’s TCHO Chocolate, who recommended a special blend of Ecuadorian cacao nibs, which lend a subtle nutty character. The coarsely ground raw nibs are added twice in the brewing process, and provided incredible depth to the chocolatey flavors and aromas.

“We were looking to create distinct milk chocolate flavors not only with the addition of raw chocolate, but throughout the recipe of the beer as a whole,” said Brewmaster Kushal Hall. “We added lactose to create a creamy body and natural sweetness to the beer, oats to accentuate the silky mouth-feel, and de-husked chocolate malts to provide a softer flavor without too much bitter roast.”

The term “black hand” refers to the Prohibition-era practice in which mobsters would stamp the kidnapped victim’s handprint on a ransom note. As a nod to that history, Speakeasy hid a secret note in the design of the screen-printed bottles, which they are daring their fans to find. “If you should find it, you’ll know exactly what to do,” says Borgel.

The Black Hand (6.9% ABV, 37 IBU) will be available on shelves in 22oz bottles and on draft January through March. Visit the brewery’s website at GoodBeer.com for more information.

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a beer enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

The Original Light Beer Brings Back The Original Lite Can

Miller Lite, the beer that launched the light beer category, invites consumers to reach for a piece of brewing history. On January 1, 2014, Miller Lite will release the limited-edition Original Lite Can, an updated version of the iconic packaging that changed the beer industry almost 40 years ago.

The Original Lite Can features the familiar images of hops, barley and the words "a fine pilsner beer," which reinforce the high quality ingredients and the unique brewing process that consumers have enjoyed for generations.

"There was a time when all that existed was heavy beer that weighed you down," said Elina Vives, marketing director for Miller Lite. "The launch of Miller Lite broke this category convention and offered beer drinkers the best of both worlds, great taste at only 96 calories and 3.2 carbs. Miller Lite is the original light beer and this limited-edition can celebrates that innovation and helps inform consumers of the rich history behind our beer."

In addition to becoming available to consumers in January, the Original Lite Can appears in the recent Paramount Pictures' release, Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues. The news team can be seen enjoying the Original Lite in the film, which was released nationwide December 18.

The limited-edition Original Lite Can will be available nationwide January through March in 12-, 16- and 24-ounce sizes.

Follow @MillerLite on Twitter and follow the conversation using #TheOriginal. For more information about the Original Lite Can, visit MillerLite.com and Facebook.com/MillerLite.

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a beer enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

The Hunger Games Catching Fire is Fueling Archery Renaissance

Katniss Everdeen, the 17-year-old girl who hunts with a bow and arrow in "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire," is just one of many movie characters inspiring American youth to take up archery.

With the March release of the movie, combined with archery events televised during the Olympic Games in London last summer, more young people are taking up target shooting.

USA Archery, the national governing body for the Olympic sport, reports 357 youths competed last June in the Junior Olympic Archery Development (JOAD) National Championship. Only 171 in competed in 2001. Many of the new participants are young females.

"I'd say about 3 out of 4 of our lessons are now for young girls, ten to seventeen-year-old, are drawn to archery because of watching Katniss [Jennifer Lawrence] the Hunger Game movies." Says Rob Dunfey, founder of Archery Pro, a nationwide marketplace to connect students to archery instructors. He says business has doubled.

The Hunger Games is not the only movie to pique interest in archery. Younger girls idolize Princess Merida from Pixar's Brave. Boys have a desire to emulate the arrow-shooting hero Hawkeye from the The Avengers. In addition, adult interest has been spurred by the T.V. show Revolution.

Jennifer Lawrence took lessons from Khatuna Lorig, winner of silver and bronze Olympic medals. According to Lorig, the emphasis was on the basics to make the actress's portrayal realistic and safe. Although Lawrence had never even held a bow before, she appeared talented the movie after just fifteen lessons.

Archery Pro connects students with pre-screened, certified professionals providing lessons in 2600 towns all over the United States. Students can learn in their own backyard or in one of the many archery ranges springing up all over. Lessons concentrate on stance and posture, and how to aim and draw the arrow.

The process of finding a lesson provider is streamlined by using Archery Pro. Not only has the increased interest in archery made advertising unnecessary for many lesson providers, some archery schools have waiting lists. "Although some teachers have to turn away prospective students, Archery Pro has classes available for those of all ages interested in taking up the sport," Dunfey said.

Dunfey commented, "Archers of every age are participating in tournaments in larger numbers than ever before, and during NBC's first week of the Olympic Games archery was the most-watched sport."

The nationwide archery lesson-provider website Archery Pro has seen an explosion of interest since the release of the Hunger Game movies. With two more films in the future, it looks like interest is just beginning. The future holds a great deal of promise for the sport of archery, and Archery Pro can help you master the fundamentals of the sport in only seven days of lessons.

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a beer enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Victory Brewing Company Debuts Hop Ranch Imperial India Pale Ale

Victory Brewing Company is pleased to announce the release of its newest seasonal offering, Hop Ranch Imperial India Pale Ale. Making its way to store shelves and dining establishments beginning today, Hop Ranch is the third recent new release for the brewery and is available in four-packs and on draft through February 2014.

Pungent and floral in every sip, this brew features full, juicy hop character, while expressing notes of mango, pineapple and the pleasantly sharp, biting edges of tart citrus fruit. Hop Ranch is available for purchase in many bottle shops, beer distributors and major gourmet grocery stores, including most Whole Foods Markets and Wegmans locations along the East Coast, as well as at many craft beer bars throughout Victory’s national distribution footprint. The suggested retail price for a four-pack is approximately $9.99, depending on location. Use Victory’s Beerfinder to discover a nearby location, or download the free Victory Mobile app for Android or iPhone.

Hop Ranch Imperial India Pale Ale traces its roots to Victory's Ranch series, a unique and comprehensive study of hops in which Brewmasters experimented with different hop varieties to showcase and celebrate a range of flavor profiles and distinctions, and is brewed with Mosaic and Azacca hops.

“Hop Ranch has a history that evolves from our desire to continue to create new and interesting recipes,” says President and Brewmaster Bill Covaleski. “Celebrating the wide variety of flavors and aromas that different hops deliver, this beer is a salute to hop ranchers who make it possible for us to develop an intense and flavorful beer that we, and hopefully our fans, will enjoy this season.”

About Victory Brewing Company

Victory Brewing Company is a privately held craft brewery headquartered in Downingtown, Pennsylvania. Begun by Bill Covaleski and Ron Barchet, childhood friends who met on a school bus in 1973, the brewery formally began operations in February of 1996. Victory, Pennsylvania's widely acclaimed brewery and restaurant, now serves fans of fully flavored beers in 34 states with innovative beers melding European ingredients and technology with American creativity. To learn more about Victory Brewing Company, visit us on the web at VictoryBeer.com.

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a beer enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

The Top 6 Local Breweries in San Diego

Earlier this month, the travel and tourism experts at SanDiego.com looked to find the best local breweries in San Diego. “With so many local breweries in San Diego we wanted to see who was doing it right,” says Erica James, tourism expert and editor at SanDiego.com. “We wanted to see what made these breweries unique to create such deliciously crafted beers.”

Pour me up a cold one! These San Diego local breweries are mixing things up, and putting the big time craft beers to shame. Using old fashioned techniques and special processes with fresh and unique ingredients, these beers just have something special that makes the mouth water.

Indian Joe Brewing - indianjoebrewing.com Their logo, “Native owned. Native grown.” says it all. The Brewery was named by its owner Max, after his Great Uncle Joe and his Native heritage. All of the fresh ingredients used to make the variety of beers at Indian Joe Brewing are local and native grown. Their beers are some of the most unique with a very wide variety, from a Blueberry Hefeweizen to a delicious Chai Stout, American Indian Pale Ale to an American Indian IPA, or even a Chocolate Hazelnut Porter. The atmosphere is extremely welcoming and fun. Another unique thing that Indian Joes Brewery does is they have a different local food cart that comes in each day to serve up some tasty grub!

Poor House Brewing Company - poorhousebrew.com Poor House Brewing Company offers great local craft beers that they brew in-house with their "Breaking Bad" looking 3 barrel brewhouse operation. Everything was built and designed by founders Chris Finch and Alanna Scheer. The tasting room atmosphere has a very unique, unpretentious and rustic vibe. Many compliment this design, saying that it feels like drinking in a garage with best friends. The bartenders are all female craft beer geeks looking to share all things beer with guests. They harvest their own cascade hops right out the front doors which are in full bloom right now. They are currently using their own hops to 'fresh hop' their house IPA called Experimental Batch no. 6 IPA. On the 30th of every month, brewed exclusively for 30th street Chris makes a beer with 30 different hops called 30 Hop IPA which tends to be a favorite around the neighborhood. Other hyped house brews include: Clusterfukk IPA (single hop), Davy Jones Double Stout (imperial stout aged in rum barrels), Tournay (Belgian Ale aged in Chardonnay barrels for 1 year), Mr. Romoto coffee stout (stout brewed with cafe moto coffee beans).

Prohibition Brewing Company - prohibitionbrewingcompany.com A craft brewery offering specialty brews, flavorful food and a casual atmosphere for guests to enjoy a brew. Prohibition Brewing Company opened 2 years ago on 11/11/11 and ever since then they have been growing at a great rate alongside many other North County breweries. Offering many local favortites as well as their own, including, Hef U Up, Oatmeal Stout, Dirty Blonde, Pale Ale, Cali IPA, Ruby Red, SBA, and Black Double IPA.

Rip Current Brewing - ripcurrentbrewing.com Starting out as home brewers, Rip Current Brewing is unmatched in San Diego for awards as a 3 time winner of Brewing Machine (top SD homebrewer, CA Homebrewer of the Year and Ninkasi award for Top Homebrewer in the World). They have a very broad range of award winning beers and their priority is variety and choice offering 15-20 different brews on tap, and a single tap that rotates daily offering a unique small batch beer. As homebrewers they learned the importance of water. Most breweries in town use the same water for all of their beers, but not Rip Current Brewery! With an in house water treatment center, each and every beer has its own grain/hop recipe as well as a water recipe. This has a great impact on the final taste of the beer.

PB Ale House - pbalehouse.com A world class micro brewery and restaurant situated right near the beach in Pacific Beach, CA. Their handcrafted beers are brewed in house and on tap, also featuring other great beers on tap for patrons. The food is delicious, with a very friendly staff. PB Ale House has a wonderful rooftop open air bar area to sit down and appreciate the beautiful weather in San Diego while checking out the amazing views.

Lightning Brewery - lightningbrewery.com Jim Crute, the owner of Lighting Brewery and a chemist, has been making beer since his college days in 1982. Now he has turned his passion into a career with some of the finest craft beers around. Over the years Jim has tried it all and has refined his craft with classic beer styles that master brewers have been calibrating for centuries. While other breweries may add taste and flavors in a speedy method by using additives, Lightning Brewery does it the old fashioned way by nature with time, with the most difficult fermentation and lagering processes. In just the 6 years that Lightning Brewery has been around they have won 30 nationally recognized beer awards, including a coveted Best in Show!

Grab your friends and head down to one of these six awesome breweries in San Diego. We suggest getting a flight and trying them all! Find out what type of beer is your favorite!

SanDiego.com is one of San Diego’s oldest and busiest travel and tourism websites, known as the local authority for all things San Diego. The author of this article, Erica James, is a native San Diegan who truly believes that there is no place more fun and exciting than beautiful San Diego!

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a beer enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

The Rare Beer Club Says You'll Never Get a Beer You Don't Want

The Rare Beer Club’s PSP (Personalized Shipment Program) allows members to easily add more bottles of either or both of the upcoming featured beers, add more of favorite past selections, replace one or both of the featured beers with favorite past selections, choose not to receive one of the featured beers, or even skip the entire shipment altogether. In short, members are in complete control of what they receive each month and will never get a beer they didn’t want to get. No other beer club offers that kind of flexibility.

Each month prior to receiving their shipment, members are sent an email detailing the two upcoming beer selections and given the ability to customize what they want to receive. Members are automatically enrolled in the program and gift recipients may easily enroll upon request.

Four different membership types are available from The Microbrewed Beer of the Month Club, but when only the best will do, The Rare Beer Club™ features the finest the world of beer has to offer in limited-release, artisanal beers such as Jolly Pumpkin's Biere de Goord, an oak-aged spiced saison brewed exclusively for club members. Or Elevation Brewing Company's Prostator, an 8.5% Bamberg-style smoked dopplebock which was also only available to members. Owner Kris Calef states, “We work with the world's hottest microbreweries such as Fantôme, Lost Abbey, Jester King, Cigar City, Mikkeller, The Bruery, and Anchorage Brewing Company to bring you their latest creations, often months before they're available only in local markets.”

Memberships range from 2-12 months and can be sent monthly, every other month, quarterly or even on specific months. Gift givers can even combine a Rare Beer Club™ membership with the company’s three other beer club options into one custom membership using its Design Your Own Club Program™. Any of the four beer clubs may also be combined with the company’s other exclusive clubs including Wine, Cheese, Cigar, Chocolate, and Flower of the Month Clubs.

For more information, please visit BeerMonthClub.com or call 800-625-8238.

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a beer enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Flatiron Hall in NYC Offers Avion Tequila Barrel Aged Brew

Tequila Avion is excited to announce the launch of a limited edition Avion Tequila Stout, available exclusively at Flatiron Hall, a beer cellar located in New York City's Flatiron district. After the huge success of Avion Tequila IPA in September, Flatiron Hall and Tequila Avion collaborated to develop another tequila infused expression. Avion Tequila Stout is crafted by aging award-winning Farmer Jon's Oatmeal Stout in Tequila Avion Anejo barrels for three months, creating an ultra-rich, uniquely crafted beer. Just in time for the holiday season, New Yorkers will have the opportunity to try the exclusive stout at the acclaimed beer hall.

Avion Tequila Stout has a smooth taste with notes of dark chocolate and espresso. The use of the Tequila Avion Anejo barrels gives the stout a rich, complex flavor profile with a hint of tequila on the finish. Tequila Avion is made using exceptional Avion Agave and a proprietary ultra-slow filtration process. The liquid is then aged for two years in American oak casks to create Avion Anejo, which are the barrels the Avion Stout is aged in. The Avion Tequila Stout marks the second beer Flatiron Hall has aged using Tequila Avion barrels, after an exclusive launch of Tequila Avion IPA this past fall.

"At Flatiron Hall, we are constantly coming up with ways to expand and elevate our beer selection. After the successful launch of the Avion Tequila IPA this fall, we wanted to continue aging our beer in barrels made with the 'World's Best Tasting Tequila,' said Carey Martin, Flatiron Hall Beverage Director.

Ken Austin, Founder and Chairman of Tequila Avion, said, "Avion is always at the forefront of innovation and when approached about making a beer using our Anejo barrels, I was excited about working with Flatiron Hall, who like Avion, has a deep appreciation and dedication to superior taste. After learning that the Avion Tequila IPA sold out within days after its release, we seized the opportunity to continue this partnership and develop the Avion Stout for the holiday season."

Avion Tequila Stout is available exclusively at Flatiron Hall for a limited time only.

For further information on Tequila Avion, or to locate bars, clubs, restaurants and liquor stores that sell, stock, or carry Tequila Avion, please visit TequilaAvion.com or email info@tequilaavion.com. Fans can also follow Tequila Avion on Facebook or on Twitter @TequilaAvion.

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a beer enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Chicago's Fatpour Upgrades Self-Serve Beer Tables to Pourmybeer System

Recently voted Best Beer Bar in the US by ‘Nightclub & Bar’ the ownership are not resting on their laurels. From the outset, the focus has always been to “Think and Drink different". They back up their robust beer list with a menu that attracts “foodies” for miles around. Their menu was also built with beer in mind. It is itemized by color code to show you what particular beer style would suit your gastronomic choice best.

Indeed ‘best’ is a superlative that fits Fatpour Tapworks. The establishment is owned and managed by the Big Onion Tavern Group who have five other successful concepts in the Chicago metro area. Their seventh location is due to open in the coming weeks and will host the self-serve concept there as well.

They sought out a self-serve beer system when they opened the location initially and what they got was one that did not work as billed and, worse, went unsupported by the company that sold them the system.

"The new system has been much more impressive and reliable than the one we had previously,” said Ryan Marks of the Big Onion Tavern Group.

Customers can access beer themselves in a controlled manner. Patrons are served up to a limit of two beers per person at the tables. Once they hit their limit, they are re-assessed by staff and re-upped for two more if they are deemed to be OK for re-serving. “While the concept brings that initial wow factor to the patrons, the owners get the satisfaction of knowing that kegs pouring through our taps cost 25% less with no waste,” said Josh Goodman, PourMyBeer Owner and Co-founder. “Having the opportunity to work with Ryan and the Big Onion Tavern Group has been great. These guys have definitely figured out the ingredients required to build and maintain very successful, long-lasting Restaurants & Bars.”

Consumer choice, increased sales from no waiting for service and maximizing keg yield are the three things that brought Fatpour to the concept originally.

“Now that we finally have a working system in place we are realizing what we had envisioned when we sought it out at the beginning,” said Marks.

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a beer enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

2nd Shift Brewing Near Hermann Missouri Offers a New Brew Experience

Beer lovers and connoisseurs visiting the Hermann Missouri area will be pleasantly surprised by the newest brewing creation coming from 2nd Shift Brewing. Named “Manor House Saison,” in honor of Cedar Creek’s iconic white-columned state house, the beer will be an all-barrel fermented saison.

Built in the 1860’s, the Manor House, located between New Haven and Hermann Missouri, was a retreat for Steve Crider, the owner of 2nd Shift Brewing, during his days as a home brewer. Later, when his passion became his profession, opening his brewery at Cedar Creek was a natural step.

“How many people can say that they own a brewery in an authentic Western Town?” asked Crider. Located in the Saloon of an old Hollywood movie set, Cedar Creek’s Western Town is quite unique, just like the unique hops pairings of 2nd Shift.

Opened in 2010, 2nd Shift’s reputation has preceded their name in part to Crider’s specialized “dry hopping” brewing method. Dry hopping refers to the process of adding aroma hops during fermentation to release additional fragile aromatic oils that are normally lost in the boiling process. The end result is a fragrant and robust hop flavor that is highly coveted by beer drinkers.

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a beer enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Karl Strauss Brewing Company's Blackball Belgian IPA Honored 3 Years In a Row

Karl Strauss Brewing Company is honored that its Blackball Belgian IPA is one of 25 handpicked beers to make it onto Wine Enthusiast Magazine’s Top 25 Beers of 2013 list. This marks the third year in a row that Karl Strauss has made the prestigious national list and the second time that Blackball Belgian IPA gets top honors for its high quality and unmatched flavor profile. According to Wine Enthusiast Magazine, “these represent the most dynamic and exciting beers reviewed this year. They exhibit extraordinary craftsmanship, innovation and quality at prices that still represent affordable luxury.”

Karl Strauss was one of only two San Diego breweries to make this year’s list, landing at #15 on the countdown with a stellar 92/100. The review says, “This subtle IPA shows great balance and nuance. A cloudy orange color in the glass, it leads with lively aromas of orange and grapefruit zest, yeast, pressed yellow flowers and a touch of white pepper. The palate offers similar notes, but with a fruity core of under-ripe peach and pineapple. It’s richly textured, with a full mouthfeel and light carbonation. The long, dry finish is accented by earthy hop and bready yeast flavors.”

Blackball Belgian IPA is part of the company’s bold, hoppy Karl’s Coastal Reserve Series. “This series showcases our hoppiest creations, from double IPAs to dry-hopped imperial pilsners. We’re all hopheads in the brewery and the Coastal Reserve Series is where we get to push the boundaries and really put hops front and center,” says Paul Segura, Brewmaster, Karl Strauss Brewing Company. Blackball is a Belgian-inspired IPA with a unique West Coast hop profile. Coriander and curacao add a distinct citrus character, while a traditional Belgian yeast strain lends subtle notes of spice to the beer. A blend of New Zealand and Cascade hops add a bright, citrusy aroma and a hefty bitterness. Blackball Belgian IPA is brewed sporadically and only available at specialty retailers throughout the year, making this small-batch beer hard to find, but worth the search.

The complete list of Top 25 reviews will be featured in this December’s issue of Wine Enthusiast Magazine. Blackball Belgian IPA is available in limited quantities throughout the year in 22oz bottles and on draft. For more information on Karl’s Coastal Reserve Series, visit KarlStrauss.com

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a beer enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

A Cool Gadget That Makes A Chelada Right Inside Your Beer Bottle

A San Antonio startup has invented an easy way to build a chelada inside a beer bottle. The BrewsKey "unlocks the flavors of your beer" using 100% natural dehydrated lime and sea salt.

What is a Chelada?

A chelada (Spanish translation: "my little cold one") is simply a salt-rimmed glass of beer with lime added. In Texas, where the BrewsKey is manufactured, asking the bartender for a "dressed" beer is common. The bartender will stick a lime wedge in and sprinkle some salt on the bottleneck. Some believe that adding the salt and lime enhances the flavor of the beer; however, "it does have sort of an 'ick-factor' associated to it if you really let yourself think about it" laughs BrewsKey online marketing coordinator, Anne Gerber. "With The BrewsKey, you never have to lick salt off a dirty beer bottle that contains a manhandled lime wedge."

How The BrewsKey works

Using the product is simple: Unscrew the top of The BrewsKey actuator, load in a flavor cup which contains the 100% natural lime and sea salt, place it on top of the bottle, and slam it down. Repeat depending on the amount of flavor the user wishes to extract from the cup. The BrewsKey makes a perfectly dressed chelada every time! View the step-by-step instructions here.

When you "dress" a beer using The BrewsKey:

• The natural lime shoots into the beer, distributed on the inside neck through to the bottom
• The sea salt lines the top rim and inside the bottleneck

See a quick product demo video of The BrewsKey here.

"Lots of folks these days get their daily coffee fix from little flavor cups. Why not their beer, too?" says Gerber. "We think The BrewsKey is a great addition to a home bar and it's portable so folks can make any beer into chelada whether it's at the bar, a BBQ, or a football game."

BrewsKey reload cups are available in quantities of 12, 24 and 48 count box sizes. The BrewsKey actuator is sold separately. Customers can also give the product a test drive with The BrewsKey Starter Kit which includes The BrewsKey actuator and six BrewsKey reload cups - a perfect party pair with a six-pack of beer.

The BrewsKey and reload cups are sold on the company's website at TheBrewsKey.com and at retail locations in San Antonio. Wholesale inquiries are welcome.

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a beer enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

August Schell Brewing Company Releases 30th Anniversary Pilsner Series

The August Schell Brewing Co., the second-oldest family-owned brewery in the country, brewer of Schell’s and Grain Belt, is releasing a new series to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Schell’s Pils.

In 1984, the August Schell Brewing Company’s President Ted Marti had the passion and vision to break away from the then popular image of beer in America. At that time, America's unique beers and breweries had all but disappeared, leaving only a few who mass-produced commodity beers with little or no character, tradition or culture worth mentioning. With a rich German heritage, Schell’s introduction of a full-flavored, traditional Bavarian-style Pilsner was only the start of the breweries contribution to the craft beer revolution that stands stronger than ever today. Later that year, Ted introduced Schell’s Weiss Beer followed by numerous other craft beer varieties over the years.

The Schell’s 30th Anniversary Pilsner Series will consist of four different Pilsner beers. It will include the original recipe from 1984, Schell’s current Pils beer and two new innovative varieties made to help celebrate this historic occasion, a Roggen and Mandarina Bavaria Pils. Schell’s original Pils recipe is what the late beer aficionado Michael Jackson called “One of the best American examples of the Pilsner style.” It has a light maltiness, delicate noble hop aroma and a pleasant hop bitterness. The current Pils beer recipe has evolved over the past 30 years. Today it is brewed with 100% 2-row barley malt and is dry hopped with Sterling hops. It has a rich malt body accented by a large floral hop and malt aroma with a refreshing hop tang. The Roggen Pils is a twist on the traditional, featuring spicy rye malt coupled with spicy Tettnang and Smaragd hops from the Tettnang region of Germany. The fourth Pils variety showcases a new hop from Germany called Mandarina Bavaria. Its strong tangerine and citrus notes dominate the flavor and aroma.

This series will be released in 12-pack samplers containing 3 12oz. bottles of each variety and sets of 4 1/6-barrels starting in February. A series to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Schell’s Hefeweizen will also be available in July.

About August Schell Brewing Company

August Schell Brewing Company, located in New Ulm, MN, sits atop the same site it was built on in 1860. With its sprawling grounds, beautiful gardens, Schell Mansion, and deer park, the brewery is a tourist destination for any beer lover. Schell’s boasts a proud heritage of 153 years of continuous family ownership and specializes in craft beers. In addition to the line of specialty beers, Schell’s also produces Grain Belt Premium, Grain Belt Premium Light and Grain Belt Nordeast. For more information on Schell’s Brewery, tour schedules or any of their 17 quality beers, go to SchellsBrewery.com.

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a beer enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Back By Popular Demand: Stone Smoked Porter with Vanilla Bean

Some things are just too good to deprive the world of. That ideal is the impetus for Stone Brewing Co. re-releasing its delicious and wildly popular Stone Smoked Porter w/Vanilla Bean. Previously bottled only once in 2012 as a 12-ounce special edition bottle run, the beer was an instant hit with Stone fans, many of whom voiced their fervent adoration and positive feedback via social media, inspiring Stone to re-brew this smoky, semi-sweet wonder a year and a half later (hey, we’ve been busy). Beginning today, it will be available in 22-ounce bottles as well as on draft at select retailers, restaurants and bars nationwide.

Stone Smoked Porter w/Vanilla Bean was first brewed in late 2006. As has been the case with many Stone beers, it all stemmed from a case of “What-If,” when Stone Small Batch Brewer Laura Ulrich found herself intensely inspired after pouring Stone Smoked Porter over a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This visceral experience led Ulrich to wonder: What if we were to brew our classic year-round version of Stone Smoked Porter with the addition of whole Madagascar vanilla beans?

Since Ulrich’s epiphany, the beer has become a cult favorite, due in no small part to flavor combinations that taste as though they were specifically made for each other. The natural flavor of the vanilla beans marries seamlessly with the chocolate, malt and coffee-like overtones of Stone Smoked Porter. The result is a beer that, even with its hints of savory peat-borne smoke, comes across as something of a liquid dessert. Pour it over a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and it’s easy to see why Ulrich—as well as Stone’s brew crew and fans—became so instantly enamored with this special brew.

This is the first of three specialty versions of Stone Smoked Porter that will be released throughout the upcoming year. The next to debut will be Stone Smoked Porter w/Chipotle Peppers in May, followed by Stone Smoked Porter – Harvest Addition Edition, incorporating myriad botanicals, that’s aptly scheduled for autumn.

Until last year’s limited release, the vanilla delight had only been available on draft at a small number of venues, special events and for occasional growler fills. Now, thanks to the positive outcry and demand from fans, winter is about to get a little sweeter and, ironically, a lot less vanilla.

Tasting Notes, provided by Brewmaster Mitch Steele

Appearance: Pours deep brown with a rich tan head.
Aroma: A nice blend of vanilla and cocoa, with hints of yeast esters, coffee and smoke. As it warms, the roast character increases.
Taste: Vanilla starts off, and then mid-palate the cocoa and smoke come in. The finish has a slight vanilla astringency and a malty fullness.
Palate: Incredibly balanced and complex; smooth with a slightly dry finish.
Overall: Ever since Brewer Laura Ulrich suggested making a cask of Stone Smoked Porter with added Vanilla Beans back in 2006, this beer has been both a fan favorite and a Team Stone favorite. We’ve brewed many small batches of it over the years, and we’re always happy to make more!

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a beer enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Hawaii's Fern Grotto Inn Delighting Visitors with Beer Tastings

Fern Grotto Inn, a collection of vacation rental cottages in Kapaa, Kauai, recently carried out its annual survey of its guests, asking them about their favorite Kauai attractions and activities. To everyone’s surprise, beer tasting was one of the favorites behind snorkeling, kayaking, and lounging at the beach.

“We’ve conducted this open-ended survey for several years, but this is the first time beer tasting has shown up as a favorite activity among guests,” says Paul Juma, who owns and operates Fern Grotto Inn.

As interest in beer grows on the mainland, travelers are seeking out regional breweries wherever they go, including Kauai. This has given the island’s burgeoning industry a huge boost.

Kauai is currently home to three microbreweries: Kona Brewing Company, Hawai’i Nui Brewing, and Kauai Island Brewery and Grill. The latter is the westernmost brewery in the United States and also the only brewpub on the island.

All three companies experiment with unique beers inspired by island flavors. Kona Brewing Company’s Koko Nut Brown Ale, for example, was brewed with real toasted coconut. They also make Wailua Ale, which features the bright flavor of passionfruit.

“I hope to see awareness of Kauai’s microbreweries grow here and stateside,” comments Juma, “This survey has certainly opened my eyes to the opportunities we have here, and I’ll have to start mentioning beer tasting to my guests when they inquire about the best local activities.”

Fern Grotto Inn, based in Kapaa, Hawaii, has six vacation rental cottages on the east side of Kauai. Fern Grotto Inn prides itself on providing luxury accommodations for guests who want an authentic Kauai experience.

For more information, call Paul Juma at 808-821-9836 or visit his website: FernGrottoInn.com.

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a beer enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Lone Peak Brewery Creates Retro Red Ale to Honor Big Sky Resort

In 1968, the famous NBC newscaster, Chet Huntley, conceptualized Big Sky, the same year the phrase “you’ve come a long way, baby” was marketed. Big Sky Resort has indeed “come a long way” since the first chairlift turned opening day December 15, 1973. Celebrating forty years is nothing to scoff at and as they say, “you just keep getting better with age.”

Such a historical mile marker bodes a big weekend celebration December 13-15, 2013. Daily lift tickets will be $40 all weekend. Playing at Whiskey Jack’s on December 14th is Milton Menasco, whose music has been described as a cross between “a juke joint and a Jamaican beach bar with fiery guitar playing and gritty vocals blend.” Lone Peak Brewery brewed a special beer, “Retro Red Ale,” available in cans throughout the Resort’s establishments and on tap at select locations for the occasion and all winter. Birthday cake, ice cream, and the best 70-style ski costumes since, well, the 70s, round out the celebration.

Better with age, absolutely! Boyne USA bought Big Sky Resort in 1976. Boyne brought state of the art snowmaking systems and built more chairlifts, lodging, and the Yellowstone Conference Center. Big Sky Resort took on the massive endeavor of installing the Lone Peak Tram in 1995, giving Big Sky the highest vertical drop in the country and then in 2005, Big Sky Resort and Moonlight Basin partnered through the interconnect to bring the Biggest Skiing to America.

Ringing in its 40th Anniversary, Big Sky Resort is truly the Biggest Skiing in America after acquiring Moonlight Basin terrain and facilities in October 2013 and the Spanish Peak’s, Spirit Mountain terrain in July 2013. Together as one resort, under one name, Big Sky Resort is 5,750 acres, 4,350 vertical drop, 23 chairlifts, 7 surface lifts and the Lone Peak Tram to 11,166 feet in elevation.

Big Sky Resort has “come a long way, baby” and by no means is going to slow down as more investments and improvements are slated for the future.

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a beer enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Schell's Beers Take Home More Awards

The August Schell Brewing Co., the second-oldest family-owned brewery in the country, brewer of Schell’s and Grain Belt, has distinguished itself once again by winning three more World Beer Championship medals from the Beverage Testing Institute (BTI).

Schell’s Chimney Sweep, a cold weather seasonal available annually from November through March, won a silver medal scoring 89 points and earning the title of “Highly Recommended” in the Black Beer, Lager category. Chimney Sweep has a roasty maltiness, sturdy hop bitterness and an underlying smokiness. Judges from the BTI describe it as having “Attractive aromas of salted caramel, smokey mole sauce and cinnamon raisin toast with a supple, dryish medium body and a roasted nut, apple wood smoked peppercorn, peat and watercress accented finish.” They note that it is “Nicely balanced and would pair nicely with a BBQ brisket and smoked meats and fish.”

BTI Rating: 89 points (Highly Recommended)
Alcohol By Volume: 5.2%
Category: Black Beer, Lager
BTI Tasting Location: Chicago Tasting Room
BTI Tasting Date: Nov-6-2013

Schell’s Pils, one of the original craft beers produced by Schell’s, was awarded a silver medal scoring 89 points in the Pilsner, Lager category. It is a year round offering brewed with 100 percent 2-row barley malt and is dry hopped with Sterling hops. It has a rich malt body accented by a large floral hop and malt aroma with a refreshing hop tang. The Beverage Testing Institute describes it as being “Golden color. Aromas of herb, salt and peach bread with a hint of tomato jelly. Supple and finely carbonated with a tangy, medium body and a snappy lemon pepper, nut and arugula like hop finish” They stated that it is “Very well made and mouthwatering.”

BTI Rating: 89 points (Highly Recommended)
Alcohol By Volume: 5.0%
Category: Pilsner, Lager
BTI Tasting Location: Chicago Tasting Room
BTI Tasting Date: Nov-13-2013

Lastly, Schell’s Oktoberfest was also awarded a silver medal in the Märzen/Octoberfest lager category scoring an 89. True to German tradition, Schell’s Oktoberfest is brewed just once a year and is available during September and October. It has the perfect balance of Pale, Munich and Cara Pils Malts with Liberty and Perle hops, creating a rich, smooth taste. The judges described it as being “Bright deep amber color. Aromas of salty cheese turnover and melon with a crisp, frothy, dryish medium body and a tangy dried fruit pastry, pepper and arugula finish.” They said it was a “nice mouthwatering lager that will be great with fried and grilled foods.”

BTI Rating: 89 points (Highly Recommended)
Alcohol By Volume: 5.0%
Category: Märzen/Octoberfest, Lager
BTI Tasting Location: Chicago Tasting Room
BTI Tasting Date: Nov-6-2013

About August Schell Brewing Company: August Schell Brewing Company, located in New Ulm, MN, sits atop the same site it was built on in 1860. With its sprawling grounds, beautiful gardens, Schell Mansion, and deer park, the brewery is a tourist destination for any beer lover. Schell’s boasts a proud heritage of 153 years of continuous family ownership and specializes in craft beers. In addition to the line of specialty beers, Schell’s also produces Grain Belt Premium, Grain Belt Premium Light and Grain Belt Nordeast. For more information on Schell’s Brewery, tour schedules or any of their 17 quality beers, go to SchellsBrewery.com.

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a beer enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Great Raft Brewing Announces Three Flagship Beers During Launch Week

Great Raft Brewing will introduce its three flagship beers with a week-long launch celebration in the Shreveport-Bossier City metropolitan area.

Beginning Monday December 9, Great Raft Brewing will host a series of themed events to debut its three year-round beers — a black lager named Reasonably Corrupt, a pale lager named Southern Drawl and an American pale ale named Commotion. By collaborating with Shreveport restaurant and bar partners, Great Raft Brewing invites the local community to participate and enjoy these new beers and learn more about craft brewing.

Launch week events include:

• Monday, 12/9 – Tap Takeover, Zocolo
• Tuesday, 12/10 – Meet the Brewer, Rotolo’s Pizzeria – Shreveport
• Wednesday, 12/11 – Beer and Pizza Pairings, Frank’s Pizza Napoletana
• Thursday, 12/12 – Keep the Pint Night, PieWorks Provenance
• Friday, 12/13 – Merchandise Giveaway, What’s on Tap – Shreveport
• Saturday, 12/14 –Beer-for-a-Year Giveaway, Twisted Root Burger Co.
• Sunday, 12/15 – Beers and Brunch, Marilynn’s Place

“It was important for us to work with locally owned bars and restaurants to introduce our products. We not only wanted to work with craft-friendly establishments, but also wanted to partner with other small businesses in order to help celebrate the uniqueness of Shreveport,” said Andrew Nations, co-founder and president of Great Raft Brewing.

All three year-round offerings from the brewery will be available on draft during launch week and on a continuing basis following launch week. Great Raft Brewing is actively working with its distributor, Eagle Distributing of Shreveport, to supply its beers on draft to additional local bars and restaurants later this month. In early 2014, Great Raft Brewing plans to introduce its beer in cans as well.

“We want to build on the momentum of launch week by soon offering our beers in cans,” said Lindsay Nations, co-founder and vice president of Great Raft Brewing. “We are proud of these beers, and the business we’ve worked together to build. We’re excited to share a pint with those who have been following and supporting us on this journey.”

Great Raft Brewing sold its first pint of beer Oct. 15 in Shreveport, La., making the sale the first of a local brew since Prohibition. The launch week events are a continuation of Great Raft Brewing’s introduction to the local market.

Great Raft Brewing will soon open its tasting room alongside the brewery for tours, samples and sales. More information will be made available in the coming weeks regarding the grand opening and hours of operation.

For additional information on launch week events, visit GreatRaftBrewing.com.

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a beer enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Lose Weight On the Beer and Sausage Diet

Dr. Terry Simpson, of Phoenix, said there were some non-believers when he first mentioned a very unique diet he was supervising. "I don't think anyone believed we'd see any weight loss success, following a diet that consisted of just beer and sausage. I'm a physician, and I wasn't sure what to expect either. The results were pretty surprising, and defy most people's logic," shared the weight loss surgeon.

Could a diet made up of two components: beer and sausage, not known for being low calorie foods, actually help you to lose weight? For the past 3 years, one Phoenix man has followed the beer and sausage diet for the entire month of October. Evo Terra began his Oktoberfest themed diet in 2010, under the supervision of Dr. Terry Simpson, and the two diligently tracked the results.

"Evo drank up to six beers each day, and had two sausages each day, for the entire month of October. And would you believe he not only lost weight, but other health factors improved, as well? Of course when we started the diet 3 years ago, we weren't sure what the results would be after 30 days, but I don't think we expected the success Evo experienced," remarked Simpson.

Evo successfully dropped 14 pounds the first October, and has consistently lost weight each consecutive year. His cholesterol levels went down, and his blood chemistry got better, said Simpson.

"It was a fun diet for me to supervise," said the doctor. "I like collecting data, and let's face it, a lot of what we know about food, calories, and how our body uses nutrients is based on statistics gathered from large group studies. There aren't a lot of studies run on an individual. This beer and sausage diet allowed us to get new data on how the body processes and interacts with very specific foods, when limited to a very specific portion, for a controlled amount of time," said Dr. Simpson.

According to Dr. Simpson, this wasn't just a "throw caution to the wind, eat as much as you want, drink as much as you want" diet. He and Evo carefully designed the diet not to exceed 1,500 calories per day, and portion control was important. According to Dr. Simpson, one of the most important things learned from this experiment is - a calorie is just a calorie.

Dr. Terry Simpson is a Phoenix based physician who specializes in weight loss surgery. In addition to seeing patients, he spends time conducting research, exploring new foods, preparing healthy meals, and golfing on Sundays. For more information visit his website at DrTerrySimpson.com

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a beer enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Dogfish Head to Make Namaste Available Year Round

Namaste, a Belgian-style white beer bursting with good karma, is making the leap from occasional release in a champagne-size bottles to year-round offering in 12-oz. 6-packs. The new packaging, coming at you in 2014, will be available in all of the states where Dogfish Head is sold.

"From the day we opened in 1995, the average beer we've brewed has been 9% ABV," says Dogfish Head Founder and President Sam Calagione. "We love going big, but we also hear the calls for a more sessionable off-centered ale. We hope you'll agree that Namaste is a great year-round quencher and food beer."

Made with dried organic orange flesh and orange rind, fresh-cut lemongrass and a bit of pepper and coriander, Namaste was originally brewed in 2009 to raise money and awareness for 3 Fonteinen, a Belgian brewery that suffered a devastating production loss.

The name, which roughly translates to "The spirit in me recognizes and celebrates the spirit in you," is also a nod to craft beer lovers the world over for spreading the word about small, independent breweries.

The coming year will also see the return of the ageable Raison D'Extra. It's our O.G. Raison D'Etre, with a little extra. This immodest brew, made with an obscene amount of malt, brown sugar and raisins, takes Belgian-style browns to new heights.

Also in 2014, Tweason'ale will be available year-round, and we have a couple of collaborations in the works for our Music Series. More on those later.

Of course, there's only so much room in the fermenters and on the bottling line, so to make room for the new stuff, we have to say goodbye (for now) to a few old friends. Raison D'Etre will be going to draft-only, and we won't be brewing any Immort Ale, Chateau Jiahu, My Antonia or Black & Blue next year. Will they ever return? Well, we have a soft spot in our hearts for each and every one of those beers, so never say never, OK?

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a beer enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Rahr & Sons Brewing Co. Announces Launch of Canned Beers in 2014

Beginning in 2014, beer connoisseurs will get to enjoy craft brews from North Texas' oldest brewery as a 12-ounce canned beverage.

Rahr & Sons Brewing Co. will launch a selection of canned beers to the Dallas-Fort Worth market in early 2014, which will include 12-pack cases of Rahr's Blonde, as well as a new American pale ale that will be exclusively available in cans only. The launch will roll out to other Texas markets later in the spring.

Owners Fritz and Erin Rahr recognized the appeal of canned beers, and wanted to make this option available to their craft beer drinkers. Cans prevent unnecessary light and oxygen from breaking down the hops in a beer. They also prevent a metallic taste, and are much more eco-friendly.

"We are very excited to offer cans," said Fritz. "It will open us up to new markets, and fans of Rahr & Sons will be able to enjoy our brews in any environment—especially where glass bottles may not be permitted."

Head Brewer Craig Mycoskie brings a high level of expertise to this initiative. In his previous position, he worked at Wynkoop Brewery in Colorado, where he studied under Marty Jones—the man who made canned craft beer "cool."

"There are certain consumers who look for quality beer in cans, and they've had to look elsewhere until now," said Craig. "We're eager to make use of some incredible new hop varieties with the new American pale ale."

Rahr & Sons will use a specialty machine from Cask Canning, a Canadian company on the forefront of craft canning lines. The machine can fill up to 35 cans a minute, and production will begin soon.

Please visit RahrBrewing.com and Facebook to stay up-to-date on further developments.

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a beer enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Fado Irish Pub in Seattle Hosts Launch Party for KCCO Black Lager

WHAT: Resignation Brewery, the new extension from the multi-faceted entertainment and digital media company, Resignation Media (theCHIVE.com, theCHIVERY.com), is hosting an exclusive launch party at Fadó Irish Pub this Saturday to kick off the release of its highly-anticipated beer, KCCO Black Lager, in Seattle. Tickets for the event sold out in just two minutes as fans jumped at the chance to be some of the first to sample the native beer which is brewed at the Redhook Brewery in Woodinville, WA.

WHEN: Saturday, November 23 from 6-9pm

WHERE: Fadó Irish Pub - 801 1st Street - Seattle, WA 98104
FadoIrishPub.com/Seattle/

BACKGROUND: KCCO Black Lager has mild notes of coffee and chocolate with a waft of smoke, but is very crisp and clean with a dry finish. The beer debunks the myth that that all dark beers are heavy and high in alcohol content, making it the perfect beer for any gathering.

PHOTO AND INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES: Learn first-hand what it means to be a Chiver and sample KCCO Black Lager. Photo and interview opportunities are available upon request only. Space is extremely limited to this sold out event, so all requests must be arranged prior to the event.

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a beer enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Santa Rosa Breweries Win Top Awards at Great American Beer Festival 2013

Make way for beer in wine country as local brew-masters shine on the National radar at the Great American Beer Festival. The big winners include; Third Street AleWorks, with two awards, including GOLD for Blarney Sisters’ Dry Irish Stout in the Classic Irish-style Stout category and BRONZE for Bombay Rouge in the Imperial Red category. Russian River Brewing Company took SILVER for Sanctification in the American Brett Beers category and it was BRONZE for Bear Republic for Heritage in the Scotch Ale category.

The winners were chosen from more than 4,800 beers entered at the festival’s competition and only 252 medals were awarded in total, these stand-outs blew away the competition. The ever growing craft-brewing community in Sonoma County is keeping right-up with the much-loved wine industry. Tour, taste and see full list of popular local breweries or call for info (800) 404-7673.

Santa Rosa’s Russian River Brewing Company is known by industry aficionados as one of the best breweries in the United States with a large selection of beer from big hops to Belgium ales. Their brews including Pliny the Elder is considered to be one of the best in Northern California and their beers are currently ranked No.1 and No. 2 in the US by Beer Advocate, with the Elder outranked only by Westvleteren 12, made by Trappist monks in Belgium.

Third Street Aleworks and Bear Republic’s offerings also scored high on the list which is graded from beer industry experts and members of the community using data from millions of user reviews. Russian River’s coveted craft, Pliny the Younger, is made in small batches and available for only two weeks each February drawing crowds from California to across the U.S. to taste the ultra-hoppy triple-IPA. In fact, beer enthusiasts from as far as Japan and Denmark make the yearly pilgrimage for the release. Sonoma County's Economic Development Board has just presented the first ever Sonoma County Beer, Cider and Spirits Conference in Santa Rosa to explore and support the local beer culture.

At the Brewers Association World Beer Cup, 799 breweries from 54 countries entered 3,921 beers in 95 style categories. The international judging panel from 27 countries conducted blind tasting evaluations and Santa Rosa brewers were big winners. Third Street Ale Works took home two awards including the gold medal (top award) in the categories of Classic English-Style Pale Ale and Classic Irish-Style Dry Stout.

The Annadel Pale Ale was the top rated beer in the English-Style Pale Ale and Blarney Sisters Dry Irish Stout was the top rated beer in the Irish-Style Dry Stout. The Russian River Brewery medaled for their Supplication in the American-Style Sour Ale category. Bear Republic Brewing Company won the top award for their Black Racer; an aggressively hopped Black India Pale Ale brewed with crystal and roasted malts to achieve layered flavors with very little roast character relative to its dark color, in the American-Style Black Ale category.

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a beer enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Beer Pong Enthusiasts Will Flock to Las Vegas for The World Series of Beer Pong

What was once thought of as a simple college game has become a beloved, mainstream sport, complete with its own mega, international tournament – The World Series of Beer Pong. The 9th installment of The World Series of Beer Pong (WSOBP), presented by BPONG.COM, will be held January 1st-5th at the Flamingo Las Vegas.

The 2014 WSOBP is expected to draw up to 1,000 players from across the United States and over a dozen countries. Cups will be racked, balls will be tossed, and friendships will be tested, all in the name of the largest beer pong competition in the world!

WSOBP rules allow for play with beer, water or another liquid, although for logistical reasons, The WSOBP IX will follow suit with most bars who run tournaments and will play with water in the cups. The WSOBP will be played with water to further foster the growth of the sport by eliminating the potential issues of showing beer on air, thus allowing the sport to be aired across television networks and in the media. During play, two-person teams stand at opposite ends of an 8-foot-long table, where ten 16-ounce cups, filled with roughly 4 ounces of water, are placed in a bowling-pin formation. Each team takes turns tossing beer pong balls (similar to table tennis balls) at their opponent's cup formation. If a ball goes into a cup, the cup is removed from the game. The first team to eliminate all of its opponent's cups wins.

When all the games have been played, the last team standing will claim the title of Beer Pong World Champion and take home its share of the prize pool. To date, BPONG.COM and The World Series of Beer Pong have awarded over $500,000 in cash prizes.

On top of the main competition play and spectator event, BPONG.COM is also known for hosting exciting side events that players and spectators alike can participate in, including a CoEd tournament, requiring each team to have one male and one female player, and a random partner tournament, which gives players from around the world the chance to get randomly paired with a player and meet new people.

Players interested in competing in The WSOBP IX must register online by the December 10, 2013 deadline. Player packages currently start at $499. All packages are priced per person and include a four-night hotel stay at Flamingo Las Vegas as well as entrance into The WSOBP IX main event, which includes a guaranteed minimum of 12 games of play.

For more information or to register, visit bpong.com.

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a beer enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

2nd Annual Bull City Food and Beer Experience Announced for March 9 in Durham NC

DPAC, Durham Performing Arts Center, partnering with Tyler’s Restaurant & Taproom and Sam’s Quik Shop to host 2nd Annual Bull City Food and Beer Experience.

What: Bull City Food & Beer Experience - Three local partners collaborate to create a true Bull City Experience with a national twist. DPAC, Sam’s Quik Shop together with Tyler’s Restaurant & Taproom founded the Inaugural Bull City Food & Beer Experience to stimulate and educate your palate and mind through pairing of local food showcasing 30 Durham restaurants and unbelievable beer from 30 premier craft / import breweries. In addition to the food & beer pairings, guests will be able to enjoy an onstage experience featuring 20 Cask-Condition beers from breweries across the country and a local craft brewers panels by the owners of 5 of the premier local craft breweries.

When: March 9, 2014, 4 p.m.-8 p.m.

Where: DPAC, Durham Performing Arts Center, 123 Vivian Street, Durham, NC 27701

Who: Fans of Food & Beer

Tickets: Tickets go on sale Friday November 22, 2013 at 10AM.

• Online at DPACnc.com or BullCityExperience.com
• DPAC Ticket Center: 919.680.2787, 123 Vivian Street, Durham, NC
• Ticketmaster.com / Ticketmaster Charge by phone at 800.745.3000

Benefiting: This event is a fundraising event to benefit the Ellerbe Creek Watershed Association (EllerbeCreek.org).

Friends of DPAC members may place their orders on November 20. Joining Friends of DPAC is free, and you can register at DPACnc.com.

Admission into the Bull City Food & Beer Experience includes:

• Souvenir Glass and Tasting Notebook
• Food sampling from 30 of Durham's finest restaurant's & Beer Tastings from 50 breweries
• Keynote Speakers - Premier local craft brewers panel -names to be announced at a later date
• Live Music from Mipso will be rounding out the sensory experience with their bluegrass inspired music live on stage.
• A limited number of Imperial VIP Ticket Holders will enjoy all elements of regular admission plus an exclusive event poster, exclusive T-shirt, 30-minute early event access, private access to VIP tasting lounge, VIP imperial laminate and specialty spirit, rare beer and wine tasting only available to Imperial ticket holders.

This event is a fundraising event to benefit the Ellerbe Creek Watershed Association (EllerbeCreek.org).

The mission of the Ellerbe Creek Watershed Association is to:

• Enable a living creek - a healthy stream in which an appropriately diverse group of native fish and invertebrate species thrive
• Create a network of preserves and trails along which people can hike, bike, and walk from the Ellerbe Creek headwaters to Falls Lake
• Build ties among Durham's diverse neighborhoods and communities using Ellerbe Creek as a link
• Partner with the City and other groups that seek to move Durham to become a regional model for proactive urban stormwater management
• Help adults, and especially kids, have the opportunity to enjoy and appreciate being outdoors in a learning and safe environment

For additional information including participating Restaurants & Breweries please visit BullCityExperience.com

Date, time, prices, and all participants are subject to change.

All ticket holders must be 21+ years of age & must bring valid photo ID. Event reserves the right to refuse service to anyone at anytime.

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a beer enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Thunder Canyon Brewery Wins Bronze Medal at 2013 Great American Beer Festival

Tucson headquartered Thunder Canyon Brewery won the Bronze Medal in the Cream Stout category at this past weekend’s Great American Beer Festival in Denver, Colorado for their Dark Lightning Milk Stout brew.

The Great American Beer Festival invites industry professionals from around the world to participate in a blind taste-testing of beers in each specified style category. Ultimately, the goal of the Great American Beer Festival Judge Panel is to identify the three beers that best represent each beer-style category as described and adopted by the Great American Beer Festival.

The judging panel awards gold, silver, or bronze medals that are recognized around the world as symbols of brewing excellence. These awards are among the most coveted in the industry. Of the 4,809 beers entered in 84 categories, Thunder Canyon Brewery’s Dark Lightning Milk Stout won the Bronze Medal in the Cream Stout category.

To try the award-winning Dark Lightning Milk Stout, visit Thunder Canyon Brewery at either of their two locations; Downtown at 220 E. Broadway, or Foothills Mall at 7401 N. La Cholla.

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a beer enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.