tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21065198934748997192024-03-13T02:52:03.602-04:00Raising the BarstoolZack Rothmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12046442098975203187noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2106519893474899719.post-75941456892325417782019-04-04T10:14:00.000-04:002019-04-04T10:58:49.019-04:00The Reinventions of Drink Craft Beer<br />
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“Drink Craft Beer.” It’s more than a catchy phrase. It is a
call to action. When I arrived in Boston from Florida back in 2012, I was
overwhelmed by the amount of craft beer that was available around me. I had
never been to a beer festival before. Here I was, a law student in the big
city, surrounded by options but unsure of how to dive into the world of craft
beer. It wasn’t until I attended a Drink Craft Beer festival that I learned all
that craft beer could be and more. Little did I know that Drink Craft Beer had
already reinvented itself because of people like me and would continue to
reinvent itself again and again as they years went by. To this day their
festivals hold a special place in my heart. Let me share part of their story
with you and you may understand why that is.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Back in 2006, good buddies Jeff Wharton and Devon Regan
founded Drink Craft Beer as a beer blog. Jeff and Devon would travel the
country interviewing brewers and tasting amazing beer. However, they realized
that by only blogging about beer they were simply talking to people like them
who were already interested in craft beer and that they weren’t doing anything
to broaden craft beer’s audience. That is when they started to host small,
in-person tasting events for a few dozen people. These events would grow into
much more than they could have ever imagined.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Their first reinvention came about thanks to a local company
called Taza Chocolate. One of their sales reps was at a liquor store pairing
wine with some of their chocolates. Jeff suggested they could pair beer with
their chocolate as well. They went down to the Taza Chocolate factory to do
just that, and a light bulb went off. They could build an event around
something like this! They did so and what was once dozens of people became
hundreds of people showing up for their events. Based on their growing
popularity, they decided it was time to reinvent themselves once more.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Their second reinvention happened when they had an idea for
a seasonal rotation of beer festivals in 2012. They hosted Summerfest, Fall to
Winter Fest, and Springfest, each fest focusing on a different style of beer. I
personally attended their first festival and went on to volunteer at others
then began to write about them and for them before becoming a simple attendee enjoying
the experience once again. These events regularly sold out, had an amazing list
of brewers, and even won a prestigious Best of Boston award in 2014 from Boston
Magazine. Besides all that, what drew me into these festivals and kept me
coming back was the community around them. Drink Craft Beer is a company built
by friends and family, and they make each person attending their festivals feel
like a friend. The smaller size of their festivals allows for a greater level
of intimacy and the ability to actually talk to and get to know the people
behind the beer while hearing their stories. Not only does one learn a great
deal about beer at these festivals, but they make connections and develop
friendships that help to grow one’s love and passion for craft beer and its
community. <o:p></o:p></div>
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After years of hosting these festivals, Drink Craft Beer wanted
to bring something more to the table. There were many beer festivals in Boston,
but they wanted to do something different. They figured that Drink Craft Beer
is for people who like stuff that tastes good, so why not host a festival featuring
producers of both food and beverages pairing their creations together? This was
their third reinvention, and in 2015 they hosted the inaugural Boston Beer
& Cheese Fest. It sold out faster than any of their events had ever before.
Many brewers wanted to be part of it, and cheese makers from around New England
keep asking to come back every year. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Their fourth and most recent reinvention came from the
realization that the audience for craft beer had changed significantly since
2006, when it was a small niche and mostly homogeneous. The audience for their
fests was transcending the stereotypical craft beer crowd you saw at other
fests. It was much more diverse, with a majority of attendees being women and
the overall crowd being different than your typical festgoers. They were more
aligned with foodies than the craft beer uber-enthusiast. They were people who
liked stuff that tastes good! With this greater diversity came the need for
greater inclusion and so, on the eve of Drink Craft Beer’s 20<sup>th</sup>
festival last week, they launched a new look for their brand. Whereas before
their brand was made up of more in-your-face, gritty, masculine imagery, their
new logo is much more subtle, sleek, and modern. Their events had fit their
audience, and now their brand and merchandise do as well. It is a brand that is
open and appealing to anyone who likes stuff that tastes good.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I’m not sure what Drink Craft Beer’s next reinvention may
be, but I can tell you that I am excited for whatever they have planned for the
future. I’ve been happy to be able to witness part of their story and to see
them grow both personally and professionally over the years. It is because of
them that I got into craft beer and that I continue to be passionate about it
to this day. Their festivals are about so much more than beer, with cider
makers featured prominently and often winning the “best of show” along with culinary
creations from around New England that I have never tried before. They feature
local brewers and give new brewers a chance. Their brand is about more than
beer, too. It’s also about the people that love making stuff that tastes good
and the people they share it with. <o:p></o:p></div>
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It is because I identify so closely with their brand that I
drank from my favorite Drink Craft Beer pint glass for years and will use their
new glassware featuring their new logo for years to come. If you haven’t been
to one of Drink Craft Beer’s events or seen their new branding, you should
check them out at <a href="http://drinkcraftbeer.com/">DrinkCraftBeer.com</a>. Become part of their story and let them
become part of yours. I promise you will not be disappointed. See you at the next
fest! <o:p></o:p><br />
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<br />Zack Rothmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12046442098975203187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2106519893474899719.post-75788905105767496382017-09-26T09:04:00.000-04:002017-09-26T09:11:14.414-04:00A Tale of Many Barrels: Zwanze Day 2017 at Trillium Brewing Company<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.0pt; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; tab-stops: 42.55pt;">
Standing amongst a sea of barrels and giant oak foeders filled nearly to
capacity inside Trillium’s Barrelhouse, I can’t help but feel incredibly
fortunate to be celebrating Zwanze Day in such a special location. Only a short
distance from their brewery and taproom in Canton, JC and Esther Tetreault
invited 180 lucky individuals through a random ticket selection process into
their Barrelhouse for a behind-the-scenes look at their barrel program. Having
spent past Zwanze Days lining up to get into a packed bar for a taste of
Cantillon, I can say that celebrating Zwanze Day at a brewery is the only way
to go if you can do so. Trillium not only put on one of the best Zwanze Days I’ve
been to, but one of the most well-run beer events I’ve ever attended. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I walked into the Barrelhouse with no idea of what to expect; this was
the first time that it had been opened to the public, after all. As I entered I
was given a tulip glass filled with Trillium’s Lineage Spelt, a barrel-aged
saison that was fruity, acidic, and refreshing; a nice introduction to the type
of beer that awaited us. Walking down a hallway filled with Trillium’s
signature label artwork, I eventually entered the Barrelhouse, where a few
pop-up bars had been set up amidst mountains of barrels along with some tables
and chairs as well as a food stand. It was truly an awesome sight to behold. As
I sipped my saison I decided to walk around and read which beers were aging in
the barrels that surrounded us, many of which I’ve had before. Several of the
fantastic Trillium beers featured at the event had come from these barrels.
There’s something very special about drinking beer in the room where it’s made,
even moreso when the owners are drinking it with you. <o:p></o:p></div>
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JC and Esther walked around during the event mingling with everyone,
from myself to brewers like Paul Jones from Cloudwater or Matt Tarpey from The
Veil. When I spoke to JC he expressed nothing but humility about this day. He
never thought that someone like him, originally a homebrewer from Brookline, would
be chosen to host Zwanze Day. He was honored to be able to pour some of
Cantillon’s lambics for the second year in a row. I was just as humbled to be there
drinking them with him.<o:p></o:p></div>
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As the worldwide toast approached, JC and Esther both spoke about how
excited they were to have everyone there and thanked everyone for supporting
them over the years. If it were not for that support, they said, they would
have never been given an opportunity like this one. The two parents of two
raised their unique glasses filled with a lambic dedicated to the youngest son
of Cantillon’s owner and toasted to friends and family. In that moment I had
never felt more personally connected to a brewery and the people behind it.</div>
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So what was the coolest part of Zwanze Day for me? It wasn’t getting to
see Trillium’s Koelschip or drinking a wide selection of superb sour beers. For
me it was sharing that experience with people that cared just as much about Trillium
as they did about Cantillon. People that had a great deal of respect and reverence
for both breweries, as I’m certain the two breweries have for one another. That
is what made this Zwanze Day celebration unlike any I had been to before, and
it is why I hope to be able to celebrate every Zwanze Day at Trillium in the
future.<br />
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Zack Rothmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12046442098975203187noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2106519893474899719.post-78155784148151101122017-09-05T14:24:00.002-04:002017-12-07T09:46:03.572-05:00Make Good Liquids, Make Good Friends, Make Good Food <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">I’ve been a fan of Somerville
Brewing Company since I moved to Boston back in 2012, when I first saw
their nickname “Slumbrew” on bottles in stores. I drank Porter Square Porter
before ever actually visiting Porter Square. I met many so-called
“slumbassadors” and other members of the Slumbrew community over time, and
remember wondering when they would have a brewery of their own for us all to
gather and drink together. That’s why I was so excited when they opened their
Boynton Brewery in 2015, and it’s why I’m even more excited for the next
chapter in the Slumbrew story. I sat down with co-founders Caitlin Jewell and Jeff Leiter to talk about their plans over a beer. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Somerville Brewing Company is set
to open its new American Fresh Brewhouse at Assembly Row within the next month
or two. Construction is ongoing, but Caitlin and Jeff told me that they are are devoting most of their time to ensuring that it gets up and running soon.
That’s something they can commiserate with the crew behind Backlash Beer
Company on, as they continue to build out a brewery in Roxbury after years of
having their beers on shelves. Caitlin tells me that she sometimes calls Helder Pimentel of Backlash and they talk about the ups and downs of building a brewery. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The American Fresh Brewhouse will
be a great addition to Assembly Row and the Somerville Brewing Company brand.
The location is ideal, being 35 feet away from the local T stop at Assembly,
one of the nicest subway stations in Boston. On top of that, there will be
plenty of parking with 200 free spaces available for those visiting the
Brewhouse. There will be 126 seats along with some outdoor seating as well,
much bigger than the American Fresh beer garden at Assembly Row. The Brewhouse
will also have a 3.5 barrel brewing system for making those good liquids that
Slumbrew has become known for. Overall, the American Fresh Brewhouse is another
step forward for a company that has continued to grow and improve every year,
creating a solid foundation for their future.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Slumbrew’s motto has always been
“make good liquids, make good friends.” Their initial focus was on producing
quality beer, and they did just that. I haven’t found a friend that doesn’t
like Slumbrew’s Happy Sol, a hefeweizen brewed with local honey and fermented
with juice from over 1,000 blood oranges. They then created physical spaces for
fans of their beer to gather and enjoy it together. They started offering
brewery tours at the Boynton Brewery, hosting all sorts of events, and perhaps
most importantly serving food from their own kitchens. This was a natural
progression for the Somerville Brewing Company, and one that has led them to
where they are today.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The Boynton Brewery taproom offers
a wide range of meal options, from charcuterie boards to pizzas (my personal
favorite), while the beer garden has a somewhat smaller but similarly tasty
menu. Both locations have flourished with the work that Jeff and Caitlin have
put into them and no longer require as much of their guidance as they once did,
allowing them to focus more on their latest project. The beer garden that
opened in 2014 will remain open until the end of this month, when there will be
a send-off celebration. I’ve had some good times there and will miss the space,
but I am looking forward to enjoying the new Brewhouse even more.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">There is something to be said for
a brewing company choosing to close one of its locations in order to direct
resources to a more ambitious project. There have been multiple instances of
breweries moving too fast with opening new locations or expanding at such an
unsustainably rapid pace that they are eventually forced to close or sell. This seems
like a much more responsible move for Somerville Brewing Company, as a
year-round beer garden in New England, even with heated tents, must be hard to maintain. The
new Brewhouse should take some of the best things about the beer garden and
make them even better.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The American Fresh Brewhouse at
Assembly Row is an evolution for Somerville Brewing Company. Jeff has
experience in the restaurant industry, and for some time now both he and
Caitlin have wanted to offer an even greater experience to their fans in terms
of both food and beer. The Brewhouse is designed as a “gastrobrewery,” not a
brewpub. Whereas brewpubs are often primarily restaurants with beer brewed on
premises, gastrobreweries are primarily producers of beer with an elevated food
menu. Different from the typical fare of food trucks and pop-ups one often sees
at their local taproom, Slumbrew’s new gastrobrewery will have its own chefs, a full kitchen, and
an extensive menu featuring dishes ranging from steak to seafood. In a time and
place (specifically Boston) in which local breweries are all basically making
good liquids, how does one stand out among the rest? The key, Caitlin and Jeff
believe, will be offering the full gastrobrewery experience to consumers. No
longer having to bring or order food from outside or waiting for a food truck
to show up. Not having to settle for bar snacks and instead being able to order
a full, flavorful meal with the beer one goes there to drink. That is what a gastrobrewery
is all about, and that is what the American Fresh Brewhouse at Assembly Row
will offer. I, for one, cannot wait to experience it. </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Zack Rothmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12046442098975203187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2106519893474899719.post-1635064454142561792016-09-06T10:37:00.000-04:002016-09-06T13:52:05.968-04:00A Monument To Craft Beer: A Profile Of Craft Beer Cellar DC<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">As
I wrote about <a href="http://raisingthebarstool.blogspot.com/2016/08/craft-beer-cellar-worlds-best-beers.html" target="_blank">a couple of weeks ago</a>, Craft Beer Cellar is a strong and growing
franchise. The brand they’ve created is one that consumers have come to associate
with a positive beer buying experience. Though, even with such a great brand,
every store is different. Each Craft Beer Cellar looks similar, but still has
its own vibe and atmosphere. This may be because of a unique layout or special
decorations, but mostly it comes from the people that own and run the store.
The staff beer geeks create a customer experience that goes above and beyond
what consumers have come to expect when buying beer, and every store is an
opportunity to enjoy the Craft Beer Cellar experience like it’s the first time.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">One of the latest additions to the Craft Beer Cellar family has been open for a month today, and it’s been
pretty monumental. I say that not just because it shattered the Grand Opening
sales record for the franchise when it opened its doors on August 6<sup>th</sup>,
but because it opened in none other than Washington, D.C. Located a couple of
miles away from the White House and less than a mile away from where Congress
passes our country’s laws, I reached out to store owner Erika Goedrich to ask her some questions about how this important store fits within the Craft Beer Cellar franchise. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">What made you want to open a Craft Beer
Cellar store?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Erika: </b>I’ve been kicking around the craft beer world for
almost 20 years, mostly as a hobby, though I did work at Old Dominion Brewpub
in Ashburn, VA (prior to it being bought) and started a craft beer rating and
recommendation website with a friend (before untappd was cool). I am super
passionate about craft beer, not just for the beer, but the history, and
entrepreneurship, the people, creativity and ingenuity, the individuality yet
the community. For a long time, I thought about opening a craft beer bar, but
the food side was never of much interest to me, and it seemed a bit more than I
could handle.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">A
mutual friend introduced me to Kate and Suzanne at <a href="http://www.savorcraftbeer.com/" target="_blank">SAVOR</a> before they opened the
Belmont store. I met them again at another mutual friend’s wedding as they were
beginning to franchise. I started to pay closer attention and visited the
Belmont store when in Boston. I was amazed because we didn’t have anything like
CBC in the DC area that I was aware of. DC area breweries and bars were
stepping up their game, but the retail side was lacking…too often I found beers
on the shelf that were out of date, the hospitality and knowledge weren’t
there.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I
knew I wanted to own my own business, just not sure what. And then one night I
was at a bar and a customer must have been wanting wine but didn’t like
anything from the small wine selection, so the bartender gave her a sample of
something. The customer thought it was really good and asked what it was. The
bartender’s response was, “it’s beer.” I had to stop myself from banging my
head on the table. The poor customer never found out she was drinking a
framboise; would never be able to ask for it again. And so I decided that I
wanted to open a craft beer store, and follow a model where great beer
selection, hospitality and education are at the forefront.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">What would you say is special about your
Craft Beer Cellar location?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Erika: </b>Beer, particularly craft beer, brings people together.
And it’s not just about the beer, but about the people and experiences and
memories built while drinking beer. I’ve decorated the store with pictures of
people doing different activities while enjoying beer. I want people, whether
they consider themselves to be craft beer aficionados or craft beer novices, to
feel welcome, like they are entering a friend’s house. We want to teach as well
as learn – certainly we don’t know everything. We want to explore more of the
craft beer world alongside our customers and industry partners. We want to
foster a community around craft beer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Since
you are familiar with CBC, the fact that the entire store is available for
mix-and-match won’t shock you. But it’s a novel concept in DC; “revolutionary”
is what one customer called it. <a href="http://abra.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/abra/publication/attachments/Craft%20Beer%20Cellar%20DC%20-%20Advisory%20Opinion%20-%206%2029%202016.pdf" target="_blank">We changed the law in DC.</a> I appreciate that the
ABRA Board was willing to review our request and ruled in our favor, as it’s
the consumer who wins because of this. They get to experiment and try various
beers and breweries without having to commit to 4 or 6 of something they may
not like.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">What is the craft beer community like in
DC?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Erika: </b>It’s welcoming and supportive. Opening a business in
DC is not easy, and everyone (from people in the industry to people in the neighborhood)
have been helpful, friendly, patient and all-around wonderful to work with.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">It’s
evolving. <a href="http://www.dcbrau.com/#" target="_blank">DC Brau</a>, DC’s first package brewery, just celebrated its five-year
anniversary earlier this year, so we’re all still very young and learning. No
one has all the answers. We (CBC DC) certainly don’t. But everyone is hungry to
learn and to push and support everyone to be better. That includes consumers,
who have embraced the mix-and-match, and are asking about tastings and other
educational events, because they want to learn and explore.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">What is one thing you think everyone
should know about Craft Beer Cellar?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Erika: </b>We’re passionate about craft beer and we want to share
that passion with others. We’ve been both applauded and criticized for putting
a per-person limit on rare beers that we’ve had. Our goal here is just to make
these beers accessible and available to as many people as possible and be fair
in the process.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">DC
has what’s known as “gray laws”, where if a distributor does not have a beer
available or in the quantity needed, you can go out and get it yourself and pay
an import fee. It’s why you will find beers not distributed here on some
shelves and taps. Customers have asked us to get some of these rare beers this
way. As we get our feet more solidly under us, we will be reaching out to
various breweries. But we will use this only with the brewery’s knowledge and
permission. And we will continue to be fair in our pricing of these beers.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">What are some of the craft beers on your
shelves now that you'd recommend?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Erika: </b>We’d be here all day. And it all just depends on what
the customer is looking for or what I’m in the mood for. I’d recommend that
people continue to take advantage of our mix-and-match and explore different
beers and different styles. Try multiple beers from the same brewery. Try
multiple beers within a style. I’d even recommend going back to a beer you had
years ago, and may have loved or even hated. Our palates evolve and change over
time, as do breweries. So your opinion of the beer may change, or you may fall
in love all over again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">You
can tell from Erika’s answers that she is truly passionate and knowledgeable
about craft beer. I would certainly describe Craft Beer Cellar as a
revolutionary franchise, and I know that whenever I am in DC I will be stopping
into her store. So next time you’re exploring the monuments in our nation’s
capital, make sure to visit the store stocked with some of our nation’s finest
beers. It is your patriotic duty. </span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Zack Rothmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12046442098975203187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2106519893474899719.post-36399657198870407072016-08-24T14:37:00.000-04:002016-08-25T09:14:53.033-04:00Craft Beer Cellar: The World's Best Beers, Coming To A Shelf Near You <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Back in 2014, I wrote <a href="http://drinkcraftbeer.com/editorial/articles/craft-beer-cellar-changing-the-world-one-craft-beer-at-a-time.html" target="_blank">an article</a> about how Craft Beer
Cellar was changing the world, one craft beer at a time. At that time there
were a total of 13 Craft Beer Cellar stores open across the country. Now there
are 26, including one in our nation’s capital. The CBC franchise continues to
grow, with many more stores in planning. As I said years ago, things just keep
getting better with each new store that opens. It’s no wonder that Craft Beer
Cellar was recently named one of the <a href="http://www.mensjournal.com/food-drink/collections/the-50-best-beer-stores-in-america-w432370/massachusetts-craft-beer-cellar-10-locations-w432391" target="_blank">50 Best Beer Stores in America</a> by Men’s
Journal and the best beer store in Massachusetts!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">When I interviewed Suzanne Schalow, one of the owners
of the Craft Beer Cellar franchise (and a #MasterCiceroneInTraning), back in
2014 she told me that each year they come up with a word to represent the year
ahead. In 2014, it was “maturity,” in that with their rate of expansion they
had to be mature enough to realize they couldn’t do everything. In 2015, the
word of the year was “honesty.” Effective on January 1<sup>st</sup>, 2015,
Craft Beer Cellar chose to no longer exclude beers based on ownership as it had
in the past. There is an honesty in letting beer speak for itself, and it was
an honest move by Craft Beer Cellar to focus on the quality of the beer it
sells rather than who makes it. For 2016, the word to sum up the year for Craft
Beer Cellar is “change.” Last year, owners Suzanne and Kate sold part of their
franchise and brand store to longtime friends, Joseph Yarid & Marla
Yarid-De La Cruz. They brought on others to help them with managing the daily
operations of their rapidly growing franchise. This has undoubtedly changed
things for the better and made the Craft Beer Cellar family stronger as a
whole. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Considering how far Craft Beer Cellar has come, I
thought now would be a good time to reflect on their success and to get a fresh
perspective from some of the newer stores. To do so, I reached out to a couple of
the new kids on the block: CBC Fenway and CBC Fort Point.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Craft Beer Cellar Fenway opened on April 2<sup>nd</sup>
of this year. I live in the Fenway neighborhood and work right across the
street from the store, so a Craft Beer Cellar opening nearby was a dream come
true for me. I’ve been a loyal customer of whichever Craft Beer Cellar store
was closest to me since I bought my first beer from them. It was the business
model that attracted me. It’s all about choice at Craft Beer Cellar, and the
amazing staff help you to make the best and most educated choices when it comes
to beer. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">It’s no different at the Fenway store. Owned and
operated by Phil DiCarlo and Jana Wolfova, the store is located just a block or
two away from the historic Fenway Park in Boston. I first met Phil and Jana
before the store had even opened, when they invited me in to see how they were
getting ready. Since their Grand Opening they’ve been just as inviting,
greeting those who enter the store with a smile. I often stop by after work
just to say hello or attend a tasting. Each time they or the beer geeks on
staff have made me feel more than welcome. It is truly my favorite place to buy
beer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I reached out to Phil, who shared the story of how he
became interested in opening his own Craft Beer Cellar store. “A few friends and I were at The Armsby Abbey
sending off a friend to go west and work for Rogue. Over drinks, one
friend mentioned the newly opened CBC in Newton. Having never been to
Belmont, this was the first I had heard of CBC.” CBC Newton was also the first Craft
Beer Cellar that I had shopped at and the one that turned me into a dedicated
CBC shopper. “The next day Jana and I went to CBC Newton and were blown
away. It was an awesome store that just was so incredibly well
merchandised and had really helpful knowledgeable people,” Phil told me. “I had
a new favorite place to buy beer. Jana went straight to work to check on
franchising. We were both intrigued but spent the next few months doing
research before initially contacting the Franchise team. Jana and I had
talked about opening a business but never found something that fit as well as
this seemed to. When we did meet with Kate and Suzanne and were just once again
blown away by their passion for what they were doing. We signed up for a
franchise two months later.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Phil also told me about how
they looked at several locations around Boston, but knew they wanted to be in
Fenway after seeing an open storefront while driving through the area. It took
Phil and Jana two years to open their store in Fenway, with many regulatory and
construction hurdles to overcome. It was a trying time for them, but they were
patient and committed to seeing their store open. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">I next asked Phil what the
craft beer community in Fenway is like. “Since opening in April, the Fenway
store has been everything we could hope for in the two years leading up to
opening; a real vibrant enthusiastic neighborhood with very passionate
craft beer drinkers,” he said. “We get a very mixed group of customers; some
locals who have been thrilled to have us in the neighborhood, some tourists
that are in town for a Sox game or a concert and looking for local craft beer,
commuters working in the area.” I’d consider myself to be in the first category
of customers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Finally, I asked Phil if he’d
recommend any beers that are on their shelves now. “I like to recommend beers
from breweries that people may not have tried before. So many customers
had never heard of SingleCut and now we sell out in a day. Another
brewery I like to recommend is Brewmaster Jack, whether it is their IPAs or
their Tennesse Prinse, they make great beer. Jana has converted the neighborhood
into Pilsner Urquell and Golden Monkey fans. Part of the challenge of our store
is to have a constant mix of new and different product in that help us stay
different from visit to visit. A lot of customers like to experiment with
new beers and keeping a pipeline of new stuff constantly arriving is both fun
and challenging. We really get a lot of satisfaction hearing customers across
the store actually shriek when they find something (it happens a lot).”<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Phil left me with me with some parting thoughts on
their store. “After 5 months we think
our store is still learning and will continue to get better. What we hope
to be able to replicate is that feeling people get when they walk into an Apple
Store. In an Apple Store, having a great product to sell is only part of
it. It’s also the knowledgeable and helpful team and the experience around the
product. We have a long way to go to meet the standard set by one
of the best retailers of the #1 consumer product in the country, but that's the
bar we set.”<b> </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Craft Beer Cellar Fort Point just opened on August 17</span><sup style="font-size: 10pt;">th</sup><span style="font-size: 10pt;">. Located steps away from the renowned </span><a href="http://www.trilliumbrewing.com/" style="font-size: 10pt;" target="_blank">Trillium Brewing Company</a><span style="font-size: 10pt;">, CBC Fort Point adds yet another option for beer geeks near Boston’s Seaport District. Trillium is an incredible brewery, there is an amazing restaurant and bar known as <a href="http://row34.com/" target="_blank">Row 34</a>, and now there is an outstanding bottle shop right around the corner at 34 Farnsworth Street. I attended the Grand Opening at which I tasted some of Suzanne’s favorite beers, including the Orval Trappist Ale. Those that came in for the tasting couldn’t help but learn something as Suzanne spoke </span><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;">knowledgeably</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> about each beer she sampled, noting the Brettanomyces used by Orval. It was tasty and educational!</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I also had the opportunity to meet the owner of the
store, Barry Sussman. He
told me, as many others have, about how he had been a customer at the Belmont
store and had been inspired to open one of his own. He also spoke of how
helpful Phil and Jana of CBC Fenway had been in dealing with the hurdles the
city and the state put in front of him. It was nice to hear how supportive
other members of the Craft Beer Cellar family had been, and as I looked around
I noticed it for myself. Owners of several other stores had stopped by and were
there as customers continued entering the store to buy and taste beer. One big, happy family! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I asked Barry to share the story of how he decided to
become a Craft Beer Cellar store owner. “I had been thinking about doing something different for a long time. I'm
a CPA by background and knew it was time for a change. The challenge of course
is finding the right thing to do. Ideally, you can find a way to combine a
passion and a job. Two of my passions are running and beer. I looked down both
paths and quickly decided with the craft beer explosion that beer was the right
way to go. Since CBC is a great franchise and it had a local opportunity, it
was a fairly easy decision to make.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Barry also told me about
what made his location special. “Being in what <a href="http://www.bostonmagazine.com/restaurants/blog/2016/05/23/hopsters-fort-point-location-2017/" target="_blank">Boston Magazine</a> called ‘the beer hub of Boston,’ Fort Point is already a beer destination with Trillium and Row
34 and all the other local restaurants with strong beer offerings.” As for the craft
beer community: “It’s interesting. In our short time open there's actually three
distinct communities here: the residents, the office workers and the tourists. It’s
a surprisingly big tourist community and they're very interested in our local
offerings. But they all seem to be quite knowledgeable.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Barry had more to say on
what makes Craft Beer Cellar stand out. “We strive to offer the widest
selection of <u>great</u> craft beers, not just any craft beers but the great
ones. We also love to talk beer with our customers. Some people come in just
wanting to browse around and chat about what's good but they don't need
anything at the moment. We love those conversations. Especially with the
out-of-towners.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">As far as current beer
recommendations go, Barry had a few. “Can I say, all of them? I just tried
Innis & Gunn's rum aged beer for the first time. Terrific beer. Aeronaut's
Hop Hop & Away is a strong session IPA. A personal favorite has always been
Left Hand's Nitro Milk Stout. There's really too many to name.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">After talking to Phil and Barry, I wanted to get some
fresh takes on Craft Beer Cellar from the customer’s perspective. <a href="https://twitter.com/tj_farrell" target="_blank">TJ Farrell</a> is
closest to CBC Westford and has shopped at CBC Belmont frequently. Wherever he
goes, he says he has always had a great experience at CBC because of their
great customer service and supremely knowledgeable staff. “Freshness is never a
question when you shop there, and the ability to buy singles and mix your own
six-pack is huge. It’s a great way to try different brands or styles,” TJ told
me. “I also love the annual Advent Boxes they do, so much so that I now buy
three every year – one for myself, one for my brother, and one for a friend.
Another excellent way to expose yourself to some brands/styles you wouldn’t
normally seek out on your own.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://twitter.com/craft_beer_mike" target="_blank">Mike Callahan</a> expressed similar feelings. “Awesome
staff, amazing beer selection,” he said. He’s been to both the Fort Point and
Westford locations, but goes to Westford more based on its proximity to him. Seems
people like visiting their local Craft Beer Cellar as much as they like
visiting their local brewery. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: large;">Craft Beer Cellar continues to age like a fine
barleywine. With each year that passes and every new store that opens, the brand
grows stronger. Owners, beer geeks, and customers all become more educated as
they become involved in the continuous learning process of craft beer. People
come to associate the name Craft Beer Cellar not only with the selection and
service, but also with the experience. There’s nothing quite like shopping at a
Craft Beer Cellar and, if you haven’t already, I’d suggest visiting the one
nearest you as soon as you can.</span></div>
Zack Rothmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12046442098975203187noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2106519893474899719.post-43679386725291810642016-01-23T20:33:00.000-05:002016-01-23T20:33:01.393-05:00Becoming A Homebrewer
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I've wanted to brew my own beer for years. Ever since I met
my first brewer in person, I've thought of brewing myself. That's why after
thinking about it for a long time and being encouraged by friends, a few months
ago I took the plunge and finally started homebrewing. That's a decision I am
very happy that I made.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">To start things off I travelled to my local homebrew supply
store. It's a small shop, but has everything you need to brew batches of beer
in all styles and sizes. When I visited the store I asked the owner how he
would recommend that I start brewing. He recommended that I start all-grain
brewing instead of using malt extract, as he found homebrewers who did so were
more engaged and learned more quickly. I decided to follow his advice and chose
an Oatmeal Brown Ale recipe for my first homebrew.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The owner of the store then walked me around the store to
help me collect the ingredients for the recipe. We first collected the grains
that would be needed to produce fermentable sugars for the yeast to consume. We
then put the grains into a mill for grinding, save for the flaked oats that
would be added to the brew. Next we picked the hops and finally the yeast to
complete the recipe.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now, I live in a small studio apartment in Boston. Part of
my hesitance to begin homebrewing was the amount of space it would take.
However, the store owner informed me that all I would basically need was the
room to store a 5 gallon bucket. After hearing that, I purchased the necessary equipment
including the kettle,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>siphon,
hydrometer, cleaner, sanitizer, bottle brush and capper, as well as the
fermentation and bottling buckets. I then went home to prepare for my first
brew day.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">After cleaning and sanitizing all of my equipment (perhaps
the most important part of brewing), I filled my kettle with water and put in
on my stove to begin heating. I placed a nylon straining bag in the kettle and,
once the water reached the required temperature, added the grains. As the
malted grain released its sugars, the water soon turned into wort. I next took
the bag out of the kettle and began boiling the wort before adding the hops I had
chosen. Once enough time had passed I placed the kettle in a bath of ice water
in order to chill the wort down to the necessary temperature before pouring it
into the fermentation bucket, sealing it, and pitching the yeast. My brew day
was over, but fermentation had just begun.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I had taken a hydrometer reading from some of the wort in
order to obtain the original gravity, which provides a glimpse of the possible
ABV of the final brew. I placed the fermentation bucket in my closet and over
the next few weeks monitored it to ensure the brew was fermenting (usually by
observing the airlock for carbon dioxide release) and to maintain the correct
temperature. Bottling day, when it finally came, was relatively easy. It mainly
entailed filling and capping, besides transferring the beer from one bucket to
another, adding some priming sugar, and cleaning up afterwards. I then let the
bottles sit to condition for another couple of weeks. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I decided to purchase labels for my first homebrew and to
enter it into a local homebrewing competition for fun. Upon tasting the beer I
was glad that it had turned out as I hoped it would. I received positive
feedback from friends and family, who seemed to enjoy it even more than I did.
Overall the experience was very educational and a lot of fun. I just finished
my second homebrew, a honey wheat ale, and I am very much enjoying brewing as a
hobby. I'm not sure where it will lead, but I do know there's nothing quite
like drinking your own beer. </span></div>
Zack Rothmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12046442098975203187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2106519893474899719.post-70482559451968836012015-12-05T21:11:00.002-05:002015-12-06T10:35:22.648-05:00Raising the Barstool's Best - 2015<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">This week I read a post written by Carla Jean
Lauter, otherwise known as <a href="http://www.thebeerbabe.com/2015/12/the-beer-babes-best-2015-the-bollard/" target="_blank">The Beer Babe</a>, with her take on the best beers in
Maine this year. Her post inspired me to reflect on my own year of beer here in
Massachusetts. As we're now in the last month of 2015, it seems to be an
appropriate time to write about the best beers and breweries I've had the
pleasure of experiencing throughout the year. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Best New Brewery in Massachusetts: Medusa Brewing Company<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I attended the American Craft Beer Fest in Boston
back in May, at which I had the chance to try beers from throughout New England
that I had never had before. I tasted my first brew from Lord Hobo Brewing
Company, which is now available in most stores in the area. I also got the
chance to try a beer from Medusa Brewing Company for the first time, but I knew
it would not be my last. Their </span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Zweihänder
Imperial IPA displayed a talent for using hops, which was only confirmed after
later tasting some of their other IPAs like Citra Legacy and Laser Cat. Here's
hoping we see more brews available from Medusa in the Boston area! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Best New Massachusetts Beer: Artaic - Trillium Brewing
Company <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">It seems like every
year the new beers being released in Massachusetts continue to improve. This
year was no exception. When Trillium Brewing Company released a Double IPA
known as Artaic back in May, it instantly became a favorite of mine. Named
after a local mosaic design company Trillium collaborated with, Artaic is
brewed with 100% Mosaic hops and local raw wildflower honey. It is sweet,
citrusy, and nicely balanced overall. A masterpiece!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Best
Massachusetts IPA: Santilli - Night Shift Brewing<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">This year Night Shift debuted its flagship IPA,
Santilli. Created from one of the brewery's batches of its rotating IPA called
Morph, Santilli smells of fresh pine and has a big citrus flavor with a bitter
finish. It's a surprisingly smooth IPA loaded with hops that I could drink just
about every day. The fact that it comes in a beautiful tallboy can makes it
even better!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Best
Massachusetts Stout/Porter: Crasher in the Rye - Clown Shoes <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Earlier this year, Clown Shoes released a new
version of its Undead Party Crasher with some tasty twists. Rye malt was added
to the mix, and the usual hickory smoked malt was replaced with oak smoked malt
from Blacklards Malt Company in Texas. On top of that, half the beer was aged
in bourbon barrels while the other half was aged in rye barrels. These halves
were then combined and bottled as an Imperial Stout with a roasty coffee aroma
followed by the sweet taste of milk chocolate along with a creamy oatmeal
flavor and a rye whiskey finish. It was delicious!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Most Creative Beer in Massachusetts: Hay is for Horses - Cambridge Brewing Company<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Hay is for Horses was first brewed in 2013 but was
available in bottles this year. A "Nordic" Pale Ale brewed with
fresh, locally grown hay as well as oats and gruit herbs, the beer is light and
grassy with a nice spice. Very easy to drink!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Best
Label/Can Design: Muerte - Backlash Beer Company<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Massachusetts has some incredibly talented artists
creating the labels for its breweries. Whether it's Kevin Cimo's rustic and
charming renditions of local landmarks for Trillium Brewing or Michael Axt's
eye-catching and colorful work for Clown Shoes, there is no shortage of
beautiful label art around here. Yet, one beer's label caught my eye more than
any other, and it was based on work that artist Sophy Tuttle did for Backlash
Beer. Years ago Backlash featured her art on the labels of the beers in their
Apocalypse Series. They were black and white, but depicted epic scenes with
rolling landscapes. Her artwork was featured on the label for Death, Backlash's
Imperial Stout, which was then inverted for the label of Resurrection released
last year. This year her work returned on the label of Muerte, an Imperial
Stout brewed with vanilla beans, cinnamon, peppers, and coffee. Featuring an
elegant portrayal of the classic calavera representing the Mexican holiday
often referred to as Day of the Dead, the label is absolutely gorgeous. I hope we see more of Sophy's label art next year!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq-m9D_uNYjtGU5rajGCo1N57Oy0P9w2cL473lAohLYoahETIcqWmwqutZpD4qRl6VbcbxbX8NOwkj4mGBn4zPVjGf89xJLiideC7qA_V9Xfb3kXLRwyUwnssS_9n5U8n92x-ZMmIuXLY/s1600/Backlash-Muerte-Imperial-Stout-960x864.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq-m9D_uNYjtGU5rajGCo1N57Oy0P9w2cL473lAohLYoahETIcqWmwqutZpD4qRl6VbcbxbX8NOwkj4mGBn4zPVjGf89xJLiideC7qA_V9Xfb3kXLRwyUwnssS_9n5U8n92x-ZMmIuXLY/s320/Backlash-Muerte-Imperial-Stout-960x864.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">(Muerte's label is so cool, Trevor Carmick of Beer
Labels In Motion even <a href="http://beerlabelsinmotion.com/post/134064321083/muerte" target="_blank">brought it to life</a>!)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://33.media.tumblr.com/5bd8dd11d26da0369382b5efcaa7dced/tumblr_inline_nyhfs2eHgr1rm17z3_500.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://33.media.tumblr.com/5bd8dd11d26da0369382b5efcaa7dced/tumblr_inline_nyhfs2eHgr1rm17z3_500.gif" height="320" width="277" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
Zack Rothmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12046442098975203187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2106519893474899719.post-17035122932662509782015-11-28T16:09:00.001-05:002015-11-28T16:24:10.737-05:00Bonding With Brewers<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Hey everyone! It's been a while. Things have been pretty busy, but I've decided it's time to start blogging again. I've spent a lot of time thinking about potential
topics I could write about to get back into the swing of things. After much deliberation, I thought of a subject applicable to brewers and beer fans alike: how consumers connect with the people that make
their beer.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">There are many ways that those who drink craft beer
form bonds with brewers. I'd like to lay out some that I find important to show
how these connections are created, strengthened, and how they contribute to
promoting a brewer's brand.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Social
Media</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We live in an age where everyone is plugged in. People
share pictures of their beer on the internet to make sure others know that they
actually drank it. Today, most brewers have some sort of social media presence.
Whether it's on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Untappd, or all of the above,
brewers are online and sharing their beer with the world. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I believe social media is critical to the success of
startup brewers, not only because it can expand their reach beyond the scope of
their distribution, but because it allows them to introduce themselves to people
that may otherwise never hear about them. For instance, I've only heard about some breweries through their Twitter accounts, which led me to their website, where I found a
link to their Facebook page and eventually found them on Instagram. These sorts
of connections create a network that only continues to grow as more people
invite others to share in their discoveries. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Social media also allows brewers to engage their
consumers in a way they never could before. Brewers may not get the chance to
meet everyone that drinks their beer in person, but they can talk about their
beer with their fans over the web. They can share what they're brewing, when
beers are being released, and tell consumers about events featuring their beer.
I've enjoyed getting to know the people behind certain breweries and hearing
about their progress simply by reading their blogs, which I often find through
social media. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Drinking
the Beer</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It may be that you heard about it through social
media and arranged a trade. It may be that you were at a restaurant and saw it
on the beer list. It may be that you were in a shop and saw it on the shelf. It
may even be that you went to a beer fest and saw it at one of the booths.
However you found out about a beer, your personal opinion on it only forms
after drinking it. If you drink one beer and like it, you're more inclined to
try another from the same brewer. If you try more of their beers and like them,
you'll feel that they have a reputation for making great beers. You'll then
want to talk about those beers with others, who may then try the beer for
themselves. Word of mouth is a powerful thing!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Meeting
the Brewers</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Nothing strengthens the bond between brewers and
their consumers more than meeting face-to-face. When you meet a brewer and talk
to them on a more personal level, you become more personally invested in their
success. When you know the people who brewed your beer, you feel even better
when drinking it. In getting out there and spending time with the people who
drink their beer, brewers not only enhance their connections, but form new
relationships with consumers that can last a lifetime. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Visiting
the Brewery</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Not all brewers have a space of their own, but those
who do have something very special. They have a place where consumers can come
together and share in their appreciation for the beer the brewers make. They
also have the ability to show consumers how and where their beer is made.
There's nothing quite like drinking a beer inside the building it was brewed
in. When brewers have a place to call home, the consumers will come to them.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Building
the Brand</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">As more people connect with brewers, their brand
becomes more recognizable. Simply wearing a shirt with their logo or mentioning
their name may spark conversation. These connections begin locally, but can
grow to connect people around the world who drink craft beer. In connecting
with their consumers, brewers who start small may become much bigger over time.
I know that the more connected I've become to my local brewers, the more I've
tried to support them. I not only drink their beer, but I want to share it with
others. When that happens, everyone wins. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Zack Rothmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12046442098975203187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2106519893474899719.post-40239136180213115762013-07-30T19:22:00.001-04:002013-07-30T19:28:53.185-04:00A Conference to Remember<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Those who read this blog probably know of other beer
blogs that are out there. It's interesting to read different ones and see the
perspective that each blogger is writing from. After the beer bloggers
conference ended, many people wrote multi-part blogs that covered each day of
the conference. Others posted videos of their experiences in Boston. As a
recent addition to the blogging world and a first time conference attendee,
I've decided it would be best for me to give a broader view on the conference as
a whole.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">For me, the first day was all about introductions.
Things kicked off with a trade show, at which I was introduced to several
breweries that I had never even heard of before. Not only did I get the chance
to try many new beers, but I also got to start picking up some "beer schwag," the promotional items that both bloggers and breweries gave out for free throughout the entire conference. On top of that, I had the opportunity to meet beer bloggers from across the
country that I had been following over the internet for a long time. Over the
course of the conference there were plenty of "twitroductions," or
in-person meetings of people following each other on Twitter. The most exciting
thing for me was finally being able to meet the crew behind the <a href="http://wiki.seacoastbeveragelab.com/index.php?title=Main_Page" target="_blank">SBL Podcast</a>! </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">After that, I had the opportunity to introduce
Boston's craft beer scene to those who hadn't yet experienced it. We traveled
to the Samuel Adams brewery on a bus, and on the ride there I began pouring
what would be the first of many "bus beers," Trillium's <a href="http://www.trilliumbrewing.com/wordpress_blog/beers/1094-2/" target="_blank">Fort Point Pale Ale</a>. There was a palpable feeling of excitement when we arrived at our
destination, perhaps because everyone was a little buzzed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I became just as excited as the evening progressed.
We were treated to a keynote speech from Jim Koch himself, who later invited us
to taste some 10th anniversary Utopias with him in the barrel room. If that
wasn't enough, they had a variety of special beers on tap for us along with a
nice spread of beer-infused food for us to enjoy! It was a fun night, to say
the least.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The second day seemed to be more educational. There
was a long list of presentations on the agenda, each one covering a different
topic related to beer, blogging, or both. The beers kept pouring and the
information kept coming. Being new to this, I did my best to soak it all in
like a sponge. It was a long day, but I learned a lot!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">On the final day of the conference, things got a bit
more personal. The bloggers themselves were able to take their turns giving
presentations about what they do and where they came from. Afterwards Ray
Daniels, Founder and Director of the <a href="https://cicerone.org/" target="_blank">Cicerone Certification Program</a>, gave a closing
keynote speech<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>in which he shared his
story with us and gave us all some advice on how to become better writers. I am
truly grateful to have learned so much from those with such a wealth of
experience. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">To write about each and every event we attended in
detail would take a great deal of time. From the <a href="http://www.hsbeer.com/" target="_blank">Heavy Seas</a> party at <a href="http://stoddardsfoodandale.com/" target="_blank">Stoddard's</a> to our visit to the <a href="http://www.harpoonbrewery.com/breweries/boston/beerhall" target="_blank">Harpoon Beer Hall</a>, there was a lot going on. Needless
to say, the weekend was a whirlwind of sorts. Though, even with the nonstop
drinking and learning, I still wish we had more time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">If there was one takeaway from the conference for
me, it was this: don't underestimate the value of quality time. The Beer
Bloggers Conference brings together people who have priceless stories and
lessons to share with others. It's not often that you're able to have a
conversation about beer with so many knowledgeable people at once. If for that
reason alone, I'd recommend attending the conference. If you're anything like
me, it will be one of the most valuable experiences you've ever had.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">(For those who still want to know more about my time at BBC 2013, follow
Raising the Barstool on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/raisingthebarstool" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/RTBarstool" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, and <a href="http://instagram.com/raisingthebarstool#" target="_blank">Instagram</a>. Of course, you should also visit the Beer Bloggers Conference <a href="http://beerbloggersconference.org/" target="_blank">website</a>. I'll see you at BBC
2014!)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Zack Rothmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12046442098975203187noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2106519893474899719.post-18284001283286723842013-07-28T20:13:00.001-04:002013-07-28T20:13:45.364-04:00The 2013 Beer Bloggers Conference
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The 2013 Beer Bloggers Conference has ended, and with it, a
weekend filled with learning, discussing, and drinking. As a relative newcomer
to the beer blogging scene, I thought I'd start by giving my general
impressions of the conference. It was my first time attending, so I don't have
anything to compare it to. However, I did take plenty of notes during the
conference and hope to write much more detailed blogs about the events that
took place each day in the near future. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Overall, I am very happy that I decided to attend the
conference this year. I really had no excuse since it was being held right down
the street from where I live. Aside from the convenience, there were many other
benefits to taking part in the conference, especially considering how long I've
been blogging. I got the chance to learn from presentations full of all sorts
of useful information. I had the opportunity to meet other bloggers who I've
always looked up to in-person. I also got to drink a lot of great beer. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The pace of the conference was fast, to say the least. It
seemed like we were all going from one event to the next without much of a
break in between each one. Don't even get me started on the live blogging. The
days were certainly packed, but I can't complain. Everything we did was pretty
incredible!</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It was nice seeing my fellow beer bloggers in the flesh as
we reflected on the state of beer blogging together. I loved the diversity
there was in the group that decided to attend the conference as well. It didn't
matter if we were male or female, young or old, hopheads or sour fans. People
came from all over the country to drink and talk about the one thing we all enjoy:
beer!</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Looking back on this year's conference, I have to say that
it was extremely memorable. I'll remember all the fantastic conversations I had
over the weekend, all the wonderful beers I tasted, and all the fun we had.
Most of all, I'll remember just how much I learned in such a short time. I had
no idea what to expect when I signed up for it, but the conference turned out
to be more than I could have ever imagined.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now that it's over, I feel like I can use what I gained from
the conference to take my blog to the next level. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I'm still in the early stages of my blogging
journey, but I think I now know which direction I'd like to head in with my blog.
It may take some time for me to find my way, but once I discover my niche and
establish myself as a dedicated blogger, I'm confident that things will begin
to take off. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I hope that you'll come along for the ride with me. As a
lover of local beers and the law, I'm going to move towards tailoring my blog
posts to the craft beer community in Massachusetts and the legal issues that
those in the beer industry face in this state. Before that, I'm going to try to
give a more specific account of the lessons I learned at the beer blogger
conference. Look out for more posts from me in the days ahead!</span></div>
Zack Rothmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12046442098975203187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2106519893474899719.post-68308365204278366662013-07-20T09:12:00.000-04:002013-07-20T09:14:52.147-04:00Collabeeration<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The beer market can be pretty competitive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With over 2,300 breweries across the country,
craft brewers are doing all they can to gain market share as more of them start
up each year. There are only so many spaces on the shelf, and only so many taps
at the bar. Yet, even with all of the competition that's out there, you still
see craft brewers coming together to support one another.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Working together rather than working against each other is
essential for craft brewers, as they are still only a small percentage of the
overall beer market. Today it's more important than ever that they stick
together so that the craft beer market can continue to grow. Friendly
competition is a good thing, but there is also the risk of becoming divided.
That's where beer collaborations come in.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">One of the first collaboration beers I had was <a href="http://raisingthebarstool.blogspot.com/2013/06/east-meets-west.html" target="_blank">Rhizing Bines</a>
from
Dogfish Head and Sierra Nevada. Sierra Nevada has also collaborated with
<a href="http://www.boulevard.com/wp-content/themes/boulevard960/ageverify.php?r=http://www.boulevard.com" target="_blank">Boulevard</a>
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to create a brew called <a href="http://www.pitch.com/FastPitch/archives/2013/06/18/boulevard-and-sierra-nevada-join-forces-for-terra-incognita-which-hits-shelves-wednesday" target="_blank">Terra Incognita</a>,
a blend of different beers that is actually the <span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">second in a trilogy of Boulevard-Sierra Nevada beers. Seeing some of the
larger American craft breweries collaborating has given me hope that more
collaborations will come about in the future.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIb_iIG3PaIWlZB-oR63Xp9CzOu9ZePS7Y5WqyFmVAFAGvSKczqJ46eNSEPzEMf398azrFRoPYOmnI8tTmFiYi1SlpPggVlT4aB2Xy9UeBw7yRwpKdh44FOhZY5F5jRp0TzMv24Tl7JWQ/s1600/Boulevard-Sierra-Nevada-Terra-Incognita.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIb_iIG3PaIWlZB-oR63Xp9CzOu9ZePS7Y5WqyFmVAFAGvSKczqJ46eNSEPzEMf398azrFRoPYOmnI8tTmFiYi1SlpPggVlT4aB2Xy9UeBw7yRwpKdh44FOhZY5F5jRp0TzMv24Tl7JWQ/s320/Boulevard-Sierra-Nevada-Terra-Incognita.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"></span></span><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The bigger craft
brewers can have a large impact on the craft beer market as a whole. I remember
when I learned about Samuel Adams' <a href="http://blog.samueladams.com/hop-sharing-program/#more-309" target="_blank">hop sharing program</a>,
which led to the creation of <a href="http://backlashbeer.com/beers/salute" target="_blank">Salute</a> by
Backlash (which appropriately features the brewer saluting Sam Adams). It's
these kind of positive relationships between brewers and the support they give
one another that I believe will lead to even greater growth in the craft beer
industry.</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"></span><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Collaborations
are kind of a new thing. You didn't really see them a few years ago, but now
you're seeing them more and more. In Massachusetts, the <a href="http://www.oncemadebeer.com/" target="_blank">ONCEMADE</a>
project set up by <a href="http://www.pintley.com/" target="_blank">Pintley</a> is aimed at bringing brewers
together to try something new. The first release was a partnership between
Backlash and <a href="http://www.nightshiftbrewing.com/" target="_blank">Night Shift</a> featuring two wild
saisons, <a href="http://backlashbeer.com/beers/wild-king" target="_blank">Wild King</a> and <a href="http://www.nightshiftbrewing.com/site/beers/taproom-exclusive/wild-queen/?age-verified=7b199c9331" target="_blank">Wild Queen</a>.
Two unforgettable beers!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzhe00BwWnM-4BPgnWjgGDd1peLnl7PKJcb9UA7AiGsFEpUfXkXawVySzT0NU46Covpa-JMfL9TXg_p77A1UFAyG0XLmFxHuEbREqvShUVjipRCkMFg5rB2qa1Sj-g2BFc2I6FbIsfJKw/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzhe00BwWnM-4BPgnWjgGDd1peLnl7PKJcb9UA7AiGsFEpUfXkXawVySzT0NU46Covpa-JMfL9TXg_p77A1UFAyG0XLmFxHuEbREqvShUVjipRCkMFg5rB2qa1Sj-g2BFc2I6FbIsfJKw/s320/photo+1.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">What makes this collaboration even more memorable is the way
that it's presented. Two separate bottles packaged together in an elegant
pinewood box along with a letter signed by the brewers and a piece of the
barrel that the beers were aged in. It makes you realize that this wasn't just
a casual fling for the two brewers to make a profit. It was a truly meaningful
partnership that resulted in something remarkable.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Is0en-REUSrazGX-a03KDGv6lSAOXbAPCxSVicDru17bbEMCGerNapRXJxrVMtTjPx42dF3Q34CgBM9d8l9SnuF-3rrjMxzyYCbMu9weP0tH4ks12M2ukqWyIZx_IWNh0b7Iv9TpbSc/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Is0en-REUSrazGX-a03KDGv6lSAOXbAPCxSVicDru17bbEMCGerNapRXJxrVMtTjPx42dF3Q34CgBM9d8l9SnuF-3rrjMxzyYCbMu9weP0tH4ks12M2ukqWyIZx_IWNh0b7Iv9TpbSc/s320/photo+5.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC6EeKTxczlcy6dHvAz407aQ-L0sdGoSusP4pMezBNWbd0OuBihJuxCVdyUcN5U6wMBtFRpk8TYl1-MOF2Wck4907gCQR2jZNBZfQfgU275QumiNnVMRGqYucmvotzTXIlqg_Rkg0cKoQ/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC6EeKTxczlcy6dHvAz407aQ-L0sdGoSusP4pMezBNWbd0OuBihJuxCVdyUcN5U6wMBtFRpk8TYl1-MOF2Wck4907gCQR2jZNBZfQfgU275QumiNnVMRGqYucmvotzTXIlqg_Rkg0cKoQ/s320/photo+4.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Other Massachusetts brewers have collaborated as well. <a href="http://www.clownshoesbeer.com/" target="_blank">Clown Shoes</a> and <a href="http://brashbeers.com/" target="_blank">Brash</a>, two in-your-face
brewers that brew their beer out of the same brewery in Ipswich, blended their
brown ales to create a big beer known as <a href="http://www.clownshoesbeer.com/pimp" target="_blank">Pimp</a>.
It just goes to show you that two brewers known for the humor can come together
to create an even more hilarious beer than they could alone.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3-QdNiDrl7WHlwRpq1OTud-pujZUmNynK57oYQA_HSVN9me6CH27d5goqP_6hDs7p6M39SZDFl4zviLxT8ey5PIGvlZWwWdCPdo8DuVGoDKm_i_DCQAgrZ7j9P8CeDu98SCSGE4XLo6M/s1600/photo+2BJPG.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3-QdNiDrl7WHlwRpq1OTud-pujZUmNynK57oYQA_HSVN9me6CH27d5goqP_6hDs7p6M39SZDFl4zviLxT8ey5PIGvlZWwWdCPdo8DuVGoDKm_i_DCQAgrZ7j9P8CeDu98SCSGE4XLo6M/s320/photo+2BJPG.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I'm sure other brewers are collaborating across the country,
and I hope to see more of these kinds of things in the future. Beer should
connect people, not set them apart. That's why collaborations are a great thing
not only for brewers, but also for the people that drink their beer. We want to
see our favorite breweries come together. It brings us closer, and it's a sign
that the craft beer industry will continue to thrive. </span></div>
Zack Rothmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12046442098975203187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2106519893474899719.post-54276895062154680532013-07-19T21:30:00.001-04:002013-07-19T21:54:36.122-04:00Keepers of the Brew<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now that I've been blogging about beer for over a month, I
feel like it's a good time to reflect on some things. Lately I've been hosting bottle
shares at my place with my fellow backlashers (the unofficial nickname we came
up with for fans of <a href="http://backlashbeer.com/" target="_blank">Backlash</a>). A bottle share is just
what it sounds like: people bring bottles for sharing, hang out, and try lots
of different beers without having to drink an entire bottle themselves. Getting
together with beer friends is not only fun, but can also lead to great
conversations about the world of craft beer.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">At the latest get-together, we had some pretty good reading
material. We talked about the latest issue of <a href="http://beeradvocate.com/" target="_blank">BeerAdvocate</a>,
but what we were really interested in was this week's issue of <a href="http://digboston.com/" target="_blank">DigBoston</a>.
It's one of the coolest publications in the city, not just because of its
creative style and younger vibe, but because it has a section devoted entirely
to <a href="http://digboston.com/category/boston-beer-brewing" target="_blank">beer</a>. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFFbTQn6Ruoxpp8rfEVeSs3b3lYsCCq_EzE3GPGvRbjbRR2zttSi30tIh-_Jx5JG732-9j0EINo2lxqt3i8etoJS9YwznxWLIzv1ezl1_ggF2GcH38kfW79NjdrWEpIsF7hCKIB20xqTE/s1600/photo+A.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFFbTQn6Ruoxpp8rfEVeSs3b3lYsCCq_EzE3GPGvRbjbRR2zttSi30tIh-_Jx5JG732-9j0EINo2lxqt3i8etoJS9YwznxWLIzv1ezl1_ggF2GcH38kfW79NjdrWEpIsF7hCKIB20xqTE/s320/photo+A.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The <a href="https://twitter.com/Honest_Pint" target="_blank">Honest Pint</a> is DigBoston's
beer column that features that latest news and reviews about the craft beer
scene in Boston and beyond. It's written by <a href="https://twitter.com/heathervandy" target="_blank">Heather Vandenengel</a>,
and features great beer news along with fantastic pictures. I've long been
inspired by Heather's talent for writing, but it wasn't until I read
DigBoston's craft beer issue that I realized just how talented she is. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">There are several articles by Heather in the issue, with
topics ranging from <a href="http://digboston.com/boston-beer-brewing/2013/07/bostons-beer-scene-the-lost-chapter" target="_blank">brewers of the past</a> to the <a href="http://digboston.com/boston-beer-brewing/2013/07/coming-soon-to-a-bar-near-you" target="_blank">beers</a>
and <a href="http://digboston.com/boston-beer-brewing/2013/07/brews-in-planning-get-to-know-your-breweries-to-be" target="_blank">breweries</a>
of the future. There's even one about a <a href="http://digboston.com/boston-beer-brewing/2013/07/2013-boston-beer-time-capsule" target="_blank">beer time capsule</a>!
Needless to say, it was the best issue of DigBoston I've ever read, and it got
me thinking about other beer writers.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Some of the first things I ever read about beer were blogs.
I started by reading a blog written by <a href="http://westroxbury.patch.com/blogs/michael-locontos-blog" target="_blank">Michael Loconto</a>,
otherwise known as <a href="https://twitter.com/Neighbeers" target="_blank">Area Man Drinks Beer</a>. I then
started reading <a href="https://twitter.com/UrbanBeerNerd" target="_blank">Urban Beer Nerd's</a> <a href="http://urbanbeernerd.com/" target="_blank">blog</a>,
which gives great insight into some of the more unique aspects of beer both
here and around the world. I still look up to these bloggers as I continue to
write my own blogs on what has become one of my favorite hobbies.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Brewers can also be bloggers. Backlash
has a great <a href="http://backlashbeer.com/blog" target="_blank">blog</a> that features updates as well as tasting notes on their latest
releases. Jack's Abby also has a pretty cool <a href="http://jacksabbybrewing.com/blog" target="_blank">blog</a>
that lets you know what's going on at the brewery. I love reading the things
that brewers write, as they're the ones who have the most intimate knowledge of
the brewing process and beer in general. When you read a brewer's blog, it's as
if you're getting to know the brewer on a more personal level. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">There are so many different blogs about beer, each with
something that makes it special. That's why I'm excited to attend my first <a href="http://beerbloggersconference.org/" target="_blank">Beer Bloggers Conference</a> next weekend. I am
really looking forward to spending time with other, more experienced beer
writers and learning how to improve my own blog. That and tasting lots of new beers!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I'm glad there are so many beer bloggers out there today. Not only are bloggers responsible for spreading the word about great beer and brewers, but in a way they are also beer historians. Like journalists, beer writers do plenty of research and investigating to report the latest beer news. At the same time, they create a record to look back on so that the history of craft beers and the brewers that came before can always be remembered. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I love writing about beer. I don't know why it's taken me so
long to start doing it, but as you can see I've been reading what others have
written for a while. They are my role models and the inspiration for starting
my own blog. I continue to seek out and learn from other beer writers every
day, and I hope to one day help others do the same. Until then, I'll just keep
reading, writing, and drinking. </span></div>
<br />Zack Rothmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12046442098975203187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2106519893474899719.post-65145605970616299032013-07-14T09:47:00.002-04:002013-07-14T09:47:18.643-04:00The Rain Man Of Beer<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Knowledge is something that everyone has and can
share with others. It can be very personal in that we tend to know the most
about the things we love. As individuals we often know more than others do
about things like our favorite foods, sports teams, musicians, and hobbies. We
spend a relatively long time thinking about these things, and as a result
become even more knowledgeable about them over time. Just by having a
conversation with another person, we are able to gain from the special
knowledge that they have and add it to our own. That's why I was very happy to
meet a man named Lance Rice this past week and talk to him about something he
knows more about than almost anyone: beer.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnjIi4rBWyDO4qKzYJMSkQt8Kw18_DOfzj1Br6uIaklle-lg-5jD8NjaPn87DVSan-DvRmMCKeaLxhbTgCJwphYIBrUdzXXXfMNZImM6bLLtlqskJ24orhyphenhyphenJ9j17QYeU9S47tH3mez4PM/s1600/966013_566045946791556_1072801598_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnjIi4rBWyDO4qKzYJMSkQt8Kw18_DOfzj1Br6uIaklle-lg-5jD8NjaPn87DVSan-DvRmMCKeaLxhbTgCJwphYIBrUdzXXXfMNZImM6bLLtlqskJ24orhyphenhyphenJ9j17QYeU9S47tH3mez4PM/s320/966013_566045946791556_1072801598_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Lance came to Boston as part of his<a href="http://lancesbrewerytour.com/" target="_blank"> Brewery Tour</a>. Along with his nephew, <a href="https://twitter.com/ricetime" target="_blank">Aaron Rice</a>,
and others that support him, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lance has
traveled the country visiting breweries such as <a href="http://www.samueladams.com/" target="_blank">Samuel Adams</a>
to increase his already vast knowledge of beer.
You see, over the years Lance has accumulated an almost encyclopedic knowledge related
to the history of both beer and the breweries that make it. Now he can finally
share this with the world, a mission that is made even more remarkable by the
fact that Lance is autistic.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie96jtdlr835KLM9mXw5zX2MHlFl_I8KtZUl8dVM6649JYas4UBSRNcrAqRZ1fk52Oq4J0R7fpz-kPvgt8n6_4mZ5dd3p1CujbYr5AZWOC2IkZaa_Hv4OuO-DcG_P286nefOvmyqegNaU/s1600/Lances-Brewery-Tour-600x320.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie96jtdlr835KLM9mXw5zX2MHlFl_I8KtZUl8dVM6649JYas4UBSRNcrAqRZ1fk52Oq4J0R7fpz-kPvgt8n6_4mZ5dd3p1CujbYr5AZWOC2IkZaa_Hv4OuO-DcG_P286nefOvmyqegNaU/s320/Lances-Brewery-Tour-600x320.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Known as "<a href="https://twitter.com/LanceKnowsBeer" target="_blank">The Rain Man of Beer</a>,"
Lance has a photographic memory that has allowed him to become a true beer
historian. Until now, he had never been able to achieve his dream of visiting
breweries across the nation to see them for himself. It's taken many years, but
Lance has worked to overcome the obstacles that autism presents and has
embarked on a journey that will serve as an inspiration for so many people. It
looks like Lance's dream is coming true at last.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWRlrambGiW9cMEmw9s0z3gQNPHq8G8DhHmKrgD366sGDSG9u5mSwKh9f-EeO-OGgi1JE_Nu0JiqhkWuO6Xm9nSzGQtZ6dLgy7MeLY2j-e60_KFp05fXQ857XNgoQv0p_aLIXrUPnhN1M/s1600/1040599_561295120599972_1428596379_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWRlrambGiW9cMEmw9s0z3gQNPHq8G8DhHmKrgD366sGDSG9u5mSwKh9f-EeO-OGgi1JE_Nu0JiqhkWuO6Xm9nSzGQtZ6dLgy7MeLY2j-e60_KFp05fXQ857XNgoQv0p_aLIXrUPnhN1M/s320/1040599_561295120599972_1428596379_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">There has been a wealth of support for <a href="https://www.facebook.com/lancesbrewerytour" target="_blank">Lance's Brewery Tour</a>, from donations made
on Kickstarter to the receptiveness of brewers throughout the country. Lance has
been able to meet people like Dick Yeungling, President of America's oldest
brewery. </span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Sam Calagione,
founder of <a href="http://www.dogfish.com/" target="_blank">Dogfish Head</a>, also gave a warm welcome to
Lance when he visited the brewery. Since I work right down the road from the
Sam Adams brewery, I knew I had to meet him when he came to Boston.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhQtMp54cKowihAVFxB404e_X13MDrDfe3vyqT4CL0lbhf9PVu0kZueAaNr_TYjt0o32aBB5lcy9TpUE7B16DUpfsODgG_vMAJEoLrbF3JKw69yT1ZliGDb9-4Kl_guwzn3QzuM0EaFjY/s1600/1073348_566775663385251_1955230644_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhQtMp54cKowihAVFxB404e_X13MDrDfe3vyqT4CL0lbhf9PVu0kZueAaNr_TYjt0o32aBB5lcy9TpUE7B16DUpfsODgG_vMAJEoLrbF3JKw69yT1ZliGDb9-4Kl_guwzn3QzuM0EaFjY/s320/1073348_566775663385251_1955230644_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">When I met Lance,
he had just finished taking a tour of the brewery. As I introduced myself and
asked him about his cross-country adventure, he gave me a very detailed
description of the things he had seen and the people he had met. I learned a
great deal during the short time I spoke with him. That's why I was so glad to
meet him and talk to him about beer, which is something we both love.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ewVxO0NEbWORLFxHZGhCaRArCDohPoxKGNGHN5_zTyFNU7NrFTq8rj_Mf4vKkaIL42mOV2-fzIgYehDfFTT1-EO7volwjGdPGMezq1x4Wz6Yk6x53oHmBpIBxgQ3YcI8OVBXvxnQz5k/s1600/1044577_564663396929811_199657228_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ewVxO0NEbWORLFxHZGhCaRArCDohPoxKGNGHN5_zTyFNU7NrFTq8rj_Mf4vKkaIL42mOV2-fzIgYehDfFTT1-EO7volwjGdPGMezq1x4Wz6Yk6x53oHmBpIBxgQ3YcI8OVBXvxnQz5k/s320/1044577_564663396929811_199657228_n.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">After meeting
Lance, I realized what makes his story so powerful. If you've ever seen the
Autism Awareness Ribbon, you know that it has a multi-colored puzzle pattern on
it. The puzzle pattern reflects how complex the autism spectrum is. The range
of colors symbolizes the variety of people living with autism. Finally, the
ribbon's brightness signifies hope; hope that by increasing awareness of
autism, those living with it will be able to see their dreams become a reality.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIwsZByxE9Hx9CZ2tTztEZgZQhu2oQICkX8LNZfiiFL-3kL2goChXMOMxomwcB5Eixau9IQhet_83GnMlIIvzvdVvq3Ktgq5MKBToCKSiKdv9fVcWuGXfm0g4elVXOEpi0wmLjJ8-zzGs/s1600/autism_ribbon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIwsZByxE9Hx9CZ2tTztEZgZQhu2oQICkX8LNZfiiFL-3kL2goChXMOMxomwcB5Eixau9IQhet_83GnMlIIvzvdVvq3Ktgq5MKBToCKSiKdv9fVcWuGXfm0g4elVXOEpi0wmLjJ8-zzGs/s320/autism_ribbon.jpg" width="182" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">There are parallels
between the ribbon's symbols and the world of beer. Beer can be a very complex
beverage that is hard to understand at times. There is also a wide variety of
beer drinkers, each with different tastes and preferences. Though, despite all
our differences, the love of beer can connect us to one another in ways that
other things cannot.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9CqhJiIn6e8&feature=player_embedded" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwUz_HHLQhKN-k6ge8F2jNxU06lzhKquBS63X6qxOdH8ngmutSimtqkQ9bJQw_0ZlHVqmfwSTjH0WsrLmgS0_N_64_Y0pj51eubsezh15utmsh1iSkEg86bodjW0qSAt7TH3DkjchTCKA/s320/autism-speaks-awareness-ribbon.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">That is why the words "Beer. Autism.
Hope." have such power. Beer can act as a bridge for people like Lance to
make connections with people from all over the country. He can talk about beer
with others while also helping them learn about living a life with autism. In
doing so, he gives hope to others living with autism that they may be able to
do something similar one day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsdlc5fzSEQ1kG3d-2lZwXom6LKaAJJixyGdhQtffPZs1XbwEZ9Gimr39WVEVftA4u3n2gFujHaVmvBMjR25Fij611mwHHA7hpPLOnko6bINX1vcUvgV70rUysWZGi6ScHosz0RQuW_4c/s1600/1015266_565517353511082_1950863781_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsdlc5fzSEQ1kG3d-2lZwXom6LKaAJJixyGdhQtffPZs1XbwEZ9Gimr39WVEVftA4u3n2gFujHaVmvBMjR25Fij611mwHHA7hpPLOnko6bINX1vcUvgV70rUysWZGi6ScHosz0RQuW_4c/s320/1015266_565517353511082_1950863781_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I am excited that Lance's Brewery Tour is being
documented, both as a film and a book. I believe it is important to spread the
word about what Lance has accomplished. We can learn many things from Lance's
travels, both about beer and about life. Perhaps most importantly, we can also
share the lessons we learn with the beer community and beyond.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtgTxbEqYevopZoWEwByZ66B5Ur2g_1X9OJqNGHdthyphenhyphenGmWlFUsQi10KciqN42Jr8uo65cUZ6XTRLnAhduVuIqXleiZ3tQZCpByMnTboCWT3hi8ktiZtLrlyfq_3hqLcBXNtlwv-stFuAE/s1600/BOwNXZyCMAAtdPF.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtgTxbEqYevopZoWEwByZ66B5Ur2g_1X9OJqNGHdthyphenhyphenGmWlFUsQi10KciqN42Jr8uo65cUZ6XTRLnAhduVuIqXleiZ3tQZCpByMnTboCWT3hi8ktiZtLrlyfq_3hqLcBXNtlwv-stFuAE/s320/BOwNXZyCMAAtdPF.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Zack Rothmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12046442098975203187noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2106519893474899719.post-62277828758790297652013-07-13T21:05:00.000-04:002013-07-14T07:49:35.398-04:00The Best Beer Is The Fest Beer<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">There are a lot of things to see and do in Boston. I
haven't even lived here for a year yet, but I know that no matter how much time
I spend in this city there will always be something new to experience. All
sorts of concerts and conventions are held here every year, and each time one
comes to town the city becomes even more alive than usual. Yet, out of all the
things I've been to during my time here, I have to say that my favorite events
to attend are beer festivals.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKWzi7Yil-H60QjL0hes5sbrTXn5tsFZmd-PuFZc1OASRM7bOMp8gEjCrNfQuhXPZldA7yDVWmBZVzizlf9VqYkipA2U-eHoaq2QMWTIPcUCHxgQubzOmdknmliPC-O_D58QYmLUgaWDw/s1600/972080_10201299121539891_1283851003_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKWzi7Yil-H60QjL0hes5sbrTXn5tsFZmd-PuFZc1OASRM7bOMp8gEjCrNfQuhXPZldA7yDVWmBZVzizlf9VqYkipA2U-eHoaq2QMWTIPcUCHxgQubzOmdknmliPC-O_D58QYmLUgaWDw/s320/972080_10201299121539891_1283851003_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">You can go to a beer festival almost anywhere
nowadays. For bigger ones like the <a href="http://www.greatamericanbeerfestival.com/" target="_blank">Great American Beer Festival</a> (otherwise
known as the GABF), you may have to travel a bit more. Still, you can usually find many beer
festivals that are closer to home. Each state will typically have a beer
festival that focuses on beers that are brewed locally and the breweries that
make them. I'd suggest looking into when your state's beer festivals are and
how you can get tickets. You'll be glad you did!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrWYMUaLMunon-tz8Wdqc00STksNst9ja69qYgYUERLmIbMH3DBHz-AJQnLxNwv705Htv7QKIlvBW6wCIdsol8gbrSXlKhZBShn23c_tatKXhtfwDeMh88qQUojUgXmAsRCjKSk2bkqus/s1600/936268_10201388462773366_481434830_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrWYMUaLMunon-tz8Wdqc00STksNst9ja69qYgYUERLmIbMH3DBHz-AJQnLxNwv705Htv7QKIlvBW6wCIdsol8gbrSXlKhZBShn23c_tatKXhtfwDeMh88qQUojUgXmAsRCjKSk2bkqus/s320/936268_10201388462773366_481434830_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Here in Boston, there are plenty of beer festivals.
I've been to the <a href="http://beersummit.com/" target="_blank">Beer Summit</a> as well as the <a href="http://beeradvocate.com/acbf" target="_blank">American Craft Beer Festival</a> (also known as the ACBF),
which are fairly popular beer fests in this city. However, when it comes to
having a good time I would have to say that the best beer festivals in Boston
are the ones that are organized by <a href="http://drinkcraftbeer.com/" target="_blank">Drink Craft Beer</a>. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSs0x0470gu23iE_eERtwpvGgPBEO3HMzELRm7ReuN_7uHNw5gbhVGGOUuK5X9iNBy9_y-fJLEDt4mX13L11esteK6Uz2bRxgpNnSktUdtYz4weldtv6wpQf6UisKJcXjf592tKDsNMmg/s1600/960223_10201389997611736_839626978_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSs0x0470gu23iE_eERtwpvGgPBEO3HMzELRm7ReuN_7uHNw5gbhVGGOUuK5X9iNBy9_y-fJLEDt4mX13L11esteK6Uz2bRxgpNnSktUdtYz4weldtv6wpQf6UisKJcXjf592tKDsNMmg/s320/960223_10201389997611736_839626978_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">A quick search on the internet will tell you just
what Drink Craft Beer (DCB for short) is all about: "Drink Craft Beer is a
community of people who enjoy craft beer; through beer tastings, beer
festivals, home brewing, beer bars, brewery reviews, bar reviews, craft beer
forums, craft beer reviews, guides to breweries, brewpubs, beers, bars, and
news." The DCB website is full of great articles and resources related to
craft beer. I stumbled upon it as I became more interested in learning about
the craft beer scene, and I've gone back to it again and again whenever I want
to know more about great beers. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcTV6r9sHEnn5xkOxFqRiiTJ5jbuwVZ4T0AFaLCc8z4rDlSZ73xImbavEe1Leg00Xg0Jx8CdrBbWzNiVUv52_PrumkUrtu3vUbEr6UnmGMv0knrHAWQdea2qdPVWjQRBc5E0B_pEXaJDI/s1600/184398_10201263590331633_87570185_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcTV6r9sHEnn5xkOxFqRiiTJ5jbuwVZ4T0AFaLCc8z4rDlSZ73xImbavEe1Leg00Xg0Jx8CdrBbWzNiVUv52_PrumkUrtu3vUbEr6UnmGMv0knrHAWQdea2qdPVWjQRBc5E0B_pEXaJDI/s320/184398_10201263590331633_87570185_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Drink Craft Beer has become a big movement. Using
social media sites like <a href="https://twitter.com/drinkcraftbeer" target="_blank">Twitter</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/drinkcraftbeer" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, they've built up a large following of
people who are passionate about doing just what DCB's name suggests: drinking
craft beer! It's that kind of passion and the way that craft beer fans have
become connected that make DCB's beer festivals the best around.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2CPvguQmfMFvGbA5d_xhOM1O1G-w8hR12sTwsDr7EgYYJ1mmbHfxaMUOOkAGhU0n1lC2oRw2JanUzvm9BPiWuqjDLDSqilOCVyUmhejYjkc7fGy7i8Q818vdmOv7AH0C0heSrd5wtZfM/s1600/893007_545288582181927_1257369717_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2CPvguQmfMFvGbA5d_xhOM1O1G-w8hR12sTwsDr7EgYYJ1mmbHfxaMUOOkAGhU0n1lC2oRw2JanUzvm9BPiWuqjDLDSqilOCVyUmhejYjkc7fGy7i8Q818vdmOv7AH0C0heSrd5wtZfM/s320/893007_545288582181927_1257369717_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The first DCB festival I attended was <a href="http://drinkcraftbeer.com/springfest" target="_blank">Springfest</a>.
It was a celebration of hops, so naturally there were a lot of hoppy beers. By
now you probably know I'm not a big hop guy, but that's why beer festivals are
so great: you can try as many beers as it takes to find one that you like! With
70+ different beers to try from 25 of New England's best craft brewers at
Springfest, that's exactly what I did. It was truly an experience I will never
forget. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_hgSMWQn7tiMszA-evfJZelucuvVe_MADHGSV2xqbUu5Q-8i9DuOY8FL702W0kjEiFiXxWt8MGuGT6fxv97e98R3tiac5v-GSkrTm8y93q2miIIG-E52JBt294ziU1AiatKybld_fEps/s1600/1070069_10201678862313173_1002726435_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_hgSMWQn7tiMszA-evfJZelucuvVe_MADHGSV2xqbUu5Q-8i9DuOY8FL702W0kjEiFiXxWt8MGuGT6fxv97e98R3tiac5v-GSkrTm8y93q2miIIG-E52JBt294ziU1AiatKybld_fEps/s320/1070069_10201678862313173_1002726435_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">DCB <a href="http://drinkcraftbeer.com/summerfest" target="_blank">Summerfest</a> was
this weekend. It celebrated beers typically enjoyed during the summer,
including Farmhouse Ales and Saisons. After volunteering the event, I reflected
on what it is that makes the DCB festivals so unforgettable. It's not just the
friendly brewers pouring unlimited samples of beer, or the fantastic food
available at the festival. It's not even the amazing fest-exclusive beers
(Summerfest's was "<a href="https://untappd.com/user/ZacAttack/checkin/37167095" target="_blank">Arnie</a>," brewed by <a href="http://www.nightshiftbrewing.com/" target="_blank">Night Shift</a>).
What really stands out about Drink Craft Beer's festivals is the people. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifMYMWBdzMOnbi5v14vYJdeJ3opU-peuK6ofOqXzgQuChbcJx85XvI3D0StrXG4XFBnIHb5AT26Cd5uWDfVDPBdBZ6mYJaf8a38eXkcxVNx5aQhUHLytLFM774bfFXBrk5kCQ-EJr-W6g/s1600/998696_10201679378246071_1652626103_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifMYMWBdzMOnbi5v14vYJdeJ3opU-peuK6ofOqXzgQuChbcJx85XvI3D0StrXG4XFBnIHb5AT26Cd5uWDfVDPBdBZ6mYJaf8a38eXkcxVNx5aQhUHLytLFM774bfFXBrk5kCQ-EJr-W6g/s320/998696_10201679378246071_1652626103_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The people behind Drink Craft Beer who spend so much
time planning and organizing the event. The people who volunteer at the beer
fests to make sure everyone enjoys themselves and things run smoothly. The
people who brew the beer and pour it for others to taste. It's these people along
with the love and appreciation for craft beer they all share that makes these
festivals something really special. I am more than proud to be able to count
myself among them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvyuiASyORlcGpiR1ytcUwMu7eR5G730yc7MTXpb0usHxDr9nWS4VDpNOn9CpgOPyoMdxCFNiDgw5jxlQF4OjQJNLvxDTdBPHQTB8ByhGxgvNcfv8p9DZjoNteL35I01t6GgjIuLTzd6g/s1600/970410_10201678862353174_14238536_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvyuiASyORlcGpiR1ytcUwMu7eR5G730yc7MTXpb0usHxDr9nWS4VDpNOn9CpgOPyoMdxCFNiDgw5jxlQF4OjQJNLvxDTdBPHQTB8ByhGxgvNcfv8p9DZjoNteL35I01t6GgjIuLTzd6g/s320/970410_10201678862353174_14238536_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I had the best time at Summerfest. It was great
being able to help the brewers set up their booths and to give them a hand
whenever one was needed. I tweeted throughout the event (and saw my tweets show
up on the big screen!), tried beers I'd never had before, and met some very
cool people. I even got to see what it was like to be behind the booth pouring
the beer (after getting my <a href="http://tipsalcohol.com/" target="_blank">TIPS</a> certification, of
course). Overall, it was one of the most entertaining beer festivals I have
ever been to.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihA4hFyJ4tF2VyyEsB7RfS7vgR5uls4ZRjkMFDtCaI0CXVxMhxn6SCvp88ilN-KX8RECOwnv9VhQjBhpLf3euPilmu-mDBGDd0lKcMqmNqyNwMHMsot2_FJ3CDU9lCecK03b7xg9IZEBE/s1600/1013438_10201678949355349_1923672020_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihA4hFyJ4tF2VyyEsB7RfS7vgR5uls4ZRjkMFDtCaI0CXVxMhxn6SCvp88ilN-KX8RECOwnv9VhQjBhpLf3euPilmu-mDBGDd0lKcMqmNqyNwMHMsot2_FJ3CDU9lCecK03b7xg9IZEBE/s320/1013438_10201678949355349_1923672020_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I'm now looking forward to the fall festival more
than ever. I'd suggest attending the next beer festival in your area if you
can. You'll probably discover a new beer that you love, and have a lot of fun
while doing it. You might even meet your favorite brewer or people who like the
same beer that you do. Take a chance. Try something new. Make some memories.
Oh, and drink craft beer!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIP5FBkUS8TyUHt-5_GF8gSP8yYoEbliaXkRsT3USI5Qaa_iY1R_pqIUG8nd2-Cs3lNpSJ4y-j4ttWYE8OluRqbGg0kCQd40U82leiQ9wW3mu-87aE_RliAzj5QpoEGfqwji00GqMNxlM/s1600/533600_10201678949315348_623952801_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIP5FBkUS8TyUHt-5_GF8gSP8yYoEbliaXkRsT3USI5Qaa_iY1R_pqIUG8nd2-Cs3lNpSJ4y-j4ttWYE8OluRqbGg0kCQd40U82leiQ9wW3mu-87aE_RliAzj5QpoEGfqwji00GqMNxlM/s320/533600_10201678949315348_623952801_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Zack Rothmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12046442098975203187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2106519893474899719.post-9758420494157668502013-07-06T16:12:00.002-04:002013-07-07T09:36:52.996-04:00Drinking Local<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The dictionary defines </span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">the word "aficionado" as "a person who
likes, knows about, and appreciates a particular interest or activity; a fan or
devotee." I like to think that after moving to New England I've become a
craft brewing aficionado. The words "beer geek" inspire pride among
lovers of craft brews, and I am proud to call myself a nerd when it comes to
beer. Beer geeks such as myself are always looking for new brews to try to
increase their overall knowledge of beer, but each of us also has a favorite brand
that we always return to drinking. For me, that brand is <a href="http://backlashbeer.com/" target="_blank">Backlash</a>. </span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWijbsWYW4gQPW8cNismS-_Q4Wxfifos3zQwB5F6l6WQg96QEdEK9GM6_rXOnN1BKQlYV_OKelIl7lGhmjpdEYlVv9364t5yKGKneCgAHJnFRaPrDPbjAFYnNNX8cO3v4gCLzx6eB_TqI/s1600/13fc78bc5739d713d3734bb910ceef33_320x320.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWijbsWYW4gQPW8cNismS-_Q4Wxfifos3zQwB5F6l6WQg96QEdEK9GM6_rXOnN1BKQlYV_OKelIl7lGhmjpdEYlVv9364t5yKGKneCgAHJnFRaPrDPbjAFYnNNX8cO3v4gCLzx6eB_TqI/s1600/13fc78bc5739d713d3734bb910ceef33_320x320.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">What is it that
helps us choose our favorite beer? Obviously a beer's flavor determines if we
like it or not. Cost is a factor, but plays less of a role as people become
less focused on how much beer they're drinking and more focused on how much
they enjoy the taste of their beer. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Branding is important, as many beer drinkers
search for a brand of beer that they can identify with in some way. Still, for
most fans of craft beer it's decided by something else: location.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEGVxQqBUgUiyFVH4HypcDDvOrz2_XtcRv_RaHA8BGfGIViOofjh8g8pytaQFI2TciamY3naljVPBui5uQLcwHQAwQTWmGJOik1FRc6tD5M-68XIy52nDbjtDGxXUgxt7MxshvepAiRZo/s1600/8d49844f3d28908b8f18bee939f02b45_320x320.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEGVxQqBUgUiyFVH4HypcDDvOrz2_XtcRv_RaHA8BGfGIViOofjh8g8pytaQFI2TciamY3naljVPBui5uQLcwHQAwQTWmGJOik1FRc6tD5M-68XIy52nDbjtDGxXUgxt7MxshvepAiRZo/s1600/8d49844f3d28908b8f18bee939f02b45_320x320.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Many who drink
craft beer prefer to "drink local," and will advise others to do the
same. It's a smart thing to do, really. Not only are local brews more readily
available for purchase, but the money that is spent buying a local beer has a
much better chance of making a positive impact on local communities. Small
businesses, including microbreweries, nanobreweries, and other beer companies,
support each other and give back to the places that they call home. So, next
time you're out at a bar, look at where your beer is coming from!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSSx9Yqd8sX0VD9qE0dUV-PnFJ7WWf1d-uZzIIm7Jn6qfEGtRNarPPuJQG9em0TVhm4J2MiLC8fY2qvdOrIfr9sSPuII2YN7GNKUSu83_-kJtWzQYYjGeILtT2s86hOpq5j8MbgXIKCKs/s1600/4365725e06f6f5c69650e98e95971810_320x320.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSSx9Yqd8sX0VD9qE0dUV-PnFJ7WWf1d-uZzIIm7Jn6qfEGtRNarPPuJQG9em0TVhm4J2MiLC8fY2qvdOrIfr9sSPuII2YN7GNKUSu83_-kJtWzQYYjGeILtT2s86hOpq5j8MbgXIKCKs/s1600/4365725e06f6f5c69650e98e95971810_320x320.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">There's another
reason drinking local can lead to finding your favorite beer, and that's
because it gives you the opportunity to meet the people behind the beer. I met
<a href="https://twitter.com/BacklashHelder" target="_blank">Helder</a> about five months ago during a free
tasting at a local liquor store. It's not very often that you see brewers
conducting their own tastings, but Helder does it all the time. That's one of
the many reasons that Backlash Beer Company is still my favorite to this day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh74F2X8tOQPlLG_HDIUXpNgZUGZdCOn1RHT1ZVX8Nd5XcQNEJB6KQZuo6taaFXMH305dvbisAdlL7SrwjpVvoQ3vJE8xXsyv0bpLI5vhYV-Iog5P-w2uiY4hKfbWdCW30dqYa2XZlwjJ4/s1600/BGj3D1WCUAE0PRG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh74F2X8tOQPlLG_HDIUXpNgZUGZdCOn1RHT1ZVX8Nd5XcQNEJB6KQZuo6taaFXMH305dvbisAdlL7SrwjpVvoQ3vJE8xXsyv0bpLI5vhYV-Iog5P-w2uiY4hKfbWdCW30dqYa2XZlwjJ4/s320/BGj3D1WCUAE0PRG.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">I met <a href="https://twitter.com/BacklashMaggie" target="_blank">Maggie</a> soon afterwards at a beer festival where Backlash was being sampled. Since then
I've gone to many events hosted by Backlash not only to drink their beer, but
to be able to hang out with the two people pretty much behind it all. They care
not just about the beer they're brewing, but the people they're brewing it for.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's the heart and the way they can
relate to people that drink their beer that makes the brand that much more
meaningful.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiay98kzo_Y_X1d0fC3JJ-3E42aOdzrd63GlNVH4O9jG_cD2Nfkp5HEy6jn9-361ZaqERtkfVL-wxcma8Xo01I-45dof-aHyusZ8qBnpl2GapQ09lofnzQdRxSAGt4rwU7ce7YEK6rZFkM/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiay98kzo_Y_X1d0fC3JJ-3E42aOdzrd63GlNVH4O9jG_cD2Nfkp5HEy6jn9-361ZaqERtkfVL-wxcma8Xo01I-45dof-aHyusZ8qBnpl2GapQ09lofnzQdRxSAGt4rwU7ce7YEK6rZFkM/s320/photo+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><a href="https://twitter.com/BacklashBeer" target="_blank">Backlash</a> is based
in Boston. Its founders live in the city and have made lots of connections with
business owners in the area. That's helped them to expand locally and
throughout the entire state of Massachusetts. Having lived in the city for
almost a year now, I've come to think of Backlash as the beer for true
Bostonians.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNu_1CEy7BgIMRgiRinOi6I5r8K_34VPWf3xagZ_qZxSvmoAsCOxzv7qHaHHLmWXkgkafrDq0S1V-4hKa_dJuTuDrHekmxCohwF7D00WQL-QmHNVhopRzFuxOa6FvEOJ6KYzJ80mWIZlY/s1600/BE2tifQCAAEHdus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNu_1CEy7BgIMRgiRinOi6I5r8K_34VPWf3xagZ_qZxSvmoAsCOxzv7qHaHHLmWXkgkafrDq0S1V-4hKa_dJuTuDrHekmxCohwF7D00WQL-QmHNVhopRzFuxOa6FvEOJ6KYzJ80mWIZlY/s320/BE2tifQCAAEHdus.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">The Backlash brand
has also been a key part of its success. Every Boston beer geek should
recognize those brass knuckles. It's a symbol for the rebel inside all of us; a
rallying cry for those of us who are tired of massive breweries dominating the
market and want something more. In drinking the beer and supporting the brand,
we too become part of the backlash.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXWjSlrtFg3xEg55dT2JgdKdoS36SguRQQRszMFQn2TgXEWOIFFloCRnZbL8E1TEy5p-NxNba34WIaBWf-Z8N_MoTqHE_W6vswJ86gfGXPSk9_8IGq-DNCIEkYJ_9WHCg3XLuCT32VRpY/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXWjSlrtFg3xEg55dT2JgdKdoS36SguRQQRszMFQn2TgXEWOIFFloCRnZbL8E1TEy5p-NxNba34WIaBWf-Z8N_MoTqHE_W6vswJ86gfGXPSk9_8IGq-DNCIEkYJ_9WHCg3XLuCT32VRpY/s320/photo+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">It's been over <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BacklashBeer/posts/530649720333429" target="_blank">two years</a> since Backlash started,
and ever since they've remained dedicated to creating quality brews for their
fans. They've stayed true to their motto: "Stand up. Stand out." They
have always stood up for their way of doing things, and their beers have always
stood out. It's not just because each Backlash beer has awesome label art. It's
also because each of their beers has a taste that you will never forget.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKazWbGmQvpIiJIjzM8lFviJSl4tmDs9JnlEM-AXOcQ95AVfDSgEY51Gu5SyX8DIBgGFBx0dl8_LUUAvFe-vHTb5aENed7DGmcdOskbUSVG4NHUj2w2W_TegNxPC8OcGbaSAoZ7_2MWio/s1600/tumblr_mj0blxS0o81r4ftiho1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKazWbGmQvpIiJIjzM8lFviJSl4tmDs9JnlEM-AXOcQ95AVfDSgEY51Gu5SyX8DIBgGFBx0dl8_LUUAvFe-vHTb5aENed7DGmcdOskbUSVG4NHUj2w2W_TegNxPC8OcGbaSAoZ7_2MWio/s320/tumblr_mj0blxS0o81r4ftiho1_500.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Their most recent
release, <a href="http://backlashbeer.com/catalyst-tasting-notes" target="_blank">Catalyst</a>, is one part
of a three-part series of beers that retain the original malt bill of <a href="http://backlashbeer.com/beers/salute" target="_blank">Salute</a> (one of my personal favorites) while highlighting a certain strain of hops.
This one mainly focuses on the Amarillo hop, which makes it both juicy and
powerful with a nice bitterness at the end. Oh, and you can see Backlash's
lovable mascot, <a href="https://twitter.com/BacklashStout" target="_blank">Stout</a>, on the label!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7GgmL0rR2Lh6aSaPLqL-DflFzjUSrEIu5JJY-EITTJeKsvedBoifT07lEVqEO5nV8cRrFK-yu4izQKdEjLhZ_RG_FaylHtaH8jOMkIcIklqnZ7eWYISl2D2EOizsau28qXXfht0y0pLU/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7GgmL0rR2Lh6aSaPLqL-DflFzjUSrEIu5JJY-EITTJeKsvedBoifT07lEVqEO5nV8cRrFK-yu4izQKdEjLhZ_RG_FaylHtaH8jOMkIcIklqnZ7eWYISl2D2EOizsau28qXXfht0y0pLU/s320/photo+5.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">It's that kind of
creativity and independence that has always drawn me to Backlash's beers. The
people behind the beer work hard, do things themselves, and put a great deal of
effort into getting their beer out there for others to enjoy. It's not the
money that drives them, but their passion. I hope that I continue to see them
grow in the coming years. I have a feeling the amount of dedication and fans
that they have will take them a long way.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR2YD1Y8mktC372YUCzRD0RTJ4hIpxhqCsSTggnUTREoDA0Aq8wQdn1B_ohO1kdsC96CzYK2xmLH_kly_MV2ZETT10L4Pwf2Pw74XWMd3jaDjoSsSzjq7pGMNRFvrYmrKf5BUHlLteICg/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR2YD1Y8mktC372YUCzRD0RTJ4hIpxhqCsSTggnUTREoDA0Aq8wQdn1B_ohO1kdsC96CzYK2xmLH_kly_MV2ZETT10L4Pwf2Pw74XWMd3jaDjoSsSzjq7pGMNRFvrYmrKf5BUHlLteICg/s320/photo+4.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">New breweries seem
to be popping up every day, and the breweries that have been around for a while
continue to release new styles of beer. There will always be something new for
us beer geeks to try as time goes on. Yet, it's the brews that we know and love
that we can't help but come back to. I guess now's the perfect time to ask: What's
your favorite beer?</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqUMTor40C8xx61CtnMWJDWoA6GiEsY-ZMJH_c_H1QNdhd26QXvUVWqYr66M6IfIN-EUb00HjGEg6QZvpqN2bu3pEdhg1m6K4krqP-BEfLunbCifvtR3P-QQFVhTMRkpaw2pYVtK88dzs/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqUMTor40C8xx61CtnMWJDWoA6GiEsY-ZMJH_c_H1QNdhd26QXvUVWqYr66M6IfIN-EUb00HjGEg6QZvpqN2bu3pEdhg1m6K4krqP-BEfLunbCifvtR3P-QQFVhTMRkpaw2pYVtK88dzs/s320/photo+3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Zack Rothmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12046442098975203187noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2106519893474899719.post-7451682827737733382013-06-30T15:14:00.004-04:002013-06-30T15:14:33.323-04:00May Your Glass Be Forever Full
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">I</span> can think of very few events that are happier than a
wedding. Marriage is about bringing two people together that make each other
feel complete. Likewise, brewing is about putting together ingredients that
complement one another to produce a finished brew for others to enjoy and
celebrate. Earlier this week I attended the release of Brewlywed Ale at the
Samuel Adams brewery, and after doing so I now understand why it is that beer
and matrimony go hand-in-hand.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I work in the Stony Brook neighborhood of Jamaica Plain in
Boston, right down the road from the brewery. I often go there to take tours,
check out different items in the gift shop, or just hang out in the beer garden
next to the hop yard. A couple of weeks ago I started to see posters
advertising the Brewlywed event, which only happens once a year. Now, I'm a
single guy, but I know a lot of people who are either engaged or married. Plus,
I like to try rare and unique brews. I decided that I just couldn't pass an
event like this up.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsdhcv8T7TZVdNfAvPscw-fY01TQI2h2kUXNz0P7EvXMe3UNyNm2g-Q42wJMV57Aor19tkMt8EmGUj8KynYQrhKlL4WgibQ2-PsRnq_R6G65GxGqBTJaJUZxi6lqprF85NbbAa883sczA/s960/Chairs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsdhcv8T7TZVdNfAvPscw-fY01TQI2h2kUXNz0P7EvXMe3UNyNm2g-Q42wJMV57Aor19tkMt8EmGUj8KynYQrhKlL4WgibQ2-PsRnq_R6G65GxGqBTJaJUZxi6lqprF85NbbAa883sczA/s320/Chairs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I didn't know what to expect when I got to the brewery. I
woke up early in the morning to make sure I could be there when the line
started forming. To my surprise, lots of people were there earlier than I was!
Thankfully, I still managed to be one of the first 50 in line, #43 to be exact.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That meant that I was able to score a
bottle of Brewlywed signed by Sam Adams founder and brewer, Jim Koch!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8D_InTMbE7Di4BPJVwP37HQjWBjO0MOKtpQfkoLmUvixfLpYZynUZ-CLYeieZxXLQMkSjU2ycg5YY2A2C6vtJG51yHnWohCuFA5oA3DvlYSfJqUWJ73ctjJdheiOQTkVQivzFJAy9TNU/s960/Samples.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8D_InTMbE7Di4BPJVwP37HQjWBjO0MOKtpQfkoLmUvixfLpYZynUZ-CLYeieZxXLQMkSjU2ycg5YY2A2C6vtJG51yHnWohCuFA5oA3DvlYSfJqUWJ73ctjJdheiOQTkVQivzFJAy9TNU/s320/Samples.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We waited for hours near the beer garden for Brewlywed to be
available for sale. Fortunately, the friendly staff and beautiful setup made
time pass relatively quickly. There were chairs set up in the garden along with
decorations, and the staff kept things organized while also keeping us engaged.
They even had a string quartet playing songs for us as we stood in line! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfcG-GtOzjFSmVk0Sm6pdrqXj3xBuNptf996JOA-jilr_Wrt8Hok1Ytb2MX8-bg8A8aShMDfvGNC0CYBVtFukOCAV2uqj_2fwlScblu0JiMpy-bK7HPAA1rtHBP7gYGT8JvVyjmY4-VWc/s720/Quartet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfcG-GtOzjFSmVk0Sm6pdrqXj3xBuNptf996JOA-jilr_Wrt8Hok1Ytb2MX8-bg8A8aShMDfvGNC0CYBVtFukOCAV2uqj_2fwlScblu0JiMpy-bK7HPAA1rtHBP7gYGT8JvVyjmY4-VWc/s320/Quartet.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">All of this may sound like the makings of a wonderful
wedding ceremony, and it was. In addition to all of that, there were large
groups of people dressed in formal attire, beer-infused wedding food, and a
Justice of the Peace on hand to make things official for anyone who wanted to
renew their vows or get married right then and there. Best of all, Jim Koch
himself showed up to act as the best man or maid of honor for anyone who
decided to tie the knot!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDJdPnTYvpRrdLM4j5aqXcZGG1EZ68lGi3LrSqvME-oAC1rm8IuIpp2SSArnDFmECykYZVpUdoJuHvxeF7sUiNAgqutaA10yBLpo6OlDWEUa8p755w1P5m577yDypGhyzLjrqmj-41ssA/s960/Justice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDJdPnTYvpRrdLM4j5aqXcZGG1EZ68lGi3LrSqvME-oAC1rm8IuIpp2SSArnDFmECykYZVpUdoJuHvxeF7sUiNAgqutaA10yBLpo6OlDWEUa8p755w1P5m577yDypGhyzLjrqmj-41ssA/s320/Justice.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I've met many brewers, and most of them have been warm and
kind-hearted people. The same was true for Jim Koch. He's worked hard to get
where he is today, and success doesn't seem to have affected his personality. I
wasn't expecting to be able to meet him, but when I did I found him to be
outgoing and full of life. He was very happy that all of us could be there to
join in celebrating the tradition of brewing and marriage, and we were more
than happy to be there.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-QqUyfiHojFZKH0BQ7TKLT8Xu4asFzAufyvCaTVT7YdZbKtkmZTSmOh6okNf99DYxmmGA0JPltsCaU7IiaGOl17BFBHtWzD0v0ltqsp7Iih-QhT1FX3amiBEqe98IdnKiYvmJ2BiSoVI/s960/Jim+Koch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-QqUyfiHojFZKH0BQ7TKLT8Xu4asFzAufyvCaTVT7YdZbKtkmZTSmOh6okNf99DYxmmGA0JPltsCaU7IiaGOl17BFBHtWzD0v0ltqsp7Iih-QhT1FX3amiBEqe98IdnKiYvmJ2BiSoVI/s320/Jim+Koch.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Beer has been involved in weddings for a long time, not just
dating. Before champagne came around, beer was the celebratory drink at almost
every festive occasion. As a matter of fact, in medieval times the word
"Bridal" actually meant something more like "bride ale,"
and was used in reference to events where people drank lots of ale in
celebration. I like the sound of that!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2gqXtbxkUqqKnlPJqbPLVpXloyPaZE8C8RR4r-8VS6qEkMikgYAH6oFeHN8syw0lsKu0BWsgR4UcjzM60hPd_HCoS7QrwNa6IxtkrUNCTlTt3F9x9Gvy7wFyYWfKMNbg1y70DBwUdp_A/s960/Brewlywed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2gqXtbxkUqqKnlPJqbPLVpXloyPaZE8C8RR4r-8VS6qEkMikgYAH6oFeHN8syw0lsKu0BWsgR4UcjzM60hPd_HCoS7QrwNa6IxtkrUNCTlTt3F9x9Gvy7wFyYWfKMNbg1y70DBwUdp_A/s320/Brewlywed.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When Jim Koch got married, he brewed a special recipe for
his wife. After that, he and his daughter worked together to brew the first batch
of what would later become Samuel Adams Noble Pils for her wedding day. Beer
can be used to mark very special moments in our lives. To pour your heart and
soul into making a brew that is personal to you can make those moments even
more memorable.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_sS1uECzkRcsF7FVnVMYtp4XavpxyfoxquHi7sZKJNOghpRpN_jLleclsGWf9jjNWDpu9_Rv58_8zTqMKZzmCY25baUAsFxd-Ul-2KEZLB-Iej-gAHrRTCHRM3i-Uvtnm1zhWEbx9x6U/s960/Bottles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_sS1uECzkRcsF7FVnVMYtp4XavpxyfoxquHi7sZKJNOghpRpN_jLleclsGWf9jjNWDpu9_Rv58_8zTqMKZzmCY25baUAsFxd-Ul-2KEZLB-Iej-gAHrRTCHRM3i-Uvtnm1zhWEbx9x6U/s320/Bottles.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">After telling us more about the history of brides and ales,
Jim decided he would open a bottle of Brewlywed using a sword that had been in
his wife's family for generations. Much like today, where people will often
ceremonially "sabre" a bottle of champagne, Jim ran the sword along
the bottle to release the cork. He then raised the bottle to make a toast, to
which we all responded with a resounding "cheers!"</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOtguZzktUZaNPtCOeswmhymtaQ-htqfycPiKM034wiEwMPXO9QSg__Try92s9cEVLG3SeTFkIsl6AZvhD4Roeo11z5ff2MyLeZ7vMuC76fszhyphenhyphenbj2ajHz5MtcODFfQbSc9wVzMsl_vUc/s960/Wedding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOtguZzktUZaNPtCOeswmhymtaQ-htqfycPiKM034wiEwMPXO9QSg__Try92s9cEVLG3SeTFkIsl6AZvhD4Roeo11z5ff2MyLeZ7vMuC76fszhyphenhyphenbj2ajHz5MtcODFfQbSc9wVzMsl_vUc/s320/Wedding.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When we finally were allowed into the brewery, the festivities
continued. More samples of Brewlywed were given to us, as they had been when we
were in line to use for the toast. Overall, the Belgian Strong Pale Ale had
many of the characteristics of a marriage. It started off bubbly and sweet,
then there was a little bit of spice, but in the end it was complex and
powerful.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9kStIGFXNQZ2iMr_QijGPWBIy5c_-gyOSNTHvnI0WmxUbzddaCPktlS3EM8BUiJIcm9RqZyKJ_02kc_qsgfbQMJLDDnmnghEnIGQJJTmhpCeVJu6LIuYsXZDL58-1qMkJ7kndHAbkSpY/s960/Close+Bottles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9kStIGFXNQZ2iMr_QijGPWBIy5c_-gyOSNTHvnI0WmxUbzddaCPktlS3EM8BUiJIcm9RqZyKJ_02kc_qsgfbQMJLDDnmnghEnIGQJJTmhpCeVJu6LIuYsXZDL58-1qMkJ7kndHAbkSpY/s320/Close+Bottles.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I got in line as soon as I could to purchase a few bottles
of the rare brew while I was there. Considering that Brewlywed is only
available one day a year and that this was only the second time this event had
been held, I wanted to make sure I took enough home for myself and to share
with the people I care about. I'd say it was a successful day, and it was
definitely worth the wait.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi00NMtNiCEIBD4MXfLKYr051dLoIayV2gudewgl5b7PB2VuV0zfhKHwfgDvvpc67p_pZ8DiCnnwo8WMrlRWdhNsNV6AhI97qYxRUsic-8ZPRiUeKfJjugoLCrjs5YMqiVlBqve4w8EJys/s960/Glass+Front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi00NMtNiCEIBD4MXfLKYr051dLoIayV2gudewgl5b7PB2VuV0zfhKHwfgDvvpc67p_pZ8DiCnnwo8WMrlRWdhNsNV6AhI97qYxRUsic-8ZPRiUeKfJjugoLCrjs5YMqiVlBqve4w8EJys/s320/Glass+Front.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, if you and your significant other want to experience
something special together, I'd recommend checking out this event next year.
Not just for the beer, but for the memories. You may even get to meet the man who
brought joy to people who came from across the country to be part of it all. Raise
your glass as often as you can to celebrate the power of love. The love you
have for each other, the love of life, and the love of beer!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxwYmTLee2cQ032a2qFhkY-8hehcnTeElURGRu6LjR0z714YyanAcxIOfbwPUL_Wa7VoW4H3DVns1laQKVNSFN4DPrbDHJR1nblQNe9_TJcVsR4DzWJmnbMFdqXD3nFgmD4cWDi7CbqYc/s960/Jim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxwYmTLee2cQ032a2qFhkY-8hehcnTeElURGRu6LjR0z714YyanAcxIOfbwPUL_Wa7VoW4H3DVns1laQKVNSFN4DPrbDHJR1nblQNe9_TJcVsR4DzWJmnbMFdqXD3nFgmD4cWDi7CbqYc/s320/Jim.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Zack Rothmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12046442098975203187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2106519893474899719.post-22249340536615046222013-06-22T21:15:00.002-04:002013-06-22T21:27:01.110-04:00The Power of Sour<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I've said before that I'm not the biggest fan of
hops. I know that they're necessary to balance out the malts so that they don't
make a beer cloying or overly sweet, and I even like the citrus flavors that
come from certain hop strains. It's just the bitterness that gets to me. I
really enjoy the sweeter beers, like doppelbocks. I'm also a pretty big fan of
fruit beers. Lately, though, I've been drinking more and more sour beers.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6evryJSX1-WRobHZH90tB6gxFj_rXUpg_E5q1CZu-xDyrzxvBbbOzoIXv7XHLOKTDZTqKqsxsSk9KUwcMsvqGnEvRwfWBS6sm70WXZaGnAI-XsLEXfG6EorAMFIxi0pf49cxF0h2YSLY/s1600/sour2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6evryJSX1-WRobHZH90tB6gxFj_rXUpg_E5q1CZu-xDyrzxvBbbOzoIXv7XHLOKTDZTqKqsxsSk9KUwcMsvqGnEvRwfWBS6sm70WXZaGnAI-XsLEXfG6EorAMFIxi0pf49cxF0h2YSLY/s320/sour2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Call them sours, lambics, or wild ales, all I know
is that I love how unique their flavors are. Like many brewers today, I was a
bit nervous about the wild yeast involved in making sour beers. To me, brewing
always seemed to be about the perfect recipe with just the right amount of
carefully selected ingredients brought together through a highly controlled
process. I guess that's why the idea of spontaneous fermentation kept me from
trying a sour beer for so long.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLHqla9_tnoRIdnV5rtR-69M9IRSVjQ9IHTJ-edC7ty1EM1OeWoqzjDoQzkr4wHV3a1ZYvRdkCekcvlIGoys2day3JqoI-N0blFEU0UEMgqjv594ihHcIqSJaguK7-fqTSeOGqK9YdwGw/s1600/sour1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLHqla9_tnoRIdnV5rtR-69M9IRSVjQ9IHTJ-edC7ty1EM1OeWoqzjDoQzkr4wHV3a1ZYvRdkCekcvlIGoys2day3JqoI-N0blFEU0UEMgqjv594ihHcIqSJaguK7-fqTSeOGqK9YdwGw/s320/sour1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I hope that others won't make the same mistake. If
you haven't tried a sour beer yet, don't wait. The tart flavor of a sour beer
is an experience in itself. There are many different kinds as well, like
gueuze. Made by blending different lambics, gueuze has a dry, acidic taste
that's as interesting as its name.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij3MrSF8ffR34pyDLAAYoY0v0_x0LjAaC3p_grIytVr_nU_ShwB7jpI9j1bJqSWqRvEIxEaMdcraKUJfOqCvyuRdBZ9f85NzFvQtJCO2L5BCLho63_JrJsDjJFVVnSshlNm4m4yV9wn2s/s1600/sour6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij3MrSF8ffR34pyDLAAYoY0v0_x0LjAaC3p_grIytVr_nU_ShwB7jpI9j1bJqSWqRvEIxEaMdcraKUJfOqCvyuRdBZ9f85NzFvQtJCO2L5BCLho63_JrJsDjJFVVnSshlNm4m4yV9wn2s/s320/sour6.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Cantillon Brewery and Lindemans Brewery, which have much more awesome names in Dutch, are well known for their gueuzes. They are also a great
representation of the country that knows lambics better than anyone: Belgium. Besides
gueuze, they make many other types of lambic beers. A good deal of them
involve various fruits being added during the aging process.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnrcR9zgkl1IjM1pcP450VLial05_QDu5R0DcQMISYXV9yzXFx6tEXCtxg_Nj_j8RRPVc_JBblGTN5CDTcxmNVYDk1nO_IN9Yels15SbXfDtd5kkddKIbnWeeVoFk55mlUHsmO1nvl7RA/s1600/sour4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnrcR9zgkl1IjM1pcP450VLial05_QDu5R0DcQMISYXV9yzXFx6tEXCtxg_Nj_j8RRPVc_JBblGTN5CDTcxmNVYDk1nO_IN9Yels15SbXfDtd5kkddKIbnWeeVoFk55mlUHsmO1nvl7RA/s320/sour4.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Two styles that come to mind are kriek (which uses cherries) and
framboise (which uses raspberries). The secondary fermentation caused by the
fruit really does infuse these styles with all sorts of wonderful flavors. The
greatest thing for someone like me is that there is no hop character to speak
of. I may like citrus, but I like the taste of other fruits even more.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIspfV2s-xm_rAw42WOUsZIR97wM7g7VhyphenhyphenbBIaHRI7TL4Wu6fGBkFEXxqtxgqASVdAmkoXbaUuGrOaX3Fz05qLH0frkZ24oSlWVXGGA1bB7aqkXzywZ8KK1xsTCafRngjLIH0NAFbtSkk/s1600/sour5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIspfV2s-xm_rAw42WOUsZIR97wM7g7VhyphenhyphenbBIaHRI7TL4Wu6fGBkFEXxqtxgqASVdAmkoXbaUuGrOaX3Fz05qLH0frkZ24oSlWVXGGA1bB7aqkXzywZ8KK1xsTCafRngjLIH0NAFbtSkk/s320/sour5.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Belgium's not the only country making sour beers.
Many American craft breweries make them as well, including some right here in
Boston. I recently tried Trillium's Bug Valley, an American Wild Ale, after
visiting their brewery and filling my 32oz growler with it. It was one of the
most drinkable sours I've ever had!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmr3CBf0AzIckvedV4LtFX2kgPZpEKPsrvUthl4ytKC7YBcAXikX_RyYSrw9Q9dUcFLYWgKhyphenhyphenbVJaAhUG76RTNdjaYT-bml7dRvwfhlSHer15ySK-OI8J5TjC9NfvgqbqgkApO6v5LcZw/s1600/sour3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmr3CBf0AzIckvedV4LtFX2kgPZpEKPsrvUthl4ytKC7YBcAXikX_RyYSrw9Q9dUcFLYWgKhyphenhyphenbVJaAhUG76RTNdjaYT-bml7dRvwfhlSHer15ySK-OI8J5TjC9NfvgqbqgkApO6v5LcZw/s320/sour3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Don't be afraid to try new styles of beer. Certain
ingredients or methods of brewing may make you think that you won't like a
particular brew, but don't let that stop you. I've pushed myself to try new
things as often as I can, and it's led to me finding beers that have become
some of my favorites. I can say now that I truly enjoy sour beers. I wonder
which style I'll try next...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Zack Rothmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12046442098975203187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2106519893474899719.post-38968442702636057622013-06-16T15:24:00.002-04:002013-06-16T15:25:52.555-04:00Yes, We Can<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The official start of summer is quickly approaching,
which means it's about time to start thinking about summer beer choices. I'm
not talking about choosing between a Hefeweizen or a Saison. This summer will
be less about the style of beer and more about the container. The biggest
decision that needs to be made is the choice between the many cans of craft
beer that are out there today.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Dh5y5oruFGHoUyHAA8FGNwb09c7_FD8IqtOoJ5INRvK4vkCBenUaIpssnhOedVusItlPDKrT7vDYDzH3ZKKyxFqJ1zxeiDkJ9wBnpTT8oENxFMbRJfRV5q9kuW0EUXf-lFsN0mk1Y2c/s1600/photo+1+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Dh5y5oruFGHoUyHAA8FGNwb09c7_FD8IqtOoJ5INRvK4vkCBenUaIpssnhOedVusItlPDKrT7vDYDzH3ZKKyxFqJ1zxeiDkJ9wBnpTT8oENxFMbRJfRV5q9kuW0EUXf-lFsN0mk1Y2c/s320/photo+1+(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Now, I know there are those that scoff at the idea
of drinking craft brews from a can. It may be because they feel the taste is
diminished or altered in some way, or it may just be that the can reminds them
too much of the cheap beers that are common at college parties. What some
people who are glass purists have failed to notice is that canning has come a
long way. Contrary to popular belief, there are actually craft beers that taste
better from a can!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8szvynK_ZWEKSPWW6eRhpkxk74xNTJV4eS8oBvq3cNO8wSbwk11uFDMj5OPh0REp3aFNsigsHkPIr6c1AjpYlwE0xAbe0EXN8QsAjvfwP970PSy6VYF72ceijXF1XPeeGvO1NJWg4pwA/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8szvynK_ZWEKSPWW6eRhpkxk74xNTJV4eS8oBvq3cNO8wSbwk11uFDMj5OPh0REp3aFNsigsHkPIr6c1AjpYlwE0xAbe0EXN8QsAjvfwP970PSy6VYF72ceijXF1XPeeGvO1NJWg4pwA/s320/photo+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Canned beer has been around for a long time, and
canned craft beer has been around for over a decade. <a href="http://www.oskarblues.com/" target="_blank">Oskar Blues</a> was the first craft
brewery in America to can the beer that they brewed back in 2002. Since then
the concept of putting craft beer into a can has spread across the country,
resulting in over 150 craft breweries making their brews available in cans. In
fact, the beer that is consistently one of the most highly rated in the world,
also known as <a href="http://www.alchemistbeer.com/" target="_blank">Heady Topper</a>, was put into a can back in 2011 that prominently
instructs those who buy it to "drink from the can!"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI127IEEWq7KCqtcgnBWbxxGQOqKA4H-v3Mn5PuSYX6ItRvFy4bSqv6xbkVZK-PV47rmXigxSJjn5jAqCBvcl2Wkx5cI4qcZ7y1_OEhECc60W4OdL7Jbvl6l-VvkahBOxcQ3SiNFOOJZg/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI127IEEWq7KCqtcgnBWbxxGQOqKA4H-v3Mn5PuSYX6ItRvFy4bSqv6xbkVZK-PV47rmXigxSJjn5jAqCBvcl2Wkx5cI4qcZ7y1_OEhECc60W4OdL7Jbvl6l-VvkahBOxcQ3SiNFOOJZg/s320/photo.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Heady Topper is contained in what some would call a
"tallboy" can, or a can that holds a pint (16 ounces) of beer. <a href="http://sixpoint.com/" target="_blank">Sixpoint</a> has similar cans with the words "beer is culture" on them. Yet,
because of the somewhat recent success of craft beer cans, many different
styles of cans have been developed. For instance, <a href="http://www.slyfoxbeer.com/index.php/front/beer_helles" target="_blank">Sly Fox</a>'s craft cannery has
put its beers into cans with lids that can be completely removed to enhance the
aroma along with the taste.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Q8Sx9FPBaUQQgiGnwDUr_FbXqczw4_jZMgCSfYRVLUWqMU_oNgc7ioRAUfFTA_b0WsbZXmVROCasye2BPkTsiN5fskRMgUqHkTVC8pncIwAMDFNbMFk52knzDLB1noijDrB4NjsHMXc/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Q8Sx9FPBaUQQgiGnwDUr_FbXqczw4_jZMgCSfYRVLUWqMU_oNgc7ioRAUfFTA_b0WsbZXmVROCasye2BPkTsiN5fskRMgUqHkTVC8pncIwAMDFNbMFk52knzDLB1noijDrB4NjsHMXc/s320/photo+3.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The taste is what makes many craft beer drinkers
nervous about trying craft beer in a can. Rumors of metallic tastes, inadequate
openings, and little to no aromas are widespread. Yet, craft brewers have paid
attention to these concerns, and have worked very hard to eliminate them.
That's one of the reasons Heady Topper (affectionately called
"Heady") actually tastes better from the can. The brewing and canning
processes became intertwined, resulting in an amazing beer that is supposed to
be kept in the can!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLIczb8nptPoUDt8sAS8SoLD9fGWHGXeXkdT7eJq6modxR0LQoeKeeyks0HHvYsh6Y_efH3nSmx0anh2S7MPolTV-XCZ6CZN-4NzmkIFwwgnwTFcbxkUzpXuxw7faR2-ecMDmv8nv95VE/s1600/photo+5+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLIczb8nptPoUDt8sAS8SoLD9fGWHGXeXkdT7eJq6modxR0LQoeKeeyks0HHvYsh6Y_efH3nSmx0anh2S7MPolTV-XCZ6CZN-4NzmkIFwwgnwTFcbxkUzpXuxw7faR2-ecMDmv8nv95VE/s320/photo+5+(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Being in Boston, I couldn't help but notice just how
popular craft beer cans have become. You can find offerings from <a href="https://sites.google.com/site/ciscobeers/beer" target="_blank">Cisco</a>,
<a href="http://www.harpoonbrewery.com/blog/1368/Harpoon-Cans-Bring-Em-With-You" target="_blank">Harpoon</a>, and <a href="http://blog.samueladams.com/sam-can/" target="_blank">Samuel Adams</a> in cans all over the shelves. Of particular interest
to me was what has been dubbed the "Sam Can." Jim Koch invested a
great deal of money and time into creating a can that preserved the taste of
the beer Samuel Adams makes while also increasing the drinking experience for
fans of their brews.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglfrh0P96NZBJZph_iJff9YY8jLVIv7n0TWtOALyTJPo9Rl8QoaUa-S8r2XthNUy5KGMTB7Jq7ckqrNE49GPvZpR86OKTUXdFn4hZs_WNxoljCqUrfVD8-Lc8e7GE-goA68XX9qcfhUxE/s1600/photo+3+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglfrh0P96NZBJZph_iJff9YY8jLVIv7n0TWtOALyTJPo9Rl8QoaUa-S8r2XthNUy5KGMTB7Jq7ckqrNE49GPvZpR86OKTUXdFn4hZs_WNxoljCqUrfVD8-Lc8e7GE-goA68XX9qcfhUxE/s320/photo+3+(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The unique design of the can, from its shape to its
opening, maintains the wonderful balance that Sam Adams' Boston Lager is known
for. The wider mouth on the can allows you to take in the aroma while the curve
of the lip offers a much fuller taste as the beer enters your mouth. The similarity
in the taste of Boston Lager from a bottle and from a can is truly uncanny (pun
intended). I have a feeling I'll be picking up plenty more of these cans
throughout the summer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMarfBFqUF_QY0uzAqVV5MZtViHQaluCVBqMuX67rqnw1vvsa7xrfROz1CwvKOk5NDfnu-EKKcPBkCwjlaVtrX36Ly1OobjIL9jKS10iLhgmPq1ohSfGbukvdPwSqYvWS9AJ5jWIt6NcY/s1600/photo+4+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMarfBFqUF_QY0uzAqVV5MZtViHQaluCVBqMuX67rqnw1vvsa7xrfROz1CwvKOk5NDfnu-EKKcPBkCwjlaVtrX36Ly1OobjIL9jKS10iLhgmPq1ohSfGbukvdPwSqYvWS9AJ5jWIt6NcY/s320/photo+4+(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Why buy cans when you could just pick up some
bottles? The main reason, especially for the summer, is portability. You can
take cans to places that you wouldn't want to bring bottles. Cans are perfect
for taking a trip to the beach, going to a baseball game, or just having a
picnic. The point is taking your favorite beer outdoors and anywhere else you'd
like to go.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgED2fRryxraLyobSedbm51rdIgtm7LdF7iwwjWxhNjUKiwMpge-yiv1ltnDFgtRj3Vf4aBxD3cZEcyFZsdfHQN1a0KCJxE8zIZhd0x0TBK8FLFGSWBnq89XnwgLT5ob6m0qx4J80xg34M/s1600/photosam.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgED2fRryxraLyobSedbm51rdIgtm7LdF7iwwjWxhNjUKiwMpge-yiv1ltnDFgtRj3Vf4aBxD3cZEcyFZsdfHQN1a0KCJxE8zIZhd0x0TBK8FLFGSWBnq89XnwgLT5ob6m0qx4J80xg34M/s320/photosam.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">In the end, having the option to buy craft beer in a
can is a great thing. I'll continue to buy bottles and pour my preferred styles
of beer into their appropriate glasses while pairing them with a nice meal.
Still, I also want something convenient and easy to carry around on trips this
summer. That's where the craft beer cans are really going to come in handy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Zack Rothmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12046442098975203187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2106519893474899719.post-291088051349753912013-06-09T19:07:00.002-04:002013-07-14T09:47:31.825-04:00East Meets West<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As you might know, I've tasted and reviewed hundreds of beers
over the months I've spent in Boston. I've done this by going to tastings every
week at a store in Kenmore Square called the <a href="http://winegalleryweb.com/" target="_blank">Wine Gallery</a> (which has a very
friendly and knowledgeable staff too!), as well as by going to events like the
<a href="http://beeradvocate.com/acbf/" target="_blank">American Craft Beer Fest</a>. The ACBF is the largest craft beer festival on the
east coast, and at beer fests like this one you can purchase a ticket and try
an unlimited amount of different craft beers. If you'd like to read some of my
short reviews, you can check out my profile on Untappd <a href="https://untappd.com/user/ZacAttack" target="_blank">here</a>. Feel free to
connect with me!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoZQDAjKmFyqbmpywYLTCwzvCb9HRdiFRuEz3L3N1wSxMjDCf8Rtv6U-iVGvCBl9mhCJSteR-wcKHL3qFqonUqU0ZPE1gSWkStE8X2JOjcx7HLkHbVzOoUsjSoiikgzhblW45yWNR2gW0/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoZQDAjKmFyqbmpywYLTCwzvCb9HRdiFRuEz3L3N1wSxMjDCf8Rtv6U-iVGvCBl9mhCJSteR-wcKHL3qFqonUqU0ZPE1gSWkStE8X2JOjcx7HLkHbVzOoUsjSoiikgzhblW45yWNR2gW0/s320/photo+2.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now, this will be the first time I've written a longer
review. How appropriate that it will be on a new Double India Pale Ale, or DIPA,
called Rhizing Bines. This beer is a collaboration between two great craft
breweries, Dogfish Head and Sierra Nevada. Dogfish Head has become one of the
most creative and daring breweries in the country, and Sierra Nevada is
well-known for its expertise when it comes to hops. The combination made me
very excited to try this brew!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhABPR8dVCCTeOQIssXhzdvLWs-JNj1zKo4Cqt8UivQH38NkmrooQPYFT_FQcqcN2hNZCFi2Gzb6_IbmS2xVgp9go3OzIqhmCxiDM83JgdsHl4Dpf7MoN7V2UtmMGfu4iYvy1OmX3K2d68/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhABPR8dVCCTeOQIssXhzdvLWs-JNj1zKo4Cqt8UivQH38NkmrooQPYFT_FQcqcN2hNZCFi2Gzb6_IbmS2xVgp9go3OzIqhmCxiDM83JgdsHl4Dpf7MoN7V2UtmMGfu4iYvy1OmX3K2d68/s320/photo+3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As you can see, this brew pours a deep, hazy orange color. There
was a large, frothy white head on top with a good deal of staying power. The
glassware is also a collaboration, this time between <span lang="EN" style="color: #351808; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Dogfish Head, Sierra Nevada, and Spiegelau. It's an
excellent glass for hoppy IPAs like this one, and there was plenty of lacing
left on it as the head on this beer finally started to recede. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #351808; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #351808; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxEWVCOZsbS62VrO2HW_hSRI_yURqZ8QRS5HigCkInwXDaLl2a8l5375WwWdPnif-moQY7D-P1fmAZ0CwK7uJk-tEm68d9X_RxKUGkqut9W0mdXCJ7DY3rC96KQ4WbQPnj70W27DT0hdU/s1600/photo+33.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxEWVCOZsbS62VrO2HW_hSRI_yURqZ8QRS5HigCkInwXDaLl2a8l5375WwWdPnif-moQY7D-P1fmAZ0CwK7uJk-tEm68d9X_RxKUGkqut9W0mdXCJ7DY3rC96KQ4WbQPnj70W27DT0hdU/s320/photo+33.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #351808; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The smell
of the beer is interesting. It starts off somewhat sweet and then becomes
increasingly earthy. There is a little bit of wheat in the aroma as well.
Definitely not what I was expecting!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKTmkLnTCBIygRedblR-CCUBpYPdkK5Fzq0OWwPtQDUn9Nij-eS_-12EaOEmUef2L_dvNTdhRdNtYOrv10yBn9KH_F6Vsmu6qOg3Q8LuCtw5GAqg2zJRcY2ZXswv2jk_XbaxsZ5M7kDRw/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKTmkLnTCBIygRedblR-CCUBpYPdkK5Fzq0OWwPtQDUn9Nij-eS_-12EaOEmUef2L_dvNTdhRdNtYOrv10yBn9KH_F6Vsmu6qOg3Q8LuCtw5GAqg2zJRcY2ZXswv2jk_XbaxsZ5M7kDRw/s320/photo+5.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #351808; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I was even
more surprised when I tasted it. There was a malty flavor followed by a bit of
hops. It isn't overly bitter, but there is a noticeable piney flavor. It goes
down pretty smoothly for a beer of its strength. The finish gives a little bit
of fruitiness to the overall taste. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitpO5m5YzixEx0dqU5ctgcirxn2W9bJTa6eIt9VqRwHcq6X3xLaiTtTNYvdNnL49Ks4-DCRVjaiZD-lOtVGvdtUZFrUEB8CtaQiVPeT6MrbImy1YFVk7rmiI4paJcocfD-5OAgM3wMIkI/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitpO5m5YzixEx0dqU5ctgcirxn2W9bJTa6eIt9VqRwHcq6X3xLaiTtTNYvdNnL49Ks4-DCRVjaiZD-lOtVGvdtUZFrUEB8CtaQiVPeT6MrbImy1YFVk7rmiI4paJcocfD-5OAgM3wMIkI/s320/photo+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #351808; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I'd describe
the body of Rhizing Bines as medium. As I looked at the bubbles on the bottom
of the glass I could tell it was moderately carbonated. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The mouthfeel of this beer is juicy in the
beginning with a dry finish. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3x9llfvFxO5eLH8rlmBiuLylLsPWVt622N9sT0SZPbSLVqtetrdnzcR_9wyO7NOF2iZK9nE_UcOzWFBFoBwHJ_jAeLt_GBa9hkmZin0e7LmtM5fWJq2EWw69DwVIVVQJg9A2giLIifsg/s1600/photo+6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3x9llfvFxO5eLH8rlmBiuLylLsPWVt622N9sT0SZPbSLVqtetrdnzcR_9wyO7NOF2iZK9nE_UcOzWFBFoBwHJ_jAeLt_GBa9hkmZin0e7LmtM5fWJq2EWw69DwVIVVQJg9A2giLIifsg/s320/photo+6.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have to say that I really liked drinking this brew from
Dogfish Head and Sierra Nevada. You really do get the best of both worlds here.
I'm not really a hop head, so I appreciated that there wasn't a huge bitterness
to this DIPA. Still, the unique hopping processes of both breweries and the experimental "Hop 644" used to create this brew certainly made it special. I'd say the flavors in this one could satisfy the palate of just
about any beer drinker. A high quality brew for sure!</span></div>
Zack Rothmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12046442098975203187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2106519893474899719.post-21865321408123381522013-06-09T18:21:00.001-04:002013-06-09T18:22:07.176-04:00The Beginning<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Since this is my first blog post, I guess a short
introduction is in order. My name is Zack, I'm 23 years old, I was born in
Florida, and I've become a big fan of craft beer ever since I moved to Boston
to start law school. I told you it would be a short introduction. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Anyway, the reason I've decided to start a blog is because
over time I've realized that craft beer has truly become a passion of mine. I
spent most of my life in Florida, a state with an ever-expanding craft beer
scene. Yet, during my time in college craft brews were not readily available or
even discussed very often. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It wasn't
until I came to New England that I came to understand all that the wonderful
world of craft beer had to offer. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It started out as a hobby. I would try a new brew every now
and then just to see if I could find something that I really enjoyed drinking. Then
I started going on tours of different breweries in Boston and listening to how
the beer was made. After that, I actually began to meet a lot of brewers and
talk to them about their craft. Since then I've gone to plenty of beer
festivals and talked to many fans of craft beer about their favorite brews. At
this point I can say with confidence that I love craft beer.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg84x3esZznl9O2FKrZ3xx5vU_gd1L3ixauR8Npm3z87xL9XZ5dVAuYwnjFqUJXtr0ZWnNQHJ6ZBGz7IqnPgqMRtoatcWUI936_rPkXFM2bHijFYQ9I-CWESQ-CLykSYwSlpg2jOEPpgs0/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg84x3esZznl9O2FKrZ3xx5vU_gd1L3ixauR8Npm3z87xL9XZ5dVAuYwnjFqUJXtr0ZWnNQHJ6ZBGz7IqnPgqMRtoatcWUI936_rPkXFM2bHijFYQ9I-CWESQ-CLykSYwSlpg2jOEPpgs0/s320/photo+5.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The reasoning behind this newfound love of mine is simple:
craft beer tastes better. Add the flavor of craft beers to their quality
ingredients, creative recipes, unique brands, and the amount of work that goes
into making them, and you've got a formula for something that almost anyone
could fall in love with. Right now my goal is to share the passion I have for
trying new things from craft breweries with others so that they can experience
the same joy that I have over the time I've spent in New England.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I've been attempting to do so for a while. I've been in
Boston almost a year now,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and I've used
that time to educate myself and others on drinking craft beer. I've gone to a
wide range of events and tastings to learn more about beers from across the
country. I started using an app called <a href="https://untappd.com/" target="_blank">Untappd</a> to begin reviewing beers and
connecting with others who do the same. Still, I've always felt sort of limited
in my ability to express how I feel about certain beers. I guess that's why I'm
starting a blog now.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I think it's mainly a way for me to write more about what
has become one of my biggest hobbies. I hope that by blogging about craft beer
that others might learn something about it and even become fans of it themselves.
If not, I'll still have a way of putting my thoughts down in writing. In the
end, all I want to do is share the happiness that craft brews give me with
everyone else.</span></div>
Zack Rothmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12046442098975203187noreply@blogger.com0