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Beer

Beer is big business. It also happens to be my favorite (alcoholic) beverage. I know I'm not alone. It's food ... it's the staff of life!
I'm hoping we can discuss a myriad of topics (marketing, advertising, ingredients, brew process, big and small (craft) breweries, etc.) around this great invention of mankind.
While many of us have overindulged and have sordid tales to tell, I am requesting that we minimize those stories to a dull roar. We have an image to cultivate here and show that our taste buds are indeed refined and are discriminating.
I'm no expert on beer by any stretch of the imagination ... but I know I do love beer.

Beer blogs ... http://beer.alltop.com/ ... of course.
Beer twitter feed ... http://bottomlessbeer.com/
Brewers Association (Craft Beers) ... http://www.brewersassociation.org/

I'm looking forward to learning and sharing all things beer.

Network Leader: Mark W.

Groups > Beer

Beth Trickett My husband and I brewed a batch of Belgian wheat beer with orange and ginger today. I took some photos and blogged about the process. Check it out! http://tinyurl.com/6glnhcf Who else homebrews and what have you created lately?

50 weeks ago from Beer

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Michael Rubino: Wow Beth, great info! I'm thinking of starting my own home brewery- what kind of investment does it take to get started?
50 weeks ago

Beth Trickett: @Michael I think our kit was $150ish and included ingredients for our first brew (from Williams Brewing online). I know eBay has brewing ...More@Michael I think our kit was $150ish and included ingredients for our first brew (from Williams Brewing online). I know eBay has brewing equipment. You could get a kettle and go from there. We've also seen cheaper kits listed on Craigslist. You also have to keep in mind that each batch you make (approx. 5 gallons of beer) requires ingredients, so in most cases it isn't cheaper to brew your own beer, just a lot of fun! Hope this helps!
50 weeks ago

Mark W. Eric Fitch, MIT mech. engineering grad, is CEO of PurposeEnergy, Inc. whose company's slogan is "Saving the earth, one beer at a time. The slogan is catchy and a goal which he has attained. He invented and installed an anaerobic methane digester at Magic Hat Brewing Co. which extracts energy from the spent hops, barley and yeast left over from the brewing process — and it processes the plant's wastewater. The article at http://tinyurl.com/66ouqcs also mentions other brewers and solutions.

65 weeks ago from Beer, Economics and Finance, Engineers and Green and Environmental industries 2 more

Megan Atkinson recommended this

Megan Atkinson: Awesome article, Mark! Thanks for sharing it. I have always been fascinated with anaerobic digestion - primarily in landfills. But I might just be ...MoreAwesome article, Mark! Thanks for sharing it. I have always been fascinated with anaerobic digestion - primarily in landfills. But I might just be in love with them now that they can help the brewing industry. Too stinkin' cool.
65 weeks ago

Mark W.: I'm glad you liked it Megan. The funny thing is the way I happened to "find" my way to the article. I listened to Radio Health Journal ( MoreI'm glad you liked it Megan. The funny thing is the way I happened to "find" my way to the article. I listened to Radio Health Journal ( http://tinyurl.com/6k3wadg ) on the radio yesterday morning and one of the guests was Jonathon Bloom at the Wasted Food website ( http://tinyurl.com/dxvu2h ). One of the recent links mentioned this article at the Boston Globe. I went to the Boston Globe but was only able to read one page. If I wanted to read more I had to sign up to their site. Instead I found the article at another news source - Washington Examiner. So even though it was some work and a little bit of tracking using bread crumbs, it was worth the effort!
65 weeks ago

Mark W. A short video shown on Fox and Friends about the Beer Stimulus Plan. Basically a plan to lower the taxes on the craft brewers so they can invest more in their business and subsequently hire more people. Three brewers are featured in this video ( http://tinyurl.com/46u6t2b ). Amazing stat - 5% of beer production and 50% of jobs iin the industry are created by craft brewers. Hopefully the new bill will get passed.

66 weeks ago from Beer and Economics and Finance

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Edward Antrobus: First of all, it was refreshing to read a bill that was only two pages! I had begun to think that bills that weren't the length of novels were a ...MoreFirst of all, it was refreshing to read a bill that was only two pages! I had begun to think that bills that weren't the length of novels were a lost art.
According to the bill, it defines a small brewer as producing less than 6 million barrels per calendar year. I drink about a six-pack (and mostly wheat beer) per year, so I really don't have any good reference as to how big that is.
66 weeks ago

Mark W.: Edward, thanks for checking out the HR bill as I didn't think to do that. I did some more investigating this morning to see if I could find out ...MoreEdward, thanks for checking out the HR bill as I didn't think to do that. I did some more investigating this morning to see if I could find out any more info. on the definition of a craft brewer on the BA site - at least according to them. The Brewers Association has a fact page (top menu tab - Business Tools>Craft Brewing Statistics>Facts) where they say "Craft brewers sold an estimated 9,115,635 barrels* of beer in 2009". Located on another page (Business Tools>Craft Brewing Statistics>Craft Brewer Defined), they define a craft brewer as " ...small, independent and traditional." and then define small, independent, and traditional separately. A part of the 'small' definition is "Annual production of 6 million barrels of beer or less." I still don't know the breakdown by brewer though. However, I'm closer thanks to this thread. :)
65 weeks ago

Mark W. I love this invention. It's cool, innovative, and uses technology to fill a need. It's a beer dispenser that fills specially designed cups from the bottom up quickly and efficiently to yield a perfect pour. The complete story can be found at http://bit.ly/dSEIhI .

69 weeks ago from Beer

Ryan Paugh Halloween is over and I can feel the Holidays approaching quick. I get so much anxiety around the Holidays. Mostly around gift giving and being the guy who is always running around last minute looking for presents. So I'm determined to start early this year and probably do everything online. What do you guys think is an appropriate gift for bosses and colleagues? Can you buy them booze in your office culture or do you aim for something more tame?

81 weeks ago from The Boss-Employee Relationship, Beer and Wine 1 more

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Mehnaz Thawer: Dilbert calendar! I love dilbert.
80 weeks ago

Philip Goetz: Work was kind of slow the next day. We only used a skeleton crew. MoreWork was kind of slow the next day. We only used a skeleton crew. www.texasmediasystems.com
80 weeks ago

Cheryl Lynn Morris For Halloween, I bought a six-pack of America's Original Pumpkin Ale from Buffalo Bill's Brewery. The label says, "Ale brewed with real pumpkin and natural spice flavor". Cute marketing idea! And I like the ale.

82 weeks ago from Beer

Mark W.: Hi Cheryl. I love what craft brewers have done for those of us who like some variety and quality in their favorite drink. They're able to respond ...MoreHi Cheryl. I love what craft brewers have done for those of us who like some variety and quality in their favorite drink. They're able to respond to the customer wants in a very efficient and targeted fashion with these seasonal brews by making smaller batches. There's a lot of good fruit and vegetable craft brews available on the market right now. Sometimes it's hard to choose so the variety pack is a good choice. The variety pack is also a good way to discover a new favorite.
82 weeks ago

Karla Mercado I'm heading up to Durango, CO this weekend for Oktoberfest! The history of the event reads, "We are so proud to bring it to Durango, and hope to celebrate with you in the true old-fashioned origination of the ceremony. As Americans typically bastardize every cultural celebration, we will be doing so by introducing a mechanical bull, a bike cruiser giveaway, and some locally brewed delicious, but not-necessarily-German bier." Germany in the Southwest, baby. It should be tons of fun. :)

87 weeks ago from Beer

Mark W.: I googled it and it sure did look like a lot of fun.
The usual fare and lots of it - beer, music, and food.
I checked the weather and it looks ...MoreI googled it and it sure did look like a lot of fun.
The usual fare and lots of it - beer, music, and food.
I checked the weather and it looks good so far.
Have a good time and have a beer on me (with wooden nickels)!
87 weeks ago

Karla Mercado: I will for sure, Mark. I'll let everyone know how it goes. Good to know weather's gonna be great!
87 weeks ago

Ryan Paugh Do you ever drink with your boss or business partners? I drank Scotch with Penelope once when we used to work out of Ryan Healy and my crappy apartment. It was hilarious. I don't think that everyone out there could get away with the kind of craziness that we got away with because my one business partner is my fraternity brother and the other one is ... well ... Penelope. So how do you handle booze around people who you want to trust you?

94 weeks ago from Beer, Wine and The Boss-Employee Relationship 1 more

Elysa Rice recommended this

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Sean Masters: I should add that this was true of my previous employer, and the organization before that as well!
93 weeks ago

Chris Paugh: Throughout my career, every one of my employers took us all out for lunches or dinners and it always included drinks. I always followed my bosses ...MoreThroughout my career, every one of my employers took us all out for lunches or dinners and it always included drinks. I always followed my bosses lead. It was always nice to see people loosen up. And besides that, who knows you better than yourself, in how much you can handle!
93 weeks ago

Mark W. American Craft Beer Week takes place across the country next week (May 17-23). It celebrates small and independent craft brewers and is a chance to highlight all that the U.S. loves about craft beer. In 2006, the week became the largest national effort focusing on American craft brewers and remains so today. The main web site is http://www.americancraftbeerweek.org/ and the web site which lists events in each state all over the US is http://www.americancraftbeerweek.org/apps/events/events.html .

105 weeks ago from Beer

Kimberly Taylor Utah Wins Gold in Beer Olympics! http://www.slashfood.com/2010/04/14/utah-wins-gold-in-beer-olympics/

110 weeks ago from Beer

Mark W.: Thanks for the heads up Kimberly. I was disappointed my local brewery (Matt Brewing Co.) which makes Saranac beer didn't receive any awards. My ...MoreThanks for the heads up Kimberly. I was disappointed my local brewery (Matt Brewing Co.) which makes Saranac beer didn't receive any awards. My other favs such as St. Pauli Girl, Moosehead, and Labatt Blue also didn't make the list. Recent news (last month) from the Matt Brewing Co. is Nick Matt (CEO and Chairman) became Chairman of the Brewers Association Board of Directors. This beer olympics was put on by the Brewers Association. I wonder if the Saranac line of beers was even entered into this contest because I think they won some awards last fall if my memory serves me correctly.
@Ryan - I saw about 5 winners from Wisconsin listed including Miller with Red Dog.
110 weeks ago

Mark W.: Saranac won some awards in the Great American Beer Festival last Fall - not the Olympics as I thought above.
Also the link for the news about Nick ...MoreSaranac won some awards in the Great American Beer Festival last Fall - not the Olympics as I thought above.
Also the link for the news about Nick Matt (local brewery CEO) is at http://www.brewersassociation.org/pages/media/press-releases/show?title=... .
110 weeks ago

Karla Mercado Not sure if you guys have heard of the San Miguel brewing company, which is based in the Philippines. They sell San Miguel ales all over NYC and they're comparable with Mexican beer. My favorite though, is Red Horse: a very mysterious lager that is actually brewed with a good amount of gin. It tastes fantastic but the next morning isn't always a good experience. :-P

128 weeks ago from Beer

JR Moreau: Yeah, kind of like how the best wines I've had have given me the worse hangovers (Bordeaux is an epic hangover)
128 weeks ago

Karla Mercado: Yes exactly. :)
128 weeks ago

Karla Mercado I absolutely love drinking beer especially during the winter. I leave all my bottles out in my balcony for a great, naturally below zero chill.

128 weeks ago from Beer

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Ryan Healy: I recommend Leinie's Fireside Nut Brown, I'm usually not a fan of winter brews, but this one is really good.
128 weeks ago

Karla Mercado: Leinenkugel! Uber yum. Will definitely fill up my mugs with that. :)
128 weeks ago

Karla Mercado Has anyone here tried Trappist brewskis?

130 weeks ago from Beer

JR Moreau: Love Trappist ales! The wild cultured yeasts make the difference!
130 weeks ago

Karla Mercado Hey Mark! What's up fellow Brazen brewskis!? Missed posting here. I had a debate with my landlord a while ago. It was amber ale (landlord) vs. porter (me). For some reason, we drew a tie on Korean beer (OB Lagers to be exact), and concluded that maekju touche'd both Newcastle browns and Guinness extra stouts. No idea why, I guess we were already drunk by then. Ha! Any of you guys into Asian beers?

130 weeks ago from Beer

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Mark W.: Hi Karla, love your landlord debate story. I think most debates around a few brewskis eventually reach a happy middle ground. :)
I'll be honest ...MoreHi Karla, love your landlord debate story. I think most debates around a few brewskis eventually reach a happy middle ground. :)
I'll be honest with you and tell you I'm not into Asian beers. It's not because I don't like them but rather because I've never really taste tested them. Actually I would guess I could easily develop a taste for them given enough time and sampling. My preference (besides the local beer, of course) are the Canadian beers such as Labatts and Moosehead.
130 weeks ago

Karla Mercado: Same here, Jimbo. I only tend to order Asian beer if I'm actually having an Asian sort of meal.

Mark, haha! I know about the middle ground. Beer ...MoreSame here, Jimbo. I only tend to order Asian beer if I'm actually having an Asian sort of meal.

Mark, haha! I know about the middle ground. Beer brings clashing minds together. :) Actually, Asian beers would also probably be one of my least faves. Korean beer's pretty good though.
130 weeks ago

Mark W. A good beer twitter feed worth exploring on craft beer, homebrewing, drinking, and more - http://bottomlessbeer.com/ .

135 weeks ago from Beer

Andrew Stuhl Madisonians:check out this week's Isthmus for a review of some of the region's best seasonal beers.Furthermore's Fallen Apple sounds delish!

136 weeks ago from Beer

Brittany Deal What do you guys think of Flemish beers?

136 weeks ago from Beer

Fredrik Khayati: I like this one... MoreI like this one... http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/259/722 But I prefer American micros
136 weeks ago

Brittany Deal I had a great dark beer call the Burning Oak Black lager, from Linden Street Brewery at the Oaktoberfest celebration Sat! YUM!

136 weeks ago from Beer

Mark W. How to open a beer ... with a pen ( http://spedr.com/188jf ), paper ( http://spedr.com/4qp0c ), and your forearm ( http://spedr.com/1w10t ).

136 weeks ago from Beer

Mark W. Food and beer matching - some principles and thoughts from the Brewer's Association - http://www.beertown.org/education/matching.html .

136 weeks ago from Beer

Karla Mercado Happy hour on Friday. I start at 10am and I will be first in line for the dry stout barrel. Yummmm! Happy weekend!

137 weeks ago from Beer

Fredrik Khayati Big fan of Long Trail's Brewmaster Series, especially the Imperial Porter

137 weeks ago from Beer

Mark W.: I'll have to try this beer. I should be able to get it here in upstate NY as it's a Vermont brew. I'm gearing up for the 'heavier' beers now
137 weeks ago

Andrew Stuhl I think Coors Light is horrible. So I wrote this: http://phdetails.wordpress.com/2009/10/01/coors-light-the-cops-and-one-a...

137 weeks ago from Beer

Mark W. Great American Beer Festival was held 9/24 - 9/26 ( http://spedr.com/11rej ). Winners listed (pdf file). Saranac (home brew) won 2 bronzes!!

138 weeks ago from Beer