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Pop The Cap North Carolina » Blog Archive » See you soon!
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Search

We have received your payment for the West Coast beer tasting. Tickets will be available at the door — please bring your PayPal receipt as proof of payment.

Your transaction ID is 867-5309.

Just kidding — that’s the same code everyone got. I just wanted you to have that song stuck in your head. 867530nieeineeee!

If you have any questions, please email Sean of PTC. Thank you for your support!

*** IF YOU PURCHASED GAME TICKETS, WE’LL HAVE THEM FOR YOU AT THE EVENT *** 

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North Carolina’s beer cap is now 15 percent alcohol by volume. Below is a quick history on how Pop The Cap, an all-volunteer grassroots group, lobbied for three years to help raise the limit from 6 to 15 percent.

To learn more about why North Carolina still imposes an artificial cap on beer, please read the “What’s with the 15 percent cap?” page.

Pop The Cap is no longer a going concern. The information on this web site is archived for history’s sake (and nostalgia).

***

We called. We wrote. We conquered.

In February 2003, a motley group of thirty-five beer lovers gathered at the All About Beer office to discuss one issue: how to lift North Carolina’s 6% alcohol by volume cap on beer. For seventy years, North Carolina had imposed a 6% ABV restriction on beer sold and brewed within the state. At the time, the Old North State was one of five states with a severe limitation.

The thirty-five of us were fed up. This relic of Prohibition made it illegal to brew or sell one-third of the world’s beer styles, including gourmet Belgian ales, hoppy IPAs, and intensely malty dopplebocks. Beers meant for sipping and savoring…nothing like the American light lagers that dominate North Carolina’s storeshelves.

For two-and-a-half years, this group of thirty-five no-nothings (yes, yours truly included!) grew into a grassroots movement of thousands of North Carolinians. We hired a lobbyist, the amazing Theresa Kostrzewa. In our first legislative push, the Pop The Cap bill passed two House committees, two Senate committees, the House floor, and the Senate floor.

Such progress is almost unheard of, especially with such a potentially volatile issue as raising an alcohol cap. We overcame intense resistance from old-line distributors and neo-Prohibitionist interest groups. We battled Senator John “Drinking straight vodka” Kerr and Senator “this law will lead to more unwanted pregnancies and academic suicides” Jacumin.

On August 13, 2005, Governor Mike Easley signed House Bill 392 into law, lifting the 6% ABV cap to a more-reasonable 15%. We called, we wrote, we conquered. We popped the cap.

UPDATE: Four years later, and the ABV laws in South are falling like a deck of cards. Only ONE state has a severe ABV restriction:

Let’s support Mississippi’s Raise Your Pints and RID OUR NATION of these restrictive caps!

Lastly, are you angry that we still have a cap, even if it’s 15%? Do you feel slighted that you still can’t get ten or so beers here in North Carolina? Relax, have a beer, and learn more here.

To learn more about how to be a beer activist — or to keep up with some of the hot issues around the nation — please visit SupportYourLocalBrewery.org.

support your local brewery

It was an honor to serve you.

Cheers,
Sean Lilly Wilson

Past President, Pop The Cap

3 Responses to “Pop The Cap: A brief history”

    […] all of those lessons. I would put them into practice. For the betterment of beerdom, a collective we would change a law. On August 13, 2005, North Carolina Governor Mike Easley signed House Bill 392 into law. Pop the […]

    […] of a successful effort to unlimit the allowable alcohol levels for beer in North Carolina, Pop the Cap— is preparing to open his own brewpub in North Carolina.At Full Steam, Sean and his team have […]

    […] of a successful effort to unlimit the allowable alcohol levels for beer in North Carolina, Pop the Cap— is preparing to open his own brewpub in North Carolina.At Full Steam, Sean and his team have […]

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This from the good folks at The Duck-Rabbit Craft Brewery in Farmville:

“The Duck-Rabbit Barley Wine is on the way!

You are invited to our Holiday Open House/Barley Wine Pre-Release Party. Come check out the brewery, enjoy some munchies and seize the opportunity for that first taste of The Duck-Rabbit’s next seasonal specialty. Our American Barley Wine is big and hoppy, and weighs in at 11% abv. We think you’ll like it as much as we do.

Location:
The Duck-Rabbit Craft Brewery
4519 West Pine Street
Farmville, NC 27828

Date: Saturday, December 9, 2006
Time: 3pm-?

Where’s Farmville? Click here for help.

We look forward to seeing you there.”

I stole a map from the Duck-Rabbit web site.

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We’d love to hear from you, especially as we transition from a grassroots lobbying organization to a North Carolina beer appreciation society. We respond to all non-SPAM inquiries.  It’s in our blood.
Thank you so much!

(required)
(required)

 

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Dogfish Head Fort (image courtesy of Linus Gelber)Four hundred new beers on the shelves. Seasonal and specialty releases from North Carolina breweries. New beer bars, brewpubs, and retail stores….from Asheville to Kill Devil Hills. It’s a good time to be a craft beer lover in North Carolina.

Pop The Cap celebrates all the people who took time to get involved in the legislative process of lifting North Carolina’s 6% alcohol by volume cap on beer. We mean this sincerely…it wasn’t us, it was you. And now that a year has passed since Governor Mike Easley signed HB392 into law, we’ve launched Pop The Cap version 2.

Our new goal: to celebrate beer culture in North Carolina. How? By hosting beer dinners pairing great beer with great food. Showcasing North Carolina’s amazing selection of specialty beers. And promoting the great beer scene and breweries here in North Carolina…the State of Southern Beer.

Our mission is to be a resource for North Carolina craft beer lovers, both online and as a real-world community. If you have any ideas or recommendations, we’d love to hear from you. As it was with changing the 6% law, it’s all about you, the craft beer enthusiast.

Check out the events we’ve led since lifting the 6% cap.

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We’re celebrating the one-year lifting of the cap throughout August. Here’s what we have lined up FOR SURE.

AUGUST 12th

  • Tyler’s Taproom in CARRBORO: celebrate broader beer selection with French Broad Brewing Company!

A great combination of Asheville music and Asheville beer: Asheville’s French Broad Brewery will offer draft beer specials, and is bringing along two great bands from the area.

Pop The Cap celebration at 7:30pm at the bar.
Music at the Speakeasy starts at 8pm; $4 cover.

  • Cape Fear Wine and Beer in WILMINGTON: all day beer specials!

In the works, possibly later in the month:

  • Foothills Brewing and Mellow Mushroom in Winston Salem
  • Events in Asheville and Charlotte

2 Responses to “Statewide: Pop The Cap’s one-year celebration”

    August 14th.. That’s a Monday??? Timewarped again.

    Fixed. That’s my bad. We have locations set for three of the five cities. Still looking for a host in Asheville and Charlotte.

    Details later this weekend!

photo 1

Oh yeah! We’ve had great success with our Beer 201: Craft Beer Appreciation Class. We don’t follow any strict guidelines — to us, craft beer appreciation can range from a simple beer tasting to an extravagant dinner or party. Our specialty is promoting North Carolina beer for parties of 50 to 500.

We’ll work with you to come up with a great event. Check out our past successes!

Events Pop The Cap has led since lifting the cap include:

  • NC in NYC (January 2008). Sponsored by the North Carolina Tourism Department, this event targeted media professionals based in New York. Pop The Cap led a beer tasting and promoted North Carolina beer to over 100 travel and food media professionals.
  • Black Friday Beer Festival (the day after Thanksgiving 2007). Featuring dark beers, poker, food, and Guitar Hero on the big screen. Much better than the mall! $1,500 raised for Toys for Tots and nearly 200 gifts donated for needy children.
  • Cask and Barrel tent at the World Beer Festival in Durham, NC (2003-07). Pop The Cap has served as the non-profit sponsor of the World Beer Festival for the past five years. Our most recent tent took the theme of cask ale a bit further to include vintage, barrel-aged, and cask ale from all over the East Coast. Over 1,000 people paid to sample beers from the tent.
  • Taste of the State — Southern Season, Chapel Hill. Promoting North Carolina craft beer for around 500 attendees at Southern Season’s first-ever “Taste of the State.”
  • Saxapahaw Oktoberfest. Pop The Cap has represented and promoted North Carolina beer at the last two Saxapahaw Oktoberfests. Around 2,000 people attend this roots music festival.
  • Beer Education Class for Duke Seniors. Educational course (yes, educational!) for over 400 Duke University Seniors on the importance of drinking local and quality over quantity.
  • Countless beer dinners throughout the state, including eastern Carolina, Charlotte, the Triad, Asheville, and the Triangle. Our specialty? Pairing great food with great beer.

Our Promises:

  1. There will be no droning on about beer. We don’t know enough to talk that long anyway.
  2. Beer education will be fun.
  3. All beer samples will taste really, really good.
  4. Some of the attendees will disagree with Promise #3, but trust us, the beer tastes really really good. We’ll taste it for you if you’d like.
  5. 99 out of 100 people who think they don’t like beer will find a beer they like at Beer 201.
  6. Beer 201 is a great way to bring people to your club, organization or gathering!

Contact us today! We’re ready to spread the word about better beer. Email Sean Wilson at sean@popthecap.org for more information.

Breweries that have provided beer for the new PTCv2 mission include:

– North Carolina –
Highland Brewing Company, Asheville, NC
French Broad Brewing Company, Asheville NC
Foothills Brewing Company, Winston-Salem, NC
Natty Greene’s Pub & Brewing, Greensboro, NC
Liberty Steakhouse and Brewery, High Point, NC
Triangle Brewing Company, Durham, NC
Top of the Hill Restaurant and Brewery, Chapel Hill, NC
Carolina Brewery, Chapel Hill and Pittsboro, NC
Big Boss Brewing, Raleigh, NC
Cottonwood / Carolina Beer and Beverage, Mooresville, NC
The Duck-Rabbit Craft Brewery, Farmville, NC
Ham’s Brewhouse, Greenville, NC
Weeping Radish Eco Farm and Brewery, Jarvisburg, NC

– Not North Carolina, but dang good –
Bell’s Brewery, Kalamazoo, MI
Clipper City Brewing Company, Baltimore, MD
Ommegang and Duvel USA, Cooperstown, NY
Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, Milton, DE
Anderson Valley Brewing Company, Boonville, CA
Rogue Ales, Newport, OR
Allagash Brewing Company, Portland, ME
Oskar Blues Brewery, Lyons, CO
Stone Brewing Company, Escondido, CA
Victory Brewing Company, Downingtown, PA
Brasserie Dupont, Belgium
Brasserie Dubuisson Freres, Belgium

And thanks to these distributors & importers!
All Good Brands
Vanberg and Dewulf
Tryon Distribution
Long Beverage

(who did I miss? Go on..tell me! I’ll add it to the list!)

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The poster celebrating the lifting of the cap

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Pop The Cap News is a once-a-month-or-so HTML newsletter with the latest beer news, events, and opinions about craft beer. Archiving ain’t as easy (or cheap) as it used to be, so we’re not archiving like we used to.

Over 1,500 North Carolinians subscribe to PTC News. Do you?

Sign on up!

Plucking some of the more interesting PTC newsletters, if only for history’s sake…

Are you blowing off work right now? That’s okay, I am too. Click below if you want to see our earliest correspondence — simply click on the index.html file within each folder. We sent out the first HTML newsletter in March of 2003.

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Panzanella, Carrboro’s community-owned Italian eatery, is celebrating North Carolina beer and food with a Monday night dinner.

The cost of this event is $40/person; space is limited, so reserve early. Please pay in advance and pick up a ticket for this tasting at either Panzanella or the Customer Service Desk at Weaver Street Market in Carrboro.

You can find additional discussion around the dinner on the Beerinator website.

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AUGUST 19, 4:00 — 8:00 P.M.

Sample from over 100 craft beers from around the world at the Greensboro Coliseum Pavilion. Free parking with advance purchase.

Visit the Summertime brews website for more information and to order tickets!

Comments are closed.

Interested in having a craft beer appreciation class for your next event? It’s fun, educational, and a guaranteed way to get people to show up! It is, after all, beer.

Inquire via the Pop The Cap contact form. We’d love to hear from you!


The "Always Fill Up With North Carolina Beer" shirts are back!

Please note: we have some remaining LARGE and XXL t-shirts. For large and XXL inquiries, please email me with your size and a preferred color or two, and I’ll check the ol’ inventory.


(click to see both sides)

Know someone who loves North Carolina beer? Is it you? The new Pop The Cap “always fill up” shirt could be just the thing.

Your purchase helps Pop The Cap continue to advocate for North Carolina and independent breweries!

Color
Size

 

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We’ll use Flickr to post pictures here.  Still figuring this out, but for now, here are some pictures of an Asheville event in 2004.

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Brand spankin’ new…and perhaps our best t-shirts yet. Support the beer scene in North Carolina through these vintage, worn Old Navy ringer tees. These are all men’s t-shirts that are very comfortable and soft and intentionally have some nicks around the collar. It’s a fun mix of a high-quality shirt with some decorative wear…and a vintage look.

Check out the front and back in this sample picture.

$18 plus a couple of bucks for shipping. Please support PTC’s ongoing efforts to promote and advocate craft beer in North Carolina.

NOTE: we have a mix of t-shirt colors and sizes. If you select a size that we’re out of, we’ll contact you to find an alternative, or refund your money. Your best chance of finding a size and color you like is to order now, as these shirts are in limited supply.

Select a size
Choose a color

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Here’s a set of pictures from one of our best events — if not *the* best event, a summer 2004 gathering in Asheville. I’m still playing around with Flickr, so hopefully this will work.
Pop the Cap 8-14-04 (51)

Pop the Cap 8-14-04 (50)

Pop the Cap 8-14-04 (42)

If you have any pictures from PTC or North Carolina beer gatherings, send them our way! Send an email to sean (at) popthecap.org.

One Response to “Pop The Cap photos”

    No, but seriously, what does Jonathan want? I’m very interested in more information about this, because it’s got me very curious about his needs and wants.


One Response to “North Carolina Beer Resources”

    […] PTC History |  Mission 2.0 |  Beer 201 |  Newsletter |  Links |  Contact   « CARRBORO: Meet Xavier Van […]

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Hello! I’m having some problems getting the new July Pop The Cap newsletter out to our 1,500 or so subscribers. It’s now online, so if you know a thing or two about RSS feeds, you should be able to receive this notice (and future posts) about Pop The Cap and beer in North Carolina.

Personally, I use Mozilla Thunderbird to manage my RSS feeds, blog subscriptions and PTC email. You can also use Firefox’s Live Bookmarks feature to keep up-to-date with new blog posts and RSS feeds.

Microsoft Outlook does not currently enable RSS or Atom feeds, but third-party solutions for Outlook are out there.

Anyway, here’s the July newsletter. Let us know what you think of the new look!

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Foothills Brewing in Winston-Salem announces their first-ever cask ale: Hoppyum IPA!
The brewery plans to tap a firkin every Friday, so head out to the big W-S on the 28th and show your support for their inaugural cask. Trivia: a firkin is an old English unit of volume used for cask ales. Volume-wise, it’s in-between a hogshead and a butt. I said “butt!”

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Ah, Flickr. I love you. But a simple task on your site turns into hours of browsing, much like my Aunt Flo on eBay after her afternoon Rob Roys.

Anyway, here are a few shots of the most excellent one-year celebration at Tyler’s in Carrboro. Many thanks to the event supporters, including Foothills, Highland, and French Broad breweries! And many thanks to Greg (the baker) Prospero for taking pictures of the toast!

We’re entering beer festival season, meaning that breweries (in particular) are really, really busy. It also means that there’s a lot of great beer-related events going on. SO…we at Pop The Cap going to support these events and plan our own functions in the more quiet months of the year. Look for 2007 membership information in the fall. In addition, we’ll be working on some publications and promotions to let people know all about the great breweries and beer businesses throughout the Old North State.

For now, many thanks to all of you who wrote letters, visited legislators and supported Pop The Cap. It’s been a great year.

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This Saturday!

Pop The Cap is very excited about this Saturday’s Raleigh Wide Open. In fact, we’ve sent out a press release to the local media announcing the fact that fourteen breweries and brewpubs — all from North Carolina — will be serving their beer at this event.

As far as we can tell, this represents the first time a beer festival has focused exclusively on North Carolina beer. It’s a good time to be a beer lover in the Old North State!

See you on the street!

The actual press release (PDF)

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This past Thursday, a sold-out crowd of 130 patrons filled the upstairs section of Chapel Hill’s Carolina Brewery for the brewery’s first North Carolina beer dinner.

More @ Flickr!

It was a wonderful evening. Brewer Jon “MC Hops” Connelly kept the crowd entertained and focused, and we heard from participating brewers Oscar Wong of Highland Brewing Company and Paul Phillapon of the Duck-Rabbit Craft Brewery.

A recap of the beer and food:

Appetizers
Sky Blue Golden Ale Battered Spicy Shrimp Rolls with Teriyaki Glaze
Giacomo’s Pigs in a Blanket with Whole Grain Duck Rabbit Milk Stout Mustard Sauce
Honey-Lavender Grilled Figs over Celebrity Farms Goat Cheese Canapes

Beers: a selection of Carolina Brewery, Highland, and Duck-Rabbit beers

Salad
Roasted Farmer’s Market Vegetable Napoleon with Fresh Mozzarella, Arugula Pecan Pesto, Grilled Radicchio with a To Hell ‘n’ Bock reduction.

Beer: Highland’s Gaelic Ale

Entree
Apricot Stuffed Pork Loin with Roasted Baby Beets and Braised Fennel. Veggies types received a Citrus Marinated Grilled Tofu with Apricot Chutney, beets and fennel.

Beer: Carolina Brewery’s To Hell ‘n’ Bock.

Dessert
Tiramisu-Sabayon- Counter Culture Dipped Lady Fingers, Fresh Fruit, DR Milk Stout Marscapone Cheese topped with Brulee Sabayon Sauce.

Beer: Duck-Rabbit’s Milk Stout.

Other beers on tap and not-to-be-missed: the Duck-Rabbit Baltic Porter (amazing) and the Highland Imperial Gaelic (yuh-huh, I ain’t kiddin’).

All for $30. Can’t beat that.

If you missed this event, Carolina Brewery is planning another one in October (I believe the 21st). If you were there, feel free to comment on the event or post pictures at the emerging Pop The Cap group on Flickr. I forgot my camera, so the pictures of Thursday’s event come courtesy of Robert “New Papa” Poitras at the Carolina Brewery.

Comments are closed.

A year later, I don’t like harping on the past. It’s so much more exciting to envision the here and now…and the future of craft beer in North Carolina.

But with ditties like this one…who can resist a trip down Nostalgia Alley?

Story courtesy of NC SPIN.

Kerr supporting his opponent?

Sometimes the stories about politicians seem almost too funny to be real, but one of our most reliable sources swears this one is the “Sunday School Gospel Truth.”

Todd Siebels is the Republican candidate challenging incumbent Senator John Kerr in District 5. It isn’t at all unusual that the two had not formally met, but a fundraiser for the Wayne County Sheriff appeared the perfect opportunity.

Wearing his “Seibels for Senate” campaign button, Todd decided the time was right and went over to Kerr, stuck out his hand and said, “Senator Kerr, I’m Todd Siebels and I’m running, so I thought I would say hello.” Kerr responded in the typical politician way by saying, “That’s great. It’s good to meet you and you can count on my support.” You could have knocked Siebels over with a pin. The stunned Siebels responded, “O really? You’re going to vote for me?” Without hesitation, Kerr said, “Yes, I sure will,” then paused and asked, “Now, who is it you are running against?”

“YOU,” retorted Siebels. We can only surmise Kerr’s reaction. We can understand candidates not paying attention to what their opponent is doing, but not even knowing his name?

Good luck, Senator Kerr! We’re voting just as you are.

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Tyler’s in Carrboro…celebration kicks off with a 7:30pm toast…stay for the music!

“Importing these specialty beers just cuts down on the production and jobs involved in producing North Carolina beer.”

Senator Jim Jacumin, July 2005

French Broad Wee Heavier

Highland Tasgall

Foothills Seeing Double IPA

What do these beers have in common? Two things: they’re the featured beers at tomorrow’s kick-off celebration at Tyler’s in Carrboro. And they weren’t produced last year.

Drink that, Senator Jacumin!

We’re going to celebrate a year of great beer tomorrow at Tyler’s in Carrboro. Join us at the Tyler’s bar for a 7:30pm toast with big beers from French Broad, Highland and Foothills. Then mosey on over to the Speakeasy for a great combination of Asheville music and Asheville beer!

Asheville’s French Broad Brewery will offer draft beer specials on their Wee Heavier, Goldenrod Pilsner, Marzen and White beer. In addition, the brewery is bringing along two great bands from the area: Woody Wood and Tyler Ramsey .

Details, for the summary-minded:

Saturday, August 12, Tyler’s Taproom in Carrboro
Pop The Cap celebration at 7:30pm at the bar
Music at the Speakeasy starts at 8pm ($4 cover)

You don’t have to hit the music scene to celebrate with Pop The Cap, but it’d be great if you were there! Support NC music and NC beer!

Comments are closed.

(From beerinator.com. I’ve had this beer and it is amazing.)

DUCK-RABBIT CRAFT BREWERY CELEBRATES 2ND ANNIVERSARY

Farmville, NC—The Duck-Rabbit Craft Brewery celebrates its second anniversary with a Pint Night at Raleigh’s Flying Saucer Draught Emporium on Wednesday, August 9, 2006.

The event unveils the brewery’s Duck-Rabbit Baltic Porter, third in a series of limited-release seasonal specialty beers. The Duck-Rabbit Baltic Porter is deep, rich and velvety soft. A full blooded roasty character is balanced by complex alcohol notes. Strong (9% alcohol by volume) yet unfailingly subtle, this special brew warrants sipping and savoring. Accolades abound in the brewing community as brewmaster and founder Paul Philippon’s distinguished portfolio of beers has expanded to include a series of seasonal specialties—the Duck-Rabbit Baltic Porter follows the Rabid Duck Russian Imperial Stout and Wee Heavy Scotch Style Ale.

Specializing in dark beers, the Farmville, North Carolina brewery entered the craft beer market in August of 2004, offering Duck-Rabbit Amber Ale, Duck-Rabbit Brown Ale, Duck-Rabbit Porter and Duck-Rabbit Milk Stout. Duck-Rabbit sales continue to climb throughout North Carolina, as well as South Carolina and Eastern Tennessee.

Event Details:

What: Duck-Rabbit Craft Brewery 2nd Anniversary Celebration. The first 120 pints sold will be served in take-home Duck-Rabbit logo glassware.

Where: Flying Saucer Draught Emporium, located at 328 West Morgan Street, in downtown Raleigh

When: 7pm on Wednesday, August 9, 2006.

Information: Contact Jay Wilson at 919.559.5091 or jwilson (at) duckrabbitbrewery.com

Website: www.duckrabbitbrewery.com

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We’re lining up events throughout August. First up is CARRBORO and WILMINGTON this Saturday! Please pass this along to your friends…we’re relying on word-of-mouth given how quickly this is coming up.
AUGUST 12th

A great combination of Asheville music and Asheville beer: Asheville’s French Broad Brewery will offer draft beer specials (including the French Broad Wee Heavier!). In addition, the brewery is bringing along two great bands from the area: Woody Wood and Tyler Ramsey.

Pop The Cap celebration at 7:30pm at the bar. Music at the Speakeasy starts at 8pm. $4 cover. You don’t have to hit the music scene to celebrate with Pop The Cap, but it’d be great if you were there! Support NC music and NC beer!

Stay tuned for events in other cities (Asheville, Winston-Salem and Charlotte). For now, we hope to see you in Carrboro or Wilmington!

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It’s Oktoberfest time! Enjoy over 250 beers from regional, national and international breweries.

You can purchase advance tickets for $25 at the Charlotte Oktoberfest website. The Carolina Brewmasters, hosts of this event for all eight years running, are limiting ticket sales to 5,000…so it promises to be a well-run, fun event.

Buy your tickets now!

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From PTC Triad leader Loki (a.k.a. Kipp):

Thursday - August 17, 2006
Tasting @ 6th And Vine
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
(336) 725-5577

Join Matt, Chuck and Tori of Magic Hat for an evening of fun, games and elixirs galore!! Come and see what the Best Tasting Beer on the Planet is all about!! Imbibe the refreshing #9, an ale brewed in secrecy and win yourself some great FREE Magic Hat prizes to call your own!! Cheers!!

6th and Vine is the first place in the Triad to have Magic Hat.

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When: Saturday, September 23, 2006
Where: Market Street in the Historic “Block”
Time: 12-7p.m.

From the Brewgrass Festival web site:
Each year in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina, we gather over 30 American breweries to showcase more than 100 different beers. We add a great lineup of national and regional bluegrass musicians that, in the past, has included such notables as Jimmy Martin, J.D. Crowe, The Osborne Brothers, Norman Blake, Tony Trischka, Bad Livers, Valerie Smith, Tony Furtado, Yonder Mountain String Band, and Sons Of Ralph. We also feature a variety of area food vendors and plenty of water.

Put all these things together and you have the ingredients for the perfect beer day.

Get your tickets or learn more about the festival!

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“In every pursuit, there are different levels of geekitude, and I use that fake word in the most affectionate sense. Take beer drinking. You’ve got the self-proclaimed beer monster who will drink the holy hell out of a keg–as long as it’s full of Bud Lite. Others ride a trajectory that goes something like Old Milwaukee to Michelob to Newcastle to Rogue to Dogfish Head.

Then there’s Jamie Guptill. He works at Durham beer mecca Sam’s Quick Shop, and he keeps a log in which he writes his impressions whenever he tries a new beer. He always brings his own beer to keg parties.”

For the full article, click here!

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Every Tuesday, Tir Na Nog in Raleigh is featuring Local Band, Local Beer. The first 100 people through the door receive a free pint glass, and local beers are only $2.50. I don’t know anything about the beers or the type of pint glasses.

This week’s band is Just the Snare? from, well, the Triangle. It’d be funny if they were from Syracuse or something.

I think this is very cool that Tir Na Nog is doing this. You should totally go. What else do you have going on Tuesday?

Yea, I’m talkin’ to you.

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This just in from the Carolina Brewery:

SECOND SEATING FOR FALL BEER DINNER

The 8PM seating for our Fall Beer Dinner on Saturday October 21st is almost sold out so we have decided to add a second seating at 5:30PM! The dinner will feature Carolina Brewery beers paired with a special menu prepared by Chef Forster, and will be a smaller more intimate event than our August NC Beer Dinner.The tickets for the early seating are $40 and we’re giving our Brew Crew members first crack at them before we begin selling to the general public. Call (919.942.1800), stop by, or email info@carolina brewery.com to get your tickets.

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These just in…

  1. Business article by Sue Stock on the lifting of the cap, one year later.
  2. “Life is good” beer lover article by Julie Johnson Bradford.

The one thing that I failed to mention to Ms. Stock is this: the beer selection is great, but I’m equally thrilled with the impact HB392 has had on a number of small- to medium-sized businesses. America is a nation of entrepreneurs, and it’s great to see a number of them flourish from the opening of this new market.

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Need we say more? It’s the big kahuna!

What’s a kahuna, anyway?

(mad rush to Google)

4 Responses to “World Beer Festival — Durham”

    Trying to find tickets to the World Beer Festival. I am new to the area and am anxious to attend. Where can I find tickets?

    Try the official \”Need WBF tickets\” thread on Beerinator.com:

    http://tinyurl.com/mz4r8

    OR, go the day of the event. You may luck out.

    OR, try raleigh.craigslist.com…though a lot more people are looking for tickets than selling them…

    Good luck,
    Sean

    World beer festival was outstanding. What a great time, but where was the polka band. Next year I hope they make those engraved bottle openers they give to the vendors available for sale to the public. I would loved to have had one (better than a T-shirt any day). Can’t wait for next year. I recommend it to anyone who loves beer and good fun.

    Wow, just have to say that this year’s WBF was the best that I’ve attended so far. Besides the weather cooperating (not slogging through the mud like last year), the tents and booths were laid out much better, giving a little more room to navigate. My new favorite beer is Navigator by Azalea Coast Brewery, Hadn’t had it before but will definitely have it anytime I can find it. Can’t wait until they get their sebsite up and running and until they start bottling so I can have it anytime I like.

PTC needs a few volunteers for the Cask Ale Tent at the October 7th World Beer Festival. If you serve the afternoon session, you get to attend the evening one for free. Same if you volunteer in the evening.

It’s easy, fun and air conditioned. Email me by the end of September if you’re interested.

Also, we have a new September newsletter. It’s freakin’ incredible.

ONE IMPORTANT NEWSLETTER CORRECTION: The Highland Imperial Gaelic sale will be at the new brewery in East Asheville, not Black Mountain. Yes, the new brewery is at the Blue Ridge Motion Pictures studio…*that’s* not a mistake.

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A great venue!The good folks of the Carolina Brewmasters continue to do a great job running the Charlotte Oktoberfest. Litttle touches made a huge difference: arranging the brewers by region (state and southern brewers on one side, other U.S. and international breweries on the other). Creative Loafing provided ping pong tables, foosball and big screen TVs showing football.

The venue was great — the expansive Memorial Stadium with lots of breathing / wandering room.

And of course it helps that it was a beautiful day outside — sunny, 75 degrees with a slight breeze.

Congratulations to the Carolina Brewmasters on a great event. Here are a few pictures of the event….enjoy! I sure did!

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Bearded and barefoot Magic Hat co-founder Alan Newman headlines this amazing beer dinner at the Raleigh Times. The dinner features five courses with at least five unique Magic Hat beers…and if you’ve had Chef Ashley Christensens’ gastropub cuisine, you know you’re in for a great evening.

The Times is opening this event to a mere 35 people. It will sell out. Call the Times for more information or to RSVP: (919) 833-0999.

2 Responses to “Raleigh: Magic Hat Beer Dinner, 7 P.M.”

    when is the event? what is the cost? help…I gotta be there!

    It was last night…a little confusing because of the calendar function. In the future, I will place the date of the event in the title of the posting. You can see that Oct. 2 is highlighted on the calendar, but I certainly can see how this post was confusing.

    Sorry you missed the event. I stopped by to say hello to a few people (including Alan Newman)…everyone was raving about the food. I’m sure The Raleigh Times will be putting on future beer events soon.

Spencer at City Beverage is holding a really cool beer dinner at his father-in-law’s vineyard, Elkin Creek Vineyard. The store is providing transportation to the vineyard, leaving City Bev at 5:45 and returning around 9:30. The dinner features Belgian (and Belgian-style) standouts Duvel, Ommegang and Rodenbach.

Call City Beverage at 336.722.2774 or email Spencer Davis with questions or to RSVP.

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On the Heels of their success with summertime North Carolina beer dinner, Carolina Brewery is offering a fall-time beer dinner that looks really good. Hors d’oeuvres a plenty, smoked carrot soup, chicken breast or pasta for the veggie types, and warm chocolate pudding cake…all paired with Carolina Brewery’s beers.

Tickets to the 8 P.M. seating sold out quickly but the brewery has added a 5:30 seating. Cost is $40 per person including all beer, food, tax, and tip and can be purchased via email, phone 919-942-1800, or in person at Carolina Brewery on 460 West Franklin Street in Chapel Hill.

Seating is open but parties of eight or more can request to be together. Vegetarians are welcome- please inform when tickets are purchased.

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Pop The Cap is hosting the North Carolina beer table at A Southern Season’s big tent event, “Taste of the State.” Come out and enjoy samples of:

  • Natty Greene’s TBD Ale (yes, as in “to be determined”)
  • Carolina Brewery Flagship IPA
  • Top of the Hill Leaderboard Lager and Ram’s Head IPA
  • Duck-Rabbit Milk Stout
  • Highland Gaelic Ale

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Haven’t met Garrett Oliver? You need to. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Garrett, but I haven’t had a meal that included two meat courses. You can do both at Ruth’s Chris in Charlotte in late October.

Mini Lump Crab Cakes & Shrimp Cocktail
Brooklyner Weisse

Salad-Beef Carpaccio with Romaine Hearts “Caesar” Brooklyn Oktoberfest

Fish-Pilsner-Battered Cod “Fish & Chips”
Brooklyn Pilsner

1st Meat-Lamb Chop with Goat Cheese Potato Gratin & Cippolini Veal Glace
Brooklyn Lager

2nd Meat-Petite Filet with Ruth’s Creamed Spinach & Mini-Loaded Potato
Brooklyn Brown Ale

Dessert-Chocolate Sin Cake with Raspberry Sauce
2005 Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout

The cost of the dinner is $75 per person plus tax and tip. Please call Ruth’s Chris for reservations: 704-556-1115.

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Held at the Regulator Bookshop in Durham:
Thursday, October 5, 2006, 7:00 p.m.
Maureen Ogle’s new book is Ambitious Brew: The Story of American Beer. Got beer? Ogle tracks the history of beer in America from the German immigrants of the 1840s to the microbreweries of the 1980s. There has never been a better time to explore the pleasures of fine beer, as today there well over a thousand breweries and brewpubs in the United States. Refreshments will be served!

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From the good folks at Duck-Rabbit:

“The Duck-Rabbit Craft Brewery will be featured at a beer dinner at Zely & Ritz, located in Raleigh’s Glenwood South, on Tuesday, October 24. There will be appearances by Duck-Rabbit’s Amber Ale, Brown Ale, Porter, Milk Stout, Wee Heavy Scotch Ale and Baltic Porter.

The menu looks to be incredible, and I’ll post it as soon as I have it in its final form.

For those not familiar with Zely & Ritz, here’s an excerpt from their website, www.zelyandritz.com

Zely & Ritz is all about fresh, organic, locally grown dishes served in tapas style small plates (so that you can order several and share). Chef Sarig’s food is intensely flavorful, beautifully presented and simply delicious. Sarig uses Mediterranean and Middle Eastern spices in unexpected ways with local organic ingredients (many from Richard’s own Coon Rock Farm) to create fantastic culinary works of art and as a Wine Spectator award winner, Nancy’s wine selections are the perfect complement to a fantastic meal.

I met with them today, and Chef Sarig has some great tricks up his sleeve. Mark your calendars (October 24) and make your reservations early, as they won’t seat more than 60 (you can make reservations from their website). I hope to see you there.

Menu when it’s finalized…”

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Oh yeah.

We kick off our state-wide tour celebrating the five GABF winners at Jujube restaurant in Chapel Hill. Chef Charlie Deal will offer a pan-Asian take on these five very diverse beers from five breweries (read the press release for more on the winners).

$55 all-inclusive, limited to 30 people. Attendees are asked to bring a silent auction item or two to support Pop The Cap. Email Sean at PTC with any questions - sean at popthecap.org.

One Response to “Chapel Hill: The Great North Carolina Beer Tour (Jujube, 7pm)”

    Sounds like a great time!

    Wish I could be there to celebrate with you guys!

Yea, I’ve heard it before. “Saxapawha’?” Well, if you haven’t been to Saxapahaw, you’re missing out…especially these days. With the restoration of the old mill halfway complete, Saxapahaw is a beautiful village with great people, rolling hills, and an awesome Saturday music series.

I’m very fond of Saxapahaw, having lived there for six years. Our daughters spent their formative years in the village and there are many a day when I regret having moved.

Anyway, BEER. The Saxapahaw Oktoberfest features great bands, a farmer’s market, activities for kids, food from The Barbeque Joint, and beer by Pop The Cap. The exact line-up of beer is to be determined, but expect it to be heavy on the local stuff.

For more information on the festival, visit the Rivermill home page.

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Greenshields Brewery & Pub Invites you to attend our first beer dinner
Featuring Highland Brewing Company beers paired in a five-course dinner

7 P.M. October 25, 2006

1077 Darrington Drive (Preston Walk at Darrington Drive and Cary Parkway)
Cary, North Carolina

$45 per person tax and grautity included

Limited Reservations — call 919-388-1599 to reserve your seat

The Menu:

Voodoo Prawns

Mexican sweetwater prawns sautéed in a cajun spice mix, garlic, herbs deglazed with a Gaelic Ale butter sauce.

Paired with Gaelic Ale .

Garden Salad

Mixed greens, calamata olives, cherry tomatoes, yellow teardrop tomatoes, goat cheese, cucumbers tossed in a roasted tomato St. Terese’s Pale Ale vinaigrette.

Paired with St. Terese’s Pale Ale

Tandoori Spiced Seared Salmon

Atlantic Salmon dredged in a tandoori spice mix and pan seared. Served with cilantro basmati rice and mango apricot chutney.

Paired with Kasmir India Pale Ale .

Blackened New Zealand Lamb Chops

Marinated in a herb-spiced Oatmeal Porter. Blackened, seared then topped with a creamy bleu cheese demi-glace sauce. Served atop a couscous cake and roasted spaghetti squash.

Paired with Oatmeal Porter .

Death by Chocolate

Homemade tart made with bitter sweet chocolate and topped with Mocha Stout whipped cream and sauce anglaise.

Paired with Black Mocha Stout .

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Oscar Wong from Highland Brewery will be hosting a Beer Dinner at ACME in Carrboro, NC on November 1st.
Call ACME for details: 110 E. Main St. • Carrboro, NC 27510 • (919) 929-ACME

Highland Dinner

$40 per person

St.Terese’s Pale Ale

Low Country Oyster Stew with Bacon and Leeks

Kashmir IPA

Flash Fried Black Grouper with Curried Slaw and Spiced Almonds

Gaelic Ale

Individual Chicken Pot Pie with Chicken Confit and Braised Pearl Onions

Oatmeal Porter

Wild Boar Confit with Goat Cheese Grits and Wild Mushrooms

Black Mocha Stout

Overnight Braised Beef Shortribs with Truffled Egg Noodles

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The Jujube community table

Originally uploaded by peeto teeto.

Chef Charlie Deal of Jujube pulled off an amazing evening…probably the most inventive beer dinner I’ve ever been to.

The five GABF winners each stood out with some amazing pan-Asian food, and the 24 people who attended the evening all seemed to have a good time.

Here are some pictures of the evening. Be sure to join us on Wednesday, November 8th at the Carolina Brewery in Chapel Hill or Wednesday, November 15th at Natty Greene’s in Greensboro!

I believe we will have another round of dinners after Thanksgiving, hitting Asheville, the Coast and Charlotte. We will have to substitute the Foothills Baltic Porter for a different Foothills beer, as they are simply out of this popular and limited-edition brew. But it’s Foothills…it’s not like you can go wrong with Jamie and his crew.

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Last Wednesday was our most successful PTC(v2) function yet, with over $2,000 raised to support awareness of North Carolina and independent breweries. Hosts Chris Lester and Kayne Fisher of Natty Greene’s in Greensboro brought in a crowd of over 50 people — this good audience combined with some amazing auction items resulted in a not-to-miss evening for the Triad. Hey, I even saw the news media there!

Pop The Cap is incredibly grateful to the entire staff of Natty Greenes: Chris, Kayne, Drew, Trevor, Chris D. and our servers, Heather and Jody. I personally had a great time…my only regret is that I didn’t take more pictures!

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See the front page for all the details!

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Pop The Cap’s Great North Carolina Beer Tour continues with a dinner at the GABF-winning Natty Greene’s Brewing Company! We’re still working on the menu and the pricing. The dinner will be buffet style and will feature food paired with these five wonderfully diverse beers.

$50 per person includes tax, tip, food and beer. Call (336) 274-1373 to RSVP.

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Yep indeed, we had a wonderful time at last night’s GABF beer dinner, hosted by the Carolina Brewery. The brewery, as you may recall, won gold for their English-style IPA. Pop The Cap gathered the other NC winning beers for this event, and then let the Carolina Brewery take care of the rest.

The food was great, the auction items were excellent, and the company was superb. Oh, and the beers kicked booty. Many thanks to Robert, Jon, Thomas and Matt of the Carolina Brewery for putting this event together.

More pictures here!

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THE RABID DUCK IS BACK!

Milltown in Carrboro will play host to the release party for this year’s Duck-Rabbit Russian Imperial Stout.

This Pint Night Party is set for Saturday, February 10, at 8pm.

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Enjoy family-style comfort food and an amazing selection of Belgian, English and American winter ales. What else are you going to do on a lonely Tuesday midwinter?

Location: Ever Which Way in Cary (a new restaurant on the corner of Cary Parkway and Tryon Road, just south of 1/64).
Time: 7 P.M.
Cost: $35 plus tax and tip.
To RSVP: call the restaurant at 919-233-5332

Tonight’s beer selections:

Reception
St. Louis Framboise
Brouwerij Van Honsebrouck, Belgium
Dinner
Gouden Carolus Ambrio
Brouwerij Het Anker, Belgium

Brother David’s Triple
Anderson Valley Brewing
Boonville, CA

People’s Porter
Foothills Brewing Company
Winston-Salem, NC

Bell’s Porter
Bell’s Brewery
Kalamazoo, MI

Indian Brown Ale
Dogfish Head Craft Brewery
Milton, DE

Peg Leg Imperial Stout
Clipper City Brewing Company
Baltimore, MD

Dessert

Samichlaus Bier
Brewery Castle Eggenberg
Austria

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5 courses, 5 beers, Menu to be announced, tickets are $12!

Contact Earth Fare for ticket info:
828-263-8138

Something to say?

The first Pop The Cap beer dinner at Table in Charlotte has sold out, so Chef Gene Briggs has added a second dinner. Due to the awful weather this week throughout much of North Carolina, this second dinner has been moved to Thursday, 2/8. A few seats remain — but RSVP quickly, as both dinners as originally planned were sold out. Chef Gene has quite a reputation.

Yours truly, Sean Wilson of PTC, will be there for this second dinner.

We’ll have plenty of beer, so come on out!

Details:
Thursday, February 2
6:30 seating
$50 plus tax and tip ($10 per seat goes to support Pop The Cap)

See http://www.tablecharlotte.com/tablespecialevents.html for the menu and directions.

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Devon from Dogfish Head will be hosting a dinner at Milltown Jan. 9th, 8pm.
$50/person plus tax and tip

Lite Asian mushroom soup w/ 60 min.
Chicken and fennel salad with ruby red grapefruit supremes and citrus vinaigrette w/ 90 min.
Mini Korean pork ribs with spicy eggplant w/ Raison D’Etre
Braised lamb shanks with whipped sweet potato mash and wilted escarole w/ Indian brown ale

DFH Fort also makes an appearance!

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Earthfare South in Asheville will feature The Duck-Rabbit Craft Brewery for their upcoming January beer dinner.

Five beers and five courses for $25.

Location: Earthfare South-1856 Hendersonville Road, in Asheville
Date: Thursday, January 11, 2007
(6-8pm)

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The brewers of The Duck-Rabbit Craft Brewery want to ski with you.

On Friday, January 12, we’ll be at Hawksnest, and on Saturday, January 13, we’ll be at Beech Mountain. Come out for a day of slopes and an evening of pints. Meet the brewmaster, talk beer and ski your legs tired. Then head over to the lodge to warm up and have a pint of the Duck-Rabbit—and take the glass home with you.

Friday, January 12 @ Hawksnest (ski all day; brewers at The Nest Bar and Grill at 4pm)

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The Duck-Rabbit Tour de Slopes:

The brewers of The Duck-Rabbit Craft Brewery want to ski with you.

On Friday, January 12, we’ll be at Hawksnest, and on Saturday, January 13, we’ll be at Beech Mountain. Come out for a day of slopes and an evening of pints. Meet the brewmaster, talk beer and ski your legs tired. Then head over to the lodge to warm up and have a pint of the Duck-Rabbit—and take the glass home with you.

Saturday, January 13 @ Beech Mountain (ski all day; brewers at The Beech Tree at 3pm)

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JANUARY 17th: Come out and join your fellow Triad BAs for our fourth monthly gathering. This time it’s back to Winston-Salem for a fun little crawl down 4th Street. We’ll start with a pint and/or pie at the Mellow Mushroom. Then it’s off to Recreation Billiards for the next stop (and Rabid Duck on-tap!). We’ll finish up at Foothills with more beer and/or food.

The fun starts at 6:00. If you’re late, start at MM and head down 4th until you catch up to the party. Beermail BA hoppedup (http://beeradvocate.com) with any questions.

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Carolina Brewery in Chapel Hill is tapping their barleywine January 22nd from 5:00 - 6:30. This is technically for the CB’s Brew Crew, so you should sign up to learn more:

http://carolinabrewery.com

Something to say?

Tuesday, January 23rd
Two Seatings 6:00 pm and 8:30 pm

Details coming soon…this is a fundraiser for Pop The Cap. More importantly, this should be an amazing beer and food event.

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The Kitchen at Elkin Creek and City Beverage of Winston-Salem are joining up to bring Dogfish Head Craft Brewery in for a once in a lifetime beer dinner!

318 Elkin Creek Mill Road
Elkin, North Carolina
6:30 p.m.

Menu, Pricing and Transportation info coming soon!

For more information, please call Spencer at City Beverage (336-722-2774).

Something to say?

Pop The Cap and Table Restaurant & Bar invites you to attend our first beer dinner featuring award winning North Carolina beers from last year’s Great American Beer Festival.

Executive Chef Gene Briggs has paired these beers in a delightful five course dinner.

Limited Reservations.
Call to reserve your space today.

January 31st @ 6:30 p.m.
$50 per person (tax & gratuity not included)
Call 704.369.5170 to RSVP

Jumbo Lump Crab and Avocado Salad
Over a tabouleh and crisp “lavosh “ salad with a yuzu dressing.
Sunfest Lager ~ Hams Restaurant and Bar, Greenville NC

Tasting of Blue Point Oysters
Crispy fried with a chili garlic remoulade baked with panceatta and sweet onion,
served raw with a jalapeno lime mignonette.
Indian Pale Ale ~ Carolina Brewery, Chapel Hill NC

Duo of Wild Boar
Grilled tenderloin and shoulder braised with cocoa over butternut squash gnocchi topped with braising juices and a huckleberry marmalade.
Old Town Brown ~ Natty Greens Brewing Co., Greensboro NC

Certified Angus Beef Short Ribs Braised in Porter
Over potatoes boulangeir and winter vegetables
topped with reduced braising juices.
People’s Porter ~ Foothills Brewing, Winston Salem NC

Tasting of Milk Chocolate Dessert
Duck Rabbit Milk Strout ~ Duck Rabbit Craft Brewery, Farmville NC

Cheese Tasting
Chef Gene Briggs favorite selection.

Comments are closed.

nope

 

Try again!

Or simply learn more about the event.

Something to say?

FRIDAY at Tyler’s…

BEER
Stone IPA
Stone Arrogant Bastard
Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA
Oskar Blues Old Chub
Oskar Blues Dale’s Pale Ale
Great Divide Brewery Hercules Double IPA
Great Divide Yeti Imperial Stout
Avery Brewing IPA
Avery Brewing Hog Heaven
Butte Creek Rev X Imperial IPA
Butte Creek Mateveza Yerba Mate Ale
Left Hand Milk Stout
Left Hand Juju Ginger
Port Brewing Hop 15 Double IPA
Ballast Point DIPA
Green Flash West Coast IPA

FOOD
Chips/Salsa/Guacamole
Beer and Quesa dip
Aforementioned jalapeño poppers
Assorted cheeses
Lime-marinated skirt steak

Durham: BEER EVENT ONLY ($25 flat)

 

TICKETS REMAIN….PLEASE PAY AT THE DOOR.

 

Durham: BEER EVENT and BULLS GAME

 

 

 

SOLD OUT.


 

SATURDAY at Bruisin’ Ales…

Stone IPA
Stone Arrogant Bastard
Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA
Oskar Blues Old Chub
Oskar Blues Dale’s Pale Ale
Great Divide Brewery Hercules Double IPA
Great Divide Yeti Imperial Stout
Avery Brewing Salvation
Left Hand Juju Ginger
Ska Nefarious Ten Pin Porter
Port Brewing Hop 15 Double IPA
Ballast Point DIPA
Green Flash West Coast IPA

Asheville: BEER EVENT ($10 pre-pay) — $15 at the door

TICKETS REMAIN….PLEASE PAY AT THE DOOR.

Something to say?

Twenty-five people braved 60 degree weather and a trek into Cary for an amazing meal at Ever Which Way. Here are some pictures, and below is the list of beers we enjoyed.

Many thanks to Bruce Wright of Wetten Imports and Chef Michael of Ever Which Way. And to all those who came out to support PTCv2 and fill yourselves with good food and beer. I hope you had as much fun as I did.

Doug and Mark after some Samichlaus

Reception
St. Louis Framboise
Brouwerij Van Honsebrouck, Belgium

Dinner

Gouden Carolus Ambrio
Brouwerij Het Anker, Belgium

Brother David’s Triple
Anderson Valley Brewing
Boonville, CA

People’s Porter
Foothills Brewing Company
Winston-Salem, NC

Bell’s Porter
Bell’s Brewery
Kalamazoo, MI

Indian Brown Ale
Dogfish Head Craft Brewery
Milton, DE

Peg Leg Imperial Stout
Clipper City Brewing Company
Baltimore, MD

Dessert

Samichlaus Bier
Brewery Castle Eggenberg
Austria

Something to say?

From the good folks at Bruisin’ Ales…

This Thursday, we’re sampling the under-the-radar beers of Unibroue. This FREE tasting from 4:00-6:00 p.m. will be held in collaboration with Tryon Distributing. On the tasting menu: Ephemere, Chambly Noire, Don de Dieu … and the just-released-last-week … Unibroue “16″.

See you there. Cheers!

**********************

Bruisin’ Ales
66 Broadway Street, Suite 1
Asheville, NC 28801
t: 828 / 252-8999
f: 828 / 252-8991

www.bruisin-ales.com

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Attendance mandatory for graduating seniors. No, not really! But we do expect up to 300 Duke seniors at this fun, informative seminar and tasting. We’ll cover some myths about beer, sample some great local beer as well as a few international favorites.

Lesson 1: Fresh and local is always a solid choice
Guilford Golden Ale
Natty Greene’s Pub & Brewing Co., Greensboro, NC

Lesson 2: Beer is a seasonal beverage
ApriHop
Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, Milton, DE

Lesson 3: Canned beer can be great beer
Old Chub Scottish-Style Ale
Oskar Blues Brewery, Lyons CO

Lesson 4: Great food deserves a great beer
Saison duPont
Brasserie Dupont, Tourpes-Leuze, Belgium
Courtesy of Vanberg & DeWulf and All Good Brands

Lesson 5: Know your hops
90 Minute IPA
Dogfish Head Craft Brewery , Milton, DE
– or –
“Heavy Seas” Loose Cannon Hop3 Ale
Clipper City Brewing Company, Baltimore, MD

Lesson 6: Shock your boss…order a beer for dessert
Storm King Imperial Stout
Victory Brewing Company , Downingtown, PA
– or –
Kalamazoo Stout
Bell’s Brewery, Kalamazoo, MI

Huge thanks to the following North Carolina distributors and importers:
Tryon Distributing
All Good Brands
Long Beverage

And, of course, major props to the breweries themselves. They deserve your support.

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From Jamie and Scott of Foothills…

Come celebrate inside and out with a 20′x50′ tent outside/ Fourth St blocked, tent pouring from approx. 4:00. Come help us set a record–can we beat the 2500 pints we poured on March 17,2005??? 10 beers will be flowing all night inside with four outside.


Foothills Brewing

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Free beer at Bruisin’ Ales, tasting thanks to Newcross Distributing!

Stop by and sample these fine gems:

EKU Pilsner (Germany)
Gavroche (French red farmhouse ale)
Wee Beast (Scotch ale, Scotland)
Goliath (Tripel, Belgium).

Tasty stuff!

***************
Bruisin’ Ales
66 Broadway Street, Suite 1
Asheville, NC 28801
t: 828 / 252-8999

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From the Big Boss (formerly Edenton) Brewery:

Alright, so here’s the deal. We’ve got this beer called the Horniblows Tavern. It’s an English ale. Some of you may be familiar with it. So about a month ago we decided to put it in a cask with some hops and some other things. And then we let it sit. Haven’t touched it, just stared at it a lot. Well we think it’s time to drink it now,and we we’re hoping to get a little help. So I was wondering,is there anyone out there willing to help us drink this beer? If so, be at the tavern on Thursday. We’re tapping the cask promptly at 6 p.m., so be here, ready to drink. For those of you who came out for the last one, you know how quick the cask will kick. 1 hour, 15 mins for the last one, if i’m not mistaken! So come out this Thursday and get yourself some real ale! I’ll see you then!

CHEERS!
-Jonny

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$45 per person
“A gastronomic exploration of fine cuisine and carefully crafted beers with Chef Ben Sullivan and Cabell Philpott of Foothills”

RSVP @ 336.230.2253 or chef@ganachebakery.com

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Foothills Brewing Beer Tasting
Date: March 29
Time: 6:00pm

PRIMEXECS presents
Foothills Brewing Beer Tasting
With Brewmaster Jamie Bartholomaus
$29.99++ (plus tax and gratuity)

Raise your beer steins high as you toast with your friends at this fun evening, hosted by PRIMEXECS, “A Network of Developing Professionals.” Foothills’ Brewmaster Jamie Bartholomaus will explain his hand-crafted beers, as you enjoy tasting five beers. In addition, Executive Chef Gabe has paired each beer specifically with a four-course meal for your enjoyment.

Foothills Brewing opened its doors in downtown Winston-Salem in 2004 and is one of the most up-and-coming establishments in the Triad. Their beers are brewed fresh with the finest ingredients to ensure a high quality tasting experience. “We believe drinking truly fresh beer is one of the greatest pleasures in life.” - Jamie Bartholomaus, Brewmaster at Foothills Brewing

Menu:

Welcome Beer
Torch Pilsner

Pilot Mountain Pale Ale
Pan-seared Quail with a Sweet Chili Sauce

Hurricane Hefeweizen
Arugula with Sundried Tomato, Lemon, and Calamari

People’s Porter
4oz NY Strip Roulade with Asparagus, Sweat Potato Fries, and a Foothills People’s Porter Reduction

Seeing Double IPA
Club-made Raspberry Espresso Ice Cream, with a Foothills Seeing Double IPA drizzle

For reservations, please call 336-724-7077.

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April 28th 2007

Downtown Raleigh, NC
Moore Square
1st Session: 12 noon to 4 pm
2nd Session: 6 pm to 10 pm

More information

Beerinator forum discussion

Beerinator / PTC / If-you’re-reading-this-you’re-invited meetups:
First Session — 1:30 pm at the All About Beer tent
Second Session — 6:30 pm at the All About Beer tent

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The CARBOY homebrew competition is almost upon us (happening Saturday, March 24), and I want to make sure all on this list are invited to enter beers and volunteer as judges or stewards. Please sign up on the website. Registration has begun and runs through 3/17. We need all the local judges and stewards that we can get!

If you haven’t been involved in a competition before, they are interesting, fun and semi-educational. History would say we should expect about 300 entries.

More detailed info here — http://www.hbd.org/carboy/shamrock.htm

Cheers!

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Over 20 beer events in 8 days, this is a concentrated beerapalooza in the Queen City. Tons of educational and recreational events centered around better beer. Impressive stuff!

2 Responses to “CHARLOTTE BEER WEEK

    I signed up and paid for two tickets to the beer crawl on Sat, APR 14 for Eric and Jeanette Smith. I do not have a confirmation or tickets. Please tell me how I get the tickets, what time it starts, and where to meet. etc.
    Thank you,
    Jeanette Smith

    Jeanette,

    I\\\’m not managing the event, but I did notice a few facts on the Beer Week website. See below.

    I\\\’ll email my contact in Charlotte to see where the meeting place is and will update the blog when he writes back.

    INFO
    Location: Uptown Charlotte
    Date: Saturday 4/14/07
    Time: 7pm-1am

    EDIT: The organizer indicated that the group will meet at CANS.
    Please select the “will call’ option on the order form.
    Tickets are reserved for pick-up at the event.

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Deidre of Oskar Blues pours tasty beer. For you.

Dale'sOld Chub

– Friday, June 29, 5 - 7 pm: Good Beer Store, Chapel Hill

– Saturday, June 30, 12 - 2pm: Total Wine, the mystery area known as Brier Creek

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The Raleigh Times presents an evening with Dogfish Head Craft Brewed Ales — TONIGHT – Wednesday April 25th 2007. Six Courses tailored to six beer selections.

Seating beings at 6:30 and the 1st course is served at 7pm. $39 per person plus tax and gratuity. Whoop whoop! That’s a great deal!

dogfish

Featured Dogfish Head beers
Indian Brown Ale
Raison d’etre
Midas Touch
60 Minute IPA
90 Minute IPA
Aprihop

For reservations email david@raleightimesbar.com or call David at 919.833.0999. The Raleigh Times is located at 14 E. Hargett Street in downtown Raleigh.

(p.s. I do not know anything about the food)

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Lawn Darts!

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From the Bruisin’ Ales blog:

Thursday’s tasting in collaboration with Chad Walker of Freedom Beverage will showcase the beers of Weyerbacher from Easton, PA. Stop by our humble storefront this Thursday, April 5, anytime between the hours of 4:00 and 6:00pm to try a four-flight of these beers:

Hops Infusion
: “Hops Infusion is loaded with piney, citrusy notes, much hops complexity, and a strong foundation of malt underneath it all.” (6.2% ABV)

Blithering Idiot: Aside from being the best beer name ever, this barley wine is brewed “true to European style guidelines” with a flavor “on the malty side, yet not overly sweet.” (11.1% ABV)

Old Heathen Imperial Stout
: “Quite robust and roasty on the palate, Old Heathen imperial stout has a wonderfully fruity nose and a moderately dry finish. The taste is highly complex—perhaps you’ll even discern notes of espresso or chocolate.” (8.0% ABV)

QUAD: “Grand Champion in 2000, and again in 2004 at the United States Beer Tasting Championship, Weyerbacher QUAD is the first quadrupel style beer to be commercially brewed and bottled in the United States.” One of our favorite brews ever! (11.8% ABV)

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It’s the first ever Craft Beer Lawn Darts festival!

Lawn Darts!

One Response to ““Craft Beer Lawn Darts” Festival!”

    You had me going. I wanted to go to this event so badly. I was in the back yard all month practicing my drunken lawn dart toss. It took a while and several trips to the emergency room, but I thought I was ready for the big tourney. I can’t believe this thing wasn’t real. You’ll be hearing from my attorney (not really, of course).

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From BeerPimp on Beerinator.com

Dustin from Terrapin will be at Sam’s Quick Mart on Friday 4/6 from 4pm-6pm. Come join him and try the Rye-Squared, if you haven’t already.
Cheers!

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From the Bruisin Ales blog:

This Thursday, we’re doing a fantastic Belgian line-up with Millennium Beverage—the last three of which are brand new to North Carolina. On this week’s menu:

· Troubadour Blonde: Your first experience, while sipping the BLOND, will be a refreshing, sparkling effect on your tongue, followed by a mild bitterness enhanced by a spiciness that finishes with a sweeter sensation. A good nose recognizes the hops, in combination with fruity esters.

· Bier du Boucanier Red: The RED is easily considered a double in strength, and burst open with a full fruit candy like flavor, offset by a dry hoppy-ness, perfectly balanced. You could also categorize it as a strong amber ale.

· Bornem Triple: Golden shining and soft feeling in the mouth; perfectly balanced taste; full body and heart warming, a splendid aroma, tickling in the nose; hoppy dry long finish. You can age the Bornem Triple for many years, just like wine.

· Leute Bok: “Leute” means joy in Flemish, and “bok” is of course the “he-goat.” Leute Bok ale is a dark red heavy beer, top fermented and refermented in the bottle. The aroma and taste is unique and striking, not too sweet, but full and smooth on the tongue. The “official” denomination of the style is “Double Bock”, since it is over 7% alcohol by volume.

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From HickoryHops.com, the official web site.

“Hickory Hops, the fifth rendition of downtown Hickory NC’s annual beer festival, takes place on Union Square on Saturday, April 21st.

Although Asheville and Charlotte have had fests for years, in only its fourth year this is already an up-and-coming event for our humble burg. Hickory Hops is being planned and organized by the Hickory Downtown Development Association and hosted by Olde Hickory Brewery.

A beer festival is a celebration of beer, a gathering of the brewing clans. With brewers on hand to answer questions, it’s an opportunity for the beer neophytes and curious to learn and enjoy. A variety of beer, spanning almost every style, will be available. Don’t let the selection overwhelm you, there can be a method to this tasting madness.

Hickory Hops’ tasting glasses are sized, small, to encourage variety. Take advantage of the fest environment to try different beers. Sample as many as you are comfortable with. In order to try more beers, ask for half a glass. You can always get another. Taste a beer by taking at least two sips. Then decide whether it’s a flavor profile that you like. If it doesn’t make your taste buds sing, determine what flavor in that beer was objectionable. If you don’t feel like drinking more of that beer, empty your glass into the nearest dump bucket. Make note of the distasteful style of beer (usually provided as part of the beer’s name, such as Pale Ale, Brown Ale, Stout, etc). When you try another of that same style, look for the same unwelcome tastes. You may just not care for a particular style of beer. That’s okay - there are over 56 different styles to choose from.”

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You picked the right Lee Chase! (Or you scrolled over the images until you figured it out…we won’t tell).

Lee sure has a lot of different looks. But one thing is pretty consistent: in his nine years as Head Brewer of Stone, Lee created and co-created some of the best examples of high-hopped, bold West Coast beers out there. The kind of beers that make the punchline to “Why is American beer like making love in a canoe?” more an indictment of the joke-teller than a reflection of reality.

Want some Stone? Interested in talking to Lee about what it was like to work for the fastest-growing brewery in the United States?
Join Lee Chase and Pop The Cap president Sean Wilson for a West Coast-style beer tasting. We’ll be pouring Stone IPA, Stone Arrogant Bastard, and a whole lot of other hoppy beers. Beer list so far:

Stone Arrogant Bastard
Stone IPA

Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA…on the Randall!
California & Colorado beers from the good folks at Hart!
Oskar Blues — Dale’s Pale Ale
Oskar Blues — Old Chub

Both events are limited to 100 people. If you’re interested in joining Lee, Sean, and a bunch of fellow beer lovers for a Bulls game immediately following the beer tasting on the 24th, we have a total of 25 game tickets available.

The Beauty of Bitter
Friday, August 24th 5:00 — 7:00 P.M.
Tyler’s Taproom, Durham
$25 a person (beer event only), $33 (beer and a Bulls ballgame)
Lots of beer and lots of food

West Meets East
Saturday, August 25th 2:00 — 5:00 P.M.
Bruisin’ Ales, Asheville
$10 a person ($15 day of the event)
Lots of beer and light food

 

Durham: BEER EVENT ONLY ($25)


 

Durham: BEER EVENT and BULLS GAME ($33)


 

Asheville: BEER EVENT ($10)


Proceeds for both events support FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge, a 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to preserving and protecting the Blue Ridge Parkway, a national treasure. FRIENDS programs focus on preservation, protection and education. Funds for these events will be specifically targeted to supporting a new FRIENDS administrative position in Asheville to increase youth participation and interest in preserving the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway.

One Response to “Correct!”

    […] simply learn more about the […]

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Julie Bradford passed along this article to me. The writer does a great job of capturing the risks and uncertainty surrounding the August (not April) 2005 lifting of the cap, as well as the current state of the market. Big props to author Tanner Kroeger and to John Shuck of the Carolina Brewing Company.

technician

Local beer brewers embrace new legal limit
As of April (sic) 2005, NC can sell beer containing up to 15 percent alcohol — a change that has created new opportunities for breweries
Tanner Kroeger
Issue date: 4/17/07 Section: News

John Shuck knows beer. He’s a connoisseur, one might say. Sure, he started as an electrical engineer, working five years at a firm in Los Angeles, Calif., but after that, his life has been all about beer.

He worked in a microbrewery in Seattle, Wa. He also took classes in beer making in Chicago, Ill. And in July 1995, the then 29-year-old packed up his things and moved to Holly Springs, N.C., where he and his younger brother Greg teamed with their college-buddy, Joe Zonin, founded Carolina Brewing Company.

Twelve years and nearly 100,000 kegs of beer later, John, Greg and Joe operate one of North Carolina’s most successful microbreweries.

But it’s been an interesting three years for beer makers in the state. Amid trying to overturn a 70-year-old prohibition holdover law that limited alcohol by volume, some of the microbreweries faced a boycott of their distributor and saw profits take a substantial hit as a result.

And now that the law is changed and the boycott ended, North Carolina’s beer-making industry is starting to develop itself, catching up to the best in the nation.

Read the full article

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Hey hey hey whadda say! Without too much hand-wringing or difficulty, South Carolina lifted its 5% ABW cap this week. The governor may sign the bill, just as NC governor Mike Easely did back in August of 2005.

ptcsc

The effort to lift the cap in SC was not nearly as difficult as in North Carolina. Seemingly it gets easier each time around. The exception to the rule? Our good friends in Alabama, who are incredibly well-organized and are having a struggle getting through the legislature.

Cheers to PTC-SC, and continued best wishes to Free the Hops in Alabama.

One Response to “Congratulations to Pop The Cap South Carolina!”

    And thanks to you Sean for all your help. I would have been lost with out your guidance. Boy, do I need to buy you a beer (or 12)! Hope to see you soon.

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Cary’s “Lazy Daze,” an August art festival, is adding a beer garden. A nonprofit called the Sister Cities Association plans to use the funds from the sale of beer to support its cultural exchange initiatives with Cary’s four international sister cities.

cary

OH NOS! Cary is going to have buh-ear at a family festival! EVERYONE PANIC! Here is a sampling of some letters to the editor from both the Cary News and the Raleigh News and Observer. Names withheld.

Would someone please explain to me the need, not the desire, for beer to be available at Lazy Daze? Just the thought of adults wanting to make preteens and teens aware that alcohol is an accepted beverage is beyond me. Can so-called “responsible adults” not see how alcohol is the reason for broken homes, job loss, abuse, financial probjems, health issues, incurable diseases, automobile accidents and other accidents that cause injury and death to both innocent and guilty people?

(Yes, I am — and you are — merely a “so-called ‘responsible adult.’” While we’re at it, let’s ban cars because they cause accidents to innocent and guilty people. And cell phones. Oh, and coffee — you know, because that old woman one time burned herself from McDonald’s coffee.)

(continued)My husband and I have always maintained the following standard in our home: If the beverage we consume can’t be given to a toddler then we don’t put it to our lips. Our beverages consist of milk, juice, tea, coffee, soft drinks and Cary Lazy Daze delicious apple cider, but never alcohol. This is our standard also in restaurants or any social function.

(Er, you recommend toddlers drink coffee and soft drinks, but *I’m* irresponsible?)

A new one:

I see no value in having a beer garden at our Lazy Daze festival. We are experiencing many tragedies produced by alcohol. Many of our families, churches and schools are making efforts to discourage the consumption of alcohol. I feel our town leaders need to do the same. A beer garden lends nothing to the uniqueness and wholesomeness of this family-oriented event. I oppose the proposed beer garden and I encourage the Lazy Daze Committee to reject it.

(Let’s demonize, hide, and mystify beer! The kids will never know it exists! So much better than, say, integrating it into our lives as a healthful, enjoyable beverage.)

One last letter:

How many years before some group petitions for a little nudity nook, cocaine corner or a topless place like the one just around the corner, which came while Cary slept. We are awake now, and we have options. Keep pushing. You will learn this has more opposition than you might think.

No comment on that one.

Some people have problems with beer, and alcohol in general. And tragically, some have lost family members at the hands of irresponsible drinkers, which pains me to no end.

People have the right to express their opposition — you know, the whole “free country” thing. But the hyperbole and fear is just plain goofy. Thankfully, residents have written letters of support to news outlets. And the festival organizers are creating a beer garden that will respect beer, have excellent security and oversight, add value to the festival, and provide needed funds to a local nonprofit.

Relax, City of Anxious Residents Yammering. Some of y’all worry too much.

One Response to “Beer and Loathing in Cary”

    […] in several states. And there is Cary, North Carolina. Sean Wilson, from Pop the Cap, posted this not long ago. I happen to know Sean. While he spearheaded the North Carolina bid to nix the abv […]

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Friday, May 18 from 7-9 p.m. Representatives from Magic Hat will be in attendance.

Course I: Havarti with Hocus Pocus
Hocus Pocus Tasting Notes: Hocus Pocus is our summer focus. It is our toast to weeds, rays and summer haze. A salute to catching lazy fly balls and communing with nature. Hocus is a light filtered wheat which we recommend be served with a wedge of orange as a sacrifice to cloudless days.

Course II: Mild goat cheese with Circus Boy Hefeweizen
Circus Boy Tasting Notes: An American Style Hefeweizen or unfiltered wheat beer Circus Boy is unfiltered and unfettered HE’S ALIVE!! American in style due to the clean finish with just a subtle hint of lemongrass Circus Boy uses weistephan yeast and is an amazingly refreshing hefeweizen.

Course III: #9 or not quite pale ale with pepper jack
#9 Tasting Notes: When you first sample this not quite pale ale it’s mysterious and unusual palate will swirl across your tongue and ask more questions than it answers. Brewed clandestinely and given a name whose meaning has never been revealed when asked why #9 our response is why indeed! A traditional English style pale ale with a subtle sweet twist.

Course IV: Mystery beer with gorgonzola and walnut salad
Mystery Beer Tasting Notes: The Summer Mystery Beer 007 is a medium bodied pale ale performance with a big bite and bigger taste.

ENTER AT THE DOOR TO WIN TICKETS TO AN UPCOMING SUMMER VARIETY SHOW FEATURING MAGIC HAT AND THE BINDLESTIFF FAMILY CIRCUS

This is a free event.

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This page is possible thanks to the sheer, mad genius that is Jonathan Surratt, creator of the Beer Mapping Project and one of the founding leaders of Pop The Cap. Jonathan is a native North Carolinian, currently living it up and causing trouble in Chicago.

I love this page. It combines useful information with entrepreneurial creativity. Raise your beer to Jonathan…once you’ve found the beer you’re looking for!

Triangle beer map

Asheville

Charlotte

The Triad

For coastal and rural maps…and to see all that North Carolina has to offer, check out the NC Beer Map.

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Raleigh Wide Open II

Three stages of live entertainment throughout the day

Microbrewery Beer Tasting Tent Sample a variety of NC microbreweries. Purchase a $10 beer passport and receive 8 sample pours and a souvenir cup to enjoy the beers

Wine Tasting Tent Mutual Distributing Company offers a diverse selection of wine. 4 countries represented through 9 varietals. We will have wine consultants on hand to answer all of your questions. You can purchase a $10 passport to enjoy 4 sample pours.

Over 30 restaurants and vendors offering a tasty variety of food and drink

Festive summer parade with floats, mascots, antique cars, marching bands and more through Fayetteville Street starting at 6:00

Kidz zone Two lane slide, Crayon land bounce, Street performers, Hurricanes puck shot, Iron Man competition and more

The night skies will illuminate with a spectacular fireworks display at 10:30

Main Stage Schedule of Events
12:30 - 2:00 Mickey Mills & Steel (reggae)
  2:20 - 3:05 Airiel Down (rock)
  3:25 - 4:10 Kickin Grass (bluegrass)
  4:30 - 5:45 Bio Ritmo (Latin)
  6:00 - 7:00 Parade
  7:00 - 8:00 Dillon Fence (pop rock)
  8:30 - 10:00 Eddie Money (classic rock)
  10:30 Spectacular Fireworks display!
Acoustic Stage Schedule
12:00 - 12:45 Chris Suiter (Singer / Songwriter)
  1:00 - 2:15 Neal Chapman Trio (Jazz))
  2:30 - 3:15 Chris Suiter (Singer / Songwriter)
  3:30 - 4:30 Abdala & Andrew (Jazz Standards 40s & 50s)
  4:45 - 6:00 Adam Pitts (Singer / Songwrite

One Response to “RALEIGH Wide Open”

    Fabulous day in Raleigh… best fireworks I have ever seen. Thank you Raleigh

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(okay snarky types…no comments on how Foster’s already produces beer waste!  This is cool stuff.)

From Yahoo! News 

CANBERRA, Australia - Scientists and Australian beer maker Foster’s are teaming up to generate clean energy from brewery waste water — by using sugar-consuming bacteria.

The experimental technology was unveiled Wednesday by scientists at Australia’s University of Queensland, which was given a $115,000 state government grant to install a microbial fuel cell at a Foster’s Group brewery near Brisbane, the capital of Queensland state.

The fuel cell is essentially a battery in which bacteria consume water-soluble brewing waste such as sugar, starch and alcohol.

The battery produces electricity plus clean water, said Prof. Jurg Keller, the university’s wastewater expert.

The complex technology harnesses the chemical energy that the bacteria releases from the organic material, converting it into electrical energy.

The 660-gallon fuel cell will be 250 times bigger than a prototype that has been operating at the university laboratory for three months, Keller said.

“Brewery waste water is a particularly good source because it is very biodegradable … and is highly concentrated, which does help in improving the performance of the cell,” Keller said.

He expected the brewery cell would produce 2 kilowatts of power — enough to power a household — and the technology would eventually be applied in other breweries and wineries owned by Foster’s. The cell should be operating at the brewery by September.

“It’s not going to make an enormous amount of power — its primarily a waste water treatment that has the added benefit of creating electricity,” Keller said.

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a) they taste more similiar than you think
b) they’re all sold in North Carolina
c) they lead to Sen. Jacumin’s “academic suicides”
d) they’re priced the way they should be

The answer, of course, is D.

But here some guy on BeerAdvocate throws out this notion that beer is of the working class, and that overpriced beers should be boycotted.

A few gems: “the common working man/woman is not going to be able to drink certain beers due to the ridiculous prices that are being passed on to the consumers!

“…let’s create a list of beers that you think should be boycotted due to being overpriced.”

“Let’s put em on notice ;)”

This is a blog, so this is simply my opinion. Just as the guy in the thread — who happens to own a beer bar — has his opinion (and some might say, economic self-interest, but we can put that off to the side for now).

Call me simple-minded. Even capitalistic. But we already boycott beers that are overpriced. How? We don’t buy them. Three Floyds can command $15 a bottle for Dark Lord because that’s what the market is willing to spend. Add a zero to the price, and they won’t have the throngs of people they served last month.

Mickey’s, Sierra Nevada, Dark Lord…Duck-Rabbit, Highland, and Ham’s…they all price according to what the market (that’s you) can bear. Yes, prices for fine craft beer are inching toward the cost of wine. I just purchased a 750ml of Dogfish Head Red and White for $12.99. Am I crazy? What am I thinking? I’m contributing to the price creep of beer!!!???

No. I bought it for my wife for her birthday. It’s a celebration beer. (I plan to have a sip or two, in the long-standing tradition of buying gifts for the wife that have some interest for me as well. Come on, you know do it too.)

And as prices rise in the long tail, brewers will find ways to serve customers that don’t want to spend $12.99 or $15. Alas, the “working class” will have a fine craft beer for $5.99 to $6.99 a sixer. Last I checked there were plenty to choose from. And econo-buyers will have plenty to chose from on the low-end.

It’s a great time to love craft beer in the US and here in North Carolina. But if you don’t like the prices, say so with your wallet. It’s one of the best boycotts ever invented.

2 Responses to “What do these three beers have in common?”

    I know what pub I won’t be visiting; he’s the one that’s not going to have any good beer. He can keep his PBR and Rolling Rock!

    The orginal poster on BeerAdvocate would gladly tell you just how great his beer selection is. One of the best beer bars, according to BA. Which is odd — he specializes in high-end beers but feels he needs to keep the prices low for the “working class.”

    On a barely related note, sometimes it’s the working class who has boatloads of money.

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It’s another Friday beer sampling at Parker and Otis! You can pretty much put it on the calendar…wrap up the work week and go sample beer. Maybe buy some, especially when it’s Dogfish Head.

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This is a great deal, Mountain people!

Bruisin' Ales presents


Belgian Beer Dinner - May 23, 6:30pm

La Caterina Trattori in Asheville

Bruisin’ Ales is partnering with Millennium Beverage, Global Beer Network, and Asheville restaurant La Caterina Trattoria for an exciting culinary extravaganza — a six course Italian menu. This special beer dinner will be paired with a six-beer Belgian beer line-up with commentary by Johnny Fincioen, president of Global Beer Network.

Cost is $45/per person including tax and gratuity.  Vegetarians welcome — just call ahead of time!

For reservations, please call La Caterina Trattoria at 828-254-1148.

More details at our event calendar: www.bruisin-ales.com/beerblog.

Menu:
Carciofi
Artichoke Heart, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Shaved Parmigiano Reggiano
Wittekerke

Fritto Misto
Fried Shrimp, Monkfish, Cauliflower, Zucchini
Garlic-Lemon Ailoi
Piraat Flemish IPA Triple

Insalata Belanzone
Sweet Sicilian & Spicy Calabrese Sausage, Olive Oil poached New Potatoes, Vinegar, Peppers, Onions
Poperings Hommel Ale

Collo di Maiale
Pork Neck Bones & Lentils
Sweet Potato Gnocchi
Kapittel Abt

Manzo Arrosto
Smoked, slow roasted American Kobe Beef Roast
Roasted Tomato, Shoestring Potatoes
Gulden Draak Triple Dark

Zeppoli
Sicilian fried Doughnut Balls
Lavender Honey
Cherish Kriek Lambic

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I’m going to send out a quick email to subscribers, because that’s how most of y’all keep up with PTC news. But here’s the scoop for RSS types and web surfers:

Tomorrow. Two events. Two locations.

#1
Asheville
Bruisin’ Ales
Belgian (and Belgian-style) beer tasting: Otter Creek White Sail, Dupont Foret, Abbaye d’Aulne Blonde, Abbaye d’Aulne Triple Brune
4-6pm
FREE

#2
Raleigh
Big Boss Brewing Company (nee Edenton)
Cask Ale premiere: 8.5% English Brown Ale (one cask: first come, first served!)
6pm

You may have a hard time making it to both. Choose wisely!

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Participating breweries include Big Boss and Foohills.

11am — 7pm near RTP.  Clicky for directions.

www.tasteofdurham.org


	
								
			

				
				

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This in from the good folks at Tryon. Four Square is one of the Triangle’s best restaurants…if you can swing this one, do it!

Unibroue Dinner at Four Square
Wednesday, June 13
6:30PM
Call for Reservations: 919-401-9877

First Course

 

Hot Smoked Trout
on candied fennel toast with a green apple-horseradish remoulade

 

Blanche de Chambly
Éphèmére

 

Second Course

 

Fried Calamari
with a spicy cucumber salad and yellow curry

 La Fin du Monde
Don de Dieu

 

Third Course

 

Duck Confit
with tomato relish and a green coriander sauce

 Maudite
Tríos Pistoles

 

Entrée

 

Sauerbratten
on Jackson Farm baby red cabbage & celeriac slaw

 

La Terrible
Unibroue 16

 

Dessert

 

Meyer Lemon Almond Cake
 
with goat cheese and mint syrup

Quelque Chose

$65 per person, plus tax & gratuity.

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Victory beerLast fall, Pop The Cap hosted a series of dinners celebrating the five North Carolina GABF-winning beers. While each beer dinner was a great experience, probably the most experimental and memorable meal was at Chapel Hill’s Jujube.

Well, Chef Charlie Deal is back at it, this time bringing the great beers of Victory to the table. On June 12th, Steve German of Victory will bring some well-known and special selections to pair with Jujube’s great pan-Asian cuisine.

Details on the menu today or tomorrow. I just wanted to give active readers and RSS subscribers a heads-up. Chef Deal likes to keep his beer and wine dinners intimate, so I wouldn’t be surprised if this fills up quickly.

June 12th, 7pm
$42.50 a person plus tax and tip
Call Jujube at 919.960.0555 to RSVP

Early event details on the Jujube website. NOTE: this is not a final beer list, just an idea of how the evening will be structured.

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Check out the upcoming Jujube beer dinner on the 12th. Here are the final details from Jujube.

June 12th, 7pm
$42.50 a person plus tax and tip
Call Jujube at 919.960.0555 to RSVP

Our next beer dinner will be with Victory Brewing Co. Actually, the choice was pretty easy, not only because I love their beers, but also because Steve German from Victory makes a point of coming to visit us every time he’s in town. As promised, I’m aiming to host this event outside on the patio and Steve and I thought it would be more fun if, rather than having a structured multi-course meal with rigid pairings, we sort of opened it up as if we were just having a party. Thus, Steve will be sharing the beers while food is both being passed around and available at a buffet table.

We will have plenty of tables and chairs out there so everyone will be able claim a spot as their “home base” in case they don’t want to mingle.

Three things that bear mention: Steve promises to bring some tasty brews not offered in this market so all you beer geeks out there can brag to your friends about the beers that you tried and they didn’t. Secondly, a number of these babies will be served on tap. Lastly, in keeping with the spirit of Eat Local Triangle, the aforementioned George from Lil Farm will be there as his produce will grace the menu throughout.

There will likely be a few last-minute additions to the menu, but here’s where we’re at.

Stop the presses, I totally screwed up on the cost of the beers and, thus, the price I needed to charge you. They’re not nearly as expensive as I originally thought and can lower the cost of the meal to $42.50 plus tax and tip.


The Food

Zucchini and prawn fritters with ginger-green tomato coulis
Tempura New potatoes and spring onions with sriracha aioli
“Crostini” of spice-poached pork loin, arugula, and daikon with sesame-salt cod pate
Crispy daikon-shrimp-chinese sausage cake with wilted greens
Spice encrusted scallops with coriander-citrus curry and salted cucumbers
Asian “BLC” – Tea-smoked Chinese bacon, lettuce, and cucumber sandwiches
Crispy shiitake-stuffed guinea fowl with toasted chili, almond, spring onion sauce
Walnut ice cream with five-spice tea cake and black vinegar caramel

The Beers

Prima Pils
Sunrise Weisse (first time in the market)
V-12 (first time in the market)
Sapphire Bock (first time in the market)
Golden Monkey Triple Ale
Hop Devil IPA
Storm King Stout

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Bruisin’ Ales is partnering with our friends at Asheville Brews Cruise, Chef in Motion and French Broad Brewery for an intimate beer dinner on Tuesday, June 5th.

Evening begins at 6:00pm with a tour of French Broad Brewery followed by a four-course dinner at Chef in Motion. Transportation to and from Chef in Motion provided by Asheville Brews Cruise.

Chef Mo is cooking with beer, people!

MENU
Welcome Beer
De Glazen Toren Dubbel Wit, Witbier

Jumbo Shrimp with mixed greens with tomatillo tamarind reduction
Weyerbacher Muse, Farmhouse Ale

Pepper-encrusted elk tenderloin, with pasilla, sundried tomato and Achel Brune reduction. Served with roasted potatoes and asparagus.
Achel Brune, Trappist Dubbel

Young’s Double Chocolate Stout Mousse
Liefman’s Framboise, Lambic

Call Chef in Motion at 350-8999 to make your reservations. Limited seating.

~ $50/per person including tax and gratuities. ~

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From beerinator.com

July 19th, 2007, from 5pm to 10 pm $59 per person
3 courses of Fondue paired with 3 courses of 22 oz. Beers

Cheese Fondue Course
Bourbon Bacon Cheddar and/or the Spinach & Artichoke Swiss cheese Fondue
Paired with ROGUE Morimoto Soba Ale (22 oz)

Feature Entrée
Center Cut Filet Mignon, Cold Water Lobster Tail, Caribbean Marinated Pork, Jumbo Vannamei Shrimp, Andouille Sausage and Postickers
Paired With ROGUE Hazelnut Brown Nectar (22 oz)

Chocolate Fondue Course
Your choice of:
Apple Pie White Chocolate Fondue
Dark Chocolate Tiramisu Fondue
Smore’s Milk Chocolate Fondue
Paired With ROGUE Chocolate Stout (22 oz)

Reservations are required for this Event Please call us at 919.878.0477

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From Bruisin’ Ales

We’re bringing the entire line-up of Ommegang to the Tasting Room this Thursday with Dale from Empire Distributors. Come enjoy five delicous beers by the first Belgian-style brewery this side of the pond …

 

Ommegang

Ommegang Witte “Our newest ale, crafted for summer session drinking, is a traditional white ale, or witbier; pale in color, with a high, white frothy head and refreshing flavors of orange, lemon, coriander, and wheat.” [5.1% abv]Ommegang Hennepin “Feel the way Hennepin is bright and lively in your mouth with a warming mix of spicy gingersnap and citrusy hops. Refreshing. Relaxing.” [7.7% abv]

Ommegang Rare Vos “As you pour, you’ll notice the beautiful coppery-amber color and the rich creamy head. Lift the glass to your mouth and enjoy the aroma of spicy orange blossoms. Taste, and the pleasant mellow flavor of caramel malt glides easily into a dry, hop finish.” [7.7% abv]

Ommegang Abbey Dubbel “Ommegang, our first brew, was inspired by the centuries-old brewing practices of the Belgian Trappist monks. This burgundian brew gives off a variety of aromas, including plum and cinnamon, and packs in flavors such as caramel, toffee, and licorice.” [8.2% abv]

Three Philosophers “The essence of wonder is a unique and masterful blend of strong malty ale and authentic Belgian Kriek. Our philosophers deduce that this powerful marriage of cherries, roasted malts, and dark chocolate will only achieve more wisdom and coherence as it broods in the dark recesses of your cellar.” [9.8% abv]

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Saturday Belgian Tasting

Saturday, June 16, 2:00-4:00pm This is a special Saturday tasting event! Dave of the Global Brewers Guild will be showcasing Belgian beer, a few of which are new to North Carolina. Come join us in the tasting room. Cheeses, crackers, fruit and chocolates will be served. 

Blanche de Bruxelles
De Koninck
Malheur 10
Liefmans Kriekbier
Liefmans Frambozenbier
and while it lasts-Malheur Dark Brut-champagne beer!

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I’m still full.

Sure, I’ve heard the conventional wisdom “the house always wins when they serve buffet,” but this time I left with the victory. Well, not literally — it’s not like I sneaked off with any V-12, Hop Devil, or any of Victory’s amazing beers last night. But I did walk (stumble?) away from the evening once again amazed by Chef Charlie Deal’s food. If you haven’t yet been to Jujube in Chapel Hill, go.

And if you have yet to enjoy Victory’s offerings…well, what are you doing on this website? Is it because I’m about to type the phrase “Paris Hilton still in jail?” If so, you — you pop culture weenie — even you need to drink Victory’s ales and lagers. And eat at Jujube when you’re in the area.

A few pictures are here. Many thanks to Steve German of Victory, Chef Charlie Deal and Chef de Cuisine Josh Decarolis, George O’Neal and team of Lil farm, and Beerinator dogfisherman for the taste of the 2004 V-12.

Lastly, and most importantly…thanks to my lovely wife. She gave me the most incredible gift exactly one year ago, and this dinner was a true celebration of a good life.

One Response to “Pictures from the Victory/Jujube dinner”

    And I thought my wife was wonderful just for bringing me back Hair of the Dog Adam. From my blog: http://brewvana.wordpress.com/2007/05/28/wonderful-beer-wife/

    Izzy

    ps-hi, sean. long time, no see

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Boy, was that a great meal at Table last fall, when we featured the North Carolina winners of the GABF. First time (and only time) I’ve had Wild Boar — and with Natty Greene’s Downtown Brown, no less!

Here’s a great-looking Dogfish Head beer dinner at the amazing Charlotte restaurant. Check it out, then call 704.369.5170 to RSVP.

Wednesday, June 27th, 7 P.M.

Dogfish Head beer dinner at Table

60 Minute I.P.A.
Passed HDV- Grafton Cheddar sliced cured meats, deviled quail eggs, goat cheese stuffed peppadew peppers, fried calamari with a yuzu dressing.

90 Minute I.P.A.
Lobster corn dog with golden raisin mustard.

Midas Touch
Almond Crusted Quail Breast over a saffron and fresh English Pea Risotto topped with a pea shoot and tazmanian honey vinaigrette salad.

Indian Brown Ale
Brown Ale Braised Buffalo Short Ribs over crushed local potatoes and garlic sautéed spinach topped with a coffee scented braising jus reduction.

Raison D’Etree
Plum and Golden Raisin Cobbler with a malt ice cream.

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Let’s call a spade a spade.  (Why we call them spades, I have no idea.  But that’s the beauty of the Internet — now I know.)

Mississippi is hurtin’ for beer culture.  But culture — that is, that southern gothic mystique — Mississippi is truly “the South’s South.”  And at its heart is Oxford, home of Ole Miss and one of the greatest town squares (and indy book store) you done ever saw.

square books

Oxford should have a brewpub.  It did, for many years, have the Hoka, a magical, run-down cinema and restaurant space.  A restaurant that, natch(ez?), had the best cheesecake ever.  And was alcohol-free.

As is Taylor Grocery, ten or so miles out of town.  Once a grocery and post office, now a famed catfish spot that fuses quirky charm, great fish, and local music into a distinctly southern experience.  Want wine or beer?  You can bring it — and you can have a bottle of wine at the table.  But that beer better be poured outside of the restaurant in a cup.  Southern discretion.

catfish

So don’t you go telling me that beer automatically begets culture. (Ding, anyone?)  Oxford has culture in spades — a southern beauty and tension so very different than the mish-mash of cultures of urban North Carolina.  And some of the best places to see and be in MS have been, and probably in our lifetime will be, alcohol-free.

But a brewpub would be so excellent in Oxford.  Yes, it’s a university town with poor town-and-gown relations.  Sure, the kids drink too much.  But the square, the southern culture, the grown-ups — it’s all there to create a space that locals would flock to and that tourists and visitors would seek out.   Problem is, nearly half the counties in Mississippi are dry.  From Dr. David Hanson over at Alcohol Problems and Solutions:

Today, almost one-half of the counties in Mississippi are dry with their own prohibition against the production, advertising, sale, distribution, or transportation of alcoholic beverages within their boundaries. It is even illegal to bring alcohol through a dry county in Mississippi while traveling across the country in the process of, for example, moving a personal wine or spirits collection to one’s new residence

The reason for such a high proportion of dry counties is clear: Mississippi is uniquely temperance-oriented. Mississippi imposed state-wide alcohol prohibition in 1907, over a dozen years before the rest of the country. It was the very first state to ratify the 18th Amendment to create National Prohibition. Following national rejection of Prohibition through Repeal, the state maintained its own state-wide prohibition for another one-third of a century. After that, it specifically “reaffirmed prohibition” when it decided to permit local option regarding alcohol.

That’s a lot to overcome.

Thankfully, one Mississippi brewery is making a go of it.  And very successfully.  Lazy Magnolia in Kiln is developing quite a name for its Amberjacque and Southern Pecan (note: that’s Puh-cahn, not [shudder] Pee-Can).  I enjoyed their beers up in Oxford…it’s good to see a coastal brewery getting distribution up in the hills of north Mississippi.

But isn’t there room for at least another brewery?  Especially in Oxford, the one place in Mississippi where it should thrive?

Let me know if you’re interested.  I may be too, especially if I start getting another hankering for a burger at nearby Phillips Grocery in Holly Springs. Another alcohol-free treasure.

~~

On a sad note, the day after we left Holly Springs, a North Carolina treasure in his own right, Doug Marlette, died in a tragic accident in Holly Springs, on his way down to Oxford.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and to the students and teachers at Oxford High School, who will go on and perform Mr. Marlette’s musical, Kudzu.

  • More on the passing of Doug Marlette

6 Responses to “Culture (and beer culture) in Mississippi”

    I don’t care what they say in Mississippi, it’s pronounced PEE-CAN!

    The name comes from the Algonquin word “pacane” meaning “nut so hard as to require a stone to crack.”

    either way I don’t care how you want to say it..

    I am from MS but I now reside in Chicago. I grew up in a dry county but that did not stop us from drinking. It just sucked that we would have to drive 30 minutes out of the way to get a drink. I am happy to see that there is a brewery in MS and I can not wait to try it when I get back to MS. I would love to see more breweries popping up in MS and with the right people behind the project I am sure it would be another huge success.

    You’re correct. We have had it pretty rough here in MS, from a brew perspective. With the exceptions of Lazy Magnolia and Abita, we are “beer transients” ( drive to Arkansas to get New Belgium products, Alabama to get Yuengling products). I do have to say that since I moved back to central MS in 2004 (from High Point, NC), I have noticed that more and more imports and specialities are available locally. We have some great independent grocers (McDade’s and The Corner Market) that provide access to new (to us) brews. Also, The Bulldog Pub (a famous New Orleans draft bar) is opening a location in Jackson, MS- TODAY!! They will offer the best draft selection in central (if not all of) MS.

    So the situation is getting better here in the “South’s South”. Maybe one day soon our beer selection will be as diverse as our culture.

    Also, condolences for the loss of your friend.

    […] beer non-stop for three hours. I could wax nostalgic about Oxford, Mississippi, but I’ve done that before. Highlights of this trip: the final Taylor, MS farmer’s market, brunch at Emleigh’s […]

    […] the Mason-Dixon line As I wrote over two years ago, Oxford is “the South’s South,” and the perfect background for […]

    […] the Mason-Dixon line As I wrote over two years ago, Oxford is “the South’s South,” and the perfect background for […]

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This just in from the folks at the Good Beer Store:

This evening from 5pm - 7pm we will be having a customor appreciation party. There will be free food as long as it lasts an two very good beers on tap for $2 per pour. An there will also be live blue grass for your listening pleasure. So please come out an enjoy. (919) 932 -6060

I don’t know what the “very good beers” are, but they always serve very good beers.

Chapel Hill’s Good Beer Store

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Tyler’s 6th Annual Blue Ribbon, Bluegrass & BBQ Music Festival

In the Carrboro parking lot this Sunday from 3pm-10pm…

2 stages featuring:

  • BIG FAT GAP
  • RYAN CAVANAUGH’S NEW FRONTIER ACOUSTIC BAND DEBUT
  • THE THORNE & STICKLEY PICKERS GROUP
  • “THE GODFATHER OF NEW GRASS” LEROY SAVAGE GROUP
  • MARK SCHMICH, JOHN GARRIS & FRIENDS

Lots of NC beers on draught with PBR can specials and NC BBQ!

$6 entrance with 100% going directly to the bands

*NO COOLERS!* Kids welome!

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Join us in the tasting room as Chad from Freedom Beverage debuts the three Southampton Sessions and Weyerbacher Muse.

Event runs from 4:00 - 6:00 P.M. on June 28th.

SecretSouthampton Secret A German altbier in style, copper-brown in color with “malty flavor and hoppy bitterness.” Bronze medal winner in the 2004 World Beer Cup. [5.2% abv]BeerAdvocate Rating: 84
 
Muse Weyerbacher Muse Muse is a Belgian farmhouse style. “Hopped with Styrian Goldings and finished with Saaz, this beer has a noticable hoppy dryness which makes it a fine thirst quencher, something the original Farmhouse Ales were intended to be, served to workers out in the fields on hot summer days as a restorative.” [6.2% abv]BeerAdvocate Rating: 81
 
IPASouthampton I.P.A. “An authentic English-style amber ale with a unique character that comes from a special blend of five hop varieties and imported English malts.” [6.5% abv]BeerAdvocate Rating: 86
 
Double WhiteSouthampton Double White Ale Rated the #1 Belgian white style in the world by BeerAdvocate and #1 beer in America, both in 2005. “Double-gravity” version of the traditional Belgian white. Lightly spiced with coriander and Curacao orange. [7.0% abv]BeerAdvocate Rating: 89

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From the prolific Bruisin’ Ales in Asheville and King Don’s All Good Brands, it’s another big beer dinner!

Belgium Meets Italy II @ La Caterina Trattoria


Due to the overwhelming success of pairing fine Belgian beer with authentic Italian food, we’re co-hosting Belgium Meets Italy II at La Caterina Trattoria on Monday, July 16 at 6:30pm. Relish in a delectable five-course Italian menu paired with the delicious Belgian beers of All Good Brands.

Don Richardson, president of All Good Brands, brings 17 years of “good beer” experience to the dinner with his commentary. Beer menu includes a special welcome tasting of Scaldis Prestige, then Urthel Hop-It, Saison Dupont, St. Feuillien Brune, Tripel Karmeliet, and Boon Oude Kriek. (These beers are all available through Hart Distributing and pre-order pricing will be available the night of the dinner.)

Dinner menu to follow. Check back for updates!

6:30pm seating, $55/per person including tax and gratuities. A vegetarian dinner option will be available. Please specify which menu you prefer when making your reservations with La Caterina Trattoria, 704-254-1148.

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openerIt’s the Raleigh Wide Opener!

This second installment of Raleigh Wide Open is a street festival with no theme, unlike last year’s “let’s close the street to celebrate the street opening” par-tay. Which is fine by me! Who needs a reason to gather in the streets, drink local beer, and walk past purchase some crafts?

The party is this Saturday, July 21, from noon until 11pm. Yep, there’s a NC beer tent. Other than the fine folks at Foothills Brewing out of Winston-Salem, I don’t know who else will be there. I’m sure it’s other fine folks from other North Carolina breweries. Details from the Raleigh Convention Center web site:

Microbrewery Beer Tasting Tent Sample a variety of NC microbreweries. Purchase a $10 beer passport and receive 8 sample pours and a souvenir cup to enjoy the beers.

But the real action is the one-two punch of Eddie Money and a fireworks show.

money's shot

 

See you there!

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terrapin

Turtle in the dog house!

Parker and Otis is hosting a beer tasting — Athens, GA-based Terrapin Beer Company, to be exact. Expect the Rye Ale, Golden Ale, and All-American Pils. Dustin usually gives away t-shirts and glassware, too!

My love for Terrapin beer is inversely proportional for my disdain for those “other”, bottle-throwin’ Terrapins to the north.

Friday, July 27
5 - 7 P.M.

Parker and Otis is where Fowler’s used to be, at Peabody Place next to Brightleaf.

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bbq

This event is run by the same group that does Great Grapes! (Their “!”, not necessarily mine…) The barbecue might be good, and I like the addition of bourbon. Beers won’t necessarily blow you away…I’ve highlighted some beer geek favs for you:

Blue Moon
Brooklyn Brown Ale
Brooklyn EIPA
Brooklyn Lager
Brooklyn Local 1

Bud Lite
Budweiser
Carlsberg
Carolina Blonde
Carolina Light
Chimay
Corona
Dales Pale Ale
Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA
Dogfish Head Indian Brown Ale

Dos Equis
Flying Dog Doggie Style
Flying Dog Old Scratch
Franziskaner Hefe

George Killians
Grolsch
Guinness
Harpoon IPA
Harpoon UFO Hefeweizen
Heavy Seas Loose Cannon
Heavy Seas Small Craft Warning

Hoopers Hooch
John’s Locker Stock (Rogue)
Kirin
Leinenkugel Summer Wheat
Longhammer IPA
Magic Hat #9
Magic Hat Circus Boy
Magic Hat Hocus Pocus

McSorley’s
Miller Chill (HEY NOW!!!)
Negra Modelo
Oksar Old Chubb (sic..two spelling errors in one!)
Pabst Blue Ribbon
Pilsner Urquel
Rogue Dead Guy Ale
Saranac Pale Ale
Saranac Pomegranate Wheat
Spaten Bock
Stella Artois
Stone Mill Pale Ale
Strawberry Ale
Terrapin Golden Ale
Terrapin Rye Pale Ale

Tetley’s
Warsteiner Pilsner
Widmer
Wild Hops
Woodchuck

July 21, noon to 8 P.M.
Symphony Park at SouthPark
$30 onsite admission

Click here for more info

3 Responses to “CHARLOTTE: Beer, Bourbon and BBQ…this Saturday!”

    What a waste of money! You pay $30 to get in and get the smallest glass you can imagine (it holds about 1/4 of a normal beer) you also get 4 tokens to be used to get bourbon and your barbecue. Impossible to get beers or food because of the long lines. Here is a brief recap.

    THE BEER
    Unlike other beer festivals (such as the one in October), this is not an event that is attended by different breweries from across the country, rather, it looks like the sponsors went to Costco and bought as many different beers as they could and set them up at different tables. Most of the good (ie: expensive beer) ran out early and therefore most of us were forced to drink bud or bud light.

    The worst part was the lines. Each beer table had at least 15 people in line. You ended up waiting in line for 5-10 minutes to get about 3 sips of bud light. Then, repeat the process over and over again. It really felt like I paid $30 for about 4 bud lights and I was there for most of the day.

    THE BOURBON
    If you are a big bourbon drinker, then your day was a little bit better. The lines for the bourbon were a lot smaller so you can pretty much drink as much as that as your 4 tokens would allow (about 4-6 shots worth). If you wanted more tokens, you had to buy them or try to win them.

    THE BARBACUE
    This was the biggest disappointment. You would think after paying $30 you would at least get some decent samples but that was far from the case. Your “free” barbecue was limited to a tiny (1-2 tablespoon) sample of pulled pork. If you were hungry, you were forced to buy food.

    SUMMARY
    Several times during the day I heard people say “For $30 we should have all just gone to the bar or to restaurant” . I agree. The concept sounded good but in reality it was very hard to get your moneys worth. In fact, we ended up leaving, buying some beers on our own and sneaking them back in. Can you imagine having to bring your own beers to a beer festival? Well that was the case and a very bad reflection on the way this one was run.

    Someone made a ton of money off of this event and that is what really bothers me. I understand there needs to be some profits, but, this event was really out of balance with most people feeling screwed over.

    NEVER AGAIN will I attend this event.

    Let me just say that for this gentleman and any others that were at the event……I work for the company that produces it. We literally were just blown away with the shear volume of the folks there. By the way, a ton of money was not made on the event and all of the proceeds for this show actually go to a charity.

    We operate beer and wine festivals up and down the East Coast - 20 + a year and this show in Charlotte was just overwhleming with volume. We have a pretty good track record - 5 years running of first year events in other markets……and NOTHING compares to Charlotte! These folks love beer, bourbon and barbeque! We had to CLOSE the show 3 hours prior to it actaully closing because we couldn’t keep up with the demand of beer and bourbon.

    When we do come back next year. Hopefully you and others who weren’t pleased with the lines will give another try - beacause if we plan in advance to draw this many people to a first or second year event……trust me, we can handle the onslaught. And next year we will be ready for you.

    We apologize for the lines and we can only tell you that we will fix those problems in the future. Thanks for coming and thanks for supporting the WCD Foundation with your donation.

    Having attended this event and experienced many of the same frustrations Chris noted above, I appreciated the event organizer posting a response/apology. One tip for next year: If the volume becomes overwhelming, STOP SELLING TICKETS.

    I will consider going next year, but will scrutinize the logistics more closely.

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From this web site.

Join us for a great day of beer sippin’, bourbon tasting, music listening, cigar smoking, and barbeque eating. 60+ Brews, 40+ Bourbons and numerous BBQ tastes are available for sampling. Everything is on-site for you!

Adult admission is $27 in advance or $30 onsite and includes a souvenir glass, unlimited samples of hundreds of the finest craft brews from around the world plus bourbon and bbq tasting tokens for samples.

Designated Driver tickets are available for $15 and includes admission only.

Kids 12 and under are FREE.

Advance Group tickets are available for $25 per person for a group of 15 or more. Tickets must be purchased in bulk by a representative. Call 800-830-3976 X108 to reserve your group today!

Save 10% BY ORDERING IN ADVANCE. Advance ticket and Group sales will close on Wednesday, July 18th, 2007 at 5pm.

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Running a beer festival is risky business. Yes, beer festivals can be huge fun. But they can also stink. It doesn’t take much to screw up a beer festival: not enough food, long lines at the porta-john, poor beer selection, bad weather. Some things you can control…and a lot you can’t.

I screwed it up royally last year, committing the worst violation in the biz: running out of beer. I had to hoof it back to the next major town to load up on goods — luckily, I timed it okay and it all when off without a hitch.

So who am I to criticize, if I nearly ran out of beer AT A FREAKING BEER FUNCTION.

Thankfully, we in North Carolina are blessed with people who really know how to run festivals. Opinions may vary, but you really can’t argue with the great execution at Hickory Hops, the World Beer Festival, Charlotte Oktoberfest, and many others across the state. The leaders of these functions — in nearly all cases, local residents — work their tales off to create a great, memorable, and safe event. Cheers to them.

But according to one Pop The Cap reader, last weekend’s Beer, Bourbon and BBQ (held in Charlotte but run by Towsen, MD-based Moorea Marketing) left a lot to be desired. Chris’ comments were added to the original post announcing the event, but I thought I’d highlight his comments separately.

Perhaps it’s not fair to call out an event based on one comment. I wasn’t there, so I can’t offer an opinion. But Chris’ post is well-reasoned and I can pretty well picture why he was pissed. If any of you have a different perspective, post here or email me.

Chris offers a cautionary tale of how NOT to run an event — but it’s also a celebration of the hard-working North Carolinians who every year, pull off great beer festivals and contribute hugely to both beer culture and the selection of ales and lagers we enjoy here in the Old North State. Especially the great Charlotte Oktoberfest, run by Queen City residents who volunteer their time and donate thousands of dollars to local charities every year.

What a waste of money! You pay $30 to get in and get the smallest glass you can imagine (it holds about 1/4 of a normal beer) you also get 4 tokens to be used to get bourbon and your barbecue. Impossible to get beers or food because of the long lines. Here is a brief recap.

THE BEER
Unlike other beer festivals (such as the one in October), this is not an event that is attended by different breweries from across the country, rather, it looks like the sponsors went to Costco and bought as many different beers as they could and set them up at different tables. Most of the good (ie: expensive beer) ran out early and therefore most of us were forced to drink bud or bud light.

The worst part was the lines. Each beer table had at least 15 people in line. You ended up waiting in line for 5-10 minutes to get about 3 sips of bud light. Then, repeat the process over and over again. It really felt like I paid $30 for about 4 bud lights and I was there for most of the day.

THE BOURBON
If you are a big bourbon drinker, then your day was a little bit better. The lines for the bourbon were a lot smaller so you can pretty much drink as much as that as your 4 tokens would allow (about 4-6 shots worth). If you wanted more tokens, you had to buy them or try to win them.

THE BARBECUE
This was the biggest disappointment. You would think after paying $30 you would at least get some decent samples but that was far from the case. Your “free” barbecue was limited to a tiny (1-2 tablespoon) sample of pulled pork. If you were hungry, you were forced to buy food.

SUMMARY
Several times during the day I heard people say “For $30 we should have all just gone to the bar or to restaurant” . I agree. The concept sounded good but in reality it was very hard to get your moneys worth. In fact, we ended up leaving, buying some beers on our own and sneaking them back in. Can you imagine having to bring your own beers to a beer festival? Well that was the case and a very bad reflection on the way this one was run.

Someone made a ton of money off of this event and that is what really bothers me. I understand there needs to be some profits, but, this event was really out of balance with most people feeling screwed over.

NEVER AGAIN will I attend this event.

One Response to “A comment that shouldn’t be buried.”

    […] & BBQ Festival, held last Saturday on the Symphony Park lawn in the wealthy South Park, didn’t go so over so well. Seems that folks had the pleasure of long lines, unable to get beer and food with some even […]

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Below is the official press release. As a resident of Chatham County, I’m very excited to have a local option. Pittsboro and Chatham are booming — the latest development is a proposed shopping mall as big (in square footage) as Southpoint. There’s not much to do in Pittsboro…that is, until Monday the 6th!

Also check out a YouTube video interview with owner Robert Poitras

CAROLINA BREWERY TO OPEN SECOND LOCATION IN PITTSBORO

Dinner Service begins August 6th

July 25, 2007 (Pittsboro, NC) –Chapel Hill’s award-winning Carolina Brewery will open a second location in Pittsboro in August at the intersection of Highway 15-501 South and Highway 64 Bypass. In addition to housing brewing operations and the restaurant, the new 9,000 square foot facility will feature an outdoor patio, private dining for parties, rehearsal dinners and events, as well as a conference room for meetings. Carolina Brewery & Grill Pittsboro will begin serving dinner Monday August 6th and expand its hours on August 20th to include lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch.

“We are excited to meet the current and future dining needs of this growing area where I also happen to live,” says Carolina Brewery owner Robert Poitras. “Our food and beer fit well with the local demographics and we look forward to being an independently owned and operated business neighbor to Chatham County, Pittsboro, and the surrounding area.”

Carolina Brewery & Grill Pittsboro will feature the same award-winning beer and great food as the Chapel Hill location. Brewmaster Jon Connolly will oversee brewing operations in Pittsboro, and the new facility will produce all beer for Carolina Brewery’s expanding restaurant, grocery, and direct-to-consumer sales. Head Chef and Culinary Institute of America graduate Andrew Forster is moving from Chapel Hill to run the Pittsboro kitchen.

Unique to the Pittsboro location is The Hopshop, an adjacent quick serve spot that will sell Counter Culture Coffee, breakfast, lunch, Carolina Brewery beer and Brewery merchandise to go. The Hopshop opens Friday July 27th and will operate from 7AM-7PM Monday through Saturday.

4 Responses to “Carolina Brewery (and Grill) opens in Pittsboro”

    View pics from the pre-opening event at http://chathamjournal.net/photos/v/70803carolinabrewery/

    Well, I *had* some pictures to share…then the legendary Chatham Gene shows off his mad skills.

    Great shots, Gene. Thanks for sharing ‘em!

    Trying to reach Greg Shuck. Is he still at Carolina Brewery?

    That’s Greg of Carolina Brewing Company in Holly Springs. Try him here: http://www.carolinabrew.com/carolinabrew.html

    Cheers!
    Sean

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IF you have written to me at sean@popthecap.org and are wondering why I haven’t replied…I’ve been without access to email for four days.

Our hosting provider is having major issues.  The PTC site is up here and there, but my email is still down.

Please accept my apologies.  You can write me at sean@seanlillywilson.com.

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From the Bruisin’ Ales Blog…

 

 

Beer Dinner: The Dogfish Days of Summer

Whew! The menu is done! Bruisin’ Ales is so very pleased to announce that one of America’s most creative craft breweries—Dogfish Head—is coming to Asheville for our August beer dinner, The Dogfish Days of Summer. This swanky little soirée will be co-hosted by Those Girls at the lovely Windows on the Park in Pack Square on Monday, August 27 at 6:30pm. Devin Arloski of Dogfish Head will on-hand to talk about their brews and he’s bringing a very special beer for dessert. And, no, we will not tell you what it is. You’ll just have to come and see for yourself. (But we wouldn’t want to miss it, that’s for sure.)

Cost is $60/pp including tax and gratuity. Please make your reservations by calling Windows on the Park at 252-2920. (*Please note that with enough notice, they can accomodate vegetarian alternatives.*)

Reception
Festina Peche
Old South Bruschetta Bar with Chipotle Pimiento Cheese, Cucumber Benedictine, Fresh Peaches with Feta, Toasted Biscuits and Fresh Vegetables

Second Course
90 Minute IPA
Local Petit Trout Filet Grilled and served with Proscuitto and Mango Salsa

Third Course
Indian Brown
Mixed Fresh Greens with Pickled Beets, Toasted Pine Nuts, and Balsamic Vinaigrette

Fourth Course
Aprihop
Pulled Pork BBQ Braised in Aprihop and Dried Apricots with a Tangy Vidalia Coleslaw served on a Potato Latke

Fifth Course
Red and White
All-Beef Brats in a Bleu Cheese Phyllo “Blanket” with Double-Breaded Fried Okra

Dessert
!! Off-Centered Mystery Beer !!
Decadent Carrot and Fresh Fig Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

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The beer list looks pretty darn good, Triad types!

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stonebrew.comThe Beauty of Bitter
Friday, August 24th 5:00 — 7:30 P.M.
Tyler’s Taproom, Durham
$25 a person (beer event only), $33 (beer and a Bulls ballgame)
Lots of beer and lots of food

West Meets East
Saturday, August 25th 2:00 — 5:00 P.M.
Bruisin’ Ales, Asheville
$10 a person ($15 day of the event)
Lots of beer and light food

Proceeds for both events support FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge, a 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to preserving and protecting the Blue Ridge Parkway, a national treasure. FRIENDS programs focus on preservation, protection and education.

Funds for these events will be specifically targeted to supporting a new FRIENDS administrative position in Asheville to increase youth participation and interest in preserving the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway.

 

From its founding in 1997 until 2006, Lee Chase served as head brewer for the nation’s fastest-growing brewery, Stone Brewing Company in Escondito, California. Lee’s taking some time away from brewing to travel, which includes a trip to Durham and Asheville to check out North Carolina’s booming craft beer scene. Something’s brewing in North Carolina, but you’ll have to attend this event to find out exactly what!

Meet and greet Lee Chase at the Durham Tyler’s Taproom on the 24th and Bruisin’ Ales in Asheville on the 25th. West meets East as we explore the Beauty of Bitter, featuring West Coast and West Coast-style beers…those aggressive beers that manage to balance big, bitter hops with a nice malty undertone.

Stone’s beers aren’t yet available in North Carolina. Get a rare sample of Stone IPA and Arrogant Bastard Ale, and enjoy five or so other West Coast-style beers that exemplify this bold style of brewing. Tyler’s Taproom will serve a wide range of appetizers to accompany these fine beers; Bruisin’ Ales will have some light food offerings to accompany these beers.

Beer list so far:

Stone Arrogant Bastard
Stone IPA
Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA…on the Randall!
Exciting California and Colorado beer from the good folks at Hart Distributing!
Oskar Blues — Dale’s Pale Ale
Oskar Blues — Old Chub

Both events are limited to 100 people. If you’re interested in joining Lee, Sean, and a bunch of fellow beer lovers for a Bulls game immediately following the beer tasting on the 24th, we have a total of 25 game tickets available.


(the view from our seats!)

Lastly, in the spirit of The Beauty of Bitter, I give you…toddlers tasting lemons.

10 Responses to “West Coast beers with former Stone brewer Lee Chase”

    Will there be a link for the paypal once it is available?

    Any details on what will be available at the tasting?

    Any reason the Bull’s tickets cost more than a normal game?

    9/9…

    I will indeed have a PayPal link, or you can pick up tickets at Tyler’s.

    My mistake on the price. I’ve fixed it to $33…chalk it up to 2AM typin.

    I should have a beer list finalized by the weekend. So far, it’s Stone IPA, Stone Arrogant Bastard, and Dale’s Pale Ale from Oksar Blues.

    […] [Get your tickets here via Paypal/Pop The Cap] […]

    […] just learn more about the […]

    […] Want some Stone?  Interested in talking to Lee about what it was like to work for the fastest-growing brewery in the United States? Join Lee Chase and Pop The Cap president Sean Wilson for a West Coast-style beer tasting.  We’ll be pouring Stone IPA, Stone Arrogant Bastard, and a whole lot of other hoppy beers. […]

    In case you’re curious… paypal worked fine… we just ordered two tickets. Easy as pi.

    […] only wrong thing here is: Please do not call us for the West Meets East event. You must purchase advance tickets through Paypal/Pop The Cap or pay $15/pp at the door the […]

    Will the Stone brews be available for purchase? As a San Diego transplant, I’m dying here without my Arrogant Bastard Ale. I could use a case or two.

    Mike,

    Sorry, no beers for sale. Can’t legally do it, and I only have a few cases of each. Perhaps within a year your quest will be much easier!

    Sean

    […] Join us in-store tomorrow for Fullsteam Ahead: West Meets East with Sean Wilson of Pop The Cap and Lee Chase, former head brewer of Stone Brewing to benefit Friends of the Blue Ridge Parkway. $10/pp in advance via Paypal—$15/pp at the door. (We are sad to report that Randall the Enamel Animal won’t be making it. He is under the weather.) [Get your tickets here via Paypal/Pop The Cap] […]

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The Beauty of Bitter: Beers of the West Coast
Friday, August 24th 5:00 — 7:30 P.M.
Tyler’s Taproom, Durham
$25 a person (beer event only), $33 (beer and a Bulls ballgame)

 

Durham: BEER EVENT ONLY ($25)

 

Durham: BEER EVENT and BULLS GAME ($33)

SOLD OUT

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stonebrew.com

West Meets East
Saturday, August 25th 2:00 — 5:00 P.M.
Bruisin’ Ales, Asheville
$15 at the door…tickets available…just be there! :)

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Triangle Brewing Company is hosting its first brewery tour this Saturday Sept. 15 @ 1pm.

More info: www.trianglebrewery.com

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Chapel Hill’s Carolina Brewery will celebrate its 13th Anniversary the first week in February with a special Anniversary Ale and a week of festivities.  The Free Pint Glass Day for this anniversary will be Friday February 8th for the first 500 beer customers with live music that evening.  Mark your calendars and we’ll send more information on our Anniversary celebration soon!

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The 11th annual Brewgrass Festival will be held at the Martin Luther King Jr ballfield in downtown Asheville.

Sept 22, 12 to 7 pm

brewgrassfestival.com

One Response to “ASHEVILLE: Brewgrass Festival”

    I have been going to the festival in Ashville and Knoxville for several years now. I think it’s a great time for a great cause. My only complaint is that this past year in Ashville the line to get in was so long and it was so hot that many of us got very hot and tired and nearly out of the mood by the time we got in. Why don’t they have more people working the entrance to alleviate this awful situation? I bet it took us an hour and a half to get in! The worst part was all the people jumping to the entrance and crowding their way in instead of getting in the back of the line. It was obvious to everyone and when I complained to “someone in charge” he replied that he had security at the gate, what else was he supposed to do? The security obviously was never told to try to control this situation. It is unfortunate that such a nice event was started off like this. I hope they will make an effort to correct this problem in ‘08.

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The 2007 Charlotte Oktoberfest Beer Festival is set for Saturday, September 29th from 1pm - 7pm at the Metrolina Expo Trade Center. This site is located just 3 minutes from Interstate 77 and 10 minutes from downtown Charlotte.

The Metrolina Expo Trade Center also offers free parking for all event patrons, and lots of cover from the threat of inclement weather.

www.charlotteoktoberfest.com

Less than 1/2 of all tickets remain, and this event will sell out.

4 Responses to “CHARLOTTE: Oktoberfest!”

    There will be some fine entertainment at this event as well:

    The Moonshine Racers - “Prograssive-Y’allternative” (bluegrass/Americana)
    The Folsom Prison Gang - A Johnny Cash tribute band
    Baby Black - Funk / R&B / Hip-Hop

    Should be a great time!

    if you have a ticket available … please email me …. at lauras1227@gmail.com

    Hi there, if you have tickets for this event, please email me at sillylilbug@aol.com. We’ll pay more than face value.

    Thank you

    If you have two tickets available please email me sean.white6@gmail.com Will pay more than face value

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Andy and Rick of Triangle Brewing Company led a really nice pint night at Tyler’s in Durham, featuring TBC’s Belgian Golden.  It’s a strong beer.  Light and drinkable with a modest hop presence, it has that warm alcohol reminiscent of Duvel.  One of those beers that you could imagine a beer geek and a Bud devotee both enjoying.  Nicely done, gents.

Pictures?  You want pictures?  Okay.  I can do that.

 

And a few more here.

Support your local brewery!

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Spicy! From http://www.nchotsaucecontest.com/

Saturday, September 8th from 11am to 3pm

Join producers from all across our North Carolina in a fun-filled day, showcasing NC Hot Sauces, NC Microbreweries, NC Wines, NC Barbecue Sauces, Antiques, Granville Gardeners Plant Sale and much, much more!   …and get ready for next year, we’ll be searching again  for the #1 Hot Sauce!

North Carolina breweries include…

Top of the Hill, Chapel Hill

Carolina Beer Company, Mooresville

Duck-Rabbit, Farmville

Foothills Brewing Company, Winston Salem

Big Boss Brewing Company

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Parker and Otis continue to show their love for craft beer. Support this great new addition to the Durham culinary scene…and drink some beer while you’re there!

ALL BEER TASTINGS RUN FROM 5 - 7 P.M. on FRIDAYS…the perfect after-work “swing by.”

Duck Rabbit

Friday August 10th
Paul Philippon, owner/brewer of local favorite The Duck-Rabbit Craft Brewery will pour his suite of dark beer offerings.
Highland Brewing

Friday August 17th
Shelly from Highland Brewing Company will be coming down the mountain for a tasting!
Victory!
Friday August 24th
Dave Gonzalez of Global Brewers Guild will show off Victory Brewing Company’s beers.

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The Duck-Rabbit Craft Brewery
Big Boss Brewing Company

And perhaps some locals at this Southern Season event featuring North Carolina-made products.

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From the Jujube (Chapel Hill) newsletter…

 

Jujube After Dark

 

Well, we had so much fun hosting last month’s late night dinner with Andre Tamers, we decided to do another.  It just so happens that our dining room manager extraordinaire Kerry has friends at Dogfish Head brewery in Delaware.  It also just so happens that they make some really delicious beer.  It also just so happens that beer is a really great muse for creating captivating combinations.  So, there we have it… Late night debauchery take two.

 

Like last month, you are welcome to join us afterwards (or during for that matter) as DJ Lady Factual spins captivating grooves of old soul, dance hall reggae, and otherwise funky stuff.  Jae and crew will be manning the bar, mixing up our classic elixirs.

 

An evening with Dogfish Head Brewery

Friday August 31st, 2007

9:30 pm until ???

Jujube Restaurant

 

$37.50 per person plus tax and tip

 

Braised octopus with almond sambal

            Raison d’Etre

 

Grilled-stuffed calamari with Chinese red vinegar caramel

            60 minute IPA

 

Tumeric and honey glazed roasted pork with braised grapes, onions, and sweet peppers

            Midas Touch Ale

 

 ”Red Cooked” duck with crispy sweet rice and corn cake

            90 minute IPA

 

Tea-smoked beef short rib with toasted chilis and black vinegar

            Brown Ale

 

Assorted cookies, fruit, and cheeses

 

But wait!  There’s more.  Dogfish Head is releasing its second beer inspired by ancient traditions (Midas Touch was the first) and it’s hitting NC just in time for this event.  Chateau Jiahu is a beer inspired by evidence of a fermented rice and fruit beverage created in Northern China 9000 years ago.

Jujube is located at:

1201-L Raleigh Road
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
Phone: 919.960.0555
Fax: 919.960.0556

For more information (dress code, parking, map, etc.) or to make reservations at
Jujube:
http://www.opentable.com/restaurant_profile.asp?ID=6325&restref=6325

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Last weekend, we raised a handsome little $750 for Friends of the Blue Ridge! Lee Chase, former head brewer of Stone Brewing Company, came to North Carolina with his wife Jen to check out the beer scene in our great state. It was tons of fun taking them around Durham and Asheville to lead some events and talk up beer.

Lee brought three beers: Green Flash West Coast IPA, Port Brewing Hop 15, and the Ballast Point Double IPA. My personal favorite of the three was the Green Flash: a bold, hazy orange, citrus-crisp beer that wasn’t quite a hop bomb, but was much bigger than a typical IPA.

A few more pictures here. Many thanks to the participating breweries (see earlier post). Both events worked really well, I thought — great service, good food, and happy people…in spite of the heat. At Tyler’s, organizing the beers by theme made a cacophonous beer list suddenly make sense:

American Pale Ales

American India Pale Ales

Hops Be Gone! (Understanding hops by tasting two beers with a limited hop presence)

Intermezzo: Miller Chill

Palate Scrapers

It worked so well, we followed a similar format in Asheville.

A huge thanks to all who attended both the Tyler’s and Bruisin’ Ales event. I enjoyed serving you. Big time thanks to Drew and the gang at French Broad Brewery for hosting the 12 Bones afterparty and local beer sampling.

2 Responses to “Two great events!”

    […] the Webmaster Two great events! » This Summary is from an article posted at Pop The Cap North Carolina on Saturday, September 01, […]

    […] today, Sean at Pop The Cap recaps the Lee Chase weekend in Durhan and Asheville. He’s got some nice pictures up as well. We helped raise a […]

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(think “pig sty” if you’re not getting the joke)

pigstein.com

This will be a great event. I predict it will grow tremendously in the coming years. All I can say is this: you could be there when it all started. I’m serious.

OCTOBER 27. Noon to 3pm (daytime session) and 5 to 8pm (evening). VIP session from 4 to 5 and into the evening session.

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And the Cask Ale tent!  Whoop whoop!

MORE

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It’s been a good day. I finally feel like we have enough beers to make the Cask Ale and Aged Beer Tent a success, though we’re certainly looking for more. Here are the participating breweries so far (I’ll update this page once when more breweries sign up):


Dry-Hopped Belgian Blonde Ale
Dry-Hopped Imperial Amber
Bourbon-Aged Abbey Double


Three-year-old Three Philosophers Quadruple

Natty Greene’s Cask Ale (specific beer TBD)

Cottonwood Endo IPA on cask

Proceeds from the Cask and Barrel tent go toward a printed 2008 North Carolina Beer Map and Guide. If we have enough residual funds and things work out, we may turn over remaining funds to support the fledgling North Carolina Brewers Guild. Either way, the $1 per sample will go directly toward better visibility and promotion for the North Carolina craft beer industry.

Many thanks to the participating breweries. Give them your support!

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Boom clucky chuckie! The list is a happy one. The best ever, and a clear sign that it’s time for a North Carolina Cask Ale Festival.

Come to the Cask, Barrel-Aged, and Vintage beer tent and enjoy…

CASK (look at all them NC casks!)
– Triangle Brewing Dry-hopped Belgian Golden
– Triangle Brewing Dry-hopped Imperial Amber
– Triangle Brewing Bourbon-Aged Abbey Double
– French Broad Wee Heavier Scottish Ale
– Natty Greene’s Buckshot Amber
– Cottonwood Endo IPA
– Highland Gaelic Ale
– Clipper City Winter Storm Imperial ESB

 

BARREL-AGED
– Scaldis Bush Prestige (Oak-aged Belgian strong ale)
…limited quantities!
– Allagash Curieux (Bourbon-barrel-aged Tripel)…limited quantities!

 

VINTAGE
– 2004 Ommegang Three Philosophers Quad
– 2006 Victory Storm King Imperial Stout…limited quantities!
– 2006 Liberty Steakhouse Barleywine

Samples are $1 each or six for $5. We might offer a mega deal for unlimited tastes. And if it’s hot, we may have a “chill in the tent” special or something. Funds go toward a printed North Carolina beer trail guide and maybe some “Buy NC beer” shelf talkers for state beer retailers!

Hope to see you there!

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So much has been said about the elder statesman for better beer, Michael Jackson. A few of our favorites:

Brewers Association tribute

All About Beer tribute

Lew Bryson

MJ’s final interview

All that’s left to say is this: you should attend a September 30th toast in honor of MJ. The Flying Saucers in Raleigh and Charlotte have one scheduled; Foothills will be serving some aged beer, Details so far:

– Local beers are $2.50 a pint that night (and every Sunday)

– Foothills (again, an aged selection) will be the featured toast

All proceeds from the toast go to the Parkinson Foundation

– Both venues will have an official toastmaster

– the toast is at 9 P.M.

Please consider attending this event to honor a beer legend!

Update: similar 9 P.M. toasts taking place at both Tyler’s locations (Carrboro and Durham) and the Bier Garden in Asheville.

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Honor Michael Jackson, the legendary beer writer, at this September 30th toast. Both Flying Saucer locations, both Tyler’s locations, and the Bier Garden in Asheville.

The toast is at 9pm.

I’ll be at the one in Carrboro, Durham, or Raleigh! :) Hope to see a bunch of you out that night.

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Join Bruisn’ Ales and Chad Walker from Freedom Beverage this Thursday in the Tasting Room as we sample the best beers of Japan. Fruit, cheese, crackers and chocolates will be served.

Hitachino

Beers on the tasting flight include:

Hitachino Weizen–”German style Hefe Weizen with banana, clove, and vanilla like flavors with a touch of toasty wheat malt and hops.” [5.0% abv]

Hitachino Red Rice Ale–”Complex sake like flavors with malt sweet notes. Hints of strawberries in the nose and palate. An intriguing mix of sake, malt , and bitter notes in the finish.” [7.0% abv]

Hitachino Japanese Classic Ale–”Bottle-conditioned fine creamy head on top. Medium bodied feel with sweet bitter taste. It has a unique note of cedar and complex spicy yet mild aroma of British traditional hops such as Kent Goldings and Challenger.” [7.0% abv]

Hitachino XH (Extra High)–”Strong Belgian Brown Ale matured in distilled Sake barrels for three months.” [8.0% abv]

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Join us this Friday, September 28th as we welcome Bruce Wright of Wetten Imports to Parker and Otis with a full cache of Delirium Tremens, Delirium Nocturnum, and Gouden Carolus. Also featured will be the extraordinary Scrumpy’s Hard Cider, the only hard cider made in America with 100% Wisconsin apples.

Scrumpy’s, Delirium Tremens, Delirium Nocturnum, and Gouden Carolus will be 10% off on Friday.

(me thinks the apples are from Michigan, just to nitpick)

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Yee haw! It’s the Saxapahaw Oktoberfest. Saxapa-wha? Just the best lil’ village in all of Southeastern Alamance County!

OCTOBER 20 … 4 - 8P.M.

Bands…

MEMPHIS
WOOD & STEEL
SOUTHPAW
THE PARSONS

Beer…

Natty Greene’s Buckshot Amber
Natty Greene’s Pale Ale
Oskar Blues Dale’s Pale Ale (more like an IPA)
Oskar Blues Old Chub (Scottish Ale)

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North Coast Tasting @ Bruisin’ Ales / October 11 5-7pm

This Thursday’s tasting is going to pack a wallop. Four beers from the North Coast Brewing Company’s portfolio all of the high-gravity variety. Special treat this week to accompany these strong brews are local cheeses from The Spinning Spider Creamery in Marshall, NC.

PranQster [7.6% abv]
“Belgian Ales represent the height of the brewers’ art. Sophisticated brewing techniques, yeast blends and unique flavoring elements have elevated the beers of Belgium to the status enjoyed by wine in other countries. PranQster follows in this tradition using a mixed culture of antique yeast strains that produce a floral nose, a full fruity flavor and a clean finish.”

Brother Thelonius [9.4% abv]
“Like a Belgian ‘Dark Strong Ale’, the beer is rich and robust. The package is a 750 ml bottle with a traditional cork and wire finish and features a label picturing the jazz master himself.”

Old Rasputin [9.0% abv]
“Produced in the tradition of 19th Century English brewers who supplied the court of Russia’s Catherine the Great, Old Rasputin seems to develop a cult following wherever it goes. It’s a rich, intense brew with big complex flavors and a warming finish.”

Old Stock Ale [11.7% abv]
“Like a fine port, Old Stock Ale is intended to be laid down. With an original gravity of over 1.100 and a generous hopping rate, Old Stock Ale is well-designed to round-out and mellow with age. It’s brewed with classic Maris Otter malt and Fuggles and East Kent Goldings hops, all imported from England.”

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City Beverage Co
Downtown Winston-Salem

Some new and old beers that we have in stock at City Beverage. Ommegang Ommegeddon, Rare Vos and Witte. Dogfish Head Golden Era, Sierra Nevada Harvest, Nogne Imp. Stout, Nogne Pale Ale, Nogne Brown, Nogne Porter, Nogne Winter Ale, Otter Creek Otter Mon Stout, Blue Moon Full Moon, Terrapin Big Hoppy Monster, Mikkeller Stateside IPA, Haadbryggeriet Norwegian Wood and Dark Force, Lucifer, Jolly Pumpkin Lucierhaga, Victory Festbier, Weyerbacher Imperial Pumpkin, Southampton Pumpkin, Magic hat Jinx.

Sam Adams Black and Boston Lager $15.99 per case
Rogue Dads Little Helper $18.99 per case

Ommegang Beer Tasting October 11th from 4:30-6:30 FREE!!

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2007 Lighthouse International Beer Festival

Saturday, October 20th, 2007 50+ International Breweries! Live music! Hugh MacRae Park, Wilmington NC.

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Well, we’ve recovered from a great Cask, Barrel, and Vintage beer tent. The best ever, in my opinion — thanks all to the volunteers and the participating breweries. Lots of good, hard work…and a lot of fun. Many thanks to the supporting breweries (see below). Give them your support!

Drew of French Broad pouring out the last of the Wee Heavier on cask

 More pictures here.

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The Charlotte Southend restaurant is now a new spot called “Woods on South.” Carolina Beer and Beverage will use the 15BBL system as their pilot brewery, which could be cool.

from the new Woods on South web site

About Woods on South
One of America’s top celebrity chefs, Marvin Woods, is teaming with Carolina Beer Company to create a one-of-a kind Charlotte destination. Woods on South, will feature Woods’ original “Carolina Cuisine” and Carolina Beer Company’s new pilot brewery with beer tasting and tours daily.

Woods on South opens for lunch and dinner October 23rd, offering a wide selection of entrees, wines by the bottle or glass, a martini menu, and micro-beers from Carolina Beer Company’s on-site brewery and tasting room.

The new restaurant is hosting a couple of charity fundraisers on the 19th and 20th; Queen City folks…check it out. Looks like the events are for a few great causes, and the restaurant appears to be under some truly innovative leadership.

One Response to “Southend now “Woods on South,” CB&B involved”

    “Carolina Beer and Beverage will use the 15BBL system as their pilot brewery, which could be cool.” …Yeah, if they start brewing some real beers on it… that might be the ticket to get me to go back there. It was kind of sad to see the slow death of Southend…nice 15BBL Specific Mechanical in there behind glass.

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Triangle Brewing Co. will be hosting a pint night this Friday Oct. 19 at Tuepelo’s in Hillsborough. Pint night starts at 7pm and we will be tapping a cask at 7:35. Tupelo’s will be pouring both the Belgian Golden and the Abbey Dubbel. Live music will be starting sometime after 9pm.

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I continue to be impressed and amazed at the success of the Carolina Brewmasters, a homebrew club in Charlotte. Take a moment to read their latest press release, and rise a pint to their hard work and great successes. They truly deserve it.

Carolina BrewMasters Donate

$50,000 to Local Charities

CHARLOTTE, N.C. Friday, December 21, 2007 - The Carolina BrewMasters are pleased to announce the donation of $50,000 to local charities. The BrewMasters, a Charlotte-based homebrewing club, host the Charlotte Oktoberfest and this year’s festival proceeds were donated to the Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, A Child’s Place and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

For nine years the Carolina BrewMasters have organized and hosted the annual craft brew festival, the Charlotte Oktoberfest, and they have always donated their proceeds. “Our festival has always been about 2 issues near and dear to us: educating the Charlotte area on the wonderful qualities of craft beer and giving back to our great city. Our donations started as just a few hundred dollars and have obviously grown substantially for a volunteer-based event managed by a homebrew club”, states Brian Beauchemin the 2007 club President.

In November, the BrewMasters were honored by the Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society as one of two groups to receive the 2007 Most Outstanding Volunteer Group Award. The award was received at the MS Society’s annual Board meeting and it was at that time the BrewMasters presented the MS Society with a check for $30,000. Jeanette Smith, the VP of Oktoberfest for the club said, “It was an honor to receive such an award. Even better was the fact that everyone attending the meeting was completely shocked when we turned around and presented our donation. We received a standing ovation and it hits home that what we’re doing with our festival proceeds will truly positively impact many people’s lives.”

A Child’s Place and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) both received $10,000 donations. Through A Child’s Place homeless children are provided with stable, appropriate education in a mainstream setting. The organization ensures that students receive the instruction and professional services they need to achieve academic success: food, clothing, personal hygiene products and school supplies are distributed along with various services and tutors. JDRF is the leading charitable funder and advocate of type 1 (juvenile) diabetes research worldwide. The mission of JDRF is to find a cure for diabetes and its complications through the support of research.

The mission of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society is to end the devastating effects of MS. The Mid-Atlantic Chapter is committed to a philosophy of wellness, offering the encouragement, materials and skills necessary to achieve and maintain a meaningful lifestyle for people living with multiple sclerosis and their families. The Society serves people with MS, their families and health care professionals through education, advocacy, information, peer support, therapeutic recreation and many other programs.

For more information, contact Brian Beauchemin, Charlotte Oktoberfest Media Relations

E-mail: bbeauchemin@carolina.rr.com

(Additional information about the Carolina BrewMasters is available at www.carolinabrewmasters.com)

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Yip, this year’s Baltic Porter from Duck-Rabbit is on its way! Enjoy the first of the season at Milltown in Carrboro. The celebration begins at 7 P.M.

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