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RBPMail 4.03, March 1998
Real Beer Page Mail (RBPMail) began as a modest update to craft-brew events on the WWW. It evolved into a news digest and sometimes editorial forum. We present its contents here much as they were emailed to subscribers. Often, links you will see are out of date, and businesses referred to may also be long gone.
In this issue:
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The following entreaty was posted on the IBS Forum for Institute For
Brewing Studies members: CALL YOUR SENATORS! STOP NEW
LAUTENBERG NATIONAL .08 PERCENT BAC MANDATE. We
expect an amendment to be offered within 48 hours in the Senate to
force states to adopt a .08 percent BAC standard or lose a portion of
their federal highway funds. The Lautenberg .08 amendment will occur
during debate on the federal highway bill. The proposed amendment
will criminalize a 120-pound woman who consumes two glasses of
wine within a two-hour period. It will do nothing to address the
problem of the hard-core, high-BAC drunk Driver. We need you to call
or fax your Senators to ask them to oppose the Lautenberg amendment.
Scott Voss at (303) 447-0816 [[email protected]]. For more information,
go to:
http://www.probrewer.com/cgi-bin/probrewer/message.cgi
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PHILIPPINE BREWERY RUMORED FOR SALE
Shares of sequestered stock in the Philippines largest brewery and fifth-
largest company, San Miguel, are rumored to be headed to the market.
This is the result of continuing pursuit of assets of former President
Ferdinand Marcos. The sale of such a large part of one of south east
Asia's largest companies could have far reaching consequences.
(Source: Hugh Filman, Business Week, February 2)
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SAN MIGUEL EARNINGS DECLINE IN 1997
San Miguel Corporation announced a profit of $75 million 1997, 51%
less than in 1996, according to a February 9 Business Wire report.
Foreign exchange losses, a beer price rollback, aggressive market
building efforts in China and higher costs of funds and excise taxes
have been cited as eroding overall gains in sales volumes. Beer sales,
however, did post an overall growth of 2%. The company's
international beer operations experienced a slower volume growth rate in
the second half of the year. Volumes dropped sharply in Indonesia, but
increased by 5% in China and 59% in Vietnam. In China, 11 more sales
offices were opened for a total of 27. San Miguel is the largest selling
foreign beer brand in Guangzhou and No. 2 in Beijing and No. 3 in
Shanghai.
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LABATT BREAKING RECORDS; INCREASING SHARE
Canada's Labatt Brewing Co. Ltd. ended its 150th anniversary year
with 15% annual increase in earnings. The company is embarking on a
five-year ad campaign to challenge Heineken USA, which currently has
26% of the 167 million case import market. Labatt USA is fourth, with
12%. The company will increase spending to support its Mexican brews
(Dos Equis, Tecate, Sol, Bohemia and Carta Blanca), Labatt Blue and
Carlsberg, and will launch a new campaign for Rolling Rock.
http://labattblue.com
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CORONA PULLS INTO FIRST PLACE
U.S. sales of Corona Extra from Mexico's Grupo Modelo surpassed
sales of Heineken in 1997 to make Corona the largest-selling import
beer in the U.S., according to Impact, a leading beverage industry
publication. The number-one position had belonged to Heineken since
the repeal of Prohibition in 1933, Impact reported.
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CHINESE COMPANIES PLAN ACQUISITIONS
China Food and Beverage Company has signed an agreement with
Tiancheng Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of China International Trust &
Investment Corporation to locate and assist in the acquisition of up to
eight additional beer and beverage companies in the People's Republic
of China. ITIC, a Chinese Government-owned corporation, was
established in 1979 to engage in commercial activity as an agent in
China's economic reform process. It is now the largest Chinese
conglomerate in the world, and is involved with trade, finance, heavy
manufacturing, services and technological development. China Food
and Beverage is a public company which invests in or controls food and
beverage companies, currently owning a majority interest in the
Nantong Aitesi Beer Co., Ltd., and Sui Ning Beer Factory, both in
China.
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MOLOKAI DENIED LICENSE TO OPERATE IN HAWAII
The Molokai Brewing Co. was finally denied a liquor license by the
Liquor Commission in Molokai, Hawaii, after ten years of planning and
recent struggle to defeat anti-alcohol opposition in the community.
Richard Stueven, aka "gak", will continue to expand on his love of beer
with reviews -- rumored to have just passed 2400 tasted -- for the public
at:
http://beerismylife.com
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ELECTRONIC 'NOSE' SNIFFS OUT BAD BEER
Researchers at England's Warwick University have developed an
electronic sensor device to detect smells from growing bacteria that
cause bad beer. The researchers realized that the device could be used to
"sniff out" infection. Tests have shown the "nose" to be accurate with
one species of bacteria 100% of the time, and another species with 92%
accuracy. (Sources: New Science and Measurement Science and
Technology)
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MAJORITY OF BREWPUBS STICK TO OWN BREWS
The Institute for Brewing Studies, Boulder, CO conducted a survey of
brewpubs' policy on serving "guest beers" alongside their own
"housebrewed beers" in brewpubs. Of 205 United States brewpubs
responding to the surveys, the following statistics were collected:
13% serve other draft craft brews
10% serve draft beer from the large breweries
6% serve a draft import
9% serve either a can or bottled version of another craft brew
18% serve either a can or bottled version of a large breweries product
12% serve either a can or bottled version of an import
15% serve a non-alcoholic import
18% serve a non-alcoholic product from a large brewery.
( Source: 1996-1997 Industry Revealed)
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LAST HURDLE IN MISSISSIPPI BREWPUB LEGALIZATION
The state Senate has passed a bill to legalize brewpubs in Mississippi, a
state notorious for its conservative views on alcohol. The bill now faces
the scrutiny of the state House of Representatives. The sponsor of the
bill, Senator John Horhn, D Jackson, called the legislation a money-
smart step for Mississippi, adding that it had the support of businesses
and casinos from across the state. Unlike previous versions of the
legislation, this years bill includes casinos among the businesses
allowed to brew their own beer. The strength of the brews would be
limited to 4 percent alcohol by weight (5 percent by volume).
Mississippi is the only state in the nation besides Montana where
brewpubs are still illegal.
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THOMAS HARDY '94-96 AVAILABLE ONLINE
We rarely feature selected merchandise in this area, but the selection of
Thomas Hardy available at The Horse Brass Pub's sister retail outlet,
The Belmont Station, is one we want to share with readers after our
palates. Limited supplies of each year is available and they won't come
cheap, but a cellar full of Hardy is hard to beat. These bottle
conditioned, individually-numbered "strong-ales" -- considered by some
a barleywine -- are wonderfully complex and become more so with time
in a properly cooled cellar. Get your orders in at:
http://www.horsebrass.com/belmont_station/
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GET SHOCKED BY DOS EQUIS
An innovative new website for Dos Equis offers a couple of killer online
games that deserve their own recognition. More on the website is below
in the Picks section. The games may be the most fun you'll have with
this brand outside of the real world. Based on the brand's new
advertising campaign, Viva La Revolucion, the games invite you to
enjoy your part of the revolution of living life truly on your terms. The
first game, ROUTINE: THE ENEMY, has you jumping over mindless
worker drones who zap your energy as they try to shove you into the
daily grind. Of course, you're better than that, and can power up with a
refreshing Dos Equis. Watch out for the evil boss who has a way of
throwing a wrench in your plans of getting to the end. You can find the
game at:
http://www.dosx.com/routine.php
For a fun, quick routine breaker, play against the clock in a classic little
applet called REINFORCEMENTS. Because living is thirsty work
indeed.
http://www.dosx.com/reinforce.php
Both games require the Shockwave and could be the best reason to
download the plug-in if you don't have it already.
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AGER TANK EQUIPMENT
Ager Tank and Equipment is a Portland, OR based clearing house of
new and used brewery equipment. The site allows you to navigate
quickly scores of items in over a dozen categories and provides
snapshots of selected categories. Buyers and Sellers fill out online
forms to get their items listed or to purchase. Surf over to their site at:
http://www.ager-tank-equipment.com
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USA's favorite Imported amber beer from Mexico is the Vienna style
lager brewed for over a century under the sign of the two X's (ergo,
Dos Equis) for the coming Millineum. Find out about the beers --
including a special lager and an equally special holiday brew, XX
brewing history and where to find it. Send postcards, relate with other
XX-philes, play games, contact the brand. And discover your own
meaning for Viva La Revolucion. Live the Revolution online.
http://www.dosx.com
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ECO PAK PRODUCTS
Mike Galbierz and father, Richard, are the brains behind Eco-Pak
Products and innovative packaging for the beverage industry. They
developed and patented their paperboard carrier technology as a viable
option for all packaging needs. The packages use less materials,
showcase labels in a creative way and reduce slippage. If you work with
a packaged product, you'll want to check out:
http://eco-pakproducts.com
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Freshops is hop supply house created by a homebrewer for
homebrewers. And, one visit to the Freshops website will tell you how
passionate they are about this ingredient. The pages are tailored
specifically for your carboy-lugging, hop-smelling, boilover brewing
experiences. A handy glossary, info on homebrewing, growing your
own hops, and symptoms of insect and disease damage are available.
And Freshops products are also available to order online.
http://www.freshops.com
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IMPERIAL TOUR & TRAVEL, INC.
If your feet are made for walkin' and you are determined to set off on
a quest for good beer, these are the folks to contact. Imperial Tour and
Travel, based in Portland, OR (probably where they developed a taste
for good beer), have put together the first homebrew cruise starring
brew guru, Fred Eckhardt. Get more information online at:
http://imperialtourtravel.com
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OAKEN BARREL BREWING CO.
Here's a website by brewers who know who they are and what they
want to brew and are not afraid of taking shots at those nearby intent on
confusing their consumers. "You don't have to be Bigfoot to enjoy big
beer, but the search has left many Hoosiers dry. In spite of all the
brewhaha about blushing dogs and angry frogs, central Indiana
continues to be hoodwinked by big brewers with bland beers and
colorful packaging. There is very little distribution of real microbrewed
beers with interesting flavor or local identity." Fortunately, Indiana has
Oaken Barrel. Check out the website. It tells a great story. It has a big
heart. It implies having a good time is part of the quality. Like they say
on their free-stuff page: "It's almost as good as swiping a handful [of
coasters] from the bar but your lazy butt doesn't even have to leave your
comfy chair."
http://oakenbarrel.com
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SANTA ROSA STAINLESS STEEL
A recognized as a wine industry leader in equipment manufacturing
since 1968, Santa Rosa Stainless Steel's sterling record for high-quality
equipment solutions to such a discriminating industry translates well
into serving the needs of the brewing industry. SRSS manufactures
custom steam-fired brewhouse equipment, fermentation and serving
tanks. Check out what they have to offer your brewery at
http://www.srss.com
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Thanks to all who have been replying to our Quickie Surveys. We draw
one winner each month for the prize of Michael Jackson's The Great
Beers of Belgium distributed by Vanberg & DeWulf
(http://www.BelgianExperts.com), Importers of fine Belgian beers and
now brewers of Belgian-style beer in their Cooperstown-based Brewery
Ommegang. This month's winner is Ted Hull who seems to enter these
surveys religiously and proves that luck has a favor for tenacity &
persistence. Cheers, Ted!
Last month's question was what Mexican Beer do you prefer? It appears
as though the deeper-colored Vienna Lagers lead Real Beer consumer
preferences. Leading beers were:
Dos Equis:
Modelo:
Corona:
Bohemia:
Pacifico:
Tecate:
Other:
|
31%
28%
11%
9%
8%
7%
6%
|
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- The Real Beer Page announces a diverse group of brew websites
to check out:
- http://www.beer-wine.com
- http://cornucopia1.com
- http://dmebrewing.com
- http://www.greatlakesbrewing.com
- http://hopunion.com
- http://www.microbrew-invitational.com
- http://www.homebrewsupply.com
- http://www.yakimachief.com
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BRIDGEPORT REPORTS 35% INCREASE IN SALES
BridgePort Brewing Company, Portland, OR, reports an overall 35%
annual increase in sales for 1997 over 1996.
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PYRAMID BREWERIES SHOW STRONG 4TH QUARTER SALES
Pyramid Breweries Inc. reported net sales increased 22.4% to $6
million in the fourth quarter of 1997 compared to $4.9 million in Q4 in
1996. Sales of Pyramid Ales increased 9.5% but sales of Thomas
Kemper Lagers were off some 47.5%.
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COORS REPORTS RECORD 1997 SALES
Adolph Coors Company announced net sales of $1.82 billion, a 4.6%
increase from 1996. Sales volume was up some 2.7% to 20,581,000
barrels in 1997. The after-tax income was reported to be $68.3 million,
a 44% increase from 1996.
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BUDWEISER SALES GROW, PRICE FALLS
Anheuser-Busch, Inc. reported domestic sales of a record 89,572,000
barrels. However, according to a February 5 article in the Wall Street
Journal, AB reported that its net income fell 8.8% in 4th quarter 1997.
The company stated that its net in 1996 was $150 million, and $136.8
million in 1997, and that deep price discounting negatively impacted its
net income for that quarter.
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MOLSON ANNOUNCES THIRD QUARTER INCREASE
Molson Companies Ltd. announced net earnings for the three months
ended December 31, 1997 of $22.6 million versus 1996 same period,
$20.2 million. Net earnings for the nine months ended December 31,
1997 were $63.4 million; 1996 same period was $61.8 million.
Operating profits for nine months ending December 31, 1997 declined
to $108.7 million from $114.8 million for same period last year.
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BOSTON BEER CO. 1997: PRODUCTION UP, NET DOWN
Production for 1997 was 1,352,000 barrels up from 1,213,000 in
1996. Net sales were reported to be down at $183.8 million from
$191.1 million in 1996. Net income decreased to $7.6 million from
$8.4 million in 1996. The flagship Samuel Adams Lager reportedly
grew faster than the category and represents a majority of the
company's sales.
http://www.samadams.com
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ROCK BOTTOM Q4 AND YEAR END RESULTS
Rock Bottom Restaurants, Inc. announced year-end results for 1997.
Revenues for Q4 increased 29.8% to $39.4 million compared to $30.3
million for Q4 in 1996. The company incurred a net loss for the quarter
prior to a $4.5 million charge for restaurant closings. The company
reported a net loss for Q4 1997 of $4.3 million.
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REDHOOK REPORTS DISAPPOINTING 4TH QUARTER
Redhook Brewery Inc. reported a net loss of $716,000 for 4th quarter
1997 and a net loss of $1,399,000 for year ended December 31, 1997.
Total sales declined 8.1% compared to 4th quarter 1996. Sales volume
declined from 58,100 barrels to 52,800 barrels for 4th quarter 1996 and
1997, respectively.
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CELEBRATOR CELEBRATES 10TH ANNIVERSARY IN STYLE
The Celebrator Beer News, the oldest beer newspaper in the real world
and earliest beer newspaper online, celebrated its 10th anniversary in
true, beer-lovin' form on Saturday, February 28th at the Pyramid
complex in Berkeley. Eighteen legacy breweries from the west coast and
three bands rocked the sold-out crowd of brewers, media and beer
enthusiasts. Highlights included "The Rolling Boil Blues Band," a
compilation of beer industry professionals from brewers to marketers to
Celebrator publisher, Tom Dalldorf, fulfilling their rock & roll fantasies.
http://www.celebrator.com
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PRESSES RUMORED STOPPED AT NY BEER PUBLICATION
The Beer & Tavern Chronicle, a New York City based brewspaper that
promotes itself as "Americas First Monthly Beer Periodical," failed to
published its December 1997, and January 1998 issues, according to a
report in ALExaminer, an e-mail beer newsletter.
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ROCKY MOUNTAIN BREWS CEASES PUBLICATION
Publisher AJ Feldmann has ceased publication of the Rocky Mountain
Brews beer newspaper headquartered in Ft. Collins, CO. The
publication was the brainchild of industry veteran and current AHA
Director Jim Parker. Parker, who was a newspaper reporter and an early
editor of the Celebrator Beer News, sold the paper when he opened
Mountain Tap Pub in Ft. Collins. The publication was truly "America's
First Monthly Beer Publication" but recently had been known to have an
erratic publishing record. No confirmation was possible from the
publisher as the phone has been disconnected.
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OWNERSHIP CHANGE AT YANKEE BREW NEWS
Yankee Brew News has been purchased by investors currently involved
in beer publications. Yankee Brew News, founded in 1989 by Don
Gosselin, is one of the nation's oldest beeriodicals and covers the New
England states. The new owners own Southwest Brewing News,
founded in 1993, and covering the Southwestern U.S. Bill Metzger,
one of the investors, owns and publishes Great Lakes Brewing News.
http://www.yankeebrew.com
http://realbeer.com/glbn/
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FINLAND JUMPS ON BEER FESTIVAL BANDWAGON
The first Helsinki Beer Festival will be held 2nd - 4th April 1998. It will
be an annual fair for both the trade and private beer consumers,
featuring beer, wine, cider, and whiskies. Helsinki Beer Festival will be
the first "real" international beer trade show held in Finland.
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CANS TALK BACK
Brazilian brewer Brahma has launched a promotion in Venezuela,
featuring two thousand talking beer cans. Emblazoned with a grinning
mouth, the red and gold cans contain a light-activated recording that
announces in a tinny voice prizes ranging from $50 to $2,000 when
opened. South America's largest brewer launched the $800,000
campaign at the beginning of February. (FW: Kurt Epps)
http://realbeer.com/rbp/authors/epps/
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WSJ REVEALS CRAFT-BREW FAVORITE TO PUBLIC
On Monday, January 26, the Wall Street Journal ran an article about
Fred, a brew produced by the Hair of the Dog Brewery in Portland,
OR. The Journal became interested in Fred when they heard about Hair
of the Dog's unprecedented move of releasing the first bottling to the
general public before releasing to retailers. Customers lined up outside
the brewery and snatched up the 110 cases and 120 magnums available
in less than an hour. Fred is a Golden Strong Ale measuring 11.5%
alcohol by volume and was previously available only on draft. The beer
was created to honor Portland-based beer writer and historian Fred
Eckhardt. Alan Sprints, of Hair of the Dog, reports that the article has
also generated interest from distributors in other states and an exporter
to the Japanese market.
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ORIGINAL FRED HOSTS HOMEBREWING CRUISE TO MEXICO
Fred Eckhardt will host the first AHA-sanctioned homebrewing
competition to be judged at sea. The First Annual Brew Cruise will stop
at Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Cabo San Lucas. Eckhardt will present
seminars and beer tastings, and there will be a homebrew competition.
The cruise is $1299 per person plus airfare and includes all brew cruise
activities and an oceanview stateroom. It is offered by Imperial Tour and
Travel, 1-800-888-2887.
http://www.imperialtourtravel.com
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FRED INSPIRES BEER LITERACY IN OREGON
The Oregon Brew Crew homebrew club reports in its monthly
newsletter that they will be donating books on beer and brewing to the
Multnomah County Library. The funds are from the club's cash surplus
carried over for the past few years. The American Homebrewers
Association has agreed to discount books purchased by the club for the
library. The idea for donating books was suggested by beer writer Fred
Eckhardt, who had pointed out to the club severe budget and personnel
suffered by the library.
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SMOKING PROHIBITION REVIEWED BY CA LEGISLATURE
California's recent prohibition of smoking in all public buildings has
met fierce defiance by tavern owners, publican's and customers. The
California Assembly voted last week to repeal the ban on smoking by a
vote of 42 to 24. The measure to repeal now goes to the State Senate
where the bill's fate is doubtful.
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CA REJECTS BILL TO CONTROL ALCOHOL ADS
California's state assembly rejected bills proposed to restrict advertising
messages by alcohol companies about beer. One bill, introduced by
Assemblyperson Dion Aroner, D-Berkeley, suggested an advisory
committee to set guidelines for child-friendly material in alcohol
advertising. Another, by Assemblyman Tony Cardenas, D-Pacoima,
recommended drastically increasing license fees for convenience stores .
(Source: Hayward Daily Review, January 13)
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FOUNDER LEAVES MENDOCINO BREWING CO.
Michael Lovett has resigned from Mendocino Brewing Company in
Hopland and Ukiah, CA. Michael said that he was given an opportunity
to stay in a diminished capacity (and at a salary level of some three years
ago) by the new management but felt it was better to leave the brewery
he helped to found in 1983. Both Michael Lovett and Master Brewer
Don Barkley (who remains in his position at Mendocino) came from the
first microbrewery in the U.S. --New Albion in Sonoma, CA. When it
closed in the early 80's, Michael and Don took some of the equipment
and went north to Hopland, CA, to help found the first brewpub in
California, Mendocino Brewing Company. Controlling interest in
Mendocino is held by Indian beer and spirits conglomerate United
Breweries of America.
http://mendobrew.com
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FAMED SAN FRANCISCO BEER FESTIVAL SCUTTLED
KQED television has announced the cancellation of their annual beer
festival, held for years during the weekend after the July Fourth
holiday, and at its height drew over 300 exhibitors. More than quantity,
the event served as an organizing community force for the beer industry
in Northern California.
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TENNESSEE BREWPUB CHAIN EXPANDS
Big River Breweries, Inc. has gone public with its decision to add two
Florida brewpubs to its growing portfolio of restaurants. The
acquisition of seafood pubs Ragtime Tavern in Atlantic Beach, FL, and
A1A Ale Works in St. Augustine, FL, both founded and operated by
successful Florida restaurateurs Tom and Bill Morton, indicates Big
River's solid presence in the region.
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TORONADO BARLEY WINE FESTIVAL WINNERS
On Sunday, February 15 a panel of homebrewers and beer writers
judged 33 strong beer during the 5th Annual Barley Wine Festival at the
Toronado in San Francisco. Best of show was Hair of the Dog Adam,
Batch 29 from the tiny brewery with the big reputation in Portland,
Oregon. Second place went to Old Crustacean 1995 from Rogue of
Newport, Oregon, and third position went to Old Bawdy from Seattle's
Pike Brewing Company.
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CO. BREWERIES BREAK GROUND FOR NEW FACILITIES
Left Hand Brewing Company, Longmont, CO, president Eric Wallace
and Tabernash Brewing' Co.'s, Denver, CO VP Jeff Mendel turned the
first shovels of dirt to initiate construction on their new facility in
Longmont. The building will expand Left Hand's current building from
56,00 square feet to over 12,000 square feet. The added space will
house a new bottling line, additional fermentation and conditioning
tanks, larger cold storage and new office space. Once the new facility at
Left Hand is completed, all Tabernash brewing will move to Longmont
and Tabernash's Denver facility will close. Project completion is
scheduled for this summer.
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MILLER SEEKS TO BRAND AN ERA
According to an article in the January 26 Ad Age by James B.
Arndorfer, Miller Brewing Company is working with the U.S. Patent
Office to get itself branded as the official sponsor of the "Millerennium,"
a name it is looking to trademark. (M&M/Mars is already running a
commercial declaring itself the official candy of the Millennium.)
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Northwest Airlines announced today that it has reached an agreement
with James Page Brewing Co., of Minneapolis MN, to offer its Iron
Range Amber Lager to Northwest passengers on domestic flights
beginning this spring. The airline selected the microbrewed lager after
detailed evaluation of the products from several leading microbreweries
in the Twin Cities area. A brewery spokesman expressed his delight
with the selection.
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HOLLYWOOD BLONDE BREWER GRABS LAT COVERAGE
Maribeth Raines-Casselman, cancer researcher and brewmaster for The
Great Beer Company, brewers of Hollywood Blonde Kolsch- style
beer, was featured in an article in a February 4th L.A. Times article
under the headline, "Beauty and the Yeast."
http://greatbeerco.com
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EDITORIAL: REAL BEER ENCOUNTERS
While traveling on vacation in Mexico last fall I had a couple of real beer
encounters -- events that would never had taken place without the
pursuit of our passion. These encounters play into a larger theory I've
been working on about what happens on the path...
The setting was the Mexican states of Quintana Roo and Yucatan,
perhaps better known for its resort destination of Cancun or visually as
the big toe of the Mexican stocking. Darci, my wife, and I, prefer less-
traveled designations, and had decided to go snorkeling in some semi-
remote caves in the Maya jungle. About 8 miles north of Telum and two
miles by Indiana Jones-like 4x4 buggy, we reached the Tak Bahai and
Dos Ojos caves (http://www.xaac.com/dosojos/). These caves have
been formed in the jungle-covered limestone shelf of Quintana Roo by
millions of years of rising and diminishing water table levels.
Descending into a cave gave respite to thick swarms of mosquitoes
following us through the jungle trek. Below, a magical setting was
provided by the sounds of bats and birds and the elegant formations of
stalactites joined by sturdy tree roots snaking below the surface in
search of water. Our guide, Cecilia, lit the caves and our snorkeling
excursion with a hand-held lamp which ran out of power after our first
hour around a cave lake (called a "cenote").
As we waited above for a new battery to be delivered, we began to
converse with an expatriate tradesman breaking from welding some
stairs and scaffolding for another cave entrance. His name was Mark
Kale and he had just packed up, given away or sold all of his worldly
goods to move down, live in a trailer on the beach and work on
developing the dive and snorkel business. He had left Tempe, AZ and
his last project there was a microbrewery. My ears perked up. My
wife's eyes rolled (she's become accustomed to these "coincidences" to
the point of recognizing that they are not accidents and, for Pete's sake,
we *were* on vacation after all...).
And Mark and I began trading names and beer stories. Jim and Dan over
at Four Peaks, the microbrewery he worked on in Tempe, AZ. We met
them when we were getting started in '94. How about Barry John, the
guy from Samuel Smiths, retired but assisting with their formulations?
Damn good Scottish Ale. Great Oatmeal stout. How about that Elvis
shrine they've got going? Mark said he contributed a couple rare singles
to the growing Elvisiana. Did he know that beer writer/author, Patrick
Higgins', first book was called "Before There Was Elvis There Was
Nothing?" That's in the shrine, too. And Jerry Grant from Copper
Canyon in Tempe -- friend, cool cat and fellow brewer -- how was he
doing? And on and on. We had a great time sharing experiences about
the brewers in Arizona in the jungles of Mexico, miles from a phone but
never far from our passion.
A week later we headed across Yucatan to Chichen Ittza, one of the best
restored Mayan/Aztec/Toltec cities. While waiting for a guide, a large
English-speaking tour group came filing by us. Noticing my Real Beer
hat, an excellent protection from the intense Caribbean sun, one of the
tourists approached me and asked if I knew the Real Beer page. "Know
them? I'm one of them," I replied. "Hey, honey!" he yelled. "Get the
camera over here. It's the Real Beer guy. He's famous" I recognized the
rolling of eyes from his wife, but good sportsmanship prevailed. "It's a
digital camera," he explained. "I go to your pages all the time. I've got a
half-barrel system in the garage." The pictures and email exchange were
brief because his tour was about to leave. The razzing I get from my
wife about the incident may last a lifetime. I wasn't surprised to find an
email with jpegs attached upon my return.
These stories bring together some themes I've been watching ferment in
my mind for awhile:
First, that truth resides in the center of a diamond, and no matter what
facet you use to peer into that center, with clarity of purpose and purity
of development, you can get there. Be it through science, religion, art,
brewing, math, alchemy, humor, appreciation, sports. Where ever the
passion drives you, that's where truth is. That's why we've been
known to have said that beer is our subject, but life, politics, art, truth
and sensuality is what we're writing about. It may have been beer
traveling that put us in Everywhere USA, and in being there we were
able to have other incredible life experiences.
Second, that being on your path and following your passion brings its
own rewards. I have a theory -- and it's been covered by more credible
and researched fields -- that whether you know it or not, you're bearing
gifts for others you will meet. It may be an idea, knowledge, friendship
or something even more tangible.
Third, the WWW makes the first two all the more immediate. It is a
network where people of similar passion find themselves and form
communities around their passions. They share what they have and
learn what they can and become more substantial in the process. That's
why it's not surprising when the real world emulates what happens
every moment online.
Our real beer encounters were hardly accidents. As some real beer
friends fondly state in their sig file: Beer is our Bond. (Gratis to Maura
Kilgore and Patrick Higgins). Cheers!
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