Thursday, June 11, 2009

9,000 Year Old Beer

Industry News


9,000 Year Old Beer to be Relaunched
A brewery is relaunching the world's oldest beer by using on a 9,000-year-old Chinese recipe. Chateau Jiahu is a blend of rice, honey and fruit which is said to have been all the rage in ancient China. But after being forgotten about for around 9,000 years the beer is set to make it's return after beer experts Dogfish recreated the brew.
Seattle Beer Festival Welcomes Drinker & Their Dogs
Seattle is famous for their weather and their coffee, but they've slowly been making their way onto the beer scene as well. After all, they aren't too far away from Portland, a city that has more breweries than anywhere else in the country. To celebrate this new beer fame, they’re welcoming one and all to the Seattle International Beer Festival. On July 3-5, hop heads and beer bellies from around the country will gather at the Seattle Center Mural Amphitheatre to test out the latest and greatest from the world of beer. There will be over 150 varieties on tap and in bottles just waiting for you to sample them.

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

B Is For Beer


B Is For Beer, by Tom Robbins. A Children's Book About Beer? Yes, believe it or not--but B Is for Beer is also a book for adults, and bear in mind that it's the work of maverick bestselling novelist Tom Robbins, internationally known for his ability to both seriously illuminate and comically entertain. Once upon a time (right about now) there was a planet (how about this one?) whose inhabitants consumed thirty-six billion gallons of beer each year (it's a fact, you can Google it). Among those affected, each in his or her own way, by all the bubbles, burps, and foam, was a smart, wide-eyed, adventurous kindergartner named Gracie; her distracted mommy; her insensitive dad; her non-conformist uncle; and a magical, butt-kicking intruder from a world within our world. Populated by the aforementioned characters--and as charming as it may be subversive--B Is for Beer involves readers, young and old, in a surprising, far-reaching investigation into the limits of reality, the transformative powers of children, and, of course, the ultimate meaning of a tall, cold brewski.

Interviewette With Tom Robbins:

Q: So, Tom Robbins, you’ve gone and written a children’s book about an alcoholic beverage. First, why the ode to beer?

A: Why not? As ode fodder, its got to have at least as much potential as nightingales and Grecian urns.

Beer is so universally beloved that 36 billion gallons of it are sold each year worldwide. Moreover, it’s been popular for thousands of years, with origins dating back to ancient Egypt and Sumer. It has deep connections to the earth -- and possibly to outer space, as well (I explain this in the book). Bittersweet, like much of life itself, it’s exceptionally thirst-quenching and enormously refreshing; it’s cheerful, accessible, affordable, lovely in color, and somewhat nourishing, being one of our few neutral foods: perfectly balanced between acidic and alkaline, between yin and yang. Best of all perhaps, beer makes us tipsy. What’s not to ode?

Q: Okay, but what’s the angle with children?

A: Children see beer commercials every time they watch a sporting event on TV. In the supermarket, they pass shelves and coolers overflowing with the stuff. Neon beer signs wink at them as they’re driven to school, to church or the mall. And, if their own parents and older siblings aren’t enjoying beer, then the parents and siblings of their friends surely are.

Kids are constantly exposed to beer, it’s everywhere; yet, aside from wagging a warning finger and growling -- true enough as far as it goes -- “Beer is for grownups,” how many parents actually engage their youngsters on the subject? As a topic for detailed family discussion, it’s generally as taboo as sex.

It’s a kind of largely unpremeditated side-stepping, and part of the reason is that most parents are themselves uninformed. Even if mommy and daddy have more than a clue about beer’s ingredients and how it’s brewed, they know nothing of its history, let alone the rich psychological, philosophical, and mythic associations bubbling beneath the surface of its wide appeal.

Q: So, children need to know the “meaning” of beer?

A: Well, at the very least they need a clearer understanding of why their dad keeps a second refrigerator in the garage, and why he stays up late out there on school nights with his shirt off, listening to Aerosmith.

Q: Of course. How would you compare B Is for Beer to your previous nine books of fiction?

A: At 126 pages, it’s shorter. It’s illustrated. And it’s less complex, although considerably more complicated than Poopie the Pukey Puppy.

Q: What will you possibly do for an encore?

A: Not my problem. I’ve decided to take advantage of outsourcing. My next novel will be written by a couple of guys in Bangalore.



Tom Robbins

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Obama Beer and Other Beer News

Click on title link for full article


Feds put a cork in Obamagang beer
"MILFORD NY -- Business usually goes pretty much the way Brewery Ommegang wants it to. The Belgian-owned brewery located in this village near Cooperstown has always had a solid cult following for its Belgian-style brews. But when it decided to put out a special beer called "Obamagang," the government stepped in to say 'No way.'"
Bill Introduced to Allow Grocery Stores to Sell Full Strength Beer
"A pair of legislators — Sen. Jennifer Veiga of Denver and Rep. Buffie McFadyen of Pueblo, both Democrats — has introduced a bill that would allow grocery stores to sell full-strength beer. Grocery and convenience stores can now sell only beer that has 3.2 percent alcohol by volume."
New Belgium Releases Its First Ever Sustainability Report
"FT. COLLINS, CO -- (Marketwire) -- 01/15/09 -- New Belgium Brewing, the nation's third largest craft brewer, recently unveiled its first-ever corporate sustainability report -- a revealing look at the progress and challenges of operating a sustainable business. The 2007-2008 report outlines New Belgium's "Triple Bottom Line" approach to business, measuring the environmental, economic and social effects of the brewery. It also highlights several of the brewer's unique environmental initiatives -- from a decade-long commitment to using wind energy to a greenhouse gas life cycle assessment (LCA) of a six-pack of Fat Tire beer."

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Great New Products For the Holidays

New Product Announcements


Boulder Brewing Company Killer Penguin - 22oz bomber. Traditional winter seasonal beers are warm and comforting. Not this Penguin! With 10% alcohol by volume, this killer barleywine is stealthily smooth. Deep ruby red in color with undertones of candied fruit, Killer Penguin is an aggressive, full-flavored barleywine style ale. Every year Boulder Brewing Company brews a single 50 barrel batch of Killer Penguin, making it their most rare and sought-after bottled beer.
Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout - 12oz bottle. From North Coast Brewing Company in Ft. Bragg, California.
Rogue Hazelnut Brown Nectar - 22oz bomber. A nutty twist to a traditional European Brown Ale. Dark brown in color with a hazelnut aroma, a rich nutty flavor, and a smooth malty finish.
Breckenridge Christmas Ale - Breckenridge Brewery's Christmas seasonal is in!
Anchor Christmas Ale - This is the 34th annual Christmas Ale from Anchor Brewing in San Francisco.
Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA - We've had the 90 minute and 120 minute IPAs and now we've added Dofish's 60 minute IPA. A continually-hopped super India Pale Ale from the Dogfish Brewery in Delaware.
Winter Warlock - Bristol Brewing Company of Colorado Springs puts out this very popular winter seasonal each year and we never seem to be able to get enough of it during its short season. It's a rich, roasted oatmeal stout.
Georges Dubceuf Beaujolais Nouveau - Tender, fruity, harmonious, elegant, fresh, and delicious. Try this traditional holiday wine.
Trinity Oaks California Reisling - Handcrafted by one of the longest established wine-making families in California, Trinity Oaks is a fruit forward and approachable wine that pairs well with any occasion. One of the most delicate white varieties, this Riesling showcases citrus and floral notes on the nose and palate.
Trinity Oaks Pinot Noir - True to the varietal, this vibrant Pinot Noir exuces bright strawberry and cherry characteristics on the nose and a smooth, silky texture on the palate.
Trinity Oaks Vineyard has boldly pledged to plant a tree for every bottle of wine sold over the next year as part of their inaugural One Bottle, One Tree campaign which kicked off July 1, 2008 and runs through June 30,2009.

The Wine Snob's Dictionary: An Essential Lexicon of Oenological Knowledge

Book Review

The Wine Snob's Dictionary: An Essential Lexicon of Oenological Knowledge, by David Kamp and David Lynch. A nicely structured, lightly acidic addition to the handy Snob’s Dictionary series, decoding the baffling world of winespeak from A to Z. Wine Snob: The very phrase seems redundant, doesn't it? When faced with this snobbiest of snobberies, the civilian wine enthusiast needs the help of savvy translators like David Kamp and David Lynch. Their Wine Snob’s Dictionary delivers witty explication of both old-school oeno-obsessions (What's claret? Who's Michael Broadbent?) and such new-wave terms as "malolactic fermentation" and "fruit bomb." Among the other things Kamp and Lynch demystify:

Finish: the Snob code-term for "aftertaste." (Robert Parker includes the stopwatch-measured length of a wine's finish in his ratings.)

Meritage: an American wine classification that rhymes with "heritage," and should NEVER be pronounced "meri-TAHJ."

Terroir: that elusive quality of vineyard soil that has sommeliers talking of "gunflint," "leather," and "candied fruits"

Featuring ripe, luscious, full-bodied illustrations by Snob's Dictionary stalwart Ross MacDonald, The Wine Snob’s Dictionary is as heady and sparkling as a vintage Taittinger, only much less expensive... and much more giggle-inducing. Cheers!

David Kamp is a writer and editor for Vanity Fair and the author of The United States of Arugula, The Food Snob’s Dictionary, The Film Snob’s Dictionary, and The Rock Snob’s Dictionary. David Lynch is a James Beard Award—winning writer, sommelier, and restaurant manager, having served as wine director of Babbo Ristorante for seven years. Both authors live in New York City. Ross MacDonald’s illustrations have appeared in many publications, from The New Yorker to The Wall Street Journal.
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Monday, November 17, 2008

New Arrivals

New Product Announcements


Peachy Canyon Winery Zinfandel - 100% Zinfandel with white pepper and spice notes followed by a rich velvety texture. From Paso Robles, California.
Kris Pinot Noir - If you're a fan of Kris wines from Italy you will love their Pinot Noir.
Terranoble Sauvignon Blanc - This zesty Chilean Sauvignon Blanc has fresh aromas reminiscent of lemons, gooseberries as well as those of tropical fruits. In the mouth, the wine shows a crisp ripe acidity and good persistence of flavor on the finish. Best served chilled.
Terranoble Cabernet Sauvignon - This full-bodied Cab from the sunny vineyards of the Maule Valley of Chile has a typically deep intense color, together with aromas of chocolate, tobacco and red fruits. Smooth tannins and a subtle oak touch on the palate result in a round, well-balanced wine.
Terranoble Merlot - This medium-bodied Merlot has an aroma of fresh summer fruits such as raspberries and black currants mingled with tobacco and oak due to aging in American oak barrels.
Prodigal Son Petite Syrah - Intense vibrant blackberry fruits and a rich smooth finish. From Big House winery of Santa Cruz, California.
Jekel Cabernet Sauvignon - A deep-bodied Cab that is rich in flavor. From Arroyo Seco in Monterrey, California.
Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur - For the holidays we've brought in this special rich treat.
Odell's Isolation Ale - Odell Brewery's winter seasonal is in!
Calvados Boulard - This exceptionally aromatic Boulard's Reserve du Chef was specially blended from a selection of over 120 apple varieties to suit the needs of today's most discriminating chefs. Add new dimensions to savory dishes such as pork chicken, fish and an array of desserts.
Alice White Pinot Noir - From South East Australia, this elegant Pinot Noir has bright red berry aromas and silky supple flavors. Great with grilled salmon, roast chicken, baked ham, and lamb chops.

Recent Beer News

Industry News


InBev Cleared to Acquire Annheuser-Busch
"Washington, Nov 17 - Belgium's InBev NV cleared the last hurdle to buying Anheuser-Busch Cos Inc, creating the world's largest brewer, when it gained U.S. antitrust approval for the $52 billion deal after agreeing to sell its Labatt USA subsidiary."
Rosie O'Donnell Would Like to Have a Beer With Sarah Palin
"I'd like to have a beer with her. I'd like to meet her kids. She seems like a pretty nice woman."
Beer Truck Overturns in Wheatridge, Driver Arrested For DUI
"The truck, carrying 45,000 pounds of beer, overturned at about 7:30 p.m. on the entrance ramp to eastbound I-70 off of Colorado Highway 58."
Hoppy Days Are Here Again
CSU's Brewing Science Class partners with Odell Brewing on third brew

Monday, October 20, 2008

New This Week

New Product Announcements


Bearboat Pinot Noir - Bearboat harvests its premium grapes in California's prestigious Russian River Valley. It is aged for 10 months in French oak and carefully fined before its release. While the color is a brilliant red reminiscent of black cherries, the nose offers hints of warm toast and cassis. It has a mouth of fresh strawberries and raspberries while delicate suggestions of black licorice enhance the lingering finish.
Tilia Malbec Syrah - Tilia, the Latin name for linden, is a traditional tree throughout the wine country of Mendoza, Argentina. For generations local vineyard workers have used its flowers to make a relaxing herbal tea after a long day's work among the vines. Tilia Malbec Syrah is made from grapes grown on the eastern slope of the pre-Andean mountains of Mendoza. This wine is excellent with grilled meats, full-flavored pastas, and roasted mushroom dishes. 50% Malbec, 50% Syrah.
Burgans Albarino - Albarino Burgans gets its name from the Burgans hills, the heart of the Salines Valley in northwest Spain. The unique soil and the Atlantic climate allows the mythical Albarino grape to reach its fullest expression.
Deschutes Jubilale Winter Ale - This winter seasonal is brewed with dark crystal malt creating a luscious holiday note. From the Deschutes Brewery in Bend, Oregon.
Rogue Valley Dead Guy Ale - We now carry this popular brew in six-packs in addition to the 22 ounce bomber!

Leading Beer Brands

Factoid


Leading Domestic Beer Brands
(2007 sales in thousands of 2.25 gallon cases)

1. Bud Light, 570,000
2. Budweiser, 321,000
3. Miller Lite, 252,100
4. Coors Light, 240,000
5. Natural Light, 125,200
6. Busch Light, 87,500
7. Busch, 84,300
8. Miller High Life, 68,400
9. Keystone Light, 49,000
10. Michelob Ultra, 43,000

Leading Imported Beer Brands

1. Corona Extra, 115,179
2. Heineken, 69,000
3. Modelo Especial, 22,417
4. Tecate, 19,300
5. Guinness Stout, 12,558
6. Labatt Blue, 12,500
7. Corona Light, 12,183
8. Blue Moon, 10,000
9. Heineken Premium Light, 9,400
10. Dos Equis, 8,700

Source: Beer Handbook, 2008

Monday, September 29, 2008

It's Octoberfest Time!

New Product Announcements


Budweiser American Ale - If you watch television you've seen plenty of ads for this. Carefully brewed with barley from America's heartland and Cascade hops from the Pacific Northwest, this rich, amber-colored ale has robust flavor and a distinctive hoppy finish.
Green Flash Double Stout - One-pint bomber. Golden naked oats mashed with dark crystal and robut roasted malts create a luscious black brew with a satin, smooth finish. Layering United Kingdom Target hops throughout the boil adds pleasant earthy complexity while higher fermentation temperatures enhance overall flavor with fruity esters. An old world style, done the Green Flash way.
Lagavulin Single Malt Scotch - Moss water, passing over rocky falls, steeped in mountain air, and moorland peat, distilled and matured in oak casks, exposed to the sea, shape Lagavulin's robust and smoky character. Aged 16 years. (pronounced: Laga voolin)
Trapiche Pinot Noir - This Argentinian Pinot Noir, ruby in color, exhibits aromas of wild roses and raspberry jam. It is fresh and soft with a velvety texture and a long, fruity finish. Great with roasted poultry and soft cheese.
Blue Ice American Vodka - This exceptional American vodka is a blend of pure mountain spring water and Idaho Russet Potatoes. These natural elements in combination with a special distillation process and 5-stage filtration system produce a vodka with subtle taste and smoothness, which cannot be matched by grain based vodkas. Blue Ice Vodka is a family owned, handcrefted, spirit designed to please the vodka connoisseur. Bottled in Rigby, Idaho.
Herding Cats Chenin Blanc/Chardonnay - The Herding Cats Chardonnay/Viognier blend we recently brought in has been so popular that we've added their Chenin Blanc/Chardonnay blend. The fruity Chenin Blanc combined with the Chardonnay gives this medium-bodied wine a very pleasant aroma. Great with pasta or seafood.
Brassfield Syrah - The picturesque and serene vineyards located above Clear Lake, California at 1800 feet feature superlative microclimates for handcrafted world-class wines. These estate vineyards benefit from cool nights and well-drained volcanic soils, to produce rich elegant wines.
The Famous Grouse - Back by popular demand, this scotch whiskey is crafted from the finest malt whiskies, such as the Macallan and Highland Park, married with exceptional grain whiskies for an incredible smoothness.
Wells Banana Bread Beer - 1 pint bomber. This inspired brew is made with natural mineral water and Fair Trade bananas. Great aromas and flavors are balanced with silky richness of a masterful malt vlend and fresh ripe hops.
It's Octoberfest time! - To celebrate the season we have brought in these beers:
  • Paulaner Oktoberfest Marzen
  • Samuel Adams Octoberfest
  • Spaten Munich Oktoberfest
  • Buffalo Bill's Jack Pumpkin Ale
  • Blue Moon's Harvest Moon Pumpkin Ale

  • And the Winners Are.....

    The winners of our recent Budweiser swag giveaway drawing are:

  • Helen Betancourt
  • Dean Cherry
  • Robert Skiver
  • Robert Tracey
  • Arthur Stephen Putz

  • Congratulations! And thanks to everyone who entered.


    Everyone is going green and so is Roxy's Bottle Shop! Many of our customers ride bicycles to our shop and some of them have asked us to provide a bike rack. Well, we listen to our customers and we now have a bike rack! Bike on down and check it out.

    World Atlas of Wine

    Book Review

    World Atlas of Wine, by Hugh Johnson and Jancis Robinson. Hailed by critics worldwide as “extraordinary” and “irreplaceable,” there are few volumes that have had as monumental an impact in their field as Hugh Johnson’s The World Atlas of Wine: sales have exceeded four million copies, and it is now published in thirteen languages. World-renowned authors Hugh Johnson and Jancis Robinson once again combine their unrivalled talents to enhance this masterpiece of wine knowledge. There are now 48 extra pages, including 17 new color illustrations, 20 new maps, and—for the first time ever—double page spreads and full-page photos in the atlas section for maximum visual impact. New World coverage has been extended for both Australia and South America; some New World regions even have their own entries for the first time, including Rutherford, Oakville, and Stag’s Leap from California; Mendoza (Argentina); Limestone Coast (Australia); Central Otago and Martinborough (New Zealand); and Constantia (South Africa). And Old World coverage has grown too, with the addition of Toro (Spain), the Peleponnese (Greece), and Georgia. It’s a truly incomparable book, and an essential addition to every wine lover’s or professional’s library.
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