October Is A Busy Month at Stone's Throw Brewing

There are several things you can always count on from the crew at Stone's Throw Brewing... good beer, fun events and a whole lot of hustle. October is no exception so here's you a handy to-do list for the month, try to keep up:

Every Wednesday: $1 off all pints

Every Saturday at 4:00pm: Randall Beer Infusion

Every Sunday: Kickball Specials & Beer To Go

Thursday, October 1, 6:30pm 
#ArkiePubTrivia hosted by the Arkansas Arts Center, Brewery Taproom

Friday, October 2, 4:00-10:00pm
#NewBrew Friday Release of Big Dam Horn O'Plenty & Pumpkin Pie Porter

Saturday, October 3, 11:00am-4:00pm 
Forrest City Downtown Music & Art Festival

Monday, October 5, 3:00-6:00pm
Barton Bitter Happy Hour with the Arkansas State Fair, Boston's Sports Bar

Tuesday, October 6, 6:00-8:00pm
Faith & Fermentation, Brewery Taproom

Wednesday, October 7, 3:00pm
Rare Beer Tapping of Barrel Aged Anniversary Stout, Raduno Brick Oven

Thursday, October 8, 6:30pm
#ArkiePubTrivia hosted by Stephen Koch of Arkansongs, Brewery Taproom

Friday, October 9, 5:00-9:00pm
Second Friday Art Night presented by the Arkansas Brewers Guild Featuring Fossil Cove, Historic Arkansas Museum

Saturday, October 10
Arktoberfest in Arkadelphia

Saturday, October 10, 5:00-9:00pm
German Dinner & Beer Garden, St. Edward’s Catholic Church

Sunday, October 11, 10:00am-3:00pm
Oktoberfest Carnival, St. Edward's Catholic Church

Sunday, October 11, 12:00-9:00pm
Arkansas Brewers Guild Beer Gardens, Dickson St. Oktoberfest, Fayetteville

Thursday, October 15, 5:30-7:30pm
Locally Labelled Kick Off, River Market Pavilion

Thursday, October 15, 6:30pm
#ArkiePubTrivia hosted by the Old State House Musuem, Brewery Taproom

Saturday, October 17, 11:00am-7:00pm
HarvestFest Beer Garden, Corner of Kavanagh & Beechwood Sts.

Monday, October 19, 6:30-9:30pm
Arkansas Chamber Singers Beers & Cheers, Brewery Taproom

Tuesday, October 20, 6:30pm
Beer Pairing Dinner, The Southern Gourmasian

Thursday, October 22, 6:30pm
#ArkiePubTrivia hosted by the Museum of Discovery, Brewery Taproom

Thursday, October 22, 5:30-8:30pm
Fountain Fest, Arkansas Arts Center

Friday, October 23, 6:00-9:00pm
Arkansas Times Craft Beer Festival, Argenta Farmers' Market

Saturday, October 24, 1:00-7:00pm
Texarkana Okotberfest

Thursday, October 29, 6:30pm

#ArkiePubTrivia Hosted by Arkansas Repertory Theatre

Friday, October 30, 5:00-9:00pm
Balloon Glow & Mac-O-Lanterns Arkansas Brewers Guild Beer Garden, MacArthur Park

Friday, October 30, 6:00-9:00pm
Science After Dark, Museum of Discovery

Beer of The Week: Oskar Blues IPA

When I heard Oskar Blues had a new IPA out I thought I knew exactly what to expect, but upon hitting it a few times I realized it was not what I expected at all and a pretty complex IPA. It's got a huge nose, light body, clocks in at 6.5% abv, big tropical fruit hop kick and I found it to just have incredible drinkability.

It uses all Australian hop varieties: Ella, which has spicy, floral notes, along with stone fruit flavors; Topaz, which has some of the piney, dank notes that American hops have; Vic Secret, an unusual hop that imparts earthy aromas, along with passion fruit and tropical notes; and Enigma, which offers raspberry and melon flavors and aromas.

And for good measure and since it wouldn't be an Oskar Blues beer without a pot reference, “Blue Dream” printed on the side of the can (a strain of marijuana). I wouldn't expect anything less.

 "Get the behind the scenes story of how #OBIPA came to life and find out everything you wanna know about this Australian hopped motha..."

 

The Story of Goose Island Bourbon County Stout - Chapter 1

Some great stuff coming out from Goose Island on the history behind one of my favorite beers, their Bourbon Country Stout. I'll share them all here, starting with Chapter 1 today...

 

"In 1992 Greg Hall, wanted to brew something truly unique for the brewpub’s 1,000th batch, he just needed inspiration. Then a chance encounter between Greg and Jim Beam’s Booker Noe led to Goose Island acquiring the barrels for what was to become the world’s first bourbon barrel aged beer. The young brewmaster soon found himself in the uncharted waters of bourbon barrel aged beer.

Thank you to John and Hall for having the vision and grit needed to open a brewery in a time when the concept of craft beer was novel. Thank you to Greg Hall for looking at a used bourbon barrel and seeing a second life. Going back into the original Brewpub with Greg as he flipped through old brewing logs and told us about first time he brewed Bourbon County was an experience the team will never forget."

      Thanks for watching the first chapter in the story of Bourbon County Stout. Chapters released every Friday starting September 25th: http://www.gooseisland.com/gritandgrain.html

Music by The Black Oil Brothers
https://theblackoilbrothers.bandcamp.com

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Drink Victory Headwaters, Save The Planet

Victory Brewing Company Re-launches Headwaters Ale in Cans as Part of Water Preservation Initiative

Downingtown, PA, September 22, 2015- Victory Brewing Company (Victory) is re-launching the popular Headwaters Ale with a new look, national distribution and strengthened commitment to environmental stewardship. A portion of every Headwaters Ale sold in cans, bottles or on tap will be donated to the Headwaters Grant to help fund watershed stewardship groups. Over the next year Victory endeavors to raise $25,000 and help craft beer fans make the connection that choosing Headwaters Ale, is more than just a taste preference, it is a decision to help preserve the planet one sip at a time.

In addition to the increased distribution, which will provide a larger funding source for the Headwaters Grant, Victory will host events throughout the year to raise money and awareness for clean water issues.  On September 20, over 250 running advocates enjoyed a frosty brew at the finish line at the Downingtown, PA brewpub with all proceeds from the Victory’s Run for The Headwaters 5K benefitting the Headwaters Grant.  A river clean-up is also planned for spring.

About the new look: The crisp, delicious and aromatically whole flower hopped liquid carries on; however it will be showcased and packaged in a stylish, authentically new way.  Inclusive of a bold, strategic and dramatic move from bottle to can, the clever new label visually reflects the two main focuses of the entire brand concept. Found under the strong and ubiquitous red “V” lays a lush, beautiful river scene depicted within a single water droplet to signify the need to sustain earth’s most valued resource. However, upon further inspection or at first glance (depending on who one asks), that very same droplet visually depicts a whole flower hop in which the beer, and its craft brewery also heavily rely.

About the Headwaters Grant: As a sustainable life source, it is critical to keep water and watersheds clean, not just locally in Chester County, PA, but across the country. Five years ago, the Headwaters Grant was established as a way to support this idea and preserve the natural resource from which all Victory beers ‘spring.’ To date, Victory has donated $35,000 to local water advocacy groups. Prior to September 1, 2015, this donation has been made up of Victory’s contribution of sales in the five counties of Philadelphia.  As Victory approaches 20 years in the craft beer industry, the brewery’s commitment to environmental stewardship is at an all time high. Victory will now donate a portion of all Headwaters Ale sales nationally to the Headwaters Grant, and local wholesale partners including as Gretz Beer Company and Penn Beer Company will also be contributing a portion of all Headwaters Ale sales. That, along with a series of fundraising events, promises to increase funding for the Headwaters Grant and sustain the water that provides sustenance to the planet and great craft beer.

Headwaters Ale is available year round throughout the brewery’s 36 state distribution footprint, with a suggested retail price for six-pack of 12-oz cans is approximately $9.99. Pricing will vary slightly based upon location. Use Victory’s Beerfinder to discover a nearby location, or download the free Victory Mobile app for Android or iPhone.

“Everything, including ourselves, would cease to exist without clean water for sustenance. Many people act as though they are unaware of that fact and remain unaware of the true power their purchasing decisions wield,” said Victory’s President and Brewmaster, Bill Covaleski. “We hope to reinforce that when fans choose Headwaters Ale they aren’t just proving their good taste through a flavorful beer choice, but are also supporting a way of life that sustains our brewery as well as this planet for generations to come. They really are helping save the planet one beer at a time.”

About Victory Brewing Company

Victory Brewing Company is a craft brewery headquartered in Downingtown, Pennsylvania. Founded by childhood friends, Bill Covaleski and Ron Barchet, Victory officially opened its doors in February of 1996. In addition to the original Downingtown brewery and brewpub, Victory recently opened a second state-of-the-art brewery in Parkesburg, PA to expand production capabilities and serve fans of fully flavored beers in 36 states with innovative beers melding European ingredients and technology with American creativity. 

To learn more about Victory Brewing Company visit us on the web at www.victorybeer.com.

Ozark Beer Co: Cream Stout in a Can

Ozark Brewing Company is Rogers is one of those breweries that's making such solid brews I'm proud to take them with me on road trips to share with my beer brethren. I know they're consistently delivering quality liquids that will be enjoyed by all the beer geeks I hang out with as I brag that they're from Arkansas. So I can't say how happy I am that they've canned another brew! I'm looking forward to proudly sharing this one as well, not to mention quaffing up a ton of it myself. Here's some more on their latest canned offering, Cream Stout.

Ozark Beer Company: "Known for notes of roasty dark chocolate, coffee and dark fruit, our Cream Stout has finally made it into a can. The can features an Arkansas buffalo standing in the river of the same name."

Beer Of The Week: Boulevard Funky Pumpkin

My pick for Beer of The Week this week is a beer which for all practical purposes I'd think we could get all over the place here in central Arkansas, but I'll be damned if I've found it here yet. I did however find some in Florida on a recent road trip and it blew me away. Here's the description on the Boulevard website:

Funky Pumpkin – Spiced Sour Ale
Slated for an early September release in six packs of 12 ounce bottles and on draft, Funky Pumpkin is our unique spin on a pumpkin beer. Spiced with nutmeg, cinnamon, allspice and ginger, the final beer is a blend of brewhouse soured beer and beer aged in a stainless steel tank with brettanomyces. Tart and slightly earthy, Funky Pumpkin features a subtle toffee/caramel malt character that allows pumpkin pie spices to shine.

ABV – 5.8% IBU – 28 

My thoughts? I found enough pumpkin pie spiciness to satisfy on that level with a really pleasant and some Brettanomyces bringin' the funk. It's got a dry finish I thought, making me instantly want another, which is something I rarely do with these "pumpkin style" beers. I'm a big fan of this one and want more. Soon.

And please save all your pumpkin beer hate. It falls on deaf ears here.

Rate Beer link
Beer Advocate link
Untappd link

New To Arkansas: Public House Brewing Co.

With all the social media these days, I'm not sure how distributors are letting these breweries get into our state without anybody knowing, but they sure seem to be still. Or maybe I've just missed this one. But hey, that's why I started this blog and my Twitter feed to begin with... to get beer information to the thirsty! And for free! So here's the skinny on a brewery from my 2nd favorite state, Missouri, which I just spotted on the shelves this past week. Check out Public House Brewing, which has 2 locations in both Rolla and St. James, in the wonderful show-me-state. It's already home to some of my favorite breweries like Piney River, Mother's, Urban Chestnut, Four Hands and Boulevard and just FYI... I was born there (Missouri, not at a brewery). 

 

I do know they'll be pouring at Little Rocktoberfest in Little Rock tonight if you want to try out some of their brews. I've seen Revelation Stout, Rod's Cream Ale, Elusive IPA and Hide And Seek Hefe on shelves and will be having my own private tasting soon. I'm personally not a big fan of trying new beers at festivals, preferring to sit down with a full brew and take my time rather than tossing back 3 oz and moving on to the next one. I see the stout won a Gold Medal at the 2015 LA International Beer Festival and the cream ale won a Gold Medal at 2015 Best of Craft Beer Awards. Let me know your thoughts if you try some yourself.

There's a great story about how Public House Brewing came together on their website which is well worth a read:

"In 2010, Josh & Beth Stacy and Josh & Trisha Goodridge--longtime
friends--opened Public House Brewing Company in Rolla, MO, the town's first brewpub.  But it was a long, long time in the works.  Like any business, there were big ups and downs on the road to the first pour and we think that story is worth sharing.  So here goes.... click here for full story."

And here's a nice little introductory video I found on their website for you peeps who don't like to read (you know who you are):

"The good folks at the Missouri Division of Tourism spent the day with us back in May to get the Public House experience. Missouri is home to so many great breweries and they chose a few to represent the state on their website. Public House is one of the featured breweries. Check out the awesome write-up and YouTube video they put together about us."

   

Or, You Could Use A Bottle Opener

A Summary Of My Weekend

Beer Song Countdown: Number 5

Admit it, you thought I forgot about my Top 10 Beer Songs countdown didn't you? Well, you're correct, I actually did. My wife remembered and asked me what I ever named #1 and I said, and I quote, "Um, what are you talking about?" But fortunately I just clicked on the handy hashtag that says "Beer Song Countdown" and presto... back in the game.

What has gone before:

10. "Beer" by Psychostick

 9. "Beer Pressure" by Drankmore

 8. "Hell Yeah, I Like Beer" by Kevin Fowler

 7. "Beer Time" by Justin Moore 

 6. "Drink A Beer" by Luke Bryan

 So that brings us to #5, about 7 months later! It's by a dude I'd really like to drink a beer with, Eric Church. Another country song, it's about a man who seems to be more upset that the woman who left him took a beer with her, instead of being upset that she left. Crack one open and play it.

Eric Church - Cold One

"That was a cold one
I never will get back
Yeah she had to leave, did she have to leave me one beer
Short of a twelve pack?"

Beer of the Week: Sierra Nevada/Brauhaus Riegele Oktoberfest

I try a whole lot of different beers, as my Untappd account will attest to, and I'm not talking about sharing a 12 oz bottle 4 ways or getting a sampler. When I try a beer for real, it's a bottle or a pint and often I'll visit it several times before I feel I can really evaluate it properly. Maybe it depends on the setting or the mood I'm in or whatever, I just can't see how people can drink 3 oz of a beer then tell you everything about it and rate it and all (I don't actually rate until my 5th visit to it). Beer drinking and beer love to me is getting to know beers, and sometimes my love for a beer isn't all about the taste or color or nose, but the memories. But I guess all this is a whole other post. This post is about my new feature.... *drumroll*... my Beer of the Week! *crowd goes mild*

Well, I figure there has to be a way to pass on some of my favorites I run across. There'll be locals, regionals, imports... I don't believe in limiting tastes according to location. So without further adieu, I present my first choice:

Sierra Nevada/Brauhaus Riegele Collaboration Oktoberfest!

You can find this pretty much everywhere you find regular Sierra Nevada releases, which is everywhere in America it seems. I.ve had some this weekend and in my opinion it's just a damn near perfect Marzen brew. I was so pleased with it I hit the Googles to see what others were saying about it and noticed Men's Journal has called it "the world's best Oktoberfest" as well. It's got a rich malty flavor that makes me think of Fall, from many years of seeking this style out around this time of year. It smells like tailgating and leaves falling. I can't wait to pair this with my kraut and brats.

Seek this! And tell me your thoughts. Here's your primer:

 
http://www.sierranevada.com/beer/seasonal/oktoberfest

The Perfect Oktoberfest Partners: Sierra Nevada & Brauhaus Riegele

"We partnered with one of Germany’s oldest breweries—Brauhaus Riegele—to create a true festival beer unlike any other brewed in the USA. When knowledge, passion and the right people come together, a great beer emerges. More at SierraNevada.com."