Do you remember the first really
good beer that you ever tasted?
Many craft beer lovers have the same answer: SAMUEL
ADAMS.
On a colllege trip to Boston in 1987, my friend Brian
returned to our room with a six-pack of beer I'd never
seen before. Once I tasted it, I was in love.
Full-bodied and alive with floral hops, this
Copper-Amber Lager was--by far--the most delicious beer
I had ever encountered. Like so many other beer lovers,
that first taste of Sam Adams inspired me to try other
fine beers. The explosive national growth of the Boston
Beer Company has improved the taste of the American
beer-drinking public forever, opening our minds and
broadening our perspectives. Samuel Adams is still on
the cutting edge of the Craft Beer Revolution.
Jim Simons of Mercer Wholesale is our local Sam Adams
distributor. He has been an enthusiastic supporter of
the Bramwell Oktoberfest for over a decade. When you
stop by his tent for a Sam Adams Oktoberfest, be sure
and thank him for his help setting up and sustaining
this festival.
About Sam Adams Oktoberfest:
The first thing you notice when pouring a glass
of this seasonal beer is the color. Samuel Adams®
Octoberfest has a rich, deep reddish amber hue which
itself is reflective of the season. Samuel Adams
Octoberfest masterfully blends together five roasts of
malt to create a delicious harmony of sweet flavors
including caramel and toffee. The malt is complimented
by the elegant bitterness imparted by the Bavarian Noble
hops. Samuel Adams Octoberfest provides a
wonderful transition from the lighter beers of summer to
the heartier brews of winter.
http://www.samueladams.com/enjoy-our-beer/beer-detail.aspx?id=011e3e3f-52b1-4c55-9e05-0417800d7b23
"We at Pinnacle are upping our Ante; a Belgian Abbey,
Mint Chocolate Stout, Sanjou Japanese Pilsner, Maple
Hard Cider and Gruit Cervoise, a 16th century unhopped
noble beer. Allow us to help you widen your beer
horizons at this years Oktoberfest" says Paul
Lubaczewski.
9/17/11
Morgantown
Brewing Company has been busy since celebrating the 2010
Best of Show award at Bramwell. Over the last
year, they have continued working on quality
improvements to the brew house and the restaurant, and
have been working to further entrench the business into
the greater Morgantown community – they remain committed
to being Morgantown’s brewing company. An exciting
aspect of their commitment to the University and
Morgantown is that this summer, WVU offered a 3-hour
credit course called, “Barley to Beer” which was held
and taught at the Morgantown Brewing Company.
This class covered the history, economics, science and
art of brewing and included three small-batch brews
collaboratively brewed by students and MBC brewers.
Their most
exciting news is being selected as the craft brew vender
at West Virginia University’s Mountaineer field.
Two MBC brews, Zack Morgan’s Pale Ale, and our Old
Morgantown Amber are offered at all home WVU football
games!
One of the more exciting initiatives
for their craft beer fans, is the introduction of
“Firkin’ Friday” – a small batch specialty release.
Every Friday at 7:00pm, they release 10 gallons of
specialty brew. This exciting offering allows our
brewers to use their creativity to produce a small-batch
specialty brew that’s never been produced anywhere.
Recipes created by the brewers are released allowing
fans to try something they’ve never had before every
Friday. One of the more creative offers was a Neopolitan brew made with real vanilla, Hershey’s
chocolate, and strawberry puree – finished by being
served with a scoop of Neopolitan ice cream.
Fans
can “like” our facebook page to learn about each week’s
offering.
This year, they are releasing their
award-winning Oktoberfest brew in conjunction with the
opening of Munich’s Oktoberfest. Saturday,
September 17, an all-day parking lot re-creation of
Oktoberfest is being held at the brewery including a real Oompah band, German foods and brews, and brewery games
and activities with a homebrew demonstration and brewery
tours highlighting the day. I know that this is
short notice, but if you are close by get down there
now!
Distribution
across the state commenced in 2011,
with their brews being served as far north as Oglebay
resort in Wheeling, and throughout the Elkins Valley.
They’re looking forward to continued expansion into the
Greenbrier Valley, Greater Charleston area, and they look
forward to moving into their second state soon with a new
agreement in the works for distribution in the Deep
Creek area of Maryland.
They’ve increased attention to live
music and entertainment and now offer daily specials on
food and brews. Every Sunday is Trivia night,
Wednesday nights they hold an Old Time Bluegrass Jam,
Thursday is Jazz night and they routinely offer Friday
evening dinner music and Saturday night live bands.
In progress are renovations to the
basement, including additional walk-in cooler
storage, a new grain room, new brewers office recently
completed. "Now, we move forward to add a new
events and banquet bar that will expand our capacity
and offer private parties, etc."
They’ve put some attention to evolving
their branding approach with an overhaul of all their
beer labels and marketing strategy, including a new web
site at
www.morgantownbrewing.com. "We’re excited
about our new look and are looking forward to continued
commitment to quality brewing, and commitment to our
city and state."
09/07/11
Since pouring their
first beer in September 2005,
Mountain State Brewing Co. has grown to become West
Virginia’s largest distributing full-scale brewery.
As well as pub locations in Thomas, WV , Morgantown, WV
& Deep Creek Lake, MD, you can find Mountain State’s
brews on tap in numerous select bars and restaurants
across West Virginia & Garrett County, MD.
What makes the beer so special?
Some say it’s the water. At 3,040ft in elevation,
Thomas is the second highest incorporated township in
the state of West Virginia. The 7-barrel brewhouse
is located at the top of this watershed, giving the ales
the purest base possible in the State.
And some say it’s the people.
Brothers Brian & Willie use their expert craftsmanship,
not just in the recipes of the 4 signature brews, but
also in the design and construction of the Brewhouse in
Thomas and the Brewpub & Restaurant in Morgantown &
Deep Creek Lake. The goal was to create a relaxing
and friendly atmosphere for people to enjoy one another,
and the finely crafted ales.
So come saddle up on their signature
hand-made sawhorses for an evening of fine beer
and local merriment!
Locations
Brewhouse & Pub
1 Nelson Blvd Thomas, WV 304-463-4500
Open Thurs—Sun
Pub & Restaurant
6690 Sang Run Rd McHenry, MD 301-387-3360
Open Daily
Pub & Restaurant
54 Clay St Morgantown, WV 304-241-1976
Open Daily
09/02/11
It was a sad day when we found
out that Mountaineer Brewing Company had gone out of business.
DanielMaerzluft had the sad task of decommissioning the MBC
equipment and getting it loaded on trucks for a Texas
brewing group. “They are requesting my services again
this year for the installation, it's a bitter-sweet gig
to say the least.”
Dan has
since teamed up with Shawn Mallory (who won a couple
homebrew medals at Bramwell last year) and secured the
old Mountaineer facility in Martinsburg. They are hoping
to have brewing equipment on order in the next couple
months. They plan to open Vandalia Brewery early next
year producing a fun line of ales in kegs and cans.
In the meantime, Dan has been helping
Adam at
Lost River Brewing Company with some recipes and
brewing some house beers. “ It's been fun!”, he says.
""The
Vandalia Brewery crew plan on attending Bramwell
Oktoberfest this year, and with George's blessing, sell
some gear (Vandalia Brewery t-shirts, hoodies, awesome
decals and glassware)and let
people know what they will be doing as the new brewery
in WV.
Their
website will be coming soon!
ST. LOUIS – Just in time for fall,
Shock Top Belgian White will be adding to the family
with the launch of Shock Top Pumpkin Wheat, the brand’s
first seasonal offering, as well as a Shock Top Variety
Pack, the brand’s first sampler pack that will also
highlight Shock Top Raspberry Wheat, which launched
earlier in the year.
Available Aug. 29 through January 2012, Shock Top
Pumpkin Wheat is a traditional Belgian-style wheat ale
brewed with ripe pumpkins and a variety of autumnal
spices, including nutmeg, cinnamon and cloves, for a
refreshingly smooth beer with a deep amber color that
captures the flavors of fall. With a 5.2% ABV, Pumpkin
Wheat will be sold nationwide in six-packs of 12-ounce
bottles and on draught.
Shortly after the release of Pumpkin Wheat, look for
Shock Top’s first variety pack, which features four
bottles each of Shock Top Belgian White, Shock Top
Raspberry Wheat and Shock Top Pumpkin Wheat. Sold
nationwide, the 12-pack samplers will be available
beginning Sept. 19 through the end of the year.
Another wonderful Oktoberfest has passed.
ALL HAIL the great brewers and distributors
who made it happen, including:
Morgantown Brewing/BRIAN
ANDERSON (Reigning Bramwell Cup champ for his
OKTOBERFEST) Mercer Wholesale/JIM SIMONS
(for SAM ADAMS, LEINENKUGEL, and BLUE MOON)
Corley Distributing ROSY CORLEY (For ABITA
and GREAT LAKES) Mountaineer
Brewing/DAN MAERSLUFT (for GOLD MEDAL
STOUT and , SILVER MEDAL SPECIALTY and GOLDEN
ALE; BRONZE OKTOPERFEST and VANDALIA ALE
(Chairman's Choice) American Beer
Company/MIKE HAWKINS/WENDY WHITT
(for SHOCK TOP, YEUNGLING, HOEGARDEN, STAR
HILL) North Central Distributors JODY
LILLY/MARK GRAY (for SIERRA NEVADA, HARPOON,
and SARANAC) River Company MIKE
PENSINGER (Gold Medal IPA)
North End Tavern REEF LEFWEVERS (Silver
Medal IPA) Bridge Brew Works
KEN LINCH and NATE HERROLD (GOLD MEDAL PALE
ALE, SILVER MEDAL OKTOBERFEST)
Special thanks to Judges
Larry Johnson and Kerri Allen, Homebrew Judge
KELLY SAUBER as well as event copilot RORY
PERRY.
The event was the
BIGGEST EVER. Proceeds will benefit historic
preservation projects in the Bramwell Historic
District. Thanks to all of the volunteers and
friends who make the Bramwell Oktoberfest the
PREMIER BEER FESTIVAL IN WEST VIRGINIA!
See you all on Oktober 8,
2011.
The
Chairman
George V. Sitler Attorney
at Law Chairman, Bramwell Oktoberfest P.O. Box
65 Bramwell, WV
24715
11/02/10
Last
week the Chairman was blessed with a case of
Sierra Nevada's 30th Anniversary Black
Barleywine Ale, courtesy of Oktoberfest
enthusiast Mark Gray of North Central
Distributing. Thank you Mark (and to Jody
Lilly), for the wonderful Oktoberfest entries
from: Breckenridge, Sierra Nevada, Harpoon, and
Saranac.
.....But this is in a class by itself.
Unspeakably rich and complex, with heady
notes of bittersweet and roasted malt
flavors, balanced with whole-cone American
hops. Ask your retailer to obtain some of
these wonderful 750ml servings of Heaven.
10/05/10
Our
buddy Daniel Maerzluft, at Mountaineer
Brewing Company, will
be bringing Vandalia Ale, Rye,
Lager, Stout, Oktoberfest Bier (of
course), and some one year aged Old
Snowshoe Ale this year!
Can't wait to taste
them all! Lets see if their Oktoberfest
takes the gold again this
year!
10/01/10
We have a spy in the
studio of potter Rene Margocee. Rene creates the awards
for winning brewers at our event, making something
new and exciting every year. I look forward to seeing
them finished! Looks like she had some divine
inspiration there in the right corner.
09/18/10
Brewmaster, Geoff Lively, brings
home the gold medal for "Highland Courage" at the Great
American Beer Festival!
Congratulations Geoff and Rock Bottom Brewery.
09/12/10
Plans for this years celebration
are coming together nicely. If you will check the
entertainment page you
will find many of our old favorites and several new
acts that we know you will enjoy. George never
has a difficult time enticing great
entertainment to perform at the Bramwell Oktoberfest!
This event is a dream gig!
Our
friends at Samuel Adams will be joining us
again this year. They are sure to have on hand their
Fall inspired "Oktoberfest" and "Harvest Pumpkin Ale",
boasting "over 11 pounds of real pumpkin per barrel"
along with a wide selection of other varieties and
flavors. Be sure to visit their site and check out
their "Food & Beer" page. If you have
ever had any trouble choosing the right beer to serve
over dinner they take away the mystery and
make some tasty recommendations. I like that you
can either choose your beer first and find
food pairings or visa versa. I have that page
bookmarked. It is a handy little guide.
We are still looking for artisans interested in
exhibiting their work at our event. If you would
like to participate, visit our "Artisan's Market" page. This event
attracts a large crowd, affording exhibitors
opportunity to sell their work in a fun, laid back
environment.
The Webmaster
Most beer
steins carried over 40 meters, female
The most beer steins carried over 40 meters
(131 feet, 3 inches) by a female is 19. This
was achieved by Anita Schwarz in Mesenich,
Germany, on Nov. 9, 2008, in celebration of
Guinness World Records Day. Nick Hannes /
Guinness World Records
03/14/10
Last year, D.G. Yuengling
& Son, Inc., celebrated their 180th
Anniversary by re-introducing a late-winter seasonal
classic, Yuengling Bock Beer. Available only in draft,
it was the first time a Bock Beer was produced by
Yuengling in nearly 40 years. The product was so
well received, it will make a triumphant return
in both kegs and bottles in January,
2010.
“Local taverns and pubs in our distribution area
will once again become a destination for
customers to enjoy this product on tap,”
commented Lou Romano, Marketing
Manager. “Last year, there were many loyal
customers looking for Bock in bottles to take
home and enjoy with family and friends, but it
was not available. There’s a great deal of
consumer excitement that it’s coming back in
draft and package.”
With a deep amber color,
pleasing malt base, and a refreshing hop aroma,
Yuengling Bock Beer will be offered in 6-pack (12 oz)
bottles, ¼ barrels, and ½ barrels starting January 18,
2010, and will last for approximately 10-12 weeks.
The bottle label and package design is based on
actual Yuengling Bock Beer artwork from 1941. It
can be found on display in the Yuengling Museum
and Gift Shop in Pottsville, PA.
...is
teriffic and available even at the Pop Shop!
(Pocahontas, Virginia)
The
Chairman
03/07/10
Stopped by Pies and Pints
in Fayetteville yesterday to sample the
wares. The place is modern/Scandinavian in
decor; decent crowd for a Sunday afternoon.
Friendly prompt service. Had the "Thai
Pizza" (Delicious!) with green curry sauce,
coconut, shrimp, and fresh basil and
cilantro.
The main reason for the stop was to try the
new beers from Bridge Brew Works
of Fayetteville.
Our waitress explained the choices as "the
Ale" and a "seasonal". The Ale was
straw/copper in hue, with a sturdy mouth
feel and clean finish. More body than your
average American lager, but not too hoppy.
Very respectable, though the Beer Snob might
expect more complexity. I look forward to
drinking it again.
The "seasonal" was an amber/brown color with
similarly restrained hop profile; not
bitter, not floral, not fruity. Highly
drinkable and clean.
My first impression: highly competent
brewing aimed at "the masses". Ken Linch
knows what he's doing. I respect these solid
efforts and look forward to a bright future
for this brewery. As these well-crafted
beers find their niche in the market, I hope
to try some more adventurous Bridge Brew
Works offerings.
Ask your favorite beer bar to get a keg of
their stuff. It's worthwhile.
The Chairman
03/06/10
The
Bridge Brew Works of Fayetteville, WV is
officially up and running. Brewers Ken
Linch (a self-taught former home-brewer) and
Nathan Herrold(former brewer at WV Brewing
Co.) are producing two flagship brews: Long Point Lager
and Bridge Brew Ale, as well as a specialty Black
Lager.
Linch and
Herroldoperate a brand-new
steam-jacketed brewhouse, with two 10 bbl and 1 20
bbl fermenters at Wolf Creek Park near the South
Fayetteville exit .They brew
with carbon-filtered municipal tap water with no
added minerals. There is no brew pub
or on-premises taproom, but the
beers are available at area restaurants, including Pies
and Pints and Studio “B”.Wider
southern WV distribution is pending through Mountain
Eagle of Beckley.
Long Point
Lager is a refreshing golden-red
medium-bodied beer made with premium German malted
barley and Hallertauer-Mittelfreuh hops. It finishes
out at 4.61% ABV, and is a quality
beer which will not offend drinkers of mainstream
American lagers.
Bridge Brew
ale is an English style Amber with malty flavor and
moderate bitterness.Scottish malt
and Kent Golding hops round out this tasty 5.56%
ale.
The
seasonal Black Lager will delight the beer snob,
with its deep burnt red color and raisin-caramel and
roasted malt flavors ending in a balanced semi-dry
finish with Noble Hallertaur-Mittelfreu hops and
5.01% ABV.
These beers
are very worthwhile. Bridge Brew Works expects to offer
750ml bottles of special brews by next year.
Ask your favorite
beer bar to stock all three.
The Chairman
" He was a man. Take him for all in all,
I shall not look upon his like again."
[Hamlet, Act I, scene ii]
Dr. Stuart
McGehee teaches Bluefield College students in this file
photo. Courtesy Bluefield
College / Bluefield Daily Telegraph Order photo
reprints
If you have a link, photo
or comment that you would like me to post shoot me an
email
Despite
rain, 13th Annual Bramwell Oktoberfest a HUGE success!
Rain did not dampen enthusiasm nor did it dilute the
cheer! The streets of Bramwell were once again filled
with beer lovers and enthusiasts. Click this link to read Bill Archer's article
in the Bluefield Daily Telegraph. (Please disregard
Bill's typo! "nobody seemed to matter" should have
been nobody seemed to mind!) EVERYONE does matter at the
Bramwell
Oktoberfest!
