tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80846904074543131352024-03-13T15:13:38.725-04:00Firkin Around...Indulge your vicarious vice for all things beer.Rick Andrewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11458661824506337860noreply@blogger.comBlogger54125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8084690407454313135.post-81807641125257046372014-06-07T09:41:00.003-04:002014-06-07T12:26:19.283-04:00Kegerator Build - How To<h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #d52932; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 22px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; position: relative;">
<a href="http://www.firkinaround.com/2012/01/chili-con-carne-with-beer.html" style="color: #d52932; text-decoration: none;">C</a>onverting a Sears Kenmore into a "Kegmore"</h3>
<div class="post-header" style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.6; margin: 0px 0px 1em;">
<div class="post-header-line-1">
</div>
</div>
<div class="post-body entry-content" style="background-color: #cccccc; position: relative; width: 806px;">
<h3 class="Header" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; position: relative;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Firkin Around...<i>the garage</i>.</span></b></h3>
<div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18.200000762939453px; text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Here's my old beer fridge, <a href="http://www.firkinaround.com/2011/09/beer-fridge-makeover.html" target="_blank">which you may remember from a previous post</a>. I have begun to </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">homebrew, therefore the refrigerator needed to come up to the next level, since I also chose to </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">keg the beer instead of bottling. This system is setup for a ball lock style corny (Cornelius) keg, </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">but you may get parts for your own pinlock or Sankey style connections.</span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Below is a photo step-by-step on how the conversion was accomplished.</span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18.200000762939453px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18.200000762939453px; margin: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>Project cost: </b>Approximately $300 (assuming you already have the donor fridge)</span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18.200000762939453px; margin: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18.200000762939453px; margin: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18.200000762939453px; margin: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>Parts & Tools list:</b><b><i> </i></b></span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.200000762939453px; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ben5ElYTYiU/U5MKU0cFgsI/AAAAAAAAOgU/pC-RFtY9igY/s1600/IMG_3342.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ben5ElYTYiU/U5MKU0cFgsI/AAAAAAAAOgU/pC-RFtY9igY/s1600/IMG_3342.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kenmore is now a Kegmore</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<ul>
<li style="color: #333333; line-height: 17px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1" metal cutting hole-saw and a 1/8" metal bit </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Round or half round, metal file</span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="color: #333333; line-height: 17px;">
<li><span style="line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Beer faucet, shank and faucet wrench</span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="color: #333333; line-height: 17px;">
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">6' of approved gas tubing, <span style="line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">1 gas ball lock connector</span> and two hose clamps</span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="color: #333333; line-height: 17px;">
<li><span style="line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">6' of approved food grade tubing, 1 liquid ball lock connector and two hose clamps</span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="color: #333333; line-height: 17px;">
<li><span style="line-height: 1.4;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 five pound CO2 canister and a CO2 regulator/gas gauge</span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="color: #333333; line-height: 17px;">
<li><span style="line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 Corny keg</span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="color: #333333; line-height: 17px;">
<li><span style="line-height: 1.4;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 stainless steel drip tray</span></span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 18.200000762939453px;"><b>Acquiring</b></span></span><b style="color: #333333; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> the parts:</span></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BQuPzixFkzA/U5MWQAWAdmI/AAAAAAAAOg0/r77nqoUi2lU/s1600/IMG_3116.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BQuPzixFkzA/U5MWQAWAdmI/AAAAAAAAOg0/r77nqoUi2lU/s1600/IMG_3116.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
<div>
<b style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;"> </b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;"> </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;"> I purchased the keg from an online store. Just search for "corny" or </span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">Cornelius kegs. I shopped for the lowest price and found new kegs </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">(made in India) for $113 w/free shipping. It uses all the same parts as </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">American made corny kegs, so it will be easy to get spare parts like the </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">dip tube, gas tube, springs, gaskets and poppets. Some are also made </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">in China and Italy as the US does not seem to manufacture these style </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">kegs any longer. I have seen them in 5, 3 and 2.5 gallon sizes (brand </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">new), and there are plenty of US made 5 gallon used cornys still out</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;"> there if you are on a budget.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> The drip tray was also available online and cost about $20.</span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #333333; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;"> </span></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;"></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">
The CO2 tank, regulator w/</span></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">gauges</span></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">, hoses, clamps, shank, wrench, faucet and handle came </span></span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">as part of a complete package, from a different online web store. Shipping and handling were </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">also free and the cost for the package was around $150.</span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wQQeT8WaXIo/U5MVxqfCh0I/AAAAAAAAOgs/oHGWNmlUuOA/s1600/IMG_3327.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wQQeT8WaXIo/U5MVxqfCh0I/AAAAAAAAOgs/oHGWNmlUuOA/s1600/IMG_3327.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Everything here was $150 and in one kit</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 18.200000762939453px;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 18.200000762939453px;"></span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;"> I did not have a 1" metal hole-saw, so add another $25 for a set of saws. If you, or someone </span></span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">you know, owns a 1" saw, you can save the $$$ for more beer! Lucky you.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 18.200000762939453px;"></span></span></span><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;"></span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;"> As mentioned before, I have the fridge and was willing to drill some holes. If you don't have a </span></span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">refrigerator, scour the local want-ads or Craigslist in your area. You should be able to pick up a </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">decent working fridge for around $100 or less.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;"> </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">Start by selecting a flat location with adequate access inside the fridge </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">door. I had </span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">considered mounting the taps on one side of the fridge, but </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">after placing my hand on the sides </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">while the compressor was running, I </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">discovered a few warm spots (to the touch) by running the </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">palm of my </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">hand along the outside skin of the unit. This indicates that some coils may </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">be present </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">as part of the defrosting or cooling system. Even if it is cool to </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">the touch, there may be unseen </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">wiring buried between the metal exterior </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">and the plastic/insulation interior. Since the door has </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">none of these issues </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">with which to contend, it made the choice easy. I'd recommend the side </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">closest to the hinge, if accessible</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">, as this will keep the beer line hoses out </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">of the way when the </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">door is opened and closed.</span></div>
</div>
<div class="post-body entry-content" style="background-color: #cccccc; position: relative; width: 806px;">
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b7bMO2AdZhc/U5McK13k1uI/AAAAAAAAOhE/JJe5xIuRA_o/s1600/IMG_3332.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b7bMO2AdZhc/U5McK13k1uI/AAAAAAAAOhE/JJe5xIuRA_o/s1600/IMG_3332.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PO5KTH11GGA/U5McKzS1wDI/AAAAAAAAOhQ/sTefJhZa-lM/s1600/IMG_3353.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PO5KTH11GGA/U5McKzS1wDI/AAAAAAAAOhQ/sTefJhZa-lM/s1600/IMG_3353.PNG" height="320" width="179" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 18.200000762939453px;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;"> </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">Safety glasses on, begin by drilling a 1/8" hole on the inside of the door, all the way through </span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">to the outside, remembering to keep the bit level. The outside hole will act as a pilot marker for </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">the hole-saw. Switch over to the 1" hole-saw and repeat the process. Start by cutting a 1" hole </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">into the plastic & insulation until the pilot bit "finds" the 1/8" pilot hole, then stop. Remove </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">the debris from the hole-saw, then place the pilot in the outside door hole and finish cutting the </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">hole. Drill slowly and carefully each time.</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nqJ-CP-74Sc/U5McK4mH-_I/AAAAAAAAOhI/F6ED57LgTu4/s1600/IMG_3351.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nqJ-CP-74Sc/U5McK4mH-_I/AAAAAAAAOhI/F6ED57LgTu4/s1600/IMG_3351.PNG" height="320" width="179" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7g6n-KJuTSc/U5MfAK1goPI/AAAAAAAAOiA/8kZQn4JJZVk/s1600/IMG_3358.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7g6n-KJuTSc/U5MfAK1goPI/AAAAAAAAOiA/8kZQn4JJZVk/s1600/IMG_3358.jpg" height="200" width="153" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">Take a round file and smooth out any of the burrs on the metal of the door. The shank/faucet </span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">can now be inserted through the door and the shank nut, tightened.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;"> Note: There is enough room in the utility door to add two more taps, right and left of this one. </span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">I planned the placement for that possibility.</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-502t6uJWGRE/U5MfaXiPimI/AAAAAAAAOiI/M68E6qyJThs/s1600/IMG_3355.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-502t6uJWGRE/U5MfaXiPimI/AAAAAAAAOiI/M68E6qyJThs/s1600/IMG_3355.jpg" height="320" width="248" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-awVtJQOtjls/U5Md7eXRKMI/AAAAAAAAOhw/xCHnu0FXQt8/s1600/IMG_3357.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-awVtJQOtjls/U5Md7eXRKMI/AAAAAAAAOhw/xCHnu0FXQt8/s1600/IMG_3357.PNG" height="320" width="179" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.200000762939453px; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; line-height: 18.200000762939453px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had to pull out the two lower crisper bins and shelf to allow enough head space for the </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">corny keg with the ball lock connectors attached. As you can see, there is still plenty of room in </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">the door and on the adjustable shelves for beer or food. I like to keep a few chilled (never frozen) </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">glasses in the door. Just place a rubberized drip shelf to allow them to stay clean and ventilated. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; line-height: 18.200000762939453px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; line-height: 18.200000762939453px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Down the road, a board will be added to keep the CO2 tank and keg level in the bottom of the </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">fridge.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; line-height: 18.200000762939453px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--TIBpFdL_2Q/U5MimuOhrYI/AAAAAAAAOiU/H6zFk2_kaSc/s1600/IMG_3457.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--TIBpFdL_2Q/U5MimuOhrYI/AAAAAAAAOiU/H6zFk2_kaSc/s1600/IMG_3457.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; line-height: 18.200000762939453px; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18.200000762939453px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Center, mark and drill the holes for the drip tray. Be sure to check the height of the tray to the </span><span style="font-size: large;">tap so you have clearance. Use your judgement for best positioning.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18.200000762939453px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;"> Top Tip: Later, I will add a drain to my drip tray, attach some tubing, running the line back </span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">through the door and into an empty gallon jug. It will act as a runoff drain. I would place the jug </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">in the lower part of the inside door. Great for party guests that have an occasional oops, without </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">having to frequently sponge out the bottom of the tray.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.200000762939453px; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.200000762939453px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.200000762939453px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.200000762939453px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q8FVwT2zYzc/U5MLBTVTfTI/AAAAAAAAOgc/A_vJazsqIy4/s1600/IMG_3343.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q8FVwT2zYzc/U5MLBTVTfTI/AAAAAAAAOgc/A_vJazsqIy4/s1600/IMG_3343.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.200000762939453px; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.200000762939453px; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Cool firkin project!</span></b></i></div>
</div>
</div>
Rick Andrewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11458661824506337860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8084690407454313135.post-54128946103379599732012-01-17T21:04:00.004-05:002012-01-17T21:09:43.508-05:00Chili con Carne with Beer<h3 class="Header" style="color: blue; text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Firkin Around...<i>the kitchen</i>.</span></b></h3><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Here's my own personal favorite take on chili. I call it Seven Pepper chili. Enjoy!</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><b><br />
</b></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>Serves/Makes: </b>6 to 8</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>Ingredients:</b><b><i> </i></b></span></div><ul class="text_XXsmall"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dJfXGDFkF-s/TxYneMCM2GI/AAAAAAAAMzU/Y5YxQlwJOro/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dJfXGDFkF-s/TxYneMCM2GI/AAAAAAAAMzU/Y5YxQlwJOro/s400/photo+1.JPG" width="298" /></a>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 17px;">1 and 1/2 pounds of lean ground beef (turkey can be used as a substitute)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">3/4 <span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;">bottle of beer (a good lager, IPA or even a porter)</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;">1 tbls. olive oil</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">1 medium onion, chopped</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">1 1/2 tsp. ground cumin</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">1 tbls. chili powder</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">2 tsp. salt</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">2 - 28oz cans of crushed tomatoes, undrained</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">1 - 15 oz. can kidney beans, drained and rinsed</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">1 large green bell pepper, chopped</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 </span>jalapeno <span style="font-family: inherit;">pepper, chopped/seeds in</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 tbls. </span>Tabasco</span><span style="font-size: large;">®</span> <span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">brand liquid pepper</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">1/2 tbls. cayenne pepper</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">1 - 4.5 oz. can green chilies</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">1 small Scotch Bonnet pepper diced...if you dare! (WARNING-You may want to wear gloves!!!)</span></li>
</ul><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">How to cook the chile:</span></b></div><div style="border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px; vertical-align: top;"></div><ul><li style="font-style: inherit; line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Heat olive oil in a large pot.</span></li>
<li style="font-style: inherit; line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Throw in meat and onions. Brown meat and sweat onions.</span></li>
<li style="font-style: inherit; line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Add the two cans of tomatoes and turn up the heat. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: inherit; line-height: 17px;">When bubbling, back off heat and add the cumin, chili powder, salt, black pepper and beer. Stir well. </span></span></li>
<li style="font-style: inherit; line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Add all other pepper ingredients at 30 minutes. Stir often at a simmer. </span></li>
<li style="font-style: inherit; line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Add kidney beans at one hour and continue to simmer for one more hour, or until most of liquid is absorbed. </span></li>
<li style="font-style: inherit; line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">If too dry, use the reserved 1/4 bottle of beer. If not.....Cheers!</span></li>
</ul><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 17px;">I like to serve mine on top of a scoop of mashed potatoes and finish with a dollop of sour cream and sprinkle of cheddar cheese.</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JzEcx4RE0vY/TxYoMjT0_aI/AAAAAAAAMzc/hNkMj5qiCp0/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JzEcx4RE0vY/TxYoMjT0_aI/AAAAAAAAMzc/hNkMj5qiCp0/s400/photo.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Pair it with a refreshing beer, of course! What's up with the tissues? Oh yeah....you're going to need them! Cheers to a great meal.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: blue;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Firkin hot and spicy!</span></b></i></div></div>Rick Andrewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11458661824506337860noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8084690407454313135.post-60739860621800854332011-09-28T13:25:00.009-04:002011-09-28T15:24:50.390-04:00Open Letter to Craft Beer Breweries<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>Firkin Around...<i>at my desk</i></b></span><span style="color: blue;"><b><i>.</i></b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">D</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">ear rising stars of the beer merchandising scene. Where do I begin? I'm talking to you breweries. Not all of you, but pay attention and you'll know if it's you of whom I'm speaking. I have something to get off my chest, so here it is...consider it some friendly advice, if I may be so bold to suggest.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>I</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> nearly tweeted this out today in 140 characters or less:</span><br />
<blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Rant time! Today I am unfollowing twitter accounts that never follow/reply back. Talking to you, breweries. Step up your social media efforts.</b></span></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-egT6xE8GTAQ/ToNwaiV9YXI/AAAAAAAAMCs/142gfMeSn3E/s1600/social-media-marketing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-egT6xE8GTAQ/ToNwaiV9YXI/AAAAAAAAMCs/142gfMeSn3E/s400/social-media-marketing.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>I</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> thought better about pulling the trigger on that, but still, there is a nagging reason behind it. I now write about craft beer, ales and all beer for that matter, full time since quitting my job. I have a vested interest in beer, like you. Although I am not a brewer of beer, nor a marketer or merchandiser or distributor or even a retailer, I just like the stuff and have for as long as I can remember. I am one of many on the sidelines that cheers your efforts on, and do so by blogging about it from all angles. So what is my beef?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">B</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">eer is first and foremost a "social lubricant" which brings good people together for good times. In other people's words, "Beer is what you do, when you're doing other things." The craft beer scene burst out in the mid-eighties, about 30 years ago. It wasn't long after Jimmy Carter had signed the home brewing exemption law. From that point on, micro, nano and pico brewers have sprung up. Numbers in the thousands now - numbers not seen since the turn of the 20th century. In fact, this week the Great American Beer Festival celebrates its 30th anniversary which is about as long as this craft explosion has been occurring. There have been a couple of contractions and expansions in the past thirty years, but craft beer has had phenomenal and expansive growth. It's pervasive; in every nook and cranny from brewpubs to breweries with tasting rooms, pizza and beer pubs. It has even begun to creep into restaurants, being paired with great food, just as with wine.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">N</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">ow, at the heart of my gripe is what I explained before. Beer is a social thing. In the past thirty years we have also seen the explosion of another phenomenon, namely the internet. And as beer heads into its biggest expansion phase coinciding with the recent advent of "social media" on the internet, something has become all too apparent. The "social" part has given a new meaning to how we, the beer consumers, have given rise and credence to these emerging craft beers.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-umhClrbc2-I/ToNxOL3SdQI/AAAAAAAAMCw/GDwkHfMy--I/s1600/social-media.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-umhClrbc2-I/ToNxOL3SdQI/AAAAAAAAMCw/GDwkHfMy--I/s320/social-media.jpg" width="320" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>O</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>kay. Enough background. What frustrates me is that pico, nano or micro, you need to realize this and stop using Facebook and Twitter and the rest as just an electronic billboard. Behind the Fan Pages and name handles are your real consumers. Stay connected, damn it! I have been following so many brewery accounts for so very long, yet, they are loathe to follow back or at the very least reply to intelligent requests. Set a social media policy just as you would a business plan or disaster contingency. If you don't, you not only risk losing your fan base, (your consumers), but also the demographics you can reap from it.</i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">I</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> started writing out of love for beer and being able to put a few good words together on a blank screen of pixels. It is frustrating to me, that a business such as yours tends to ignore rather than engage your audience of fans. I am not suggesting answering back every post or tweet, but at least you can acknowledge the meaningful. After all, How many of you sport a quarter million "likes" or "followers" anyway? There are few out there that have those numbers. But those that do have discovered it is better to have a person relate to those fans, than to ignore and lose the customer base. And as one who seeks this type of employment in your industry, I am shocked at times as to the governance and seeming lack of care with which many of you ascribe.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_j_kYtsTaM0/ToNylMR-foI/AAAAAAAAMC0/-nF7IZpvYZY/s1600/socialmedia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_j_kYtsTaM0/ToNylMR-foI/AAAAAAAAMC0/-nF7IZpvYZY/s400/socialmedia.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>T</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">hough I have met many brewery reps, owners and brewers and have connected with them personally, I don't think that everyone should require this to get occasional attention. The better business models are built on making the business grow one consumer at at time. I am grateful to those that communicate with and mutually follow myself, as this provides tremendous insight when it comes to writing about your particular beers, ales, restaurants and all the other ventures and collaborations involved.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">W</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">ith all humbleness and humility, I hope that the handful of folks that read and interact with my blogs will get this message. Sometimes it can feel like your screaming in a vaccumm. Thanks for letting me vent.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9wX8lg4niLY/ToN0bjlIVcI/AAAAAAAAMC4/3J88YJkJDzk/s1600/l-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9wX8lg4niLY/ToN0bjlIVcI/AAAAAAAAMC4/3J88YJkJDzk/s200/l-1.jpg" width="133" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">H</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">ow about we all discuss a bit more, perhaps over a beer?</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Rick</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><b>Not Firkin Around...</b></span></span>Rick Andrewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11458661824506337860noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8084690407454313135.post-25574982403962691152011-09-23T21:24:00.011-04:002011-12-20T22:17:55.379-05:00Beer Fridge Makeover<div style="color: blue;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Firkin Around...<i>The Garage</i></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-reGV21G6eqc/ToSPr1syxWI/AAAAAAAAMC8/OohxAinKn0s/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-reGV21G6eqc/ToSPr1syxWI/AAAAAAAAMC8/OohxAinKn0s/s400/1.jpg" width="296" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Sanding down the rusty, but trusty old Kenmore in the garage</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y-EUyW8LZ8Q/TDjW2_r1zWI/AAAAAAAAJQ8/7_NxW75akxY/s1600/IMG_2150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"></span></a><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">S</span></b></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">itting around the house I got in a in a cleaning mood and decided it was time to take the sorry looking old rust bucket that was the Kenmore and give it a makeover. Looking over the owners manual that the former homeowners left behind, I discovered the fridge is nineteen years old this month! And we've been here for ten years now. Hmmm...wonder why they retired it to the garage so early? It's been running fine; keeping the beer cold and all.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>T</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">he first order of business was to remove two handles and a strip of chromed plastic from one of the doors. A few sheets of sandpaper had the pitting gone and removed ten plus years of rust accumulation from sitting outside in the garage. Florida's weather is notorious for rusting out anything made of metal that has been left outdoors for any period of time. The salt air and humidity had done a number on the finish, especially around the door edges where condensation tends to collect. That task completed, I washed the door gaskets with soap and warm water to remove the grime. Masking tape was applied to cover them up for painting.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF5Kit1SvH5GAvJwe-iPAB3ZVVxTqpaI48B23ww4RnjbZRtqT0wLvueyOgeShLtt3DaTNIBZDEPa4EXtsHQAkGyw7mn0RKFOV6EN7vPQXsN1WJAMhO97m8TIA3wM7SMFjuyvEaDs53GgA/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF5Kit1SvH5GAvJwe-iPAB3ZVVxTqpaI48B23ww4RnjbZRtqT0wLvueyOgeShLtt3DaTNIBZDEPa4EXtsHQAkGyw7mn0RKFOV6EN7vPQXsN1WJAMhO97m8TIA3wM7SMFjuyvEaDs53GgA/s400/2.jpg" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Primer applied and drying</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>S</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">ince </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">the entire fridge including all the side panels and the top had been sanded, I wiped it all down with a damp rag and let it dry. Then I used a tack cloth on the outside in preparation for the primer base. It took about three cans of primer to get it looking like this. Needing a breather, I went for some water and fresh air on this hot day. It gave the primer a chance to completely dry, according to the instructions on the can. The fridge was looking better already. Now, off to the store for some color.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>O</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">nly a funky color would do for the beer fridge. Not anything way over the top, although the <span id="goog_2048983010"></span><a href="http://www.krylon.com/color/families/index.jsp">Krylon</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #fdf8ee; color: #333333; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.krylon.com/color/families/index.jsp">®</a></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.krylon.com/color/families/index.jsp"> Rich Plum</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"><span id="goog_2048983011"></span></a> was pretty cool looking. There were so many colors to choose from, but somehow the green shades kept calling out to my subconscious. And which shade? Pistachio Green! Dropping five cans in the cart, the purchase was made.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j-ZDhOr6VSY/ToSUx6mYbFI/AAAAAAAAMDE/Pk6GMoNfpp4/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j-ZDhOr6VSY/ToSUx6mYbFI/AAAAAAAAMDE/Pk6GMoNfpp4/s320/3.jpg" width="237" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Krylon says Pistachio but I say Nuclear Green</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">M</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">eanwhile back at the ranch, the primer coat had already finished drying. The cans were shook up well and now it was time to get cracking on the color. Man, what a difference. I did manage to get a few runs here and there, but wasn't overly concerned about the whole ordeal. Backing up and looking over the color as a whole I exclaimed, <i>"A little bit drippy, but a whole lot more trippy!"</i> That pretty much sums it up, don't you think? The color really 'pops' out at you. Some choice beer stickers will likely be applied to the doors, but one of my internet buds recommended painting hops cones, instead. That is definitely under consideration. I can almost imagine it.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-drrEicmUA_A/ToSXggXMH-I/AAAAAAAAMDI/0FCO-heUc6I/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-drrEicmUA_A/ToSXggXMH-I/AAAAAAAAMDI/0FCO-heUc6I/s640/4.jpg" width="475" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">What a difference - It'll go another twenty years</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>T</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">he last part was to recondition the door handles and trim. For the trim, a simulated chrome based spray paint was used. A couple of coats with drying in between and it turned out fine. That part sits on the top sill of the bigger door. Lastly, the stubborn limescale was scrubbed from the pitted metal chromed parts of the door handles. A couple coats of car wax and they shined up nicely. The rubber/vinyl grips were washed with soap and water and then a vinyl protective gel was applied. Back in black and good as new! Masking tape off, insides washed out, the Kenmore never looked so good. <b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Note: One less beer went back into the fridge than what came out. Do the math, (ha-ha!)</span></i></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>A</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">nnnnnd, if you were wondering, and I know that you were.....the answer is <i>'yes'</i>! It will become a <a href="http://www.kegerators.com/articles/how-to-build-a-homemade-kegerator.php">kegerator </a>at some point in the future. For now, it will keep craft beers chilled and me happy. Cheers!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i style="color: blue;"><b>Firkin Beer Fridge!</b></i></span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i style="color: blue;"><b><br />
</b></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="color: blue;"></div>Rick Andrewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11458661824506337860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8084690407454313135.post-38691502129410473372011-09-05T11:17:00.089-04:002011-09-08T10:58:25.116-04:00BBC 2011 - Conference Recap Article for the Herald Tribune<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>Firkin Around...<i>Portland,</i></b></span><span style="color: blue;"><b><i> Oregon.</i></b></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hvGIaD900V4/Tk6pqFyef5I/AAAAAAAAL2o/cZBq7tn-r7k/s1600/BBC11_logo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="138" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hvGIaD900V4/Tk6pqFyef5I/AAAAAAAAL2o/cZBq7tn-r7k/s200/BBC11_logo.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><b>August 19th thru 21st - Portland, Oregon</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><st1:place><st1:city><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large; font-weight: bold;">I</span></st1:city></st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">n the afterglow of this year's conference, I was asked to submit an article to the local Sarasota, FL newspaper, The Sarasota Herald Tribune. Their "Beer Geek" editor <a href="http://twitter.com/alancshaw">Alan Shaw</a> and I did a <a href="http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20101118/COLUMNIST/11181021/2617/FEATURES01?Title=Beer-bloggers-unite">Q&A recap of the 2010 Beer Bloggers Conference</a> that was held in Boulder, CO last November.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">It stood to reason an article would again be submitted for publication again this year. You can peruse it below or you can also read it online at <a href="http://www.ticketsarasota.com/2011-09-08/section/nightlife/oregon-pub-crawls-and-visits-to-hop-fields/">"The Ticket", in The Sarasota Herald Tribune's entertainment section</a>.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Enjoy!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">==================================</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DBH-BmGk3_Y/TmTrkOt2N1I/AAAAAAAAL_U/1lHVgTQHslU/s1600/Lompoc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DBH-BmGk3_Y/TmTrkOt2N1I/AAAAAAAAL_U/1lHVgTQHslU/s640/Lompoc.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">BBC11 bloggers in the biergarten - The Old New Lompoc</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><st1:place><st1:city><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large; font-weight: bold;">P</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">ortland</span></st1:city><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">, <st1:state>Oregon</st1:state></span></st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> was host to this year’s 2<sup>nd</sup> annual <a href="http://beerbloggersconference.org/">Beer Bloggers Conference</a>. The conference was held August 19<sup>th</sup> through the 21<sup>st</sup>, however, many of the attendees arrived on Thursday the 18<sup>th</sup> and were treated to a pub crawl, make that a brewery crawl, through the city. My flight got me in a bit late for the beginning of the crawl and I missed the tour of <a href="http://widmerbrothers.com/">Widmer Brothers Brewing</a>. I quickly caught up <span id="goog_1006158733"></span><span id="goog_1006158734"></span>with the group at <a href="http://www.deschutesbrewery.com/">Deschutes Brewery</a>, where a lively street festival was in full swing. Beer and food pairings coupled with live bands set the scene for my arrival to the downtown area as hundreds of craft beer lovers jammed the street. We continued on to other great landmark brewers such as the <a href="http://www.luckylab.com/">Lucky Labrador</a>, and <a href="http://www.blogger.com/"><span id="goog_648382348"></span>The New Old Lompoc<span id="goog_648382349"></span></a>.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s80eWdF6Q9Y/TmTsATnL2UI/AAAAAAAAL_Y/JfwtLooaTQE/s1600/IMG_0831-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s80eWdF6Q9Y/TmTsATnL2UI/AAAAAAAAL_Y/JfwtLooaTQE/s400/IMG_0831-1.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Fred Eckhardt reels us in with beer history</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b>O</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">n Friday, the first day of the conference meetings, we were introduced to <st1:city><st1:place>Portland</st1:place></st1:city> native, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fred_Eckhardt">Fred Eckhardt</a>, a.k.a. “The Beer Guru.” This sprightly octogenarian literally wrote the book on home brewing back in 1969, long before the practice was re-legalized. Fred regaled us in one anecdotal story after another on his escapades in beer. We quickly realized that he was also likely responsible for the beer blogging movement, before the word "blog" was coined. He is a pioneer in the beer world and we all became very fond of him and his beer chronicles and adventures.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jg8EN03YezI/TmTsdKN7MGI/AAAAAAAAL_c/QwTKums69Ng/s1600/IMG_0867.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jg8EN03YezI/TmTsdKN7MGI/AAAAAAAAL_c/QwTKums69Ng/s400/IMG_0867.JPG" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Fresh hops from the field</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>F</b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">riday evening was the peak of the entire conference as all ninety-five of us rode to the town of <st1:city><st1:place>Silverton</st1:place></st1:city>, about an hour south of <st1:city><st1:place>Portland</st1:place></st1:city>. There, the folks at <a href="http://goschiefarms.com/">Goschie Farms</a> allowed us to tour their one thousand acre farm to watch the beginning of the hop harvest. Two hundred and fifty acres of the farm are devoted to growing hops, a major ingredient in the production of beer. Tractors snipped the eighteen foot tall ‘bines’ from the fields and hauled them into a barn used to separate, dry and bundle the cones. We were spellbound from the scent of hops which lay heavy in the air, as we snapped pictures with our cameras. Afterwards, we were treated to a wonderful picnic on the scenic farm grounds. There was delicious authentic German fare and of course, plenty of great local beer.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ihHXOKaujn4/TmTsvvmYWYI/AAAAAAAAL_g/FKD7XxJ9F_U/s1600/P1040671-300x225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ihHXOKaujn4/TmTsvvmYWYI/AAAAAAAAL_g/FKD7XxJ9F_U/s400/P1040671-300x225.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Gerard Walen </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><b>(www.roadtripsforbeer.com)</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> presents at BBC11</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">S</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">aturday’s conference highlights gave us plenty of instructional information about topics such as home brewing, and other subjects about restrictive beer laws as they vary from one state to another. All the presentations were highly informative and engaging. Later that evening, we were all whisked away to <a href="http://www.bridgeportbrew.com/">Bridgeport Brewing</a>, one of the oldest breweries in <st1:city><st1:place>Portland</st1:place></st1:city>. They hosted us to some fine food and beer samplings from their pub and gave us a tour of the brewing facility. Sunday arrived all too soon, wrapping up the last of the presentations and we all bid each other farewell, until next year.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div></div>Rick Andrewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11458661824506337860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8084690407454313135.post-22003185560755941452011-08-25T15:22:00.018-04:002011-08-26T10:22:44.100-04:00BBC11 - Blogging Lessons Learned and Shared<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>Firkin Around...<i>Portland,</i></b></span><span style="color: blue;"><b><i> Oregon.</i></b></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hvGIaD900V4/Tk6pqFyef5I/AAAAAAAAL2o/cZBq7tn-r7k/s1600/BBC11_logo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="138" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hvGIaD900V4/Tk6pqFyef5I/AAAAAAAAL2o/cZBq7tn-r7k/s200/BBC11_logo.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><b>August 21st - Portland</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">I </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">made a promise this year to practice some "lessons learned" from BBC10. Much of the time last November was spent switching between a laptop PC, a camera, a notepad, my backpack and least reliably of all, my memory. I decided this year to rightsize my arsenal of equipment and try to keep it simple. The hallmark of these lessons was boiled down to its essence and became my simple mantra for BBC11...</span></div><blockquote><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><b>"Travel lightly. Enjoy greatly. Live in the moment, always"</b></i></span></div></blockquote><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">W</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">ith this rule set in mind, I deliberately left a few things out of my luggage when packing for the trip. Most notable were a camera and a notebook. Many bloggers and journalists would call this heresy. This would seem to fly in the face of convention since the exclusive purpose of attending a blogging conference is to take photos and notes. Still, I wanted an unencumbered and engaging experience.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s1o5fWAM4A4/TleoPHfK_2I/AAAAAAAAL5c/L5ph4fViHJ0/s1600/rick_emily_at_Bridgeport-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s1o5fWAM4A4/TleoPHfK_2I/AAAAAAAAL5c/L5ph4fViHJ0/s320/rick_emily_at_Bridgeport-2.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Man in motion - capturing the moment</span><br />
(Photo by Gerard Walen, roadtripsforbeer.com)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">S</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">o I had to have a good plan, and the plan was this: Challenge myself to utilize my smartphone to the extremes of its capabilities. After all, it is a veritable <a href="http://www.swissarmy.com/multitools/pages/default.aspx">Swiss Army Knife</a> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: sans-serif, arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 26px;">® </span></span>of electronics. Some might say that would be a difficult challenge. After much deliberation, I decided it would be worth the calculated risk to travel and blog a bit more unfettered</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>W</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">hat did I learn from this experience? Plenty. Here is a list of things accomplished with my iPhone 4 during my four day trip to Portland, OR from my home in Tampa, FL.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X1JZOe1wkdA/TlayjQlpM2I/AAAAAAAAL3s/2iUD5K0EkFA/s1600/weather.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X1JZOe1wkdA/TlayjQlpM2I/AAAAAAAAL3s/2iUD5K0EkFA/s1600/weather.jpg" /></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Added Portland, OR to the Apple Weather app a week before travelling to prepare suitable clothing.</span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-awOHtYM4wSs/TlazSw9zBcI/AAAAAAAAL3w/mhp3jaADRVQ/s1600/Texting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-awOHtYM4wSs/TlazSw9zBcI/AAAAAAAAL3w/mhp3jaADRVQ/s1600/Texting.jpg" style="cursor: move;" /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Kept in touch with family via text messages every step of the way throughout my travel.</span><br />
<ul></ul></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fq1VR2SkMHY/TlazrgEedPI/AAAAAAAAL30/tv06HUVaR70/s1600/foursquare.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fq1VR2SkMHY/TlazrgEedPI/AAAAAAAAL30/tv06HUVaR70/s1600/foursquare.jpg" /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Checked in at plenty of venues using <a href="https://foursquare.com/">FourSquare</a>, which also added to my location whereabouts.</span><br />
<ul></ul><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LpO_cCHgsaY/Tla0uPUZMiI/AAAAAAAAL38/aubev3k4g_s/s1600/twitter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LpO_cCHgsaY/Tla0uPUZMiI/AAAAAAAAL38/aubev3k4g_s/s1600/twitter.jpg" /></a></div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h02jWCbX1Wk/Tla2WxGHD6I/AAAAAAAAL4A/OhJAYsa8gFA/s1600/echofon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h02jWCbX1Wk/Tla2WxGHD6I/AAAAAAAAL4A/OhJAYsa8gFA/s1600/echofon.jpg" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Sent direct messages via <a href="http://twitter.com/">twitter</a> and <a href="http://www.echofon.com/">Echofon</a> to seek out where my group was upon arrival in Portland. Also used them to tweet out and read juicy tidbits by following the #BBC11 hash tag.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p9bCKyfYpiw/Tla2wlQeOdI/AAAAAAAAL4E/wAzhkXatPrI/s1600/BizCard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p9bCKyfYpiw/Tla2wlQeOdI/AAAAAAAAL4E/wAzhkXatPrI/s1600/BizCard.jpg" /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Scanned business cards of colleagues using <a href="http://www.scanbizcards.com/">ScanBizCards </a>app.</span><br />
<ul></ul><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-irV5aUDcY4w/Tla3I0udhGI/AAAAAAAAL4I/dDLGQjFvAfA/s1600/evernote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-irV5aUDcY4w/Tla3I0udhGI/AAAAAAAAL4I/dDLGQjFvAfA/s1600/evernote.jpg" /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Kept notes of conference highlights in <a href="http://www.evernote.com/">Evernote </a>to use later while blogging from my traditional PC.</span><br />
<ul></ul></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9PaJdrlp49k/Tla3Zzhw8yI/AAAAAAAAL4M/__foIdjiH3Q/s1600/facebook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9PaJdrlp49k/Tla3Zzhw8yI/AAAAAAAAL4M/__foIdjiH3Q/s1600/facebook.jpg" /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Updated <a href="http://www.facebook.com/">FaceBook </a>with posts and photos of all the happenings from our various venues.</span><br />
<ul></ul><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ipi9aPdWFT8/Tla33TcYfkI/AAAAAAAAL4Q/Lxy0vcKwI50/s1600/camera.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ipi9aPdWFT8/Tla33TcYfkI/AAAAAAAAL4Q/Lxy0vcKwI50/s1600/camera.jpg" /></a></div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4kRU_acGtJ0/Tla373nSKbI/AAAAAAAAL4U/GFqurN4Hpbs/s1600/PhotoApp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4kRU_acGtJ0/Tla373nSKbI/AAAAAAAAL4U/GFqurN4Hpbs/s1600/PhotoApp.jpg" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Took all photos and videos with the built in Apple camera app and shared viewing of them with the Apple Photo app.</span><br />
<ul></ul><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UKI9DjogR_w/Tla4OSJOxuI/AAAAAAAAL4Y/BZgniwxdlAw/s1600/cameraplus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UKI9DjogR_w/Tla4OSJOxuI/AAAAAAAAL4Y/BZgniwxdlAw/s1600/cameraplus.jpg" /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Edited photos for blogging using the app, <a href="http://campl.us/">Camera+</a>.</span><br />
<ul></ul><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4Ck-_xOF6Is/Tla4j6s_BFI/AAAAAAAAL4c/pRD_NCLCp4g/s1600/clock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4Ck-_xOF6Is/Tla4j6s_BFI/AAAAAAAAL4c/pRD_NCLCp4g/s1600/clock.jpg" /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Used the Alarm app to wake up each morning and make reservation reminders.</span><br />
<ul></ul></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5MmS4qrzdrs/Tla4y1YxaII/AAAAAAAAL4g/F-a4tJaBb3Q/s1600/SouthWest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5MmS4qrzdrs/Tla4y1YxaII/AAAAAAAAL4g/F-a4tJaBb3Q/s1600/SouthWest.jpg" /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Checked in to <a href="http://www.southwest.com/">SouthWest Airlines</a> using their app, to secure my boarding pass (while standing in line for lunch!)</span><br />
<ul></ul><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rUqfj_sX5Kc/Tla5EpKNs0I/AAAAAAAAL4k/54_7eYv8f0Y/s1600/iPod.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rUqfj_sX5Kc/Tla5EpKNs0I/AAAAAAAAL4k/54_7eYv8f0Y/s1600/iPod.jpg" /></a></div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n5euMtEztRo/Tla5XsNaPVI/AAAAAAAAL4o/TWcw6XVWQMI/s1600/angrybirds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n5euMtEztRo/Tla5XsNaPVI/AAAAAAAAL4o/TWcw6XVWQMI/s1600/angrybirds.jpg" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I kept myself entertained with music, movies and games during lulls in travel.</span><br />
<ul></ul><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RKjwWEmfMvY/Tla5rU4Hd8I/AAAAAAAAL4s/JjlX4UjY7-4/s1600/untappd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RKjwWEmfMvY/Tla5rU4Hd8I/AAAAAAAAL4s/JjlX4UjY7-4/s1600/untappd.jpg" /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I updated my beer brethren with <a href="http://untappd.com/">Untappd</a>.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a65zZTnzOEQ/Tla6iDhbwUI/AAAAAAAAL4w/TN3OPFK4dCg/s1600/safari.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a65zZTnzOEQ/Tla6iDhbwUI/AAAAAAAAL4w/TN3OPFK4dCg/s1600/safari.jpg" /></a></div><div><ul></ul><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Performing numerous searches of the internet using Safari was a breeze.</span><br />
<ul></ul><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nbI65W2grRY/Tla69nGnpoI/AAAAAAAAL40/w_uAlQdoxro/s1600/maps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nbI65W2grRY/Tla69nGnpoI/AAAAAAAAL40/w_uAlQdoxro/s1600/maps.jpg" /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I could locate step-by-step directions to nearby destinations utilizing the Maps app.</span><br />
<ul></ul><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iFjqhTM1B-E/Tla7MeXwyTI/AAAAAAAAL44/NMcAgVY-Rus/s1600/calendar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iFjqhTM1B-E/Tla7MeXwyTI/AAAAAAAAL44/NMcAgVY-Rus/s1600/calendar.jpg" style="cursor: move;" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Using the Calendar app helped to schedule all the event itinerary.</span><br />
<ul></ul></div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U3VFjy2VFP8/Tla7c06nPUI/AAAAAAAAL48/jXJuisl4kvQ/s1600/dragondictation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U3VFjy2VFP8/Tla7c06nPUI/AAAAAAAAL48/jXJuisl4kvQ/s1600/dragondictation.jpg" /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The <a href="http://nuance.com/">Dragon Dictation</a> app came in very handy for inserting notes by speaking rather than writing.</span><br />
<ul></ul><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U6i7Eo0xnaI/Tla7qCCsYTI/AAAAAAAAL5A/WMth4Kivn7w/s1600/bump.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U6i7Eo0xnaI/Tla7qCCsYTI/AAAAAAAAL5A/WMth4Kivn7w/s1600/bump.jpg" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I shared contact information using the <a href="http://bu.mp/">Bump</a> app.</span><br />
<ul></ul><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZMKICpOOZAU/Tla8Gvn4etI/AAAAAAAAL5E/JCSff4C8WgE/s1600/inigma.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZMKICpOOZAU/Tla8Gvn4etI/AAAAAAAAL5E/JCSff4C8WgE/s1600/inigma.jpg" /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Other bloggers QR code info was scanned using the <a href="http://www.i-nigma.com/hp.html">i-nigma barcode scanning</a> app.</span><br />
<ul></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0QteN4q7i9c/Tla8mZqtKuI/AAAAAAAAL5I/2x5ooagDnYY/s1600/BJCP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0QteN4q7i9c/Tla8mZqtKuI/AAAAAAAAL5I/2x5ooagDnYY/s1600/BJCP.jpg" /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I was able to use the <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/bjcp-styles/id293788663?mt=8">BJCP Styles guide</a> as a reference many times.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-07Coxk_bRcc/Tla9A4zpvrI/AAAAAAAAL5M/eSGDv5k5yvU/s1600/ATMhunter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-07Coxk_bRcc/Tla9A4zpvrI/AAAAAAAAL5M/eSGDv5k5yvU/s1600/ATMhunter.jpg" /></a></div><div><ul></ul><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Locating an ATM was a snap using <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/atm-hunter/id309754128?mt=8">ATM Hunter</a> just in case extra cash was needed.</span><br />
<ul></ul></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fTjVas3XV50/Tla9iR8nidI/AAAAAAAAL5Q/Npkc-zL0ua8/s1600/iTorch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fTjVas3XV50/Tla9iR8nidI/AAAAAAAAL5Q/Npkc-zL0ua8/s1600/iTorch.jpg" /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/itorch4/id384365348?mt=8">iTorch4</a> flashlight feature was helpful, instead of fumbling for the hotel room light switch.</span><br />
<ul></ul></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pmjfs1Nesl0/Tla9m5OnokI/AAAAAAAAL5U/E8HT4GgelqU/s1600/Notes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pmjfs1Nesl0/Tla9m5OnokI/AAAAAAAAL5U/E8HT4GgelqU/s1600/Notes.jpg" /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">And finally, I kept track of all the above using the built in Notes app.</span><br />
<ul></ul><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">A</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">ll this was accomplished by one handy electronic gadget roughly the size of a deck of playing cards. Speaking of cards, my protective iPhone case has a slot in the back that will hold about a dozen of my business cards. Is there anything this device can't do?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>O</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">n the eve of Steve Jobs departure from Apple, this post is most poignant. All he ever wanted to do was make smart machines to enable people in their daily lives. A great and noble effort from a man who saw the company struggle in the beginning, but now leaves at its pinnacle. Apple is one of the largest and innovative companies the world has known. All in all, I did end up travelling lighter and enjoying more during the conference. And indeed, I truly lived in the moment, knowing that with this device, I was able to pull off the near impossible as a traveler, writer and photographer.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7O0W0OPSp88/Tla9tQdI2WI/AAAAAAAAL5Y/lJTmN-NF1Rg/s1600/Phone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7O0W0OPSp88/Tla9tQdI2WI/AAAAAAAAL5Y/lJTmN-NF1Rg/s1600/Phone.jpg" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>O</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">h yeah, almost forgot to mention, it's a phone, too! That was the least of the iPhone4 </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">features leveraged during the trip. How's that for iRony?</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9UC2x4a_rwE/Tlaa8QpZ3GI/AAAAAAAAL3o/Bb6LJTebQ_A/s1600/DSCN0663-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9UC2x4a_rwE/Tlaa8QpZ3GI/AAAAAAAAL3o/Bb6LJTebQ_A/s640/DSCN0663-1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Choose your weapons</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b>Firkin Futuristic Phone!</b></span></div></div>Rick Andrewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11458661824506337860noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8084690407454313135.post-12464257766716478692011-08-20T12:21:00.072-04:002011-09-12T14:22:16.407-04:00BBC11 - Bridgeport Brewery<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>Firkin Around...<i>Silverton,</i></b></span><span style="color: blue;"><b><i> Oregon.</i></b></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hvGIaD900V4/Tk6pqFyef5I/AAAAAAAAL2o/cZBq7tn-r7k/s1600/BBC11_logo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="138" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hvGIaD900V4/Tk6pqFyef5I/AAAAAAAAL2o/cZBq7tn-r7k/s200/BBC11_logo.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><b>August 19<sup>th</sup> Bridgeport BrewPub - Portland, OR</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: right;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8hCfg97Y14Y/Tm4oVsxlHAI/AAAAAAAAMBM/OR1d_Qf5r84/s1600/IMG_0935.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8hCfg97Y14Y/Tm4oVsxlHAI/AAAAAAAAMBM/OR1d_Qf5r84/s400/IMG_0935.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Upstairs pub in the Heritage Room</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">T</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">onight's trip is to <a href="http://www.bridgeportbrew.com/#/ingredients/">"Beervana"</a>; in other words, the <a href="http://www.bridgeportbrew.com/#/brewpub/">Bridgeport BrewPub</a>, located in Portland. Bridgeport is one of the early pioneers of craft brewing in the state of Oregon. Their brewery is setup in an old three-story tall, former rope factory (the historic <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Portland_Cordage_Company_Bldg_-_Portland_Oregon.jpg">Portland Cordage Company</a>). The building dates back to the late part of the nineteenth century. Hand troweled brick along with hewn wooden beams are left exposed in the interior dining sections, creating an industrial yet inviting vibe.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: left;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A0qNhrGlzyA/Tm4tD3yI2YI/AAAAAAAAMBQ/rr5HAf7JssY/s1600/IMG_0945.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A0qNhrGlzyA/Tm4tD3yI2YI/AAAAAAAAMBQ/rr5HAf7JssY/s400/IMG_0945.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Building leased April 11, 1984</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">E</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">verything about the building was on a large scale. Across from a catwalk on the second story, there is an enormous clock hanging above the bar below. It is frozen in time at 04:11 and has the Roman numerals MCMLXXXIV, indicating the year 1984. I will go out on a limb to say the clock's time may indicate April 11th as the date of incorporation. This is based upon an article found on <a href="http://blog.oregonlive.com/thebeerhere/2009/08/a_bridgeport_timeline.html">oregonlive.com</a> that mentions an April incorporation date from 1984.</span></div><div style="text-align: right;"></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b><br />
</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>A</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">lso on the large side are the urinals in the men's room, which were described by some as everything from "<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarcophagus">open sarcophagi</a>" to "vertical bathtubs." (Sorry ladies of #BBC11, you certainly missed that visual.) I've no pictures to show, but rest assured that these are definitely designed for a man-sized wee. And a good thing too, considering we were in a brewpub among some pretty great beer.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-om3fTj8pt_I/Tm4y6pspIpI/AAAAAAAAMBU/6mfM0cvJ144/s1600/IMG_0941.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-om3fTj8pt_I/Tm4y6pspIpI/AAAAAAAAMBU/6mfM0cvJ144/s400/IMG_0941.JPG" width="297" /></a><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">S</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">peaking of beer - - - liquid libations were sampled at the large upstairs bar, where an array of Bridgeport's best selling brews were dispensed by the sample or by the pint. <a href="http://www.bridgeportbrew.com/#/our_beers/">Bridgeport's IPA, Kingpin, Blue Heron, Porter, Hop Czar and Summer Squeeze</a> are just a few to mention here.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">C</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">ontinuing on to the buffet dinner, there was plenty of tasty gourmet food to fill your plate. Mine consisted of fresh fish with pesto, a beef loin medallion, dark green garden salad, roasted potatoes, zuchinni and corn-on-the-cob, Rotini pasta salad and a thick slice of crusted bread. With some water and a beer, the course rounded out nicely. Simply as delicious as it looks.</span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AAlav7dtuHA/Tm41SiAX7II/AAAAAAAAMBY/YZw1LyxxwXE/s1600/IMG_0944.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AAlav7dtuHA/Tm41SiAX7II/AAAAAAAAMBY/YZw1LyxxwXE/s400/IMG_0944.JPG" width="400" /></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></b></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">J</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">ust as dinner wound down, we spied some "Beeramisu" a takeoff on an Italian dessert favorite, <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/tiramisu-recipe/index.html">Tiramisu</a>. The kitchen staff have their own recipe which includes Bridgeport's porter, chocolate shavings and espresso cake. Mmmmm, good!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r1UTSI5Ayf8/TlQjdLdZl1I/AAAAAAAAL3k/Qj_Ux1D7ivw/s1600/stamp_facebook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r1UTSI5Ayf8/TlQjdLdZl1I/AAAAAAAAL3k/Qj_Ux1D7ivw/s1600/stamp_facebook.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><b>Firkin Around</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: small;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">More photos <a href="http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.158978797515568.40982.136782996401815&type=1">here</a></span></b></span></b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;"></div><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b></b></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b> </b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b>Firkin Around the Bridgeport BrewPub !</b></span><br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-onDjFNRBh7E/Tm4mxVYh3wI/AAAAAAAAMBI/WUahYEbOgw4/s1600/IMG_0938.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-onDjFNRBh7E/Tm4mxVYh3wI/AAAAAAAAMBI/WUahYEbOgw4/s400/IMG_0938.JPG" width="400" /></a><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b><br />
</b></span><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Bridgeport BrewPub and Brewery</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">1313 NW Marshall</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Portland, OR 97209</span></b><br />
<b><a href="http://bridgeportbrew.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">http://bridgeportbrew.com/</span></a></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">503.241.3612</span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #ebf2fc; white-space: nowrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b><br />
</b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #ebf2fc; white-space: nowrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/24/280477/restaurant/Pearl-District/Bridgeport-Brewpub-Bakery-Portland"><img alt="Bridgeport Brewpub & Bakery on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/280477/biglink.gif" style="border: none; height: 146px; width: 200px;" /></a></span></span></div>Rick Andrewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11458661824506337860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8084690407454313135.post-79698351761160316682011-08-19T17:51:00.344-04:002011-08-23T20:40:26.387-04:00BBC11 - Goschie Hop Farms<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>Firkin Around...<i>Silverton,</i></b></span><span style="color: blue;"><b><i> Oregon.</i></b></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hvGIaD900V4/Tk6pqFyef5I/AAAAAAAAL2o/cZBq7tn-r7k/s1600/BBC11_logo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="138" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hvGIaD900V4/Tk6pqFyef5I/AAAAAAAAL2o/cZBq7tn-r7k/s200/BBC11_logo.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><b>August 19<sup>th</sup> Goschie Farm - Silverton, OR</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HwHX3DCL8ro/TlO8oRZDLpI/AAAAAAAAL3A/MLFcLmVZ4bw/s1600/IMG_0835.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HwHX3DCL8ro/TlO8oRZDLpI/AAAAAAAAL3A/MLFcLmVZ4bw/s400/IMG_0835.JPG" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Celebrating 'rush hour'</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">T</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">he highlight of this evening was a trip to the hop fields of Goschie Farms located in Silverton, OR. It was about a one hour ride to the farm, just down the interstate, but Friday night rush hour was fast upon us. The trip took nearly two hours as the two motor coaches slogged along in stop-and-go traffic. Ah, but rush hour was never this nice; we had a secret weapon up our sleeve. The capable bus drivers acted as our designated drivers, so we sat back and enjoyed some fine craft beer that brewery reps had brought along. Cups were passed out, and the reps slowly worked their way, up and down the aisle pouring out libations to all. A two hour ride and all that beer could be a tricky thing for those with a weak constitution. However, as mentioned before, this was a long distance motor coach. It was equipped with a lav in the back.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">A</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">rriving in farm country, we spotted field after field of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bine_(botany)">hop bines</a> right off the side of the road. Standing tall, the bines seemed to go on forever toward the horizon. Thinking we were at our destination, it became apparent we were not, as this view went on for some time. It wasn't to our annoyance. Quite the contrary, we marveled at the vastness of the hop fields.When the two buses finally pulled into the drive, we all popped out and were instantly blown away by the pungent aroma of hops in the air. "</span><a href="http://www.homebrewtalk.com/wiki/index.php/Tettnang_Tettnanger" style="font-size: x-large;">Tettnang</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">!", someone shouted. The whir of machinery in a large barn-sized shed lay fifty feet ahead. One by one, jaws dropped, eyes widened and speech hushed in reverent tones masked by the hum of mechanical conveyances. The machines were hoisting the hop bines in the air and then depositing them into threshers that would ultimately separate the hop cones from the leaves, stems and bine stalks. It was like some kind of </span><a href="http://www.rubegoldberg.com/" style="font-size: x-large;">Rube Goldberg</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> contraption.</span><br />
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyU1lpkDGiRimnXZmOw8q7WBpnFoKNc4LPg4Qhjt3LNEaZXZT8kpZVvovtr2CLBGy5FZWL3ns5Czk-_hNfShA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b><br />
</b></span><br />
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzOjakMttT2OaKW5O48JEI1ZQyP1bPfobu06Dn9ljtJu4Lfe8_0rFJsef06Alg0_wV5we_kmOjYiS3AXVOLxA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">F</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">rom the threshing room floor, we moved cautiously in and around the equipment. Conveyor belts of leaves on one side and a river of hop cones on the other, all flowing toward the back of the building. We climbed a stairway and watched as the hop cone river followed us along. Up to the drying room we went, where moisture was wicked out of the cones by a large dryer that passed gentle heat from below. Arriving at the top we saw a gigantic bed of cones drying and slowly moving toward the other end of the building.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyMJAnU4zSpa0IU7lSWk2gySGNbm8QDbavH4eJPmoKWXvKcSwGgCUHWm2vybxjv1cv3OVax43n7RyvV2kqb5A' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">T</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">he hops aromas were more concentrated by now, tickling our noses with great delight. Off to the other side of the drying room we saw a pile of hops that had completed the drying process. They were piled in a heap just below our view. Descending the next staircase took us to an enormous part of the building that had an equally ginormous pile - - - make that, a mountain of hops! My new blogging friend Danica mentioned that she would like to make a "snow angel" in the hop pile. How awesome would that be?!?</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-99vp7zyO7Fk/TlPPC7oIbaI/AAAAAAAAL3M/J0kZkMt-8c8/s1600/IMG_0865.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-99vp7zyO7Fk/TlPPC7oIbaI/AAAAAAAAL3M/J0kZkMt-8c8/s640/IMG_0865.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Shall we make a "hops angel"?</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YK9oaQeoXwI/TlPRGkQhUSI/AAAAAAAAL3Q/6Er7iaf5Y-k/s1600/IMG_0879.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YK9oaQeoXwI/TlPRGkQhUSI/AAAAAAAAL3Q/6Er7iaf5Y-k/s320/IMG_0879.JPG" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">18' hop bines at Goschie</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>O</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">nce again voices hushed. It was either the sheer size of the room or the sheer reverence of the moment, but we slack jawed onlookers just marveled at the quantity of hops. After this building, we were treated to a walk in the hop fields to see the bines being harvested. We also got to check out a section that contained experimental cross pollination of several hop varieties. The rows were taller than expected (up to 18 feet in height), as we got to see them close up. And the rows...well they stretched on for hundreds of yards.</span><br />
<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">W</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">e bloggers were all amazed at the hard work of the farm staff. You can't help but notice the excellence and pride on this 100+ year old farm. A huge thank you to Gayle, Glenn and Gordon Goschie, who opened their farm to us. It was amazing to see the 250 acres of hops on their 1000 acre farm. It was especially interesting to be there during harvest time. To actually see the process of harvesting the bines, all the way through to packaging the hop cones into 200 pound bales was an experience not soon to be forgotten.</span><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5J9kxs7MraU/TlPVj7YpDVI/AAAAAAAAL3U/C6EO8WRJSsQ/s1600/IMG_0888.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5J9kxs7MraU/TlPVj7YpDVI/AAAAAAAAL3U/C6EO8WRJSsQ/s400/IMG_0888.JPG" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Great German food</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FQm3xxpTG00/TlPaRjF_AqI/AAAAAAAAL3Y/ClJME-tsv4I/s1600/IMG_0886.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FQm3xxpTG00/TlPaRjF_AqI/AAAAAAAAL3Y/ClJME-tsv4I/s320/IMG_0886.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Goschie's idyllic surroundings</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">J</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">ust as you'd think it couldn't get any better, the tour wrapped up with a picnic style outing on the farm grounds. Food was presented from The Glockenspiel Restaurant Pub. Delicious Bratwurst on rye rolls, mustard, curry ketchup, corn-on-the-cob, Tempeh, Choucroute and German potato salad were on the fare. Dessert consisted of brownies infused with hops, topped off with frosting that was sprinkled with more hops. Tasty beer food, indeed! Kegged and bottled beer abounded among the ancient tall trees that acted as our canopy of shade. The only thing missing were <a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?q=minstrels%C2%A0playing+lutes&um=1&hl=en&safe=off&sa=N&biw=1664&bih=802&tbm=isch&tbnid=w-VgY48bLXkA5M:&imgrefurl=http://www.guitarramagazine.com/GuitarSpain3&docid=09hr8PU7ACFMMM&w=199&h=165&ei=RNlTTuayK8jf0QHq0dn-BQ&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=1157&vpy=566&dur=111&hovh=132&hovw=159&tx=88&ty=103&page=2&tbnh=132&tbnw=159&start=39&ndsp=35&ved=1t:429,r:32,s:39">lute playing minstrels</a> singing, "<a href="http://www.poetryloverspage.com/poets/shakespeare/sigh_no_more_ladies.html">Hey nonny, nonny</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">...", but I digress. I pulled up a folding chair and savored the food and grog, taking in all the idyllic surroundings.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I recall thinking to myself, "Do not forget this. Live in this moment."</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r1UTSI5Ayf8/TlQjdLdZl1I/AAAAAAAAL3k/Qj_Ux1D7ivw/s1600/stamp_facebook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r1UTSI5Ayf8/TlQjdLdZl1I/AAAAAAAAL3k/Qj_Ux1D7ivw/s1600/stamp_facebook.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Firkin Around</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: small;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">More photos <a href="http://www.facebook.com/firkinaround?sk=photos">here</a></span></b></span></b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SzqVLD6Oks4/TlPcTvgW_EI/AAAAAAAAL3c/mAdkNLKvPhg/s1600/IMG_0885.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SzqVLD6Oks4/TlPcTvgW_EI/AAAAAAAAL3c/mAdkNLKvPhg/s640/IMG_0885.JPG" width="475" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Hops, fresh from the bine</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b><br />
</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b>Firkin Fields of Hops !</b></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b><br />
</b></span><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Goschie Farms</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">7365 Meridian Road NE</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Silverton, OR 97381</span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<b><a href="http://goschiefarms.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">http://goschiefarms.com/</span></a></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">503.873.5638</span></b><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"><b><br />
</b></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"><b><br />
</b></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"><b><br />
</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><iframe frameborder="0" height="300" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=7365+Meridian+Road+NE,+Silverton,+OR&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=7365+Meridian+Rd+NE,+Silverton,+Oregon+97381&gl=us&t=h&vpsrc=0&ll=45.033502,-122.765436&spn=0.018197,0.025749&z=14&iwloc=A&output=embed" width="300"></iframe></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b> <small><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=7365+Meridian+Road+NE,+Silverton,+OR&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=7365+Meridian+Rd+NE,+Silverton,+Oregon+97381&gl=us&t=h&vpsrc=0&ll=45.033502,-122.765436&spn=0.018197,0.025749&z=14&iwloc=A&source=embed" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">View Larger Map</a></small></b></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"><b><br />
</b></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"><b><br />
</b></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"><b><br />
</b></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"><b></b></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"><b> </b></span></div>Rick Andrewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11458661824506337860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8084690407454313135.post-49100173827335567642011-08-19T14:30:00.009-04:002011-08-23T20:49:53.391-04:00BBC11 - Pub Crawl (Portland, OR)<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>Firkin Around...<i>Portland,</i></b></span><span style="color: blue;"><b><i> Oregon.</i></b></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hvGIaD900V4/Tk6pqFyef5I/AAAAAAAAL2o/cZBq7tn-r7k/s1600/BBC11_logo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="138" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hvGIaD900V4/Tk6pqFyef5I/AAAAAAAAL2o/cZBq7tn-r7k/s200/BBC11_logo.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><b>August 18<sup>th</sup> Pub Crawl - Portland</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Deschutes Brewery & Public House -</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">210 Northwest 11th Avenue</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: right;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jkWbcB5oqcQ/Tk6dm-ychpI/AAAAAAAAL18/kIXiT0A_bB0/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jkWbcB5oqcQ/Tk6dm-ychpI/AAAAAAAAL18/kIXiT0A_bB0/s320/photo.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Strap-hanging on MAX Light Rail</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">First place I hit after dropping my luggage at the hotel was the <a href="http://www.deschutesbrewery.com/locations/portland">Deschutes Brewery & Public House</a> where I met up with the army of bloggers. They were already over two hours into the crawl by the time the hotel shuttle dropped me off. Tonight, Deschutes was featuring a block party, complete with local live bands, jamming in the alley between the buildings and playing to a well oiled throng. There, I picked up my VIP pass and got in on some sampling of the food and beer available. Using the wooden nickel system, I purchased a hefeweizen that was infused with lemonade, paired up with spicy grilled shrimp on a tangy coleslaw. After that, we all quickly jumped aboard the MAX light rail system to our next destination.</span><br />
<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">The Lucky Labrador Beer Hall -</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">1945 NW Quimby</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: left;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iTDuk7B_dwI/Tk6eqgrdhfI/AAAAAAAAL2A/-9fGc79Nd6U/s1600/photo+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iTDuk7B_dwI/Tk6eqgrdhfI/AAAAAAAAL2A/-9fGc79Nd6U/s400/photo+%25281%2529.JPG" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Pop-Art</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.luckylab.com/html/story.html">The Lucky Labrador Beer Hall</a> has been in existence in Portland for 16 years. The Beer Hall at 1945 NW Quimby was refurbished about 5 years ago and was originally home to truck builder, <a href="http://www.freightlinertrucks.com/">Freightliner</a>. The place is a rustic wooden and brick building that looks rugged enough to have built trucks, or make beer. Large overhead roll-up doors make for easy ingress/egress to the brew pub. The no nonsense wooden plank tables were meant to serve large groups of hungry and thirsty travelers. Along with an incredible selection of beer, there are some hardy staples such as pizza and sandwiches to feed the masses.</span><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3DYGss_OA0I/Tk6iGOmBYeI/AAAAAAAAL2E/D6btixsCsQU/s1600/photo+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3DYGss_OA0I/Tk6iGOmBYeI/AAAAAAAAL2E/D6btixsCsQU/s400/photo+%25282%2529.JPG" width="298" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Large tables for easy times</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I was happy to see that along with standard pints, you could also select from a 1/2 pint or a flight. It's good for us beer blogger reviewers, so that we may sample from all their wares. I started with "Dog Day", a 6% ABV India Pale ale and then moved on to a "Super Dog" at 6.5% and also an India Pale Ale. Both were good, but I preferred Super Dog.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tLU9NOwMArI/Tk6iT0WIZfI/AAAAAAAAL2I/tAVB3ZazyOQ/s1600/photo+%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="476" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tLU9NOwMArI/Tk6iT0WIZfI/AAAAAAAAL2I/tAVB3ZazyOQ/s640/photo+%25283%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The Chalboard of Beer</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The brew master was introduced to our group. He proceeded to take a bunch of the bloggers along to show off the brewing area. I stayed behind and opted to lounge with other fellow bloggers. I was exhausted from an 11 hour day of travel through four airports and two time zine changes. I ordered a slice of pizza to sop up the beer.</span><br />
<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">New Old Lompoc -</span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span>1616 NW 23rd Avenue</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><b></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: right;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VDY8hm-l8GY/Tk6k7CrCMNI/AAAAAAAAL2Q/tCK85uOJ5AY/s1600/photo+%25284%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VDY8hm-l8GY/Tk6k7CrCMNI/AAAAAAAAL2Q/tCK85uOJ5AY/s320/photo+%25284%2529.JPG" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The Old New Lompoc</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.newoldlompoc.com/">The New Old Lompoc</a>, was next on our parade. Walking up to the joint, it looked like any other old timey bar that you might pass by. Glad we don't judge a book by its cover, because the interior had some great charm. A rustic old bar front and tap room as you pass through the portals, greets you with a sense for the nostalgic. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Passing further through the back, through the kitchen, all the way back, a biergarten emerges with an indoor outdoor charm to rustic and quaint to be believed. Once again, the theme of long plank tables invite the traveler to sit and quench their thirst, and maybe work one up conversing with the crowd. It made the time and conversation great as we made our way back and forth to the bar for some of their home grown offerings.</span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aPn4LD0bT2o/Tk6lQo_bpGI/AAAAAAAAL2U/TrOWQFX5pBA/s1600/photo+%25285%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aPn4LD0bT2o/Tk6lQo_bpGI/AAAAAAAAL2U/TrOWQFX5pBA/s400/photo+%25285%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Out in the Biergarten</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0q6VTGrrbDU/Tk6nyTIHj7I/AAAAAAAAL2k/4XK4GoKjlpk/s1600/photo+%25288%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"></span></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J02vkGSsyK0/Tk6nMWMs5uI/AAAAAAAAL2Y/3cmTN1LCKf8/s1600/photo+%25286%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">There was so much beery goodness packed into that small establishment! As we passed between the main part of the bar and into the biergarten, there was a window into the brewing works for us to see. Such a small room that such big beer comes from. I suggest the Kick Axe Pale Ale.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J02vkGSsyK0/Tk6nMWMs5uI/AAAAAAAAL2Y/3cmTN1LCKf8/s1600/photo+%25286%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J02vkGSsyK0/Tk6nMWMs5uI/AAAAAAAAL2Y/3cmTN1LCKf8/s640/photo+%25286%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">T</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">hough the hour was late, this party was just getting started. We exited the Lompoc to a waiting school bus that whisked some of us back the hotel and others continued to party on into the night. What a great first night. I hit the sack with a smile and wondered what tomorrow will bring.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0q6VTGrrbDU/Tk6nyTIHj7I/AAAAAAAAL2k/4XK4GoKjlpk/s1600/photo+%25288%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0q6VTGrrbDU/Tk6nyTIHj7I/AAAAAAAAL2k/4XK4GoKjlpk/s320/photo+%25288%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">As I sit in the lobby of the Doubletree, I can already see the wheels in motion for today's first full day of conference. Beer is being whisked around on push carts as some of the bleary eyed bloggers stumble out of the lobby elevator and make a bee line to the coffee bar...these people are troopers. I only did half of what some of them accomplished last night. Here's to a new day.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b>Firkin Cool Pub Crawl !</b></span></div>Rick Andrewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11458661824506337860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8084690407454313135.post-70967636022650590812011-08-11T11:03:00.020-04:002011-08-23T17:21:58.470-04:00The Coast to Coast Toast by Vanberg & DeWulf<div class="MsoNormal"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>Firkin Around...the beer world</b></span><span style="color: blue;"><b><i>.</i></b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"><b><i><br />
</i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-liyvp1DiSuI/TkP1HaHGufI/AAAAAAAAL0U/fXxTG-OW4ys/s1600/VBDW_Bottle_Header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="244" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-liyvp1DiSuI/TkP1HaHGufI/AAAAAAAAL0U/fXxTG-OW4ys/s640/VBDW_Bottle_Header.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: bold;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large; font-weight: bold;">C</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">alling all fans of Belgian ales! <a href="http://belgianexperts.com/">The Belgian Experts, Vanberg & DeWulf</a> would like to call your attention to their upcoming Coast to Coast Toast. For three decades, Vanberg & DeWulf has been a trailblazer in quality Belgian imports.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P1U2NOKyB-U/TkPm2bjj7QI/AAAAAAAALz4/qVRe0KP5nBI/s1600/Cork_30years_sm.1.3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P1U2NOKyB-U/TkPm2bjj7QI/AAAAAAAALz4/qVRe0KP5nBI/s1600/Cork_30years_sm.1.3.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Vanberg & DeWulf - Turns 30</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">T</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">he Coast to Coast Toast is both a celebration of Vanberg & DeWulf's 30th anniversary of bringing quality Belgian ales to America. It's also a tribute to their distributors, bars, restaurants and stores that have helped the company and their passion for fine ales to flourish. The celebration of the 30th Anniversary of Vanberg & DeWulf and their </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://belgianexperts.com/category/heroes-of-the-good-beer-movement/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Heroes of the Good Beer Movement"</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> is set for </span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">November 15, 2011</b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> (</span><a href="http://www.expatica.com/be/news/belgian-news/Belgian-royals-celebrate-King_s-Day_58128.html" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">King's Day in Belgium</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">) at favorite beer spots all across America.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: bold;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: bold;"> </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TYoRiUwMT3g/TkPaol216FI/AAAAAAAALzU/gjpnqY9krWA/s1600/Telegram3_for_Vanberg+and+DeWulf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TYoRiUwMT3g/TkPaol216FI/AAAAAAAALzU/gjpnqY9krWA/s320/Telegram3_for_Vanberg+and+DeWulf.jpg" width="320" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>I</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">f you are a distributor, restaurant, bar or store that wishes more information on how to participate, contact them by email at <a href="mailto:vanberg.and.dewulf@gmail.com">vanberg.and.dewulf@gmail.com</a>. They will gladly get back to you with all the details; things such as the Coast to Coast Toast Toolkit full of goodies - official Coast to Coast Toast snacks, cocktails, Belgian trivial quizzes, official music, approved beer lists, company history, coasters, posters, etc....to make the party unique to your venue.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M0ShRTlJF58/Tj2MH782lAI/AAAAAAAALy8/byqm1g8UqYs/s1600/vanberg_dewulf.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M0ShRTlJF58/Tj2MH782lAI/AAAAAAAALy8/byqm1g8UqYs/s200/vanberg_dewulf.png" width="197" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b>Firkin Belgian Beer Blast!</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Vanberg & DeWulf</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">52 Pioneer Street</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Cooperstown, NY 13326</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">(<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><em style="font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;">800)-656-1212</em></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large; font-weight: bold;"><em style="font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;">(607)-547-8374</em></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large; font-weight: bold;"><em style="font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;"><br />
</em></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large; font-weight: bold;"><em style="font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;"><a href="http://belgianexperts.com/">www.belgianexperts.com</a></em></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0KdFSMsx6CI/TkrPTbj-vdI/AAAAAAAAL1Q/aaS-YLXG7II/s1600/bottlecap_facebook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0KdFSMsx6CI/TkrPTbj-vdI/AAAAAAAAL1Q/aaS-YLXG7II/s1600/bottlecap_facebook.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://facebook.com/vanberganddewulf">http://facebook.com/vanberganddewulf</a><br />
<br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_qtKar6DndA/TkrPc-rNAfI/AAAAAAAAL1U/ATQc50g3bWw/s1600/bottlecap_twitter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_qtKar6DndA/TkrPc-rNAfI/AAAAAAAAL1U/ATQc50g3bWw/s1600/bottlecap_twitter.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<a href="http://twitter.com/#!/belgianexpert">http://twitter.com/#!/belgianexpert</a><br />
<br />
<br />
</div></div>Rick Andrewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11458661824506337860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8084690407454313135.post-68003217622503050882011-07-21T16:26:00.014-04:002011-10-24T10:31:25.592-04:00Yuengling Brewery - Tampa, Florida<div class="MsoNormal"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>Firkin Around...<i>Tampa,</i></b></span><span style="color: blue;"><b><i> Florida.</i></b></span></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z2WSQqzywnU/TihvvN6gHaI/AAAAAAAALto/p0MIjwMsODM/s1600/IMG_0627.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z2WSQqzywnU/TihvvN6gHaI/AAAAAAAALto/p0MIjwMsODM/s640/IMG_0627.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">America's Oldest Brewery - Since 1829</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">T</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">ampa, Florida and the surrounding local area is home to some of the newest craft beer 'kids-on-the-block', with breweries such as <a href="http://www.cigarcitybrewing.com/">Cigar City</a>, <a href="http://www.dunedinbrewery.com/">Dunedin</a>, <a href="http://www.saintsomewherebrewing.com/">Saint Somewhere</a>, <a href="http://www.pegscantina.com/">Peg's Cantina & Brew Pub</a> and <a href="http://www.tampabaybrewingcompany.com/">Tampa Bay Brewing Company</a> to name a few. The list keeps growing, but hidden among these new and passionate breweries, stands not one of the oldest, but THE oldest brewer in America. Originally D. G. Yuengling & Son of Pottsville, Pennsylvania, Yuengling brews their tasty beers and ales in the heart of Tampa at the old Stroh's brewery. I might add with equal passion to the brewing and beer enjoyment process, as well.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d_TgZvjyMZQ/TihvZWcqJsI/AAAAAAAALtk/iVpgZtj5Aoo/s1600/IMG_0655.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d_TgZvjyMZQ/TihvZWcqJsI/AAAAAAAALtk/iVpgZtj5Aoo/s320/IMG_0655.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Yuengling Brewery - Tampa, FL</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">O</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">ur guide Maureen took us on a one hour (plus) excursion through the inner workings of the plant. As the tour began, we learned that the Tampa brewery has changed hands several times. Beginning as <a href="http://www.schlitzgusto.com/">Schlitz</a>, and then as <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stroh_Brewery_Company">Stroh's</a>, then over to <a href="http://www.pabstbrewingco.com/">Pabst </a>and back to Stroh's again, before being purchased in 1999 by president Dick Yuengling Jr. The 1999 Tampa facility purchase allowed Yuengling the ability to produce 1.5 million barrels a year. Do the math. At 31 gallons to a barrel, let's just say that is a lot of beer. Plans to further expand the factory are underway. As recent as 2009, Yuengling reached the 2 million barrel mark in overall annual production. And where does all the water come from to make that beer? There are four <span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><em style="font-style: normal;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artesian_aquifer">artesian wells</a> on the fifty-four acre location that descend to depths of 277 feet.</em></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VeSboFcEHmY/Tih2dzlGv2I/AAAAAAAALts/axl3NhP9Diw/s1600/IMG_0634-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VeSboFcEHmY/Tih2dzlGv2I/AAAAAAAALts/axl3NhP9Diw/s320/IMG_0634-1.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Active boil in mash tun</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">T</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">he aromas of malts in the mash tun wafted through the air as we ascended the stairs to the brew kettle room. An active boil of wort was going on in one of the mashing units. <a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/wort">Wort</a>, also known as 'tea', is made from the malt and hot water addition. The splashing mixture in the tun was referred to as an 'angry boil'. That's the point at which the brew is actively bubbling as a stirring arm agitates the liquid. It takes 8 tons of grain and 241 barrels of water to mash a batch. I must say, the malt smell was very pleasing to the nose.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: right;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LPCHvAAa1fE/Tih6CFQGywI/AAAAAAAALtw/dQPtdaDHdJY/s1600/IMG_0638.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LPCHvAAa1fE/Tih6CFQGywI/AAAAAAAALtw/dQPtdaDHdJY/s320/IMG_0638.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Outer yard processing area</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>M</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">oving to the outer yard, we observed the area where trains haul in grain to the site. It is moved into storage hoppers and silos until needed for making the beer. Maureen pointed out that this area is also used to reclaim the natural CO2 that forms from the fermenting process of beer. The carbon dioxide is brought into the building, processed and reused later. Additionally, the spent malt grains are dried out and re-purposed to farmers as feed for cattle. Recycling at its best.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>T</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">he bottling/canning line was next. There is a vast array of high speed moving conveyors that take glass bottles and metal cans through sanitizing, filling and capping/topping stations all around the plant. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzRVF0u6p_lbNbGqxUV3X8HNpdO_pid7jYoTL-GvpXWvpmqtmU1PQaUK2PQpmFJ9Po6HETQb8WAnN31DYocJA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We learned that the original bottles in Pennsylvania were filled by hand at the rate of five bottles per minute. The modern facility can produce 900 in that same minute. We were reminded that the folks back then bottled beer by hand and they were also likely to be enjoying a brew or two while doing so. Maureen figured that this may have attributed to the low bottling numbers! (wink)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qg3DrbIjPR8/TiiAw3T8kWI/AAAAAAAALt8/jQn6Iz4SoqY/s1600/IMG_0648-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qg3DrbIjPR8/TiiAw3T8kWI/AAAAAAAALt8/jQn6Iz4SoqY/s320/IMG_0648-1.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Government Room Holding Tanks</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>O</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">n to the 'government room' where each of these tanks holds 1160 barrels of beer. The beer lies in wait for full approval, so it can then be bottled, canned or kegged. What you see here is 401,940 gallons of total storage. If you are doing the math in your head again, allow me to help. This room represents 4,287,360 twelve ounce glasses of beer. It is estimated that it would take 51 years of continuous drinking at one twelve ounce glass per minute, to empty. Thank goodness we can share with a few million friends! Yuengling's beers are produced at three breweries; the other two breweries are located in Pennsylvania. Currently their products are distributed up and down the east coast of the United States with plans for future distribution expansion.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0b84pGtHImA/Tih-QISTcsI/AAAAAAAALt4/kEHsBkiC2nA/s1600/IMG_0653-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0b84pGtHImA/Tih-QISTcsI/AAAAAAAALt4/kEHsBkiC2nA/s400/IMG_0653-1.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Yuengling Black & Tan</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">T</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">he government room may be a great room, but in my opinion, the tap room is where it's at! We were treated to a couple samples of their finest on draught.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In conclusion, this brewery has been making a go at beer for nearly 200 years. That is quite a feat, but it is dwarfed by the fact that it has survived five generations of family run operations. All with a passion for their beer and brewing processes. A sixth generation is poised for a run at greatness. Dick Yuengling's four daughters are all interested in buying into the family business when it's their turn. Cheers to the Yuengling family and their great line of beers and ales!</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: right;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
<br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b><br />
</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b><br />
</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b><br />
</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b><br />
</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b>Firkin America's Oldest Brewer!</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"><b><i></i></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"><b><i></i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Nlqe-HhRaBM/TiiIATElHNI/AAAAAAAALuA/SU_dYk1jkkw/s1600/IMG_0637-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Nlqe-HhRaBM/TiiIATElHNI/AAAAAAAALuA/SU_dYk1jkkw/s320/IMG_0637-1.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Sign Says It All</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Yuengling Brewing Company</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">(Tampa Brewing Location)</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">11111 N. 30th Street</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Tampa, FL 33612</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">(<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><em style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">813)-972-8529</em></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="mailto:giftshop@yuengling.com"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">giftshop@yuengling.com</span></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.yuengling.com/breweries/tampa/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">www.yuengling.com/breweries/tampa</span></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="300" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF8&q=yuengling+tampa&fb=1&gl=us&hq=yuengling&hnear=0x88c2b782b3b9d1e1:0xa75f1389af96b463,Tampa,+FL&cid=0,0,6883720160385336755&t=h&ll=28.048633,-82.424133&spn=0.005681,0.006437&z=16&iwloc=A&output=embed" width="300"></iframe><br />
<small><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF8&q=yuengling+tampa&fb=1&gl=us&hq=yuengling&hnear=0x88c2b782b3b9d1e1:0xa75f1389af96b463,Tampa,+FL&cid=0,0,6883720160385336755&t=h&ll=28.048633,-82.424133&spn=0.005681,0.006437&z=16&iwloc=A&source=embed" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">View Larger Map</a></small></div></div>Rick Andrewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11458661824506337860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8084690407454313135.post-80985718435305276272011-07-20T17:24:00.003-04:002011-08-23T17:25:13.717-04:00Wheat Beer Soaked Pork Shoulder Steak with Garlic & Sage<h3 class="Header" style="color: blue; text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Firkin Around...<i>the kitchen</i>.</span></b></h3><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m7bdcqL58vo/TidHQ60QorI/AAAAAAAALtM/RJEQ0cNGksg/s1600/IMG_3485-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m7bdcqL58vo/TidHQ60QorI/AAAAAAAALtM/RJEQ0cNGksg/s1600/IMG_3485-1.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><b>Wheat Beer Soaked Pork Shoulder Steak with Garlic & Sage</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>Serves/Makes: </b>4</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>Ingredients:</b><b><i> </i></b></span></div><ul class="text_XXsmall"><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 17px;">2 pounds of trim, pork shoulder steaks.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">1 <span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;">bottle of wheat beer</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">1 handful of fresh sage leaves</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">2 coarsely chopped garlic cloves</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">4 to 5 red potatoes, skin on and cut into chunks</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">2 large handfuls of baby carrots</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">2 green onions or substitute with equal amount of scallions</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">3 or 4 small apples (side garnish)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Salt and freshly ground pepper to cover</span></li>
</ul><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">How to cook the pork shoulder steaks:</span></b></div><div style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-style: initial; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px; vertical-align: top;"></div><ul><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9VTFVfAeYEw/Tic_ho5uZnI/AAAAAAAALtI/ylXLNfiylZ8/s1600/IMG_3480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9VTFVfAeYEw/Tic_ho5uZnI/AAAAAAAALtI/ylXLNfiylZ8/s400/IMG_3480.JPG" width="400" /></a>
<li style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Preheat oven to 400°F.</span></li>
<li style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Wash the pork in cold water, once removed from its packaging.</span></li>
<li style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Use a large baking dish or roasting tray. Lay the pork on the bottom of dish/tray. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: inherit; line-height: 17px;">Place potatoes </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;">between </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: inherit; line-height: 17px;">the pieces meat so they will also get covered with the beer. </span></span></li>
<li style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Toss onions, carrots, garlic and whole sage leaves over the entire tray, on top of the pork steaks. </span></li>
<li style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Sprinkle everything evenly with the salt & pepper. Add beer to the dish so it will just about cover the pork steaks. </span></li>
<li style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">If you need a little more liquid, use water, or more beer!.</span></li>
<li style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Cover the tray with aluminum foil and place in the oven. Cook for one hour. </span></li>
<li style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Remove the foil. Cook for another 30 minutes, so the top of the pork starts to brown up in color and appears just above the beer/meat juices. </span></li>
<li style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Turn the meat over and lay on top of the vegetables. Cook for another 30 minutes. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: inherit; line-height: 17px;">The pork should look browned but not burnt. The sauce should be moist but not too liquid when done. If necessary, add a small </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;">amount </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: inherit; line-height: 17px;">of water if everything appears to be drying out.</span></span></li>
<li style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Remove from oven and serve. Add a few slices of fresh apples, when plating the meal.</span></li>
</ul><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Pair it with a refreshing wheat beer, of course! Cheers to a great meal.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: blue;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Firkin delicious!</span></b></i></div></div>Rick Andrewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11458661824506337860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8084690407454313135.post-18701196411758308672011-02-09T20:40:00.237-05:002011-08-23T17:29:19.537-04:00SanTan Brewery & Pub<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Firkin Around...<i>Chandler, Arizona.</i></span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e2eQQRwr_YY/Tg8Yso6T0LI/AAAAAAAALho/-84Gq6kZjG0/s1600/DSCN0148-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="144" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e2eQQRwr_YY/Tg8Yso6T0LI/AAAAAAAALho/-84Gq6kZjG0/s320/DSCN0148-1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: right;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-upG6noNRW_k/Tg8VtDUaM1I/AAAAAAAALhE/7K7ebQwRK3Q/s1600/DSCN0143a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-upG6noNRW_k/Tg8VtDUaM1I/AAAAAAAALhE/7K7ebQwRK3Q/s320/DSCN0143a.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Glimpse of the outside brewery ops</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">A</span></b> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">good tip from a fellow Twitter friend led me to SanTan Brewing while on vacation in Arizona. I was looking for some of the local fare and flair in microbrews. The fact that it was also a pub with food...BONUS! We pulled in for a lunchtime bite to eat and a beer or two. Crossing the street from the parking lot, I was able to look inside the brewery as a forklift was loading some of their kegged beer onto a truck, for the upcoming beer festival, <a href="http://arizonabeerweek.com/">Arizona Beer Week 2011</a>. Darned the luck, we are leaving for home a week before the event begins.</span></span><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c8w4SG_gYK8/Tg8UoNjPloI/AAAAAAAALg8/AFyytVPqC28/s1600/DSCN0174a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c8w4SG_gYK8/Tg8UoNjPloI/AAAAAAAALg8/AFyytVPqC28/s320/DSCN0174a.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">What's going on...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RNmLrR1Q_tA/Tg8WJLCpWgI/AAAAAAAALhI/2eoaEniQ_dg/s1600/DSCN0168a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RNmLrR1Q_tA/Tg8WJLCpWgI/AAAAAAAALhI/2eoaEniQ_dg/s320/DSCN0168a.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Where the magic happens</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b>M</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">oving inside the entryway to the brewpub exposes a rough, but clean industrial interior that shows off wood and brick walls with exposed ceilings. The colorful chalkboard gives you the skinny on the daily offerings of available beer. Looking half way into the room, a wall with large windows gives a glimpse into the brewer's area at the holding tanks of beer. You can gawk all you want and watch the brewing, in any of the various stages of processing.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MejRoQ1vXKs/TjFWxWfr2lI/AAAAAAAALwo/nPfmbwSORGc/s1600/DSCN0172-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MejRoQ1vXKs/TjFWxWfr2lI/AAAAAAAALwo/nPfmbwSORGc/s320/DSCN0172-2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 14px;">What'll ya' have?</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">I</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">t's safe to say that the beer on tap covers the spectrum when it comes to choosing one of your liking. From light hefe's to pale ales, IPA's, amber, stout and even seasonal special ales are all available for dispensing from the bar's taps. In fact, it is a full service bar for those wishing a little something more than a beer. I happened to spy a bottle of my very favorite (and hard-to-find) Irish whiskey on the top shelf.</span></span><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6nHergR-Z1s/Tg8Ws6RWZWI/AAAAAAAALhM/5UjMf_OkYLU/s1600/DSCN0164a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6nHergR-Z1s/Tg8Ws6RWZWI/AAAAAAAALhM/5UjMf_OkYLU/s320/DSCN0164a.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Superb flight on a crazy cool flight paddle</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-si2wVZcGuIM/Tg8ZdQxUtdI/AAAAAAAALh0/wllj1Bzu2KU/s1600/DSCN0173-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-si2wVZcGuIM/Tg8ZdQxUtdI/AAAAAAAALh0/wllj1Bzu2KU/s320/DSCN0173-1.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Tullamore dew - IMHO sign of a good bar</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"></span></span>The ladies favorite from the sampler? The seasonal offering...Sex Panther! A barley wine featuring a caramel, chocolate and nutty flavor along with a high ABV. According to the description on their website,<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> "<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">It has bits of real panther in it...so you know its good!"</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"></span></span><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Lunch is served</span></b><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cskN3QeM1kw/Tg8hIyhcvJI/AAAAAAAALh8/opDgE_jvzq0/s1600/DSCN0161a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cskN3QeM1kw/Tg8hIyhcvJI/AAAAAAAALh8/opDgE_jvzq0/s320/DSCN0161a.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Stuffed mushrooms</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">A</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">ppetizers and lunch orders were placed right after the flight, by our server, Oscar. The stuffed mushrooms with a raspberry sauce were wonderful. My club sandwich was a whopper, completed with a side salad and a pickle wedge. My choice for a pint was the Hop Shock I.P.A. which complimented the sandwich, wonderfully. I had a great time enjoying the food and the brewery fresh beer. The wait staff and bartenders were very friendly and accommodating to us on our visit. </span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;"></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0VQ6-ZOXMzs/TjFSAXy6vEI/AAAAAAAALwk/JtZHn-mFHv4/s1600/DSCN0162-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0VQ6-ZOXMzs/TjFSAXy6vEI/AAAAAAAALwk/JtZHn-mFHv4/s320/DSCN0162-1.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The Chandler Club</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">It would be nice to return again during the evening to enjoy more of the SanTan beers as well as some of the live band entertainment they also have on hand. Or maybe, I could go back to get a tour of the brewing operations. Lunch, dinner or after hours, it's sure to be a great time.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Any time or any way that you choose to visit should provide to be fun affair. I know that the next time I'm in the area, it will be one of my destinations of choice.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P2IRl0lElVk/Tg8g5VBRlSI/AAAAAAAALh4/b7b94ap6APU/s1600/DSCN0160a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P2IRl0lElVk/Tg8g5VBRlSI/AAAAAAAALh4/b7b94ap6APU/s200/DSCN0160a.jpg" width="150" /></a><br />
<i><b><span style="color: blue;"> </span></b></i><br />
<div style="text-align: right;"></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><i><b><span style="color: blue;">A Firkin oasis in the desert!</span></b></i><b> </b></span><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">San Tan Brewing Company</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">8 South San Marcos Place</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Chadler, AZ 85225</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">480-917-8700</span></b><br />
<a href="http://draft.blogger.com/www.santanbrewing.com"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">www.santanbrewing.com</span></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/22/334888/restaurant/Phoenix/Santan-Brewing-Company-Chandler"><img alt="Santan Brewing Company on Urbanspoon" height="233" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/334888/biglink.gif" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; height: 146px; width: 200px;" width="320" /></a>Rick Andrewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11458661824506337860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8084690407454313135.post-50406863712711297702011-01-14T21:28:00.011-05:002011-08-23T17:35:38.323-04:00J. J. Taylor Distributing<div style="color: blue;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Firkin Around...<i>Tampa, Florida.</i></span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><i></i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Y-EUyW8LZ8Q/TUQnazO1AtI/AAAAAAAAK7o/k3nT7WWvxAE/s1600/IMG_3305-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Y-EUyW8LZ8Q/TUQnazO1AtI/AAAAAAAAK7o/k3nT7WWvxAE/s640/IMG_3305-1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Y-EUyW8LZ8Q/TURYbQKTM1I/AAAAAAAAK8I/81Z6Te-qx1Y/s1600/IMG_3193-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Y-EUyW8LZ8Q/TURYbQKTM1I/AAAAAAAAK8I/81Z6Te-qx1Y/s400/IMG_3193-2.JPG" width="263" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Trucks in the loading bay</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>H</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">ave you ever thought of where your last beer came from? I don't mean your cooler or your fridge. What about the store or restaurant where you made the purchase? In other words, how did it find its way from the brewer's hand, to your hand? If you have given that some thought, you might recall seeing armies of distributor's trucks, delivering beer from the manufacturer, to your local point of purchase.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">J. J. Taylor is just such a distributor - - - and they differentiate from the pack with distinction. Fact is, J. J. Taylor was named, "The Best Beer Wholesaler of 2010" according to Impact newsletter, Market Watch. J. J. Taylor was established in 1958 as a single brand supplier, but has evolved into the ninth largest beer wholesaler in the country. Operations are in Minnesota and Florida with headquarters located in Jupiter, FL.</span><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Y-EUyW8LZ8Q/TURZFAhQy9I/AAAAAAAAK8M/nh_JZzr7XWE/s1600/IMG_3195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Y-EUyW8LZ8Q/TURZFAhQy9I/AAAAAAAAK8M/nh_JZzr7XWE/s320/IMG_3195.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Some of the vast stock on hand</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>T</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">heir market includes 11,000 retail and on-premise customers in Florida and 2,200 in Minnesota. Sales for 2009 were posted at over 26 million cases, accounting for revenue of over $400 million. Their major suppliers include MillerCoors, Heineken USA, Diageo-Guiness, Pabst Brewing and D.G. Yuengling & Son. They also have the specialty brands that we "beer geeks" look for; their lineup carries a who's-who list of small craft micro-breweries.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The Boulder Beer Co., Boston Beer Co., Dogfish Head Craft Brewed Ales, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., Stone Brewing Co. and Bell's Brewing Co. are just few names in their specialty beer arsenal. In addition to beer and ale, a line of "ready-to-drink" items such as Mike's Hard Lemonade and others, are also available.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Taken from their website, the company has a straightforward mission statement that clearly defines their goals for success:</span><br />
<blockquote><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">J. J. Taylor Companies’ mission is to be the "FIRST CHOICE" in beer distributors as measured by it's employees, customers, and suppliers: Take care of your people, Take care of your customers, Be aggressive in the marketplace, Do not get greedy.</span></i></blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">One can glean from this statement that they are not just in this business for their own endeavor and gain, but that they also take responsibility to partner with their direct customers and suppliers. At the same time, J. J. Taylor ensures that those they employ, along with the ultimate consumers of their products, remain satisfied.</span><br />
<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Wow, that's a lot of beer!</span></b><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Y-EUyW8LZ8Q/TURFPjroZCI/AAAAAAAAK7s/olfyMYKTuXU/s1600/IMG_3200.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Y-EUyW8LZ8Q/TURFPjroZCI/AAAAAAAAK7s/olfyMYKTuXU/s320/IMG_3200.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">A whole lotta' Heineken, right there.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">My visit began after making the acquaintance of Joe Burns, Director of Specialty Brands at J. J. Taylor. He invited me to come and see firsthand the entire operation, with virtually unlimited access, as cases of beer flowed from one end of the plant to the other. The size and scope of the operations was amazing to say the least. I swear there was a stack of Heineken that could have filled my house!</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Y-EUyW8LZ8Q/TURKa3ajVKI/AAAAAAAAK7w/TPgK5sX3ya0/s1600/IMG_3212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Y-EUyW8LZ8Q/TURKa3ajVKI/AAAAAAAAK7w/TPgK5sX3ya0/s400/IMG_3212.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Joe Burns with Sam & Sam & Sam...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Walking about the warehouse floor proved to be a challenge as tow-motors and forklifts scurried from the back of plant to the front, bringing one after another pallet of different beer to the staging area. The keg refrigerator was equally as busy with traffic. I'm not too surprised. So many new beer bars have sprung up with the renewed popularity of beer in the past few years. Customers have been ordering more of the fresh draft styles offered by the craft brewers, that a refrigerator of this size is a requirement. Walking into the keg cooler, I saw another astonishing visual. Joe pointed out a literal wall of Sam Adams Boston Lager kegs right there in front of us! Think about that for a minute - - - That's just one line item, by one brewer, in their keg fridge! You can start to get the idea just how huge this facility really is, without being there for yourself.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b></b></span><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Largest Distribution Operations Under One Roof</span></b><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Y-EUyW8LZ8Q/TURPueHhBnI/AAAAAAAAK70/Umla--GgCb0/s1600/IMG_3194-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Y-EUyW8LZ8Q/TURPueHhBnI/AAAAAAAAK70/Umla--GgCb0/s320/IMG_3194-1.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Manuel and Joe </span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Joining Joe and I on the tour of the facility was Manuel Portuando, President and General Manager of J. J. Taylor. He explained some of the finer points of the operations. Points including how the warehouse has expanded since the 2000 opening, to how their employees are their single most important asset. Both my hosts stressed the amount of training and level of commitment J. J. Taylor gives to the employee. Everyone I met on the tour had the same level of genuine enthusiasm of working for J. J. Taylor.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">During my tour I was introduced to Jay Martin, Vice President of Operations. He was enthusiastic about all brands, but particularly exuberant about how the craft beer movement has helped to add more SKU's to their ever increasing portfolio of beer.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Proving their commitment to efficient beer distribution in the state of Florida, we can quickly sum up J. J. Taylor by the numbers:</span><br />
<ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Largest single distribution center under one continuous roof</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Largest refrigerated keg cooler on the east coast of the US</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">900 - 1000 SKU's (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stock-keeping_unit">Stock Keeping Unit</a>) and growing every year </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Enough product supply on hand for a 15 day delivery inventory</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Picking and packaging (VERTIQUE™) line can be operated by as few as 7 to 8 employees</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Up to 16 trucks at one time, can be loaded in an environmentally controlled indoor setting</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">130 daily truck routes, covering 17 South Florida counties</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Two satellite distribution facilities located in Fort Myers and Fort Pierce </span></li>
</ul><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Summarizing the operations on the production floor, order fillers pick items from a library arrangement of continuously stocked shelving, onto a conveyor. The cases pass through scanning stations around the warehouse until the order is assembled on a pallet, up to seven cases in height. The final order is wrapped and inspected and then moved by forklift directly onto one of the awaiting trucks. At that point, the beer is ready for delivery to its destined retail location. The entire system is computer automated for efficiency and accuracy, from order taking, to order building and final delivery. Here are a few examples of the <a href="http://www.vertique.com/">VERTIQUE™ </a>system in operation.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dy3hSrYBt0iNjSSSsThBctPb8_C_1KsDNrktKmOUAJqfwaHCyxz68OChOCYGsQQNWvH0nQtV4ctFyGjzEKlYw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzItWlr-OgZ4hGqMt9TIsEZE-L1TWmatR75UEPHhfJurGQHOmjFblrbwfTk4dS6GLe4uunsFkgHsuA9oHQw_A' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzXqvhZO2dZK2Lk_7UyFC4EAcPlem7JwgvY_c6q56rcOc290iBBHr2fGMqfJy1d68Tg62RMsgcr9G8sotmjcQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />
<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">350,000 square feet - reduced carbon footprint</span></b><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Y-EUyW8LZ8Q/TURpSUnMNhI/AAAAAAAAK8c/Cr8JgEmaCmg/s1600/IMG_3222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Y-EUyW8LZ8Q/TURpSUnMNhI/AAAAAAAAK8c/Cr8JgEmaCmg/s320/IMG_3222.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">It's easy being green</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">J. J. Taylor is also committed to 'green initiatives'. Packaging is broken down into cans, glass and plastic for any damaged containers, for the purposes of recycling. Plastic wrap packaging materials are also collected along with cardboard. Lighting requirements are reduced by using energy efficient bulbs and motion sensors, for areas requiring electric illumination. Natural lighting supplements some areas of the building, where possible. Huge fans have been installed in areas requiring large amounts of air movement, such as the indoor truck loading bay. No kidding. They use "<a href="http://www.bigassfans.com/">Big Ass Fans®</a>" to keep the air circulating.</span><br />
<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Now that you know...</span></b><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">So, the next time you take a trip to the fridge to crack open a cold one, you may want to take a moment to thank all of those great beer folks that helped make it happen. </span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"></div><i><b><span style="color: blue;"> </span></b></i><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y-EUyW8LZ8Q/TURXGLU5wtI/AAAAAAAAK78/_6fXNLeMZMk/s1600/IMG_3201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y-EUyW8LZ8Q/TURXGLU5wtI/AAAAAAAAK78/_6fXNLeMZMk/s320/IMG_3201.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Beer, beer, and more beer</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><b><span style="color: blue;">A Firkin Whole Lot of Beer!</span></b></i><b> </b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">J. J. Taylor Distributors</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">5102 South 16th Street</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Tampa, FL 34201</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">941-306-5868</span></b><br />
<a href="http://www.jjtaylor.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">www.jjtaylor.com</span></a><span class="f"><cite></cite></span><a href="http://www.jjtaylor.com/"><span class="f"><cite></cite></span></a>Rick Andrewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11458661824506337860noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8084690407454313135.post-16417657342110262772010-11-27T19:41:00.151-05:002011-08-23T20:30:27.792-04:00Cocoa Beach Brewing Company<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>Firkin Around...<i>Cocoa Beach,</i></b></span><span style="color: blue;"><b><i> Florida.</i></b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oLoEq9rd_Bo/TZoPh9X1fjI/AAAAAAAALXM/i0xzPeCOElg/s1600/IMG_3087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oLoEq9rd_Bo/TZoPh9X1fjI/AAAAAAAALXM/i0xzPeCOElg/s400/IMG_3087.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Cocoa Beach Brewing...C'mon in!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">5...4...3...2...1,</span> </b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">blast off for the space coast of Florida! Don't miss the opportunity to see a real microbrewery and pub in action on the east coast of Florida.</span><br />
<div style="text-align: right;"></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">On your next visit to Daytona or Orlando, spend a day at beautiful Cocoa Beach. Grab some SPF and sunshine, even go for a swim in the surf. Visit the shops along North Atlantic Avenue and then end your day with a wonderful libation at the Cocoa Beach Brewing Company. It's just minutes, make that steps away, from the sunny sands of Cocoa Beach.</span><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S0t9B_ppRlg/TZoQzdfYVAI/AAAAAAAALXU/e9YmXSCcrzI/s1600/IMG_3077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S0t9B_ppRlg/TZoQzdfYVAI/AAAAAAAALXU/e9YmXSCcrzI/s400/IMG_3077.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Tidy taps, trickling terrific tastes</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>S</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">nug and cozy, this beach side bungalow has been transformed into a fully functioning microbrewery and pub. The selections are varied and the service is warm and friendly. On this trip, I was able to meet with President and Owner, Chris McCall. He explained how they brew on premise in the back part of the building. He went on to discuss how Cocoa Beach Brewing is also keging brews for the local distribution reach, along the east corridor of the state. Bottling of selected favorites is also available for purchase at the brewery as well as local liquor stores and shops in the area.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cy9el6Afl7w/TZoUPzsCCTI/AAAAAAAALXY/oZT1mjV-eYA/s1600/IMG_3076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cy9el6Afl7w/TZoUPzsCCTI/AAAAAAAALXY/oZT1mjV-eYA/s320/IMG_3076.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Pale Ale and a shot of Dirty Blonde</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>W</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">e sampled some of the CBB local wares, including the <a href="http://www.alesfromthecrypt.net/2011/02/cocoa-beach-pale-ale.html">Pale Ale</a>, the Dirty Blonde Ale and everyone's hands down favorite of the night, <a href="http://www.alesfromthecrypt.net/2011/04/cocoa-beach-not-just-some-oatmeal-stout.html">"Not Just Some Oatmeal Stout"</a>. All were tasty and enjoyed with gusto. Visit their website at the link below for a full lineup of the ales on hand. As for the building the pub is housed in, it has gone through a complete renovation to transform it into a local dispensary of sensational suds. The front room has a fireplace, big screen television and is accompanied by plenty of comfortable seating. The second room has been converted into a tap room with bar front seating. There are also some large and copious high-top tables - - - all there to get your beer-comfort on. Backgammon boards will inspire you to enjoy your beers over a little friendly competition and conversation. Spartan and small does not mean it isn't comfortable, inviting and cozy, by any stretch. Being that the brewery is within ear and eye-shot of the NASA launchpads, one wall sticker proudly proclaims, <i>"Brewing Doesn't Take a Rocket Scientist...(But we have them anyway)."</i> Be sure to sign their guest book while there; they are always looking for new friends and beer lovers!</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RhK6IQ1lrWQ/TZoa-0Wq6CI/AAAAAAAALXc/X5siRnoXYic/s1600/IMG_3085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RhK6IQ1lrWQ/TZoa-0Wq6CI/AAAAAAAALXc/X5siRnoXYic/s320/IMG_3085.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">...oh yes, it is!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>T</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">his is a place you surely want to visit. After all, you're a beer lover, aren't you? I was joined on the trip by my daughter, son and future son-in-law, topping off a great Thanksgiving Day weekend, while visiting the area. A first trip for all, but definitely not the last!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: right;"></div><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c5b-9nCSA3w/TZoP-8SxQII/AAAAAAAALXQ/cZL9s1sebBY/s1600/IMG_3084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c5b-9nCSA3w/TZoP-8SxQII/AAAAAAAALXQ/cZL9s1sebBY/s320/IMG_3084.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Firkin Around at the Cocoa Beach Brewing Co.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b><br />
</b></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b><br />
</b></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b><br />
</b></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b><br />
</b></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b>Firkin Suds and Surf!</b></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b><i></i></b></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b><i> </i></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Cocoa Beach Brewing Company</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">150 North Atlantic Avenue</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Cocoa Beach, FL 32931-2960</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">(321) 613-2941</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<a href="http://www.cocoabeachbrewingcompany.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">www.cocoabeachbrewingcompany.com</span></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="300" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=150+North+Atlantic+Avenue,+Cocoa+Beach,+FL&aq=&sll=28.323498,-80.609136&sspn=0.013241,0.023732&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=150+N+Atlantic+Ave,+Cocoa+Beach,+Florida+32931&t=h&ll=28.321307,-80.609179&spn=0.022667,0.025749&z=14&iwloc=A&output=embed" width="300"></iframe><br />
<small><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=embed&hl=en&geocode=&q=150+North+Atlantic+Avenue,+Cocoa+Beach,+FL&aq=&sll=28.323498,-80.609136&sspn=0.013241,0.023732&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=150+N+Atlantic+Ave,+Cocoa+Beach,+Florida+32931&t=h&ll=28.321307,-80.609179&spn=0.022667,0.025749&z=14&iwloc=A" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">View Larger Map</a></small> <br />
<span class="f"></span><br />
<span class="f"></span><br />
<span class="f"></span><br />
<span class="f"><cite></cite></span></div>Rick Andrewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11458661824506337860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8084690407454313135.post-54876489209180398982010-11-13T13:53:00.078-05:002011-08-23T20:36:59.819-04:00World of Beer Sarasota Turns 1<div style="color: blue;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Firkin Around...<i>Sarasota, Florida.</i></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Y-EUyW8LZ8Q/TOlPR5FqO8I/AAAAAAAAKkc/Cplb-Fh8GRc/s1600/IMG_8225.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Y-EUyW8LZ8Q/TOlPR5FqO8I/AAAAAAAAKkc/Cplb-Fh8GRc/s640/IMG_8225.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>O</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">ne of the newest beer establishments in Sarasota is now a statewide chain. The last year has seen a marked growth from the four original Tampa Bay area locations. There are now at 9 stores statewide with 4 more planned by 2011. I wouldn't be surprised to see growth in other states as this Florida franchise gains further popularity.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Y-EUyW8LZ8Q/TOlRD4YBdpI/AAAAAAAAKkk/qZ3rvkj13n0/s1600/IMG_8356-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Y-EUyW8LZ8Q/TOlRD4YBdpI/AAAAAAAAKkk/qZ3rvkj13n0/s320/IMG_8356-1.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just Dave</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Today's noon to 5:00 celebration included the rockin' tunes from "Just Dave", a local area musician. He kept the crowd engaged with his folk guitar renditions of some tasty classic soft rock. The mood was set for chill times on a spectacular autumn day in South Florida. Along with the music, laughter and chatter from the crowd abounded. Patrons were seated indoors at the long wooden bar, watching their favorite games on the numerous televisions. Others were out under the canopied beer garden/patio adjoining the main bar, listening to the music and enjoying conversations.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Wafting through the air was the smell of some great BBQ from Hickory Hollow Barbecue. They served up pulled pork sliders and Maryland crab cakes along with other side dishes. "The food is amazing gooood", according to eleven year old Lauren "Loopy" Lambert. Good times, were all around.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Selection and knowledgeable staff</span></b><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Y-EUyW8LZ8Q/TOlPuM9RxeI/AAAAAAAAKkg/EkEKEdfmF7s/s1600/IMG_8337-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Y-EUyW8LZ8Q/TOlPuM9RxeI/AAAAAAAAKkg/EkEKEdfmF7s/s400/IMG_8337-1.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Carolyn</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Beer on tap today was served at half-off prices in honor of the celebration. With and incredible 40 taps and 500 total selections, World of Beer a standout in beer bars, anywhere. Their knowledgeable staff are always ready to help you decide. Can't figure if you're a 'hophead' or if you like your beer more on the malty side? The WOB waitstaff are trained and ready to help you through your excursion in beer.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Bartender/Corporate Trainer Carolyn Wallace said that WOB provided one month of beer training in defining the different styles of beer before she started on the wait staff. Additional training of 2 weeks on cooler storage techniques and 2 weeks of computer training, rounded out the solid knowledge in handling and serving beer to customers.</span><br />
<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Reward yourself with a Loyalty Card</span></b><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Y-EUyW8LZ8Q/TOlT13a6FtI/AAAAAAAAKko/G8cnz8XSAXg/s1600/IMG_8345-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Y-EUyW8LZ8Q/TOlT13a6FtI/AAAAAAAAKko/G8cnz8XSAXg/s320/IMG_8345-1.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Brogan</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>T</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">his dedication has turned a slick style corporate franchise into a friendly and knowledgeable neighborhood bar that keeps the locals coming back for more. On top of all this, World of Beer rewards regular customers with a loyalty plan. Brogan Klepper explained how the loyalty card works. "By signing up for a Loyalty Card ($15 purchase) each time a customer purchases a different draft bottle or can, they earn a point." Point values are kept in their computer and there are rewards at 50 (t-shirt), 100 (t-shirt & mug), 250 (golf shirt and nameplate on plaque) and the ultimate of 500 points of a party in your honor. There are other weekly incentives for service industry, a ladies night promotion and a dollar off select bottles night.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">World of Beer keeps the interest with all kinds of different promotions, but mostly, the vast selection of beer keeps them coming back for more.</span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Y-EUyW8LZ8Q/TOlVkvPQJJI/AAAAAAAAKks/wzDEra7bttc/s1600/IMG_8295.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Y-EUyW8LZ8Q/TOlVkvPQJJI/AAAAAAAAKks/wzDEra7bttc/s640/IMG_8295.JPG" width="640" /></a><i><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Firkin 500 Beers!</span></b></i><br />
<br />
<i><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"> </span></b></i><br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Y-EUyW8LZ8Q/TOlVkvPQJJI/AAAAAAAAKks/wzDEra7bttc/s1600/IMG_8295.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"></span></a><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">World of Beer</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">8201 Tourist Center Drive</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Bradenton, FL 34201</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">941.306.5868</span></b><br />
<a href="http://www.wobusa.com/sarasota"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">www.wobusa.com/sarasota</span></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/30/1534022/restaurant/Tampa-Bay/World-of-Beer-Bradenton"><img alt="World of Beer on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1534022/biglink.gif" style="border: medium none; height: 146px; width: 200px;" /></a>Rick Andrewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11458661824506337860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8084690407454313135.post-28148772886849497942010-11-06T23:40:00.145-04:002011-07-06T09:12:08.459-04:00BBC 2010 - Pearl Street Pub Crawl<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"><b>Firkin Around...<i>Boulder,</i></b></span><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"><b><i> Colorado.</i></b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>November 6<sup>th</sup> Pub Crawl on Pearl Street</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Y-EUyW8LZ8Q/TUHFIvjN8jI/AAAAAAAAK6g/d2o_qe1QigY/s1600/BBClogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="135" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Y-EUyW8LZ8Q/TUHFIvjN8jI/AAAAAAAAK6g/d2o_qe1QigY/s200/BBClogo.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>How do you top a satisfying meal coupled with <a href="http://www.boulderbeer.com/">Boulder Beer's</a> brewery fresh drafts and an all access brewery tour? The answer is to get lost in the throng on Pearl Street in a good old fashioned pub crawl. The Beer Blogger’s Conference hosted by <a href="http://www.zephyradventures.com/">Zephyr<i></i> Adventures</a> had made arrangements with several local establishments for us, the bloggers, to visit. All establishments offered a free sample of beer to those attending the conference. All we had to do was show our badge.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>West End Tavern - <span style="font-size: x-small;">926 Pearl Street</span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Y-EUyW8LZ8Q/TUHDU7Jb-FI/AAAAAAAAK6c/EASD19lgeRI/s1600/IMG_3035-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Y-EUyW8LZ8Q/TUHDU7Jb-FI/AAAAAAAAK6c/EASD19lgeRI/s200/IMG_3035-1.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Decisions, decisions. Where to begin?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>First up was the <a href="http://www.thewestendtavern.com/">West End Tavern</a> where I sampled some Avery Hog Heaven. It was a deep ruby red color with lots of malt flavor and whoo, the alcohol!<br />
<br />
The West End Tavern sports a very rough and ready wooden bar that had looked like it was one of the original bars on Pearl. There were many tap handles on the front of the bar, ready to dispense all the local liquid gold you could imagine. Heading out, we chatted it up with some group of local fellows, indulging in some fine craft brews. They asked us questions about our travelling crawl and we broke into conversation about craft beer. Some bloggers’s cards were exchanged along with smiles. We bid farewell and departed for our next stop.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Old Chicago - <span style="font-size: x-small;">1102 Pearl Street</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Y-EUyW8LZ8Q/TUHGDKeXkEI/AAAAAAAAK6k/_pcwZgrucDM/s1600/IMG_3041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Y-EUyW8LZ8Q/TUHGDKeXkEI/AAAAAAAAK6k/_pcwZgrucDM/s200/IMG_3041.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Angel's Tears</td></tr>
</tbody></table><a href="http://www.oldchicago.com/boulder">Old Chicago</a> was the next place on the billet. Immediately upon entering, I spied a Tullamore Dew bar-rubber and asked the bartender if I could get one. Tullamore Dew is what I prefer to drink, when I’m not drinking beer, and you do not see it in many bars. It is my rough measuring stick to judge a fine bar. Well, needless to say, the item was gifted, after explaining this to the bartender. No names, don’t want anyone getting in trouble, but he got a nice tip! Mr. Bartender-dude, you are awesome. Onto the beer, I glanced down the extensive list of tap handles and made 2 Below from New Belgium my next selection.<br />
<br />
More surprises awaited us at Old Chicago as our group was photographed and interviewed for an upcoming article from <a href="http://www.westword.com/slideshow/drinking-with-beer-bloggers-31784192/">Westword Denver</a>. A photo journalist was covering the Beer Blogger’s Conference for Westword Denver; specifically the pub crawl portion of the agenda. Lucky us. Come to think of it, this afternoon, Jason Cormier did mention in his presentation to the beer bloggers, how his New Belgium shirt luck would rub off on us. He considers it his good luck charm, so it stands to reason that the New Belgium 2 Below we ordered, fulfilled his prediction that good things happen. Bingo, right on the money!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Boulder Draft House - <span style="font-size: x-small;">2027 13th Street</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Y-EUyW8LZ8Q/TUHJi2DYpDI/AAAAAAAAK6o/D5tCNbPHzc4/s1600/IMG_3036-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Y-EUyW8LZ8Q/TUHJi2DYpDI/AAAAAAAAK6o/D5tCNbPHzc4/s200/IMG_3036-1.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hop'Stache</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y-EUyW8LZ8Q/TUHNHNy-27I/AAAAAAAAK6w/Ppo7FKsTUhk/s1600/IMG_3037-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y-EUyW8LZ8Q/TUHNHNy-27I/AAAAAAAAK6w/Ppo7FKsTUhk/s200/IMG_3037-2.JPG" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Erik finds a PBR</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The third way point on our journey was <a href="http://www.boulderdrafthouse.com/">The Boulder Draft House</a>, situated just off Pearl Street, on 13th. The Hop’stache beer I selected while there, was a no-brainer. If you have ever seen the walrus mustache I have, you would certainly understand why it was the brew to order. This joint was rocking with a live band and the crowd was jumping to the tunes. Aimlessly walking around the barroom eyeballing the selection of pub craft brews, we spied someone’s PBR on a small shelf. Hey, not judging, just saying. I have thrown back a few of those in my day too. Good fun.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><b></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Conor O'Neill's - <span style="font-size: x-small;">1922 13th Street</span></b></span><i></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Y-EUyW8LZ8Q/TUHMdCZ2L4I/AAAAAAAAK6s/rACjFBS1IFk/s1600/IMG_3043-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Y-EUyW8LZ8Q/TUHMdCZ2L4I/AAAAAAAAK6s/rACjFBS1IFk/s200/IMG_3043-1.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><a href="http://www.conoroneills.com/boulder/">Conor O'Neill's</a> is as Irish as it comes and was absolutely packed, this evening. Elbow to elbow we made our way through the place and got split up several times. We reconnoitered back near the main entry. The long bar that snaked its way throughout the place. Looking up on a shelf behind the other Irish whiskeys, my favorite bottle of Tullamore Dew was looking so alone. One order of <i>angel’s tears</i> later, I completely forgot about ordering my free beer. No worries. The band was pounding out tunes and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves at this point.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Mountain Sun - <span style="font-size: x-small;">1535 Pearl Street</span></b></span> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Y-EUyW8LZ8Q/TUHNqx3c9zI/AAAAAAAAK60/pq_FWLCmHdE/s1600/IMG_3038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Y-EUyW8LZ8Q/TUHNqx3c9zI/AAAAAAAAK60/pq_FWLCmHdE/s200/IMG_3038.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Find your way back to the hotel.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><a href="http://www.mountainsunpub.com/">Mountain Sun</a> was the last call on this tour. Long and narrow dimensionally and the bar at the back of the room. Nice selection of drafts on hand here as the multiple crawl groups began to collect inside and out on the sidewalk. Ordered a Pumpkin something-or-other, (it was hard to keep track at this point), and upon finishing, went back out into the refreshing night air. Sandman was calling us now, loud and clear. Not knowing where in the hell I was, I was just hoping for someone to walk with, back to the hotel. I spotted <a href="http://blog.stonebrew.com/">Greg Koch</a> leaving and asked if he would like company on the walk back. Thank goodness he knew how to navigate the streets. I would have surely taken a wrong turn. Fifteen to twenty minutes later, we were back. safe and sound and bid each other good night.<br />
<br />
What a night. Certainly one I won’t soon forget. It was truly a great experience. All that great craft beer and terrific people made it the best way to spend the night away.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"><b>Firkin Cool Pub Crawl !</b></span><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"><b><i><br />
</i></b></span></div>Rick Andrewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11458661824506337860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8084690407454313135.post-78488608199508291182010-11-06T18:21:00.112-04:002011-07-06T09:12:32.463-04:00BBC 2010 - Boulder Beer Brewery Tour<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"><b>Firkin Around...<i>Boulder,</i></b></span><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"><b><i> Colorado.</i></b></span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://beerbloggersconference.org/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="135" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y-EUyW8LZ8Q/TNIgLSW8fGI/AAAAAAAAKQE/gwwsHOgO2jM/s200/BBClogo.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"><b><i> </i></b></span><br />
<br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>O</b></span>ne of the original cradles of craft brewing (43rd brewing license issued in the United States), Boulder Beer began operations in 1979 and has continued to thrive to this day<br />
<br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Y-EUyW8LZ8Q/TUX-_PwiZUI/AAAAAAAAK9U/Jz9-S-3YerY/s1600/IMG_3031-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="138" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Y-EUyW8LZ8Q/TUX-_PwiZUI/AAAAAAAAK9U/Jz9-S-3YerY/s200/IMG_3031-1.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the Boulder lineup</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Queuing up in the wrist band line, (must be over 21), I noticed the line at the bar was longer, than for the food. I zigged to the chow line while the others zagged to the tap handles. There were yummy chicken fajitas with all the trimmings, complete with black beans and guacamole waiting for all us hungry beer bloggers. A scoop of rice, a little hot stuff, viola'…done! Now off to the bar!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Y-EUyW8LZ8Q/TUX9eG0UFTI/AAAAAAAAK80/C8_2uWXP8io/s1600/IMG_3002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Y-EUyW8LZ8Q/TUX9eG0UFTI/AAAAAAAAK80/C8_2uWXP8io/s200/IMG_3002.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All that, and a Singletrack Copper Ale!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Fortunately, most of the Boulder lineup makes its way to my sunny home base in Florida. Hazed & Infused and Mojo can be found on our liquor store shelves. One brew I hadn’t heard of was Straightline Copper Ale; so good and a great choice! It went especially well with the spicy food. The tap room was packed, so some of us cool kids went out on the patio to dine in the chill night air. Laughter and good conversation ensued as we enjoyed the food, beverages and each others company. Speaking of spicy things and conversation, one very heated topic on college football came up. Both sides agreed to disagree and it was great fun to watch unfold. Not naming any names…</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Y-EUyW8LZ8Q/TUX-XVI0ttI/AAAAAAAAK9Q/_7l-Wr7bivc/s1600/IMG_3003-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Y-EUyW8LZ8Q/TUX-XVI0ttI/AAAAAAAAK9Q/_7l-Wr7bivc/s200/IMG_3003-1.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Original copper mash tun and grist hopper</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>B</b></span>ack inside, a tour was gathering in the front room that contained two old copper mash tuns. Our guide and "Marketing Tool", (I ain't making that up, get one of his business cards and see for yourself), Dan Weitz took us through the back workings of the brewery. We walked by some of the more modern tanks and bottling lines, until we reached the refrigerated holding room. It was amazing to see how so much brewing equipment was literally packed into one space! Without a doubt, it was a marvel of modern engineering.</div><div class="MsoNormal">We thanked our hosts as the buses began pulling up at the front of the brewery to whisk us away to Pearl Street for our ‘pub crawl’.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3ua5dftxP9g/TZoI8xIYFVI/AAAAAAAALXE/AEMp8VR7lCo/s1600/IMG_3026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3ua5dftxP9g/TZoI8xIYFVI/AAAAAAAALXE/AEMp8VR7lCo/s320/IMG_3026.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Since 1979</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
Another great Colorado microbrewery tour! Big props and thanks to the wonderful folks at Boulder Beer for making the evening something very memorable.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Y-EUyW8LZ8Q/TUX9tlkK9pI/AAAAAAAAK84/G-tH9rhMhdw/s1600/IMG_3006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Y-EUyW8LZ8Q/TUX9tlkK9pI/AAAAAAAAK84/G-tH9rhMhdw/s200/IMG_3006.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hazed and Infused neon sign</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<div style="color: blue;"><b>Firkin Original Microbrewery!</b> </div><br />
<b>Boulder Brewery<span class="pp-headline-item pp-headline-address" dir="ltr"> </span></b><br />
<b><span class="pp-headline-item pp-headline-address" dir="ltr">2880 Wilderness Place</span></b><br />
<b><span class="pp-headline-item pp-headline-address" dir="ltr">Boulder, CO 80301</span></b><br />
<b><span class="pp-headline-item pp-headline-address" dir="ltr">303.444.8448</span></b><br />
<br />
<span class="pp-headline-item pp-headline-address" dir="ltr"><a href="http://www.boulderbeer.com/">www.boulderbeer.com</a></span><br />
<br />
<span class="pp-headline-item pp-headline-address" dir="ltr"><iframe frameborder="0" height="300" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=2880+Wilderness+Place+Boulder,+CO+80301&aq=&sll=40.02729,-105.247697&sspn=0.011518,0.023732&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=2880+Wilderness+Pl,+Boulder,+Colorado+80301&t=h&ll=40.027483,-105.24765&spn=0.019717,0.025749&z=14&iwloc=A&output=embed" width="300"></iframe><br />
<small><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=embed&hl=en&geocode=&q=2880+Wilderness+Place+Boulder,+CO+80301&aq=&sll=40.02729,-105.247697&sspn=0.011518,0.023732&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=2880+Wilderness+Pl,+Boulder,+Colorado+80301&t=h&ll=40.027483,-105.24765&spn=0.019717,0.025749&z=14&iwloc=A" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">View Larger Map</a></small> </span><br />
<br />
</div>Rick Andrewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11458661824506337860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8084690407454313135.post-67010743943547659752010-11-06T01:55:00.051-04:002011-08-23T10:25:01.501-04:00BBC 2010 - The Night of Many Beers<div style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Firkin Around...<i>Boulder, Colorado.</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><i><br />
</i></b></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IWzHmZSOklk/TNIgLSW8fGI/AAAAAAAAKQE/lBS-HyRQoOc/s1600/BBClogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IWzHmZSOklk/TNIgLSW8fGI/AAAAAAAAKQE/lBS-HyRQoOc/s320/BBClogo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;"><b><i><br />
</i></b></span></div><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Y-EUyW8LZ8Q/TN7EOgP0NSI/AAAAAAAAKgs/JWQTfQO3H2Q/s1600/IMG_2934-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Y-EUyW8LZ8Q/TN7EOgP0NSI/AAAAAAAAKgs/JWQTfQO3H2Q/s200/IMG_2934-1.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More Beeeer! </td></tr>
</tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y-EUyW8LZ8Q/TN7EF584mII/AAAAAAAAKgo/UvI1KIV-ZWU/s1600/IMG_2932-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y-EUyW8LZ8Q/TN7EF584mII/AAAAAAAAKgo/UvI1KIV-ZWU/s200/IMG_2932-1.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beeeer!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: right;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Y-EUyW8LZ8Q/TN7ESSe8-_I/AAAAAAAAKgw/Zdbkmk8B-Xk/s1600/IMG_2941-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Y-EUyW8LZ8Q/TN7ESSe8-_I/AAAAAAAAKgw/Zdbkmk8B-Xk/s320/IMG_2941-1.JPG" width="204" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and Mr. Stoat</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Y-EUyW8LZ8Q/TN7Eo48P_uI/AAAAAAAAKg8/uTWurYnHlso/s1600/IMG_2948-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Y-EUyW8LZ8Q/TN7Eo48P_uI/AAAAAAAAKg8/uTWurYnHlso/s200/IMG_2948-1.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Romey, Boles and Wenchie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>A bit of a beer pictorial, featuring the one and only Mr. Stoat of Brewdog fame. Only one of 25 bottles produced, ours was the only media Stoat available, free of the $700 to $800 price tag. It's now the latest in breweriana, Mr. Stoat from Brewdog and The End of History. A 55% ABV monster in a twelve ounce bottle.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3Fudc7AjLzA/TlO2ugqsQhI/AAAAAAAAL28/CiFOWJzY_HY/s1600/IMG_2938-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3Fudc7AjLzA/TlO2ugqsQhI/AAAAAAAAL28/CiFOWJzY_HY/s320/IMG_2938-1.JPG" width="160" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The star of the evening.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>There was much more to see that evening. Building up to The End of History release, beer bloggers gathered and reveled in each others company. Everyone brought beer representative of his or her locale. We even had some rare finds from the UK brought over by a chap from England. Strong beers, easy drinkers, hard to find, widely talked about all start to describe non-industry sub classifications of beer between fellow bloggers.<br />
<br />
The party went on late into the evening...<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><i>Firkin Rare Beer Gathering!</i></b></span>Rick Andrewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11458661824506337860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8084690407454313135.post-49912595926937598992010-11-05T18:00:00.094-04:002011-07-06T09:12:32.465-04:00BBC 2010 - Oskar Blues Brewery Tour<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"><b>Firkin Around...<i>Longmont,</i></b></span><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"><b><i> Colorado.</i></b></span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://beerbloggersconference.org/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="135" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y-EUyW8LZ8Q/TNIgLSW8fGI/AAAAAAAAKQE/gwwsHOgO2jM/s200/BBClogo.jpg" width="200" /></a> <b><span style="font-size: x-large;">O</span></b>skar Blues hosted a dinner and brewery tour for the bunch of us tonight at their <span class="pp-headline-item pp-headline-address" dir="ltr">Longmont facility</span>. As our bus turned the corner at Oskar blues I spied a pickup truck that could have been mistaken for a rolling can of Ten Fidy. This is going to be special I thought aloud, to no one in particular.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">We were welcomed by the staff as we exited our buses at the Lyons facility. We walked straight into the brewery where an area is sectioned off to serve as a bar and gift shop. The rest of the building is the brewery, in all of its stainless-steel working splendor!</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Y-EUyW8LZ8Q/TN62cWoYFhI/AAAAAAAAKf0/AT_J9z1BBDs/s1600/IMG_2890.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Y-EUyW8LZ8Q/TN62cWoYFhI/AAAAAAAAKf0/AT_J9z1BBDs/s200/IMG_2890.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"The Beer Wench"& me</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y-EUyW8LZ8Q/TNVqHe4IPCI/AAAAAAAAKQU/gCdSXsS1l5s/s1600/IMG_2958.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y-EUyW8LZ8Q/TNVqHe4IPCI/AAAAAAAAKQU/gCdSXsS1l5s/s200/IMG_2958.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of Oskar Blues lineup</td></tr>
</tbody></table>An area left of the taproom was reserved for our dinner buffet, within the main brewery area.It included shredded BBQ, chicken wings with several types of dipping sauces. There was a mac & cheese...to die for. The gumbo was oh-so hot and spicy. Coleslaw, meatballs...so much food. All good and hot and plentiful. Nearby, a jockey box with Dale's Pale Ale and Old Chub was setup for quenching your thirst.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Y-EUyW8LZ8Q/TN62u2r6pWI/AAAAAAAAKf4/UKYsmt-Apuo/s1600/IMG_2892.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Y-EUyW8LZ8Q/TN62u2r6pWI/AAAAAAAAKf4/UKYsmt-Apuo/s200/IMG_2892.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fermentation line</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
All around us lay the business end of a fully operational fermentation and canning plant for beer. It's as if they locked us kids inside the candy store! After we noshed and quenched our thirsts, the tours began. The first thing I noticed was a skateboard lying on the ground near one of the work areas. Must be the quickest mode of transportation around the facility, I thought! You won't see that in a conventional beer processing plant. It shows the unconventional and irreverent atmosphere that is prevalent at Oskar Blues. I'd call it a young at heart attitude, and would take it over stuffy and stodgy any day. Sometimes it pays to break the rules.<br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Y-EUyW8LZ8Q/TN63wni57LI/AAAAAAAAKgE/shDZKwIC9ws/s1600/IMG_2928.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Y-EUyW8LZ8Q/TN63wni57LI/AAAAAAAAKgE/shDZKwIC9ws/s200/IMG_2928.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Empty cans awaiting filling</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Y-EUyW8LZ8Q/TN63OZyZdwI/AAAAAAAAKgA/B3XhT6UMj7A/s1600/IMG_2897.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Y-EUyW8LZ8Q/TN63OZyZdwI/AAAAAAAAKgA/B3XhT6UMj7A/s200/IMG_2897.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Easy transportation</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Speaking of the rules, we were given an insight on their Ten Fidy Imperial Ale, as to the origins of the name. Many think it has something to do with the ABV percentage, but it was explained that they broke a formerly held 10 to 1 ratio for ingredients that the industry had long adhered to as an undeniable rule. "F#c$ the industry, Do It Yourself" was the rally cry and Ten FIDY became the name.</div></div></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Y-EUyW8LZ8Q/TN63DlostJI/AAAAAAAAKf8/hB7JD2F1mQQ/s1600/IMG_2896.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Y-EUyW8LZ8Q/TN63DlostJI/AAAAAAAAKf8/hB7JD2F1mQQ/s200/IMG_2896.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Evolve!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Unconventional brewer but outstanding beer!<b> </b><br />
<br />
<div style="color: blue;"><b>Firkin canned!</b> </div></div><br />
<b>Oskar Blues Brewery<span class="pp-headline-item pp-headline-address" dir="ltr"> </span></b><br />
<b><span class="pp-headline-item pp-headline-address" dir="ltr">1800 Pike Road # B</span></b><br />
<b><span class="pp-headline-item pp-headline-address" dir="ltr">Longmont, CO</span></b><br />
<b><span class="pp-headline-item pp-headline-address" dir="ltr">303.776.1914 </span></b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.oskarblues.com/">www.oskarblues.com</a><br />
<br />
<span dir="ltr"><span class="skype_pnh_container" dir="ltr"> </span></span> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><iframe frameborder="0" height="300" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://maps.google.com/maps?oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&ie=UTF8&q=oskar+blues+brewery&fb=1&gl=us&hq=Oskar+Blues+Brewery&ei=a2zpTMe_B4K8lQeE59z4Cw&oi=local_group&ved=0CAQQtgMwAQ&hnear=Oskar+Blues+Brewery,+1800+Pike+Road+%23+B,+Longmont,+Colorado+80501-6794&t=h&cid=12299102076721962176&ll=40.13899,-105.121994&spn=0.019685,0.025749&z=14&iwloc=A&output=embed" width="300"></iframe><br />
<small><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&ie=UTF8&q=oskar+blues+brewery&fb=1&gl=us&hq=Oskar+Blues+Brewery&ei=a2zpTMe_B4K8lQeE59z4Cw&oi=local_group&ved=0CAQQtgMwAQ&hnear=Oskar+Blues+Brewery,+1800+Pike+Road+%23+B,+Longmont,+Colorado+80501-6794&t=h&cid=12299102076721962176&ll=40.13899,-105.121994&spn=0.019685,0.025749&z=14&iwloc=A&source=embed" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">View Larger Map</a></small><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Rick Andrewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11458661824506337860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8084690407454313135.post-26469258517488038762010-11-05T13:33:00.001-04:002011-07-06T09:12:32.465-04:00Opening Comments from BBC 2010<span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"><b>Firkin Around...<i>Boulder, Colorado.</i></b></span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://beerbloggersconference.org/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="135" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y-EUyW8LZ8Q/TNIgLSW8fGI/AAAAAAAAKQE/gwwsHOgO2jM/s200/BBClogo.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"><b><i> </i></b></span>Alan Wright, Ashley Routson, Julia Herz, Jessica Daynor. These are the people that welcomed us during the first session of the conference.<br />
<br />
We have been welcomed to the first Beer Bloggers Conference with confidence, enthusiasm and inspiration. We are here today because we all share the same focus of getting out the good word about beer through our adventures and experiences. And of course, by blogging about the subject.<br />
<br />
We have only been assembled for a little over an hour and have been inundated with plenty of knowledge about beer facts. We have also been informed as to what you, the blog reader, want to hear about. Listening to your audience is one of the most important takeaways thus far.<br />
<br />
We have discussed finding a voice and to be sure to identify with our audience. Clean elements and viewing style are also important keys to the reader.<br />
<br />
This is the start of something epic...Rick Andrewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11458661824506337860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8084690407454313135.post-51813100909251600282010-11-05T09:09:00.001-04:002011-07-06T09:12:32.466-04:00BBC 2010 - Time Zones and Beer<div style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Firkin Around...<i>Boulder, Colorado.</i></b></span></div><br />
<br />
<a href="http://beerbloggersconference.org/"><img border="0" height="135" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y-EUyW8LZ8Q/TNIgLSW8fGI/AAAAAAAAKQE/gwwsHOgO2jM/s200/BBClogo.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><br />
Upon arrival to Denver International Airport, it occurred to me to set my watch back two hours, adjusting from Eastern Time to Mountain Time. It also occurred to me, tomorrow is Daylight Savings Time. We will be setting our clocks back yet another hour - - - I can almost feel myself getting younger by the minute.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Y-EUyW8LZ8Q/TNVrfLscU5I/AAAAAAAAKQc/lJ1ZCBfaWXo/s1600/IMG_2872a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="287" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Y-EUyW8LZ8Q/TNVrfLscU5I/AAAAAAAAKQc/lJ1ZCBfaWXo/s400/IMG_2872a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Backdrop: The snow capped Rocky Mountains as seen from DIA </td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>The fact that it’s Daylight Savings Time isn’t lost on me, either. Chance favors the prepared, so we bloggers will be making every advantage of the time change during our pub crawl, come Saturday night.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
What’s that? Last call, you say? Whoop, not so fast bartender…we’ve got another hour to indulge in our craft suds.<br />
<br />
Mr. Sandman can wait!</div>Rick Andrewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11458661824506337860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8084690407454313135.post-72186460264356473002010-11-05T08:08:00.001-04:002011-07-06T09:12:32.467-04:00BBC 2010 - On the way to Boulder CO<div style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Firkin Around...<i>Boulder, Colorado.</i></b></span></div><div style="color: blue;"><br />
</div><span style="font-size: small;"><b><i> </i></b></span><a href="http://beerbloggersconference.org/"><img border="0" height="135" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y-EUyW8LZ8Q/TNIgLSW8fGI/AAAAAAAAKQE/gwwsHOgO2jM/s200/BBClogo.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><br />
Leaving Tampa FL, bound for Boulder CO to attend the first ever Beer Bloggers Conference. The inaugural event takes place the weekend of November 5<sup>th</sup>, 6<sup>th</sup> and 7<sup>th</sup>. Of over five hundred beer bloggers identified, a little over 100 will attend this event. I am looking forward to the chance to meet many of my brethren beer writers over the next three days of the event.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The agenda is jam packed, including two local brewery tours. Keynote speakers, bloggers of interest and brewers will take us, (the faithful advocates of craft and artisan brews), through a myriad of breakout sessions. They will include topics such as monetizing a blog, creating a brand presence, learning how to drive more traffic to your blog, social networking, meeting brewers and learning the finer points of taste testing, and oh yes, blogging of course. Quick, up-to-the-minute blog posts will abound to give our readers a glimpse into what is going on at this conference as it happens live and on the spot.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">It is assured there will be many takeaways from this conference. Even as I write this on the plane to Boulder, I realize that the first intent will be to sharpen the focus of spreading the word about craft beer. This will lead to better communications from the craft beer brewers, through us bloggers, reaching all the way out to those eager to learn more about this booming business of micro brewing. I hope that your questions get covered. Please leave comments on the posts if you need more information.<br />
<br />
As I sit and stare out the window at 38,000 feet, munching on snack crackers and macro brewed swill, my mind reels in anticipation of the phenomenal beer that awaits. Perhaps we can convince more airlines to carry some better beers….here’s to that revolution!</div>Rick Andrewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11458661824506337860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8084690407454313135.post-67732661166170048382010-11-03T23:01:00.003-04:002011-07-06T09:12:32.467-04:00BBC 2010 - 2010 Beer Bloggers Conference<div style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Firkin Around...<i>Boulder, Colorado.</i></b></span></div><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><i> </i></b></span>It's coming. This weekend. Stay tuned for updates on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.<br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1064145036"><br />
</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://beerbloggersconference.org/"><img border="0" height="216" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y-EUyW8LZ8Q/TNIgLSW8fGI/AAAAAAAAKQE/gwwsHOgO2jM/s320/BBClogo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>It's going to be Firkin Awesome!</b></span></div><div style="color: blue;"><br />
</div><div style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><iframe frameborder="0" height="300" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=%23+2660+Canyon+Boulevard+%23+Boulder,+Colorado+80302&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=2660+Canyon+Blvd,+Boulder,+Colorado+80302&gl=us&ei=oiHSTLmfJYa8lQff0uXfDQ&ved=0CBMQ8gEwAA&t=h&ll=40.016572,-105.260096&spn=0.01972,0.025749&z=14&iwloc=A&output=embed" width="300"></iframe><br />
<small><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=%23+2660+Canyon+Boulevard+%23+Boulder,+Colorado+80302&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=2660+Canyon+Blvd,+Boulder,+Colorado+80302&gl=us&ei=oiHSTLmfJYa8lQff0uXfDQ&ved=0CBMQ8gEwAA&t=h&ll=40.016572,-105.260096&spn=0.01972,0.025749&z=14&iwloc=A&source=embed" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">View Larger Map</a></small> </b></span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Rick Andrewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11458661824506337860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8084690407454313135.post-21332014149027172262010-10-24T13:32:00.030-04:002011-07-06T09:12:56.918-04:00Gecko's Pub<div class="MsoNormal"><div style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Firkin Around...<i>Sarasota, Florida.</i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Y-EUyW8LZ8Q/TNhj3JdEJnI/AAAAAAAAKRg/Z-Hgg87oryA/s1600/photo4-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Y-EUyW8LZ8Q/TNhj3JdEJnI/AAAAAAAAKRg/Z-Hgg87oryA/s320/photo4-1.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><i> </i></b></span><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"> O</span></b>ut with the wife, doing the Sunday afternoon 'husband' duties…waiting while she clothes shops. My reward for being patient was Gecko’s. Across the parking lot from the mega pants/shirts/shoes/sweater box-in-the-mall is this lovely little oasis of a pub.<br />
<br />
TV’s everywhere with football, on a Sunday afternoon. Yeah, that’s what I’m talking about. Our lunch was tasty, with a generous sized portion and service was just fine at this establishment. It also didn’t hurt that Gecko’s had a tidy menu of some fine craft selections. Taking their place alongside the big yellow three were Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, Yuengling Lager and Samuel Adams Octoberfest, all on tap. It was also cool to see the Guinness, Newcastle and Blue Moon, (hey, at least Miller is trying to ‘get’ this craft beer thing.)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y-EUyW8LZ8Q/TNhkTmgjEeI/AAAAAAAAKRk/TqwMpu4Xuo0/s1600/photo3-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y-EUyW8LZ8Q/TNhkTmgjEeI/AAAAAAAAKRk/TqwMpu4Xuo0/s320/photo3-1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>All of them make fine gateway beers, allowing you to get into new and different tastes. There also were some great bottle selections. They included Sam Adams Boston Lager, Bass Ale and Abita Purple Haze. Relative newcomer and local Sarasota distributed brew, <a href="http://www.jalehousebeer.com/">Jalehouse Light</a> was also present. Nice! Props for the little guy!<br />
<br />
This makes it evident that yet another restaurant chain understands the beer drinker's palate is changing. And, for the better. Understandably, many restaurants are shifting to tried and true best sellers at first. This way, the restaurants don’t get caught paying for what they can't sell to beer drinkers looking for what’s outside the norm. Cheers to them! These baby steps will begin to allow customers more informed and better choices than just the big three’s yellow water offerings.<br />
<br />
Hit up this chain soon. The tide’s turning in the favor of craft beer. Hurrah!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">PS - Actually we were shopping for me too, and we were both hungry. But it made a better story!<br />
<br />
<i style="color: blue;"><b>Firkin Fun Sunday! </b></i><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/30/1282913/restaurant/Tampa-Bay/Geckos-Grill-Pub-Sarasota"><img alt="Gecko's Grill & Pub on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1282913/biglink.gif" style="border: medium none; height: 146px; width: 200px;" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="300" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://maps.google.com/maps?oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&ie=UTF8&q=gecko%27s+sarasota+clark+road&fb=1&gl=us&hq=gecko%27s&hnear=Clark+Rd,+Sarasota,+FL&cid=0,0,17210905961557436164&ei=c2TYTOa5FsKfOvGgnMgJ&ved=0CBsQnwIwAQ&t=h&ll=27.268115,-82.460718&spn=0.005722,0.006437&z=16&iwloc=A&output=embed" width="300"></iframe><br />
<small><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&ie=UTF8&q=gecko%27s+sarasota+clark+road&fb=1&gl=us&hq=gecko%27s&hnear=Clark+Rd,+Sarasota,+FL&cid=0,0,17210905961557436164&ei=c2TYTOa5FsKfOvGgnMgJ&ved=0CBsQnwIwAQ&t=h&ll=27.268115,-82.460718&spn=0.005722,0.006437&z=16&iwloc=A&source=embed" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">View Larger Map</a></small> </div>Rick Andrewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11458661824506337860noreply@blogger.com0