Tuesday Brewsday

Seven Saints is starting a new promotion for Tuesdays. Tuesday Brewsday will feature a draft beer on special and a bottle beer special.

October's draft special will be $2 pints of Fat Tire.

The first bottle special October 5, is Two Brothers Atom Smasher Octoberfest, a 22oz bomber for $6. October 12 is Avery Kaiser Imperial Oktoberfest $6 for a 22oz bomber. October 19 is Bell's Oktoberfest, $2 a 12oz bottle. October 26 is Shipyard Pumpkin Ale, $2 a 12 oz bottle.

You can follow Seven Saints on Facebook and twitter.

Checking the weekly events, it doesn't seem like there are many Tuesday beer specials in town, other than Mike N' Molly's $.50 off draft.

As of now, they are suspending Thursday night beer class, and are spending that time attending Jupiters at the Crossing Comedy Club.

Bars in the news; Salsa

From the Buzz

Salsa

Salsa, both the music and the dance, is hot and classy. And it only makes sense that the music, with all its fervor and jazz and whirling spark, draws all kinds of people together like moths to a flame. It is magical in that way. And what is wonderful about it is that CU is always hosting it somewhere.

...

Salsa plays at Radio Maria on Saturday nights, Cowboy Monkey on Wednesday nights and V. Picasso on Fridays. Even those who can’t dance can always learn or just sit back and soak in the atmosphere — the splashes of bright yellow walls and the spinning bits of spotlight on hardwood floor and the red curtains and the web of arms and stomping feet — or simply the music. If anything, go for the music.

There's also a short history of Salsa in the rest of the article.

Not a horrible article by the Buzz.

Bars in the news; The Red Lion: Old bar to reopen under new name

From the Daily Illini

The Red Lion: Old bar to reopen under new name

The bar formerly known as Station has been undergoing renovations since June. By Saturday, students will finally get to experience the new environment for themselves when The Red Lion opens; but it might not be what they were expecting.

...

“We disassembled a 150-year-old barn and brought in the wood to put on the walls. There’s a set of castle doors mounted to the wall by stone to make it look authentic. The back room — it’s called the Dragon’s Room — has a scene from ‘The Hobbit’ painted on the wall. We tried to get that medieval-era feel throughout the bar,” Cochrane said.

(Cochrane is Scott Cochrane)

Along with having live music and a prevalent “old world” theme, Cochrane also wants The Red Lion to cater toward avid sports fans.

Students should expect flat screen televisions around the bar as well as a projection screen playing big sporting events on game days.

Because, when I think of going to an anachronistic bar, the thing I most want (other than shields) is flat screen tv's.

The bar’s grand opening event, called “Oktoberfest,” will also kick off Saturday with the Illinois home football game against Ohio State University. Trippin’ Billies, a Dave Matthews tribute band, will be playing at 4 p.m. and DJs are scheduled to provide music and entertainment throughout the day and night. The bar itself may open before then pending inspection.

...

“I’m about to redo Geo’s (Chill & Grill) in Urbana and that will be called Mugshots,” he said. “The new name of FuBar will be divulged very soon but it will be a world pub, I’m trying to work on an international theme with it. I’ll tell you one thing, it will have a beer garden the likes that this town has never seen.”

A "beer garden the likes that this town has never seen", that's a bold statement. Good luck.

Bars in the news; Police issue tickets for alcohol violations

From the News-Gazette

Police issue tickets for alcohol violations

CHAMPAIGN – State police and the Champaign Police Department issued 24 citations over the past weekend as part of the Operation Campus Tap program.

...

State police Sgt. Bill Emery said police visited six bar locations and one street location in Champaign on Sept. 25-26.

Officers issued 20 citations for possession and purchase of alcohol by minors, one citation for possession of alcohol on pubic property, one citation for the sale or delivery of alcohol to a minor, one citation for resisting arrest and one citation for possession of marijuana.

Among the bars, the most citations were issued at Kam's, 618 E. Daniel St., with seven; followed by Murphy's Pub, 604 E. Green St., with six; Firehaus, 708 S. Sixth St., with five; Joe's Brewery, 706 S. Fifth St., with two and Legends, 522 E. Green St., with one.

Emery said there were no citations issued at a sixth bar, Tumble Inn, 302 S. Neil St.

The other three citations were issued on a street location in the campus area.

Here's your breakdown:

Kam's, 7
Murphy's Pub, 6
Firehaus, 5
Joe's Brewery, 2
Legends, 1

Beer Event, Beer-apalooza

From Fox 55

Beer-apalooza

Come experience downtown Monticello’s shops & restaurants at October’s Beer-apalooza event! Visitors can sample craft beer for free with the purchase of a souvenir stein, listen to a traveling Oompah Band and browse through the many specialty shops at Courthouse Square-
Friday, October 1st, 5:30 – 8:30 in downtown Monticello. 217.762.3252 for more information.

From WCIA 3 CBS/ Illinoishomepage.net

Beer-apalooza

Beer-apalooza
Come experience downtown Monticello shops and restaurants at this Beer-apalooza event! Sample craft beers for free with your souvenir stein, listen to a traveling Oompah Band and browse through the many specialty shops at Courthouse Square!

Date : Friday, October 01 2010, 5:30pm - 8:30pm
Location : Courthouse Square, Downtown Monticello
Contact Info : Heather Torrens, 217.762.3252
This is a family event, but participants must be 21 + older to sample the craft beers.

Alcohol in the news; Hard Cider

From the Buzz

Hard Cider, Making apple cider that much better

The kind of quality reporting you'd expect from the Buzz.

Hard cider is neither beer nor mixed cocktail. It actually reminds me more of sweet sparkling wine than beer. Cider is made from apple juice, fermented and matured, and is native to Merrye Olde Englande. According to my bartender’s guidebook, “Most ciders are [pressed] from special cider apples, which are small, hard, and inedible, but eating and cooking apples can also be used—the mixture of fruit is an important factor in how a cider tastes.”

I tried Woodchuck Granny Smith Hard Cider, but other flavors—such as Raspberry and Amber—and other brands—like Strongbow—are widely available. The Granny Smith was very crisp, “tart and refreshing” as the label promised. Not being much of a football watcher myself, I enjoyed mine while watching Clint Eastwood in For a Few Dollars More to round out a perfect Merrye Olde Saturday afternoon.

A whole report on Hard Cider, and only Granny Smith from Woodchuck was sampled... quality reporting.

Alcohol in the news; Breathalyzer in the Bar

From WAND 17 NBC

Breathalyzer in the Bar


KAMS is the bar shown, with the breathalyzer. There's also some details on Illinois DUI laws.

Alcohol in the news; Drug-alcohol-related crimes up on campus

From the News-Gazette

Drug, Alcohol-related crimes up on campus

Burglaries, drug crimes and alcohol-related crimes rose on the University of Illinois campus last year, based on a report required by federal law.

...

Among the findings:

– Referrals to campus disciplinary action for liquor law violations rose more than any other crime, from 664 in 2008 to 884 last year.

– Arrests for liquor law violations stayed almost exactly the same, rising from 292 to 293.

Beer in the news; Free brew may not fly in Illinois

From the Pantagraph

Free brew may not fly in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD -- A national promotion aimed at luring beer drinkers back to Anheuser-Busch's flagship brand may fall flat in Illinois.

The company is set to offer free Budweiser samples to customers of bars and restaurants on Wednesday as part of a "national happy hour" campaign.

You may have seen a commercial for it. You might not have, it's not played much around here, since we are in Illinois. If you don't know what I'm talking about...

Tomorrow, Wednesday, September 29, Budweiser is giving away beer. Free Beer (sadly it's Budweiser). Well, in most states, Budweiser is giving away free beer.

Their new slogan is "Grab some BUDS". (Don't click the facebook get started thing, it'll ask to do all kinds of things... like: Access my basic information; Manage my events; access my profile information; access my friends' information.)

I'm kind of interested in clicking it, to see what it's going to do. It's making an event. Fuck this.

I'm not sure if any local bars are going to be in on the promotion. It's supposed to start tomorrow at 5 pm. Look for signs on local bars. Then, look for them to be busted.

"We have some serious problems with A-B's promotion," said Sue Hofer, spokeswoman for the Illinois Liquor Control Commission.

A company spokesman acknowledged that state laws could play a role in how the giveaway unfolds.

"Sampling and promotional activity varies market-by-market according to state alcohol beverage laws," noted Michael Lourie, A-B's director of corporate communications.

Rick Haymaker, general counsel for the liquor control panel, says not only is giving away free booze prohibited under Illinois' regulations, but advertising alcohol giveaways is barred too.

...

There is a provision in Illinois law allowing companies to give away a total of three free samples, but each of those must be limited to 2 ounces each.

But what if the bars combined those samples to make one, 6-ounce freebie?

So, be good citizens. If you see any bars giving away more than 2 ounces of free beer, call the Illinois Liquor Control Commission. Springfield (rest of state) Ph: 217-782-2136 or in Chicago, Ph: 312-814-2206. Or go to their website. http://www.state.il.us/lcc/fraudlcc.asp

The problem is, you will be hurting the bar, more than you will be hurting either the distributor or Budweiser itself.

Ok, so what's the purpose of this Happy Hour/ free Beer?

Budweiser believes that once you taste Budweiser, you will go back to being a bud drinker. Bud (not Bud Light) sales suck. The target audience of this free beer, is not the regular Budweiser drinker, it's a high life/ coors/ pbr/ other non-light beer (but still a lager) drinker. They think if you taste bud, you'll think it's not horrible, and you'll go back to that, since hey, they gave you a free beer.

Dear dumbasses at Budweiser, your target audience didn't buy Budweiser in good enough numbers when Dale Earnhardt Jr was sporting your logo; a free beer isn't going to make them change. And fuck you for dropping Brandon Bernstein.

With time ticking down on the Budweiser promotion, Illinois officials have reached out to A-B to discuss the company's plans. As of Monday, Haymaker said he had not heard a response.

Still, no response.

Alcohol in the news: Football's Hugh Thornton arrested after fight at Joe's Brewery

From the Daily Illini

Football's Hugh Thornton arrested after fight at Joe's Brewery

Illini football player Hugh Thornton was arrested at approximately 1:30 a.m. Sunday at Joe’s Brewery in Champaign, according to an e-mail from State’s Attorney Julia Rietz.

Police responded to a call describing a fight in progress, which Thornton was involved in. At the time of the fight, the 19-year-old sophomore from Oberlin, Ohio, was found carrying an ID card belonging to another individual. He admitted using the ID to get into the bar.

Upon his arrest, Thornton had already been sentenced to 12 months of court supervision after an incident on Sept. 20, 2009, in which University police were called by Thornton’s resident adviser due to a confrontation between Thornton, who had been drinking, and the adviser.

...

Illini football head coach Ron Zook has yet to announce Thornton’s status with the team.

“I can’t describe (Thornton’s status) because I don’t know all the details yet,” Zook said. “I’m still collecting information, and when I get all the information, then I’ll have a decision.

alcohol in the news: campustown bars install breathalyzers

From the Daily Illini

Campustown bars install breathalyzers

Along with enjoying beverages and socializing with friends, students and bar attendees can now find out their blood alcohol content level, or BAC, through breathalyzers that have cropped up in many Campustown bars.

Josh Flahaven, general manager of The Clybourne and Firehaus Restaurant and Bar, both located in Champaign on Sixth Street, said the company was approached by an outside vendor from the Chicago area with the idea of installing breathalyzers.

For $1, patrons can blow through a straw and the machine will read their BAC.

...

Flahaven said he believes the bar is providing a service and encourages the notion that “everyone needs to be responsible with (using the breathalyzer).” He said he sees the breathalyzers as “another way to communicate to customers” and as a tool for business owners to take responsibility for the health of their patrons. Sometimes, Flahaven added, a potential client may be too intoxicated to enter the establishment. In this case, the breathalyzer can serve as a visual representation for that person to understand his or her level of impairment.

It's a good idea. If people use it for it's purpose. Later in the story, it mentions the possibility of using it for a game, to see who is the drunkest.

That could be dangerous.

Alcohol in the news: Officials meet to fight alcohol on campuses

From Fox 55/ newschannel 20

Officials Meet to Fight Alcohol on Campuses

Representatives from communities, universities and law enforcement have come together to try and combat alcohol abuse and its impact on college students.

Stock footage from "Unofficial" was used.

Alcohol in the news: Busting Bar Myths

From WCFN 49 / Illinoishomepage.net

Busting Bar Myths

Andy Borbely from 7 Saints out does himself this week! He not only busts 4 bartending myths but he also makes a fresh margarita! You can't miss this.

The myths:

1. Jose Cuervo Gold should be taken as a shot

2. Bourbon must come from Bourbon County Kentucky (currently no bourbon comes from bourbon county, Kentucky)

3. Jack Daniel's is a bourbon

4. A "tall" drink is the same as a "double"

After his appearance, Superman ran into the bathroom and changed into his softball clothes then headed out to Parkland and we won at softball.

Alcohol in the news: Whiskey Wednesdays lift your spirits

From the Buzz

Whiskey Wednesdays lift your spirits

Seven Saints, a bar and restaurant that boasts the broadest on-premise selection of spirits in Champaign, hosts Whiskey Wednesday every week. There are over 190 whiskeys in stock and an additional 30 to 40 private bottles on reserve. To avoid patrons gravitating towards something familiar, Seven Saints rotates through features from the following types of whiskeys each month at 50 percent off: Canadian and micro-distilled American, Irish, bourbon and rye, and scotch.

...

For the novice whiskey slingers, Borbley serves some suggestions. First, start with lowland scotches: “They are a great place to start because they are very floral and grassy, which makes it approachable and soft.” Order it with water or ice. The machismo attitude does not apply in the world of whiskey. “Water can off-put that alcohol burn so you can get the aroma better, stretch it out, and make the subtleties more apparent.” Be specific! It is not pretentious to specify how many ice cubes you want in your drink because they will eventually melt into it and the water, changing the potency.

CU Beer Weekend; September 24

Seven Saints

Rogue John John Hazelnut
Founders Breakfast Stout

Wednesday: Whiskey Wednesday, Scotch
Thursday: Beer Class, 9:30pm, $10

Radio Maria

Draft Beers as of 09/20/10

1. Founders Cerise $4
2. Southern Tier Pumking $6
3. Rogue Somer Honey Wheat $4
4. Bells HopSlam IPA $5
5. Arcadia HopMouth $5
6. New Holland Mole Ocho $6
7. Great Divide Expresso Oak Aged Yeti Imperial Stout $5
8. Arcadia Jaw Jacker $4
9. Southern Tier Javaa Stout $6
10.Ommegang 3 Philosophers $6
11.Avery Seventeen Anniversary $5
12.Boulder Beer Company Oak Aged Mojo Risin $5
13.Delirium Dark Brown $6
14.Mikkeller Warrior IPA $6
15.Brasserie Blanche de Bruxelles $5
16.North Coast Old No. 38 $4
17.North Coast Old Rasputin $6
18.Two Brothers Oak Aged Domain Dupage $4.5
19.Victory Storm King $5
20.Nogne Porter $6
21.Port Wipeout IPA $4.5
22.Southern Tier Oak Aged Un*Earthly $6
23.Victory Prima Pils $4.5
24.Capital Imperial Dopplebock $5
25.Founders Nemesis 2010 $6
26.Weihenstephaner Weissbier $5
27.PBR $2.25

Friday: Happy Hour with free appetizers 4:30 - 5:30; beer special tba
Saturday: $6 John Daly's, Salsa Night at 10.
Sunday: $2 wells, $1.25 PBR; Bloody Mary Bar
Monday: 25% off bottles of wine; Board Game Monday; Softball Beer Specials
Tuesday: 1/2 price wine by the glass
Wednesday: $1 off all beers on draft; Frankly Wednesdays: All Frank Sinatra and Rat Pack every Wednesday late night
Thursday:$5 Mojitos, Caipirinhas, and Brazilian Cosmos; Open Decks: local dj's perform.

October 3: German Wine Dinner, 6pm, $75

Blind Pig

Cask: Dark Horse Crooked Tree IPA
Two Brother’s Heavy Handed Willamette; Warrenville, IL, India Pale Ale, 6.7% abv
Two Brother’s Heavy Handed Tettnang; Warrenville, IL, India Pale Ale, 6.7% abv
Two Brother’s Heavy Handed Centennial; Warrenville, IL, India Pale Ale, 6.7% abv
Two Brother’s Heavy Handed Cascade; Warrenville, IL, India Pale Ale, 6.7% abv
Great Divide Hoss; Denver, Colorado, Märzen, 6.2% abv
Rogue Maierfest; Newport, Oregon, Märzen, 4.2% abv
Avery The Kaiser; Boulder, Colorado, Märzen, 10.03% abv
Hofbräu Oktoberfestbier; Germany, Märzen, 6.3% abv
Fuller’s London Pride; England, Premium Bitter, 4.7% abv
Delirium Tremens; Belgium, Belgian Strong Ale, 8.5% abv
Blue Moon; Golden, Colorado, Belgian White, 5.4% abv
Kostritzer; Germany, Schwarzbier, 4.8% abv
Stella Artois; Belgium, Pale Lager, 5.2% abv
Pabst Blue Ribbon; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Pale Lager, 5% abv
Rogue Chipotle; Newport, Oregon, Spice Ale, 5.5%
Rogue Chatoe Creek; Newport, Oregon, Fruit Beer
Tucher Helles Hefe Weizen; Germany, German Hefeweizen, 5.3%
Lagunitas IPA; Petaluma, California, India Pale Ale, 5.7% abv
Bitburger Premium Pils; Germany, Classic German Pilsener, 4.8%
Two Brother’s Bitter End; Warrenville, Illinois, American Pale Ale, 5.2% abv
Schlafly Pumpkin; Maplewood, Missouri, Spice Ale, 8% abv
Lindeman’s Framboise; Belgium, Lambic, 2.5% abv
Belhaven Scottish; Scotland, Bitter, 3.9%
Guinness; Dublin, Ireland, Dry Stout, 4.1% abv

Sept 17-October 3: Oktoberfest, four rotating taps of Oktoberfest style (Märzen) beers

October 21: Goose Island Invasion, five special release Goose Island brews

Blind Pig Brewery (the Piglet)

Blind Pig Hard Cider
Blind Pig IPA
Blind Pig Belgian Peach Wheat
Blind Pig Oatmeal Stout
Schlafly Pilsner; Maplewood, Missouri, Pilsener, 4.9% abv
Sierra Nevada Tumbler; Chico, California, Brown Ale, 5.5% abv
Schlafly Pumpkin; Maplewood, Missouri, Spice Ale, 8% abv
Founder’s Breakfast Stout; Grand Rapids, Michigan, Imperial Stout, 8.3% abv
Victory Storm King; Downington, Pennsylvania, Imperial Stout, 9.1% abv
Bell’s Oberon; Kalamazoo, Michigan, Wheat Ale, 6% abv
Avery Karma; Boulder, Colorado, Belgian Ale, 5.2% abv
Avery The Kaiser; Boulder, Colorado, Märzen, 10.03%
Two Brother’s Resistance IPA; Warrenville, Illinois, India Pale Ale, 6.9% abv
Guinness; Ireland, Dry Stout, 4.1% abv

Sunday: Trivia Night; 7-9pm, win gift cards
Wednesday: Mug Night, buy a mug and get $2 off draught beer

Crane Alley

Young's Double Chocolate Stout 5.2%
Petrus Oak Aged Pale Ale 7.3%
Avery IPA 6.0%
Bells Octoberfest 5.8%
Great Divide Oak Aged Espresso Yeti 9.5%
Mikkeller Frelser Triple Bock 11.0%
Erdinger Oktoberfest Weissbier 5.7%
Hofbrau Oktoberfestbier 6.6%
Jenlain Ambree 7.0%
Rogue Maierfest 5.2%
Founders Dirty Bastard Scotch Ale 8.3%
Arcadia Jaw Jacker Pumpkin Ale 6.0
North Coast Red Seal Ale 5.8%%
Jolly Pumpkin Weizen Bam 4.5%
Dark Horse Sapient Trip 8.5%
PBR 4.2%

Specials for the weekend of September 24th

Pork Schnitzel- Hand breaded pork tenderloin with herb smashed potatoes, brown gravy and sauteed veggies. $13.95

Shrimp Pasta-Jumbo tiger shrimp in a sweet onion cream sauce with red peppers, carrot, zucchinni, red onion and squash over linguine. With garlic toast. $15.95

Linzer Torte - Raspberries ina sweet pecan crust with apricot glaze. $5.95

Flourless Chocolate Cake - Franjelico glazed with strawberries. $5.95


Black Dog Smoke and Ale House

New Holland mole Ocho
Schlafly Hefeweizen
New Holland Dragon's Milk
Dark Horse Boffo Brown
Great Divide Belgica IPA
Left Hand Milk Stout
Harviestoun Ola Dubh Special Reserve 18

Mark your calendars

October 9: Urbana International beer tasting and chili cook-off

Bars in the news; Sexism at Mike and Molly's in Champaign

From the News-Gazette, discussion forum

Sexism at Mike and Molly's in Champaign

Sunday Sept 5 from 8pm until 1am witnessed the annual Prairie Jam music show at Mike 'N Molly's. Of the 20 or so players of musical instruments over the course of the evening, only one was a woman, and she played a relatively minor musical role. Emcee for the evening was the News-Gazette's Mike Howie. Long term NG employees Loren Tate and John Beck also attended.

The person who wrote that goes by selguy.

Comments below that are rather good. Selguy's aren't.

alcohol in the news; La Capra Viognier

From WCIA3 CBS/Illinois Homepage.net

La Capra Viognier

Nick Bland from the Corkscrew shows a clear wine for under $10.

La Capra Viognier, Nick really likes this wine.

Corkscrew also carries the Chenin Blanc.

alcohol in the news; 1-on-1 with buvons

From the Buzz

One on-One with Domenico Musumeci, manager of Buvons, Corkscrew's new wine bar

It's from the buzz, so the article is ... meh.

The Corkscrew

Alcohol in the news: 94 citations issue in Operation Campus Tap

From the News-Gazette

94 citations issued in Operation Campus Tap

CHAMPAIGN — State police and the Champaign Police Department issued 94 citations over the past two weekends as part of the Operation Campus Tap program.

...

Officers issued 77 citations for possession and purchase of alcohol by minors, 11 citations for possession of alcohol on pubic property, two citations for the sale or delivery of alcohol to a minor, two citations for resisting arrest and two citations for public urination.

...

Here's the bar breakdown:

Joe's Brewery won with 11
Clybourne, 10
Firehaus, 8
Murphy's Pub, 7
Fubar, 6
Legend's, 4
It's Brothers, 4
Illini Inn, 2

This is why you get carded when you go to bars.

Oktoberfest; WTF is Oktoberfest?

Is it a beer? Is it a party? Is it a beer party?

Yes.

Oktoberfest originated in Munich on October 18, 1810. (pay attention, there will be a test). It originally was a horse race that celebrated the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig to Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen. Ludwig later became king, he's not the guy that the beer Konig Ludwig is named for. That would be Ludwig II. (He's most famous for building castles including the Neuschwanstein castle).

So, the original Oktoberfest was a horse race in honor of the wedding of the future king. The current festival is held at the Theresienwiese, which is the field named for her.

This year, Oktoberfest runs from September 18 to October 4. It's also the 200th Anniversary, so it's a huge party... even more so than normal.

Beer there is served in a Maß (mass), it's a liter of beer. It's a lot of beer. There are only 6 Munich breweries that are allowed to serve beer at the official Oktoberfest. They are: Augustiner, Hacker-Pschorr, Hofbrau, Lowenbrau, Paulaner, and Spaten. All of them except for Lowenbrau are normally available for purchase in the states.

Contrary to what you might think, the most eaten food during Oktoberfest is chicken. Of course, there are schnitzels and sausages and all kinds of other good "germany-y" foods. If you are hosting an Oktoberfest, I recommend getting a couple of whole rotisserie chickens, several different styles of sausages (wurst's), potatoes, cabbage (red and sauerkraut), and some hearty breads.

In addition to the big party, Oktoberfest is a common style of beer. Most breweries will put out an Oktoberfest around this time of year. The actual style of the beer is Märzen. Märzen means March. Originally, the Märzen beers would have been brewed in March. Why March? In 1539, there was a rule in Bavaria that people could only brew between September 29 and April 23. Apparently, brewing in the summer months back then caused a lot of fires. Enough so, that there was a Brauordnung (brewing ordinance) that set the dates for people to brew.

One of the last beers that people would brew before putting away their kettles for the summer, was the beer that would have to sit the longest before they drank it. They would have to have enough regular beer stored up to last from April until October (it will take a couple of weeks to ferment beer that's brewed at the end of September). If you read the dopplebock story, you'd see the first true dopplebock was brewed in 1773, however Einbeck was brewing thick dark beers back to 1352. So, people had experience brewing thicker beers. The original Märzen's would have been a thicker, maltier, higher ABV beer, to make it through the summer months. Conversely, instead of making it a maltier beer, there could have been a larger addition of hops to increase the storage-ability.

Here in America, most brewers make a malty version of a Märzen. Samuel Adams Oktoberfest is a prime example of that. It has huge malty flavors, and you can distinctly taste caramel, sugar, and some breads in the beer. Not all Oktoberfest beers are dark though (especially the original 6).

Augustiner Oktoberfestbier is very light in color. It almost looks like a regular light lager beer.

Hacker-Pschorr Oktoberfest is the caramel color that most people expect.

Hofbrau Oktoberfest is also light in color. You'll see a lot of bad reviews for this beer on beer advocate and ratebeer because people expect the Americanized version of Oktoberfest, but then this one is slightly hoppy.

Lowenbrou Oktoberfest is another light golden beer.

Paulaner Oktoberfest is a malty beer, but a little bit lighter than most American versions.

Spaten Oktoberfest has the caramel/copper color.

If you are in/around Champaign/Urbana during this years Oktoberfest dates, the Blind Pig will be having at least 5 Oktoberfest beers on until October 3.

The starting list is:
Avery The Kaiser
Hofbrau Oktoberfest
Capital Oktoberfest
Great Divide Hoss
Erdinger Oktoberfest
Left Hand Oktoberfest
Spaten Oktoberfest
Ayinger Oktoberfest
Summit Oktoberfest
Sprecher Oktoberfest
Coney Island Freaktoberfest
Rogue Maierfest
Bell's Oktoberfest

So, there are a couple of the original's there.

Sunday, September 19, Crane Alley is holding an Oktoberfest. They will be having Spaten Oktoberfest, along with some other German beers and Bells Octoberfest. Their party starts at noon. Tere will be schnitzel, cabbage, bratwurst, and other things. Glasses and tshirts will be given away.

Look for other Oktoberfest parties and beers around town.

Here's your quiz:

1. What are the original 6?

2. Who got married?

3. What's the most sold food at Oktoberfest?

4. Do you like your cabbage red or sauer?

CU Beer Weekend; September 17

Oktoberfest officially starts tomorrow. So go get yourself some Märzen. Also, look for any Oktoberfest themed specials going on around town. This year it runs until October 4.

Seven Saints

Rogue John John Hazelnut
Founders Breakfast Stout

Wednesday: Whiskey Wednesday, Bourbon
Thursday: Beer Class, 9:30pm, $10

Radio Maria

Draft Beers as of 09/10/10

1. Founders Cerise $4
2. Jolly Pumpkin Calablaza Blanca $8
3. Rogue Somer Honey Wheat $4
4. Bells HopSlam IPA $5
5. Arcadia HopMouth $5
6. New Holland Mole Ocho $6
7. Founders Breakfast Stout $5
8. Arcadia Jaw Jacker $4
9. Southern Tier Javaa Stout $6
10.Ommegang 3 Philosophers $6
11.Avery Seventeen Anniversary $5
12.Founders Old Curmudgeon $5
13.Delirium Dark Brown $6
14.Mikkeller Warrior IPA $6
15.Brasserie Blanche de Bruxelles $5
16.North Coast Old No. 38 $4
17.North Coast Old Rasputin $6
18.Two Brothers Oak Aged Domain Dupage $4.5
19.Victory Storm King $5
20.Brewdog Bashah $6
21.Victory Hop Devil $4
22.Great Divide Hercules IIPA $6
23.Victory Prima Pils $4.5
24.Capital Imperial Dopplebock $5
25.Founders Nemesis 2010 $6
26.Kapuziner Weissbeir $5
27.PBR $2.25

Friday: Happy Hour with free appetizers 4:30 - 5:30; beer special tba
Saturday: $6 John Daly's, Salsa Night at 10.
Sunday: $2 wells, $1.25 PBR; Bloody Mary Bar
Monday: 25% off bottles of wine; Board Game Monday; Softball Beer Specials
Tuesday: 1/2 price wine by the glass
Wednesday: $1 off all beers on draft; Frankly Wednesdays: All Frank Sinatra and Rat Pack every Wednesday late night
Thursday:$5 Mojitos, Caipirinhas, and Brazilian Cosmos; Open Decks: local dj's perform.

October 3: German Wine Dinner, 6pm, $75

Blind Pig

Cask: Two Brother's the Bitter End
Two Brother’s Bitter End; Warrenville, Illinois, American Pale Ale, 5.2% abv
Port Brewing Old Viscosity; San Marcos, California, American Strong Ale, 10% abv
Capital Autumnal Fire; Middleton, Wisconsin, Dopplebock, 8.5% abv
Hirter Morchl; Austria, Dunkel, 5% abv
Lost Abbey Serpent’s Stout; San Marcos, California, Imperial Stout, 11% abv
Unibroue La Terrible; Canada, Belgian Strong Ale, 10.5% abv
Victory HopDevil; Dowington, Pennsylvania, India Pale Ale, 6.7% abv
Duchesse de Bourgogne; Belgium, Sour Ale, 6.2% abv
Fuller’s London Pride; England, Premium Bitter, 4.7% abv
Delirium Tremens; Belgium, Belgian Strong Ale, 8.5% abv
Blue Moon; Golden, Colorado, Belgian White, 5.4% abv
Kostritzer; Germany, Schwarzbier, 4.8% abv
Stella Artois; Belgium, Pale Lager, 5.2% abv
Pabst Blue Ribbon; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Pale Lager, 5% abv
Rogue Chipotle; Newport, Oregon, Spice Ale, 5.5%
Rogue Somer Orange Honey Ale; Newport, Oregon, Fruit Beer, 5% abv
Tucher Helles Hefe Weizen; Germany, German Hefeweizen, 5.3%
Lagunitas IPA; Petaluma, California, India Pale Ale, 5.7% abv
Victory Prima Pils; Downington, Pennsylvania, Pilsener, 5.3%
Gulden Draak; Belgium, Quadrupel, 10.5% abv
Schlafly Pumpkin; Maplewood, Missouri, Spice Ale, 8% abv
Lindeman’s Framboise; Belgium, Lambic, 2.5% abv
Belhaven Scottish; Scotland, Bitter, 3.9%
Guinness; Dublin, Ireland, Dry Stout, 4.1% abv

Sept 17-October 3: Oktoberfest, four rotating taps of Oktoberfest style (Märzen) beers

Thursday: Two Brother's Heavy Handed IPA Night, four versions of Two Brother's Heavy Handed IPA.

October 21: Goose Island Invasion, five special release Goose Island brews

Blind Pig Brewery (the Piglet)

Blind Pig Hard Cider
Blind Pig IPA
Blind Pig Oatmeal Stout
Schlafly Pilsner; Maplewood, Missouri, Pilsener, 4.9% abv
Sierra Nevada Tumbler; Chico, California, Brown Ale, 5.5% abv
Shipyard Pumpkinhead; Portland, Maine, Spice Ale, 4.5% abv
Left Hand Milk Stout; Longmont, Colorado, Sweet Stout, 5.3% abv
Arcadia Cereal City; Battle Creek, Michigan, Bitter, 4.2% abv
Bell’s Oberon; Kalamazoo, Michigan, Wheat Ale, 6% abv
Avery Karma; Boulder, Colorado, Belgian Ale, 5.2% abv
Southern Tier Harvest; Lakewood, New York, Premium Bitter, 6.4%
Two Brother’s Resistance IPA; Warrenville, Illinois, India Pale Ale, 6.9% abv
Guinness; Ireland, Dry Stout, 4.1% abv

Sunday: Trivia Night; 7-9pm, win gift cards
Wednesday: Mug Night, buy a mug and get $2 off draught beer

Crane Alley

PBR 4.7%
Young's Double Chocolate Stout 5.2%
Founders Nemesis Black Barleywine 12.0%
Two Brothers Resistance IPA 6.9%
Schneider Weisse 5.3%
Great Divide Oak Aged Espresso Yeti 9.5%
Mikkeller Frelser Triple Bock 11.0%
Konig Pilsner 4.9%
Great Divide St Bridgets Porter 5.9%
Jenlain Bier de Printempts 5.4%
Anderson Valley Cerveza Crema 5.8%
Founders Dry-Hopped Pale Ale 5.4%
Unibroue Ephemere Apple 5.5%
Summitt India Rye Ale 5.9%
Left Hand Oktoberfest 6.6%
Dark Horse Sapient Trip 8.5%

Sunday: noon, Oktoberfest. Outdoor beer truck featuring Spaten Oktoberfest, Spaten Optimator Doppelbock, Franziskaner Hefe Weizen, and Bells Octoberfest. Authentic German food such as Schnitzel, braised cabbage, bratwurst, sauerkraut and more. We will be giving away glassware, t-shirts and more. Starts at Noon and ends around 8pm.

Black Dog Smoke and Ale House

Harviestoun Ola Dubh Special Reserve 18
Darkhorse Boffo Brown
Schlafly Oktoberfest
Mikkeller East Kent Golding Single Hop IPA
Summit Horizon Red Ale
New Holland Rye Mad Hatter
Left Hand Nitro Milk Stout

Mark your calendars

October 9: Urbana International beer tasting and chili cook-off

Bars in the news; Changing seasons, changing menus for Bacaro

From the Daily Illini

Changing seasons, changing menus for Bacaro

With fall approaching, the weather isn’t the only thing that will change.

Along with the crisp, chill air and falling leaves comes an entirely different season of produce.

Utilizing nature’s change to the fullest is Bacaro Wine Lounge, a nearby restaurant located at 113 N. Walnut St. in Champaign.

There's a nice little student angle thrown into the end of the story.

Morrow also creates alternatives for students in hopes of respecting them and their bank accounts.

“We have a bar menu which is a little easier on the pocketbook. Or, you can come in here on a date and get a couple plates of pasta without it costing you an arm and a leg,” Morrow said.

Morrow is Thad Morrow, owner and chef at Bacaro.

Alcohol in the news; Cain Cuvee NV6

From WCIA 3 CBS; Illinoishomepage.net

Cain Cuvee NV6

Brian Bowman from Sunsinger Wines shows some wines from Napa Valley.

Bars in the news; Three people arrested following a fight in downtown Champaign

From the News-Gazette

Three people arrested following a fight in downtown Champaign

CHAMPAIGN — Police say three people were arrested following a fight early Sunday morning in downtown Champaign.

Champaign police spokeswoman Rene Dunn said officers were called to the High Dive, 51 E. Main St., C, at 1:41 a.m. after receiving a report of a fight involving a large crowd.

When police arrived, they saw approximately 100 people on the dance floor preparing to fight.

100 people preparing to fight, WTF?

After the security staff was unable to control the crowd, Dunn said, pepper spray was used.

The bar was closed, and the patrons were asked to leave, according to the report.

When police left the building, they found a crowd of approximately 200 people gathering outside the bar, with a second group of another 10 to 15 people fighting near the corner of Main and Chestnut streets.

Bloody Mary's aren't as good with pepper spray as they are with cholula.

According to Andy Borbely, who was called in to work as a bartender, the crowd didn't tip well either.

CU Beer Weekend; September 10

Ramadan is over, go have a beer.

Seven Saints

Two Brother's Hop Juice
Founders Breakfast Stout

Wednesday: Whiskey Wednesday, Irish
Thursday: Beer Class, 9:30 pm, $10

Radio Maria

Draft Beers as of 09/03/10

1. Founders Cerise $4
2. Jolly Pumpkin Calablaza Blanca $8
3. Anchor Liberty $4
4. Bells HopSlam IPA $5
5. Arcadia HopMouth $5
6. New Holland Mole Ocho $6
7. Founders Breakfast Stout $5
8. Dark Horse Pam's Kitchen $4.5
9. Goose Island Bourbon County Stout $8
10.Ommegang 3 Philosophers $6
11.Avery Seventeen Anniversary $5
12.Founders Old Curmudgeon $5
13.Delirium Dark Brown $6
14.Mikkeller Centennial IPA $6
15.Brasserie Blanche de Bruxelles $5
16.North Coast Old No. 38 $4
17.North Coast Old Rasputin $6
18.Two Brothers Oak Aged Domain Dupage $4.5
19.Victory Storm King $5
20.Brewdog Bashar $6
21.Victory Hop Devil $4
22.Great Divide Hercules IIPA $6
23.North Coast Scrimshaw Pils $4
24.Capital Imperial Dopplebock $5
25.Founders Nemesis 2010 $6
26.Kapuziner Weissbeir $5
27.PBR $2.25

Friday: Happy Hour with free appetizers 4:30 - 5:30; Founders Cerise, $3 pint; Brazilian Independence Day Party 10pm, $7
Saturday: $6 John Daly's, Salsa Night at 10.
Sunday: $2 wells, $1.25 PBR; Bloody Mary Bar
Monday: 25% off bottles of wine; Board Game Monday; Softball Beer Specials
Tuesday: 1/2 price wine by the glass
Wednesday: $1 off all beers on draft; Frankly Wednesdays: All Frank Sinatra and Rat Pack every Wednesday late night
Thursday:$5 Mojitos, Caipirinhas, and Brazilian Cosmos; Open Decks: local dj's perform.

September 20: Goose Island Beer Dinner, 6pm, $50, 4 courses 5 beers including a vertical of Goose Island Bourbon County Stout (possibly canceled)

October 3: German Wine Dinner, 6pm

Blind Pig

Cask: Two Brother's Cane & Ebel
Boulder Cold Hop; Boulder, Colorado, English Strong Ale, 6.5% abv
Port Brewing Old Viscosity; San Marcos, California, American Strong Ale, 10% abv
Tommyknocker Hop Strike; Idaho, Springs, Colorado, Black IPA, 7% abv
Dark Horse Sapient Trip; Marshall, Michigan, Abbey Tripel, 8.5% abv
Southern Tier Crème Brulee; Lakewood, New York, Imperial Stout, 9.2% abv
Unibroue Blanche de Chambly; Canada, Belgian White, 5% abv
Bell’s Two Hearted; Kalamazoo, Michigan, India Pale Ale, 7% abv
Duchesse de Bourgogne; Belgium, Sour Ale, 6.2% abv
Fuller’s London Pride; England, Premium Bitter, 4.7% abv
Delirium Tremens; Belgium, Belgian Strong Ale, 8.5% abv
Blue Moon; Golden, Colorado, Belgian White, 5.4% abv
Kostritzer; Germany, Schwarzbier, 4.8% abv
Stella Artois; Belgium, Pale Lager, 5.2% abv
Pabst Blue Ribbon; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Pale Lager, 5% abv
Rogue Dead Guy; Newport, Oregon, Heller Bock, 6.6%
Celis White; Belgium, Belgian White, 5% abv
Tucher Helles Hefe Weizen; Germany, German Hefeweizen, 5.3%
Lagunitas IPA; Petaluma, California, India Pale Ale, 5.7% abv
Victory Prima Pils; Downington, Pennsylvania, Pilsener, 5.3%
Affligem Tripel; Belgium, Abbey Tripel, 8.5% abv
Original Sin Hard Cider; New York, New York, Cider, 6% abv
Kasteel Rouge; Belgium, Fruit Beer, 8% abv
Belhaven Scottish; Scotland, Bitter, 3.9%
Guinness; Dublin, Ireland, Dry Stout, 4.1% abv

Sept 17-October 3: Oktoberfest, four rotating taps of Oktoberfest style (Märzen) beers

Sept. 23: Two Brother's Heavy Handed IPA Night, four versions of Two Brother's Heavy Handed IPA.

October 21: Goose Island Invasion, five special release Goose Island brews
Blind Pig Brewery (the Piglet)

Blind Pig Hard Cider
Blind Pig Porter
Schlafly Pilsner; Maplewood, Missouri, Pilsener, 4.9% abv
Capital Wisconsin Amber; Middleton, Wisconsin, Vienna, 5.1% abv
Pyramid Apricot; Seattle, Washington, Fruit Beer, 5.1% abv
Left Hand Milk Stout; Longmont, Colorado, Sweet Stout, 5.3% abv
Arcadia Cereal City; Battle Creek, Michigan, Bitter, 4.2% abv
Capital Island Wheat; Middleton, Wisconsin, Wheat Ale% abv
Petrus Aged Pale; Belgium, Sour Ale, 7.3% abv
Port Brewing Shark Attack; San Marcos, California, Imperial Red, 9.5%
Sierra Nevada Harvest; Chico, California, India Pale Ale, 6.7% abv
Guinness; Ireland, Dry Stout, 4.1% abv

Sunday: Trivia Night; 7-9pm, win gift cards

Crane Alley

PBR 4.7%
Young's Double Chocolate Stout 5.2%
Port Brewing 4th Anniversary IPA 10.0%
Two Brothers Resistance IPA 6.9%
Schneider Weisse 5.3%
Great Divide Oak Aged Chocolate Yeti 9.5%
Mikkeller Frelser Triple Bock 11.0%
Konig Pilsner 4.9%
Great Divide St Bridgets Porter 5.9%
He'Brew Rejewvenator 8.2%
Flying Dog Old Scratch Amber Ale 5.5%
Founders Dry-Hopped Pale Ale 5.4%
Unibroue Ephemere Apple 5.5%
Southern Tier Harvest Ale 6.4%
Jolly Pumpkin Oro de Calabaza 8.0%
Dark Horse Sapient Trip 8.5%
Anderson Valley Cerveza Crema

(some may have changed)

September 19, noon: Oktoberfest. Outdoor beer truck featuring Spaten Oktoberfest, Spaten Optimator Doppelbock, Franziskaner Hefe Weizen, and Bells Octoberfest. Authentic German food such as Schnitzel, braised cabbage, bratwurst, sauerkraut and more. We will be giving away glassware, t-shirts and more. Starts at Noon and ends around 8pm.

Black Dog smoke and Ale House

Cask: Dark Horse harvest Ale
Tommyknocker Hope Strike
Celis White
Port Hop 15
New Holland imperial hatter
Summit India Rye Ale
Left Hand Milk Stout


Mark your calendars

October 9: Urbana International beer tasting and chili cook-off

Alcohol in the news; Andy Borbely's Signature Drinks

From WCIA 3 CBS; Illinoishomepage.net

Andy Borbely's Signature Drinks

Master Mixologist Andy Borbely from Seven Saints in Champaign tells us the 3 S's every bartender should know and make two awesome beverages.

Andy talks about "Spirit, Sweet, and Sour". He also throws Spice into the mix. The first drink he makes is his signature Desert Rose.

The second drink he makes is a Red Pepper Delicious.

Robert Reese is weird.

CU Beer Weekend; September 3 (labor day)

Have a happy and safe Labor Day.

Seven Saints

Bells Poolside
Two Brother's Hop Juice

Wednesday: Whiskey Wednesday Canadian and US Micro
Thursday: Beer Class, 9:30pm, $10

Radio Maria

1. Founders Cerise $4
2. Jolly Pumpkin Calablaza Blanca $8
3. Anchor Liberty $4
4. Bells HopSlam IPA $5
5. Arcadia HopMouth $5
6. New Holland Mole Ocho $6
7. Founders Breakfast Stout $5
8. Dark Horse Pam's Kitchen $4.5
9. Goose Island Bourbon County Stout $8
10.Ommegang 3 Philosophers $6
11.Avery Seventeen Anniversary $5
12.Founders Old Curmudgeon $5
13.Delirium Dark Brown $6
14.Mikkeller Centennial IPA $6
15.Brasserie Blanche de Bruxelles $5
16.North Coast Old No. 38 $4
17.North Coast Old Rasputin $6
18.Two Brothers Oak Aged Domain Dupage $4.5
19.Victory Storm King $5
20.Brewdog Bashar $6
21.Victory Hop Devil $4
22.Great Divide Hercules IIPA $6
23.North Coast Scrimshaw Pils $4
24.Capital Imperial Dopplebock $5
25.Founders Nemesis 2010 $6
26.Kapuziner Weissbeir $5
27.PBR $2.25

Friday: Happy Hour with free appetizers 4:30 - 5:30; beer special, tbd; DJ at 10pm
Saturday: $6 John Daly's, Salsa Night at 10.
Sunday: $2 wells, $1.25 PBR
Monday: 25% off bottles of wine; Board Game Monday; Softball Beer Specials
Tuesday: 1/2 price wine by the glass
Wednesday: $1 off all beers on draft; Frankly Wednesdays: All Frank Sinatra and Rat Pack every Wednesday late night
Thursday:$5 Mojitos, Caipirinhas, and Brazilian Cosmos; Open Decks: local dj's perform.

September 20: Goose Island Beer Dinner, 6pm, $50, 4 courses 5 beers including a vertical of Goose Island Bourbon County Stout

October 3: German Wine Dinner, 6pm

Blind Pig

Port Brewing Summer Pale Ale; San Marcos, California, American Pale Ale, 5.2% abv
Anderson Valley Anniversary Imp. IPA; Boonville, CA, Imperial IPA, 8.7% abv
Tommyknocker Hop Strike; Idaho, Springs, Colorado, Black IPA, 7% abv
Founder’s Reds Rye; Grand Rapids, Michigan, Specialty Grain, 6.6% abv
Southern Tier Crème Brulee; Lakewood, New York, Imperial Stout, 9.2% abv
Unibroue Blanche de Chambly; Canada, Belgian White, 5% abv
Flying Dog Snake Dog; Frederick, Maryland, India Pale Ale, 7.1% abv
Duchesse de Bourgogne; Belgium, Sour Ale, 6.2% abv
Fuller’s London Pride; England, Premium Bitter, 4.7% abv
Delirium Tremens; Belgium, Belgian Strong Ale, 8.5% abv
Blue Moon; Golden, Colorado, Belgian White, 5.4% abv
Kostritzer; Germany, Schwarzbier, 4.8% abv
Stella Artois; Belgium, Pale Lager, 5.2% abv
Pabst Blue Ribbon; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Pale Lager, 5% abv
Rogue Dead Guy; Newport, Oregon, Heller Bock, 6.6%
Celis White; Belgium, Belgian White, 5% abv
Tucher Helles Hefe Weizen; Germany, German Hefeweizen, 5.3%
Lagunitas IPA; Petaluma, California, India Pale Ale, 5.7% abv
Left Hand Polestar Pilsner; Longmont, Colorado, Pilsener, 5.5%
Affligem Tripel; Belgium, Abbey Tripel, 8.5% abv
Original Sin Hard Cider; New York, New York, Cider, 6% abv
Kasteel Rouge; Belgium, Fruit Beer, 8% abv
Belhaven Scottish; Scotland, Bitter, 3.9%
Guinness; Dublin, Ireland, Dry Stout, 4.1% abv

Sept 17-October 3: Oktoberfest, four rotating taps of Oktoberfest style (Märzen) beers

Sept. 23: Two Brother's Heavy Handed IPA Night, four versions of Two Brother's Heavy Handed IPA.

October 21: Goose Island Invasion, five special release Goose Island brews

Blind Pig Brewery (the Piglet)

Blind Pig Hard Cider
Blind Pig Porter
Blind Pig Replicale Pale Ale
Schlafly Pilsner; Maplewood, Missouri, Pilsener, 4.9% abv
Capital Wisconsin Amber; Middleton, Wisconsin, Vienna, 5.1% abv
Rogue Chipotle; Newport, Oregon, Spice Ale, 5.5% abv
Founder's Porter; Grand Rapids, Michigan, Porter, 6.5% abv
Arcadia Cereal City; Battle Creek, Michigan, Bitter, 4.2% abv
Capital Island Wheat; Middleton, Wisconsin, Wheat Ale% abv
Petrus Aged Pale; Belgium, Sour Ale, 7.3% abv
Port Brewing Shark Attack; San Marcos, California, Imperial Red, 9.5%
New Belgium Ranger IPA; Fort Collins, Colorado, India Pale Ale, 6.5% abv
Guinness; Ireland, Dry Stout, 4.1% abv

Sunday: Trivia Night; 7-9pm, win gift cards

Crane Alley

Great Divide St Bridgets Porter
Mikkeller Frelser Triple Bock
Jolly Pumpkin Oro De Calabaza
Unibroue Ephemere Apple
Konig Pils
Great Divide Oak Aged Chocolate Yeti
Erdinger Hefe Weizen
Youngs Double Chocolate Stout
Flying Dog Old Scratch
Port Brewing 4th Anniversary IPA
Boulder Mojo IPA
Southern Tier Pale Ale

Black Dog Smoke and Ale House

Nothing on cask

Tommyknocker Hop Strike! (Colorado) $4.00 16oz pint / $5.00 imperial 7% ABV
Celis White (Michigan) $4.00 16oz pint / $5.00 imperial 3.8% ABV
Port Brewing Hop 15 (California) $4.00 12oz glass / $5.00 16oz pint / $6.00 imperial 9.7% ABV
New Holland Imperial Hatter (Michigan) $4.40 12oz glass / $6.00 16oz pint / $7.50 20oz imperial 9.4% ABV
Summit India Rye Ale (Minnesota) $4.00 12oz glass / $5.00 16oz pint / $6.00 imperial 6.3 ABV
Left Hand Milk Stout (Colorado)$4.00 16oz pint / $5.00 20oz imperial 5.20% ABV

Mike N' Molly's

Founders Breakfast Stout
Dark Horse Double Crooked Tree
Jolly Pumpkin Calabaza Blanca
Port Brewing Summer Pale Ale
Rogue John's Locker Stock Glen Ale
Blanche de Bruxelles

Champaign Urbana Beer Club

Tuesday: Happy hour at Mike n' Molly's, 6pm (or sooner)


Mark your calendars

October 9: Urbana International beer tasting and chili cook-off

Beer Review; Founders Nemesis 2010

Wednesday evening, Jacob from Radio Maria, sent out a Facebook message stating that Founders Nemesis 2010 would be on tap starting Thursday at 4:05. After I sobered up, and spent most of the day at work, I coerced a colleague into taking me downtown to Radio to have one.

This year's Nemesis is a black barleywine. Black is the new black. Everyone is making a black something these days. There's plentiful black IPA's. It's the new IT beer. That's not a problem. Some of them are really good.

Inside the bar, this one came out looking black, and opaque. It had a nice caramel head. There was some good tight bubbles, and good lacing as it was drank. I later took it outside to the patio, and it did have some see-through-ness to it. It was like a really dark tea, or thin coffee.

It smelled hoppy and malty, with maybe a bit of chocolate. It had a lot of effervescence. It felt sort of thin. Eventually, any beer that went over the edges on the pour wound up being very sticky and syrupy. It could easily be confused with a stout based on the appearance, and the thinness of the mouthfeel will remind you that it is a barleywine.

With the color, the flavor expectations are chocolate, roast, coffee. Those are there, but predominately it tastes like a barleywine. It's got a peppery flavor in it, that I associate with barleywines. Additionally, there was a slight metallic ting to it. It wasn't unpleasant, but kind of made my teeth feel weird. An alcohol flavor was also present.

Overall, I really enjoyed this beer. Some people liked it better than last year's wheatwine, but I think I liked that one better. It did remind me of that beer. Initially, the thinness of the beer made it seem like it would be a quick drink, but that's not the case. At Radio Maria, this beer is served in a snifter, it took me about 45 minutes to drink it. It seems like it'd be fast, but this beer is to be sipped and savored.


Some other comments I heard while drinking it were:

Eric (distributor): said it seems less like a barleywine and more like a black IPA. (I agree)

Matt (colleague who took me to Radio): I like this, this stuff's good. I would have to say after tasting this year's and last, I would say that last year's blew me away. And while this year's is delicious, it was a little underwhelming.

In Champaign Urbana, the beer is currently available on draft at Radio Maria. It will eventually be available at Blind Pig and Crane Alley. Bottles of this beer are available at Crane Alley, Seven Saints, and Farren's. If you want some to take home and enjoy (or age), bottles are available at Friar Tucks, Piccadilly, Corkscrew, and Sunsinger. According to Eric, there weren't many cases that made it into town, so if you want some, you should go shopping soon. Also, you may want to call around to those locations to make sure they still have it available.

Alcohol in the news; No refusal weekend in Macon County

From WAND 17 NBC

No Refusal Weekend in Macon County

Decatur, IL- Macon County authorities will be cracking down on drunk drivers this Labor Day weekend.

The Macon County State's Attorney says prosecutors and a judge are teaming up with police for a "No Refusal Weekend".

This weekend, if anyone stopped on suspicion of driving under the influence refuses to take a breath test, police can request a warrant on the spot. That warrant would require the driver to provide a blood sample to test their blood alcohol level.

Alcohol in the news; Wines from the Rhone

From WCIA 3 CBS/ Illinoishomepage.net

Wines from the Rhone

Sam Samet shows us three awesome wines from the Rhone River area

Sam Samet is from Piccadilly at the Crossing.

The first wine is from Saint Cosme and is a white, Little James' Basket Press. The next is Cote du Rhone. The final is Little James' Basket Press Red.