"Beer that is not drunk has missed it's vocation"
-- Meyer Breslau, 1880
"Beer that is not drunk has missed it's vocation"
-- Meyer Breslau, 1880
Admittedly, this column was due in last night. Chalk it up to prepping Buffalo Old Home Week, writing up syllabi for three courses, and as mentioned in a previous column, the fact that I am generally a lazy ol' viper. Relax. Don't worry. Have a Homebrew, as Charlie Papazian is oft herd to say.
Click through for the goings-on of Buffalo's hand-crafted brew scene!
Generally:
If you haven't heard yet, (and I'm not sure how it managed to fly under my radar), the NYS legislature finally did something we can all agree is good: Sunday morning alcohol sales are back for the first time since the repeal of Prohibition. This article details the story. So, BR.O readers- has this trickled on over to here yet? As I only heard about this around 1:00 today, I haven't had a chance to see yet whether any area stores have added Sunday hours- but I'm anxious to find out!
Ulrichs:
The most exciting news down at Buffalo's oldest continuously operating bar is the recent addition of Custom Brewcrafters' Berliner Weisse on tap. Jim has gone all the way on this one, with authentic German woodruff & raspberry syrups to add. Though a formal tasting is in the works, I can assure my loyal readers that the beer is an honest example of the style. Compared to Kindl Weisse (reviewed here) it does not have quite the lactic tartness of the original German version, but that may be for the better for most palates. However, when sampled with woodruff syrup, I found it to have a pleasing combination of fruity sweetness with just a hint of acidity. With its low abv, I could have a two-beer lunch and walk away feeling refreshed but not even only a tinge buzzed. The perfect summer drink!
I am also informed that Ulrich's new website will be going up in the next days or so, dial your browsers to ulrichstavern.net and check them out. On a final note, expect the return of the Flying Bison Hoops Special Dark on or around Oct 1- the fourth year for the beer, brewed for (and found exclusively at) Ulrich's.
Sadly, I missed the IPA fest, but I understand that a good time was had by all: myriad high-gravity beers were on hand, and a winner was even chosen... and even though I ran into Bill Metzger (publisher of The Great Lakes Brewing News) later that evening and got a quick rundown of the highlights and the winner, my besotted mind failed to store the information. So, whoever knows the winning beer should drop a comment to that effect, 'cause I seriously would like to go have a pint of it.
The upcoming event of note at Coles, though, is a beer dinner in conjunction with NYS's own Ommegang Brewery on 20th September. The event will feature a 5-course dinner paired with Brewery Ommegang beers, and promises to be an exceptional night, with Ommegang brewers in attendance (and likely much of the local beer cognoscenti; your humble correspondent included.) Tickets are $35.00, and space is limited to 40 guests, so call now to reserve your space: this event will sell out. Call 886-1449 to make reservations.
Mr. Goodbar
The next Good Beer Club tasting is at 7:30 on Wed, Aug 9th- also known as "tomorrow," for now. I received the preview schedule for this even as I wrote this post (see, patience is a virtue after all), and once again Bobby has got a killer lineup- selections from the off-kilter folks down at Dogfish Head in Delaware and PA's own Stoudts, accompanied by Spicy Seafood Soup, Huli-Huli, Roasted Chicken & Cheese Cake w/ Tropical Fruit Topping. Tix are $20.00, and reservations are seriously recommended; drop your info at 430-1169 or email mstrgdbr@aol.com
Last Friday's Cask Club was, I thought, outstanding. Says Bobby:
Also, I want to thank everyone who came to the specialty beer night, featuring the Blue Point Cask Conditioned Pale Ale, last Friday. Because it was such a huge success, we are going to have another specialty beer night Friday August 18 at 7pm. Spots are limited, so reservations are a must. To ensure a spot, call me directly and leave your name and the number of people in your group. Details on the beer and the price per person will be sent out in another email later in the week.
odds'n'ends
The Buffalo Brew Fest 2006 tix are on sale now, and the event is scheduled for 16th September. 2006 will see the event held at the Central Terminal, so rain or shine, the beer will flow like water and the food will be fantastic. Tix are $20.00 advance, $25.00 at the door, and designated drivers (critical!) get in free.
S'all for now, see you next month!