I went to Belgium. Wow! (Part 1)

So my wife Jenni and I wrapped up my tenure here at FSBC with a whizzbang tour of Belgium. In a few posts, I'd like to let you know some of the things we experienced along the way. Know that we merely scratched the surface on all the things we could have done and experienced as a brewer wandering Belgium.
So we set of on 3 March (that's the European way ;) ) and flew all night to Brussels. This picture shows what it looks like when you arrive:

I guess Jenni is looking a little more excited about the week ahead!

First stop, Brugge. This was an old medieval city which has kept it's "oldness" and charm. We liked this city much more that Brussels.

The fist think we noticed were the hundereds upon hundereds of bicycles at the train sation. Wow! that's a good way to commute.










Then of course, you notice the canals.












In Brugge we visited De Halve Maan(the half moon), the only brewery still operating in Brugge. They make a beer called Brugse Zot. Light and Dark. Oh and they have started making the Tripel again.
Included in this place is a the modern brewery and also a brewery museum with a lot of old equipment from days gone by.

The best part is walking through the coolship to the top of the brewery with a fantastic view of the city. Our only regret is that we did not try the Flemish stew, Carbonnade, that came highly recommended.


You like Chocolate? They have it all over Belgium!











We also hit the canal tour. Chased some Geese, ya know.










While in Bruge you have to hit t'Brugs Beertje, the little Brugge Bear, but it's full of a lot of tourists.









For a little more local flair, try to find De Garre. It's down a VERY little alley that is very hard to find. If you know you are on the right street, just stop and ask someone. the alley is so narrow, it looks like a doorway. What a great little, old building that is hard to find. We went back the next day to take pictures of this little place we wer so happy to find.




Finally, ya better have some Mussels. Or Moules frites if you will. Good stuff!










Next Stop, Alvinne Picobrouwerij and then off to Brussels!

X-IPA tapping March 17th!!

What's better than a beer dyed green for St. Patrick's Day? A beer that has so many hops in it that it is green already. Ok, our X-IPA may not be green, but it has a ridiculous amount of Amarillo hops. This was the IPA that began the "Brewer's Whim" series so it is only approperiate that brewmaster Matt VanWyk concludes his amazing time here with this IPA again. This rotating IPA will live on as the next recipe is being conjured up now. Join myself, Matt VW, and the rest of the staff here at Flossmoor Station for this special release.

HELLO ALL FLOSSMOOR BEER BLOGGERS!!

Thanks to everyone for the warm welcome to Flossmoor Station. I look forward to meeting everyone at the events around the area or here at Flossmoor, so don't hesitate to say "hello" anytime.

I have finally made the transition back to the area and can concentrate on keeping the great beer tradition alive and well here. I can assure anyone with raised eyebrows that all the great beers in the regular line-up will definitely live on. I am also eager to make fun and exciting seasonal beers that will have my own touches.

Well, the beer doesn't get moved with me at the computer! Talk to you later.

Keeping tabs on the 'Shire...

So it's hard to squeeze in time for this bit of important information as I make plans to jet off to Belgium for a little R&R in a brewer's land of milk and honey (pix hopefully to follow in 1.5 weeks), but I wanted to let you know that I'll be blogging in Oregon at Oakshire Brewing. You can bookmark this now if you'd like:
http://oakbrew.com/blog/
but I'll see if I can sweet talk Bryan into adding a link on the left hand side (I know, I know-get out of town wouldja Matt??) Anyway, as you can probably guess the Flossmoor Blog will live on-just let Bryan get up to speed with the beer and the www communication will follow. For now, keep a lookout for a whole new world at Oakshire.

Matt

PS Don't be sad if I don't return from Belgium!

Farewell Matt/Welcome Bryan Party 3/21 5-9PM

The owners of Flossmoor Station have decided to throw a little going away party for my family and me. While honored deeply, in an effort to stay humble, I've decided this need to be just as much a welcome Bryan the new brewmaster party as it does a going away party for me. So, that's what it is.
Join us Saturday night March 21st from about 5-9PM. There will be a food buffet during those hours and a cash bar available to enjoy all that is Flossmoor Station craft beer. We'll also be debuting Farewell Pale Ale that night, an American Pale. Of course stay as late as you'd like, but I have a 2200 mile journey to begin the next morning :) I hope you can join us!

Presenting.....Bryan Shimkos of Flossmoor Station Brewing Company!

Please join me in welcoming the new brewmaster at Flossmoor Station, Bryan Shimkos. Bryan has an extensive background in brewing and science and is currently finishing his responsibilities in Cleveland. Starting Saturday Feb. 28th, please come in and welcome him aboard. You can give suggestions, he 'might' listen :)
cheers!







Could a guy that cool looking lead you astray???

Tap List 2/20/09

Killer Kapowski (8%)
The renamed and award winning Baltic Porter. We made two whole batches. Drink it in the pub and take a bottle or two home.

RecessionAle (3%)
For Hopheads. I can drink 6. can you?
special pricing for those of you getting socked by the crappy economy.

Ore-Gone IPA (7.5% a.b.v.)
It's very good and it's almost gone (like me)

Obama-Brau (5%)
Our politically correct Brown Ale

Guest Tap: Old Foghorn Barleywine-almost gone.
Next: Old Stock Ale
Guest Stout:Youngs Double Chocolate Stout

This, you have to see!

Anyone who is a fan of beer, and I assume that you are, must see "BEER" the play performed by the Neo-Futurists and written by my friends Steve Mosqueda and Sean Benjamin. It runs through March 7th at the new Metropolitan Brewery in Chicago (yes, the play is set in a brewery and is performed in a brewery-how cool). My wife and I were fortunate enough to catch the show Saturday night (yes, Valentine's day and my wife was thrilled to be taken there for V-day-I love her!). After a great beer paired dinner at the Hopleaf, we walked 4 blocks over to the show. Fortunately we were in good company with my friends Pete Crowley and his assistant Davin of Rock Bottom Chicago and Wil Turner of Goose Island (and wives!). Anyway, this show will not only teach you how beer is made in a side splitting laugh a minute manner, but many of your fav breweries from around Chicagoland are featured in prominent roles. Puppets, music (awesome original music), and puke will keep you rolling for 90 minutes. A must see!

Coming soon: who's gonna replace me at FSBC...

Thanks for Last Saturday!

Well we had a tremendous day last Saturday at the Killer Kapowski release party. thanks all for coming out on such a great weather day and supporting us. Sorry if I didn't get a chance to chat with you. We DO still have it left at the pub. Please come on down and grab a couple of bottles before it is all gone.



Dave Really enjoyed the KK. Sorry you missed SF beer week.



Where the magic happens


If that goes up on e-bay, I'm gonna be pissed!



cheers!
MAtt

Killer Kapowski to be released Saturday at 1PM

For those of you coming down Saturday for the release, I thought I would give you a few details on the logistics of the day.
-First, we will be bottling roughly 1440 bottles for your enjoyment.
-Currently there has not been a limit set, but it will be determined when the crowd shows up (I assume it could be a 1 case limit)
-Each bottle is $10. Case is $120.

-CASH IS NOT REQUIRED, BUT HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. IT COULD EXPEDIATE YOUR TIME HERE. THERE IS A HARRIS BANK ATM 1/2 BLOCK DOWN THE STREET!!! also, having close to the correct change makes for a less stressful day for me ;)

-We will have StationMaster Wheat, Pullman Brown, Celebration IPA, and Ore-Gone IPA for sale as well. Transactions for those beers will be seperate from the KK and Wooden Hell Sales and can easily be purchased with credit card or cash at anytime during the day.

-We will have Woden Hell Labels AND Collaborative Evil Labels for sale for $2. Downstairs only!



















-There will be a mug club tapping for those members starting at noon. they will be showing their mug club cards, so don't try to infiltrate the club. But do get signed up on the waiting list while you are here.

-Numbered tickets will be handed out as you arrive. THERE IS NO LINE. IT IS TOO COLD! Hold onto your ticket until 1PM. We will start calling numbers to head downstairs (via the front of the building) where sales will be happening. I assume 10-20 people at a time. While you are waiting feel free to have lunch or drink some beers. At the bar, Expect to either pay for your purchase or leave a credit card for your tab. With the number of people here and several people getting up to go purchase KK, it will be very hard for the bartenders and pub servers. Help 'em out if you can.

-As you wait in the short line at the basement door, you will be asked to write your name on your numbered ticket (if you choose) and put it into a drawing for the chance to purchase more Wooden Hell. If any is left. MUST BE PRESENT TO WIN.

-If you have NOT picked up your Wooden Hell, you will do it downstairs when you buy (if you choose) your KK.

-Once everyone has satisfyed their need for KK, we will draw for the leftover Wooden Hell.

Make sense?
Eat drink and be merry!
Matt

New Digs

Some people have pointed out that my post re: the change of venues for me never did mention the brewery I will be headed to. In the event you haven't heard, it is Oakshire Brewing in Eugene, Oregon. They are a small and growing production brewery that began in late 2006. Oakshire specializes in locally produced craft ales, with a nod to sustainability and organics. Big things are happening at the 'Shire. stay tuned.
And fear not, we are laying down the groundwork for a seamless departure and transition here at FSBC.

Cheers
Matt

Tap List 01/28/09

Recession Ale (3.0% a.b.v.)
Our beautiful rendition of an American Mild. Delicious citrus and grassy nose out of a golden and hazy straw colored body. Recession Ale has a light mouthfeel but is probably the most flavorful beer you will ever have at only 3% a.b.v. The Chinook, Amarillo, and Cascade hops assert themselves but help you forget the economy is in the toilet. SPECIAL PRICING! $2/12oz $3/16oz $4/20oz

Obama-Brau (5.0% a.b.v.)
This smooth and drinkable brown ale has soft toasty malt character topped off with a balanced dollop of pure American hops. Thanks for voting. Let’s have a beer!

Celebration IPA (7.1% a.b.v.)
Let's Celebrate a New (and improved) year in 2009! Our reddish IPA is crafted with three American hops (Chinook, Amarillo and Cascade) and are balanced by the medium-bodied sweetness of the malt and the alcohol. The bold citrus and pine type flavors linger on your palate and blend magically with the caramel malt flavor.

Munich Winterbock (6.5% a.b.v.)
This started as a Munich Style Dunkel which is a dark malty lager made in the Munich style, and then it fermented lower, dryer, and made a stronger beer than we anticipated. Plus it’s winter.
Munich Winterbock is an amber/copper/brown colored lager made with lots of munich malt for a bready malt flavor. The nose hints at a touch of roast malt used with little to no hop aroma. The flavor is predominately malt but not sweet. This beer has a clean and crisp finish that makes you want to drink some more.

Guest Tap: Anchor Old Foghorn
Guest Stout:Boulder Brewing Co.'s Obovoid oak aged Imperial Stout

Sausage Fest '09

Please join us on February 21st 2009 for Sausagefest 09, a celebration of handmade sausages, craft beer and artisanal cheeses.

The event will start promptly at 1:00 PM and run until 5:00 PM. We are limiting ticket sales to only 150 to make sure there's plenty of sausage for our hungry guests.

Tickets for Sausafest 09 can be purchased online by visiting http://www.brownpapertickets.com. Search for Sausagefest 09.

Sausages for Sausagefest 09 are all original handmade creations just for this wonderful event. Beer is provided by Rock Bottom Chicago and several guest breweries. Cheese will be provided by the Marion Street Cheese Market in Oak Park, IL.

We'll be there with Killer Kapowski!

Double Deuce at Shootout

We grabbed second place in Beer with Killer Kapowski baltic porter and Second place in Pairing with Killer Chocolate Tart paired with Killer Kapowski. Check out the Chicago Beer Society's page for details.

Pairing
1. America’s Brewing - Bol Le Hautes Terres with Peat Smoked Scotch Ale.
2. Flossmoor Station Restaurant & Brewery - Killer Chocolate Silk Tart with Killer Kapowski Baltic Porter.
3. Rock Bottom E/W (Chicago & Warrenville) - Seared Kobe Beef Medallions with Andouille Potatoes, Spinach, Balsamic-Chipotle Glaze, Tomato Emulsion and crispy carrots. Paired with CBS Düsseldorf Alt.

Beer
1. Rock Bottom E/W (Chicago & Warrenville)
2. Flossmoor Station Restaurant & Brewery
3. Rock Bottom N/S (Orland Park & Lombard)

Westward Ho!

Many of you may have heard by now, but the Van Wyk's are hitchin' up the oxen and makin' new life in the western frontier. A couple of weeks ago I accepted a job in Oregon and will be leaving Flossmoor Station Brewing Company.
In the five and a half years that I have been fortunate enough to lead the brewery at FSBC, I have come across some great people, brewers, suppliers, and customers. I'll miss creating beer for you all but fear not, you will be in good hands. I'm confident that the tradition will live on with my replacement and you will still be enjoying great beers and great service long after I am gone. It was true five years ago when Todd left FSBC and will be true again.

Near the end of March I will end my run at Flossmoor Station and head to Eugene Oregon. It should be an interesting and fun journey traveling half way across the country with my wife and two very excited kids. Hopefully we will not have to hunt for food along the way. And hopefully we also won't have to create a tombstone for anybody.......










Didn't you just love playing Oregon Trail when you were little.? As you can see it holds a special place in my heart. Flossmoor Station and Chicagoland will too and I'll probably be making references to them in my future posts on the www. I'll give you some more on my destination and perhaps a way to follow my exploits out there if you have time to kill. Certainly you don't think I would stop being connected to my loyal readers, do you?

Please stop by in the next two months to have a beer and chat for a bit. I'd like to see you one last time...

Label Approval

Well, we certainly have had a lot of questions about the new label for our Baltic Porter, so I thought I would explain the timeline a bit and our thinking. When we decided to bottle our award winning Baltic Porter, Killer Kowalski we enlisted Joe Krystofiak again, artist on the Collaborative Evil and Wooden Hell, He designed a great label very similar to the one posted below. We submitted the label for approval with the government and chose not to check on consent to use the name. Joe and a few others suggested we should consider that first. However, we had a handful of others in our camp who felt it wouldn't be a problem. Well after much delay, most by me and some by the government (not Joe-he's awesome. contact me if you need graphic design work done or check out http://www.ellipsisdesign.net/ ) we were told we could not use the name "Killer Kowalski" on the label unless we had written proof from the estate on their letterhead. Well, we weighed our options and checked our time. Sadly we had set the release date and there was really neither time to have Joe start over or hope to get permission without having to give a large some of money to use the name. Since the plates needed to be made for printing the label and so forth, we were under the gun.
Then, I had a Zak attack! The name Kelly Kapowski rushed into my head and the beer was renamed. After a little research into all things Saved Be the Bell, we found that episode 1.4 featured Zac being threatened by and angry Kelly and he referred to her as "Killer Kapowski". A new beer was born.

Fatal Distraction [1.4]

Kelly: So many boys, so little time.

---

Zack: Kelly.

Kelly: Hi Zack.

Zack: So Kel, big dance friday night, huh?

Kelly: I haven't asked anyone yet Zack.

Zack: Really, well I just want to know that I'm keeping my calendar clear, you know what I mean?

Kelly: I know what you mean, you want me to ask you?

Zack: You could do worse.

Slater: You could do better.... a lot better.

---

Mr. Belding: Zack, calm down. Just tell me who's threatening you.

Zack: Kelly "The Killer" Kapowski.

Mr. Belding: Kelly Kapowski?

Zack: Yes.

Mr. Belding: Excuse me for a minute.

[turns head to laugh]

Mr. Belding: [still snickering] What's she gonna do? Spike you to death with a volleyball?

Now, I would like to mention that this beer is now way was meant to be associated with Kelly Kapowski or Saved By the Bell and any reference to the real thing is merely coincidence! We were simply inspired by the above references or something like that.....

Rest assured that the beer we have made was the original award winning Killer Kowalski and purchasing said beer will bring as much enjoyment as you experienced when we served it on draft. Sorry for all the confusion. See you at the release on February 7th
Cheers!
Matt

Obama Brau can not be bottled.

So this was approved by the local committee to be given and sold to the local Inaugural Ball to be held here in Chicago next Tuesday. Sadly, it appears that Obama endorsed this and therefore is not allowed on the front of our bottles. But, dont be sad if you are headed to McCormick next Tues or just coming down here to watch the historic day in our pub. You will find something of the sort on draft. On behalf of the TTB and Flossmoor Station...sorry!

Killer Kapowski

Beer School Beer Festival

When:

January 17 : 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Price:

$40. Reservations recommended

Event Phone Number:

773-281-4989

Sheffield's

Neighborhood: Lakeview

3258 N. Sheffield Ave.

Chicago, IL 60657-2211

773-281-4989

Sample rare and specialty craft beers from more than 15 breweries including Bells, Peak Organic, Allagash, Flossmoor Station, Two Brothers, Three Floyds and Goose Island. Reps, brewers and owners are on hand to discuss the picks. Admission includes 12 drink tickets which are good for one beer each; purchase additional tickets for a fee.

Tap List 01/07/09

Big Black Pumpkin (8.0% a.b.v.)
Hey Look, we found a keg hiding in the cooler.

Organic Woody (10% a.b.v.)
While Supplies Last
Bourbon Barrel Aged Belgian-American IPA

Celebration IPA (7.1% a.b.v.)
Let's Celebrate a New (and improved) year in 2009! Our reddish IPA is crafted with three American hops (Chinook, Amarillo and Cascade) and are balanced by the medium-bodied sweetness of the malt and the alcohol. The bold citrus and pine type flavors linger on your palate and blend magically with the caramel malt flavor.

Munich Winterbock (6.5% a.b.v.)
This started as a Munich Style Dunkel which is a dark malty lager made in the Munich style, and then it fermented lower, dryer, and made a stronger beer than we anticipated. Plus it’s winter.
Munich Winterbock is an amber/copper/brown colored lager made with lots of munich malt for a bready malt flavor. The nose hints at a touch of roast malt used with little to no hop aroma. The flavor is predominately malt but not sweet. This beer has a clean and crisp finish that makes you want to drink some more.

Guest Tap: Dark Horse Perkulator Coffee Doppelbock
Guest Stout:Left Hand Milk Stout

Flossmoor Station to release two new bottled beers!

-UPDATE 1/7/08-

All of the available bottles of Wooden Hell have been reserved. Thanks to everyone who sent us e-mails. We look forward to seeing you starting January 20th.


Wooden Hell
Bourbon Barrel aged Barley wine
Bronze Medal-Strong Barrel aged beers 2006 GABF
Two time gold medal winner-Festival of Barrel Aged Beer














Killer Kowalski
Baltic Porter
Gold Medal-Baltic Porters-2007 GABF
Silver Medal-Baltic Porters-2008 GABF


Release details

KILLER KOWALSKI BALTIC PORTER:

The Killer Kowalski Release date is set for Saturday, February 7th at 1PM. The beer will be sold for $10 per bottle. We WILL have nearly 120 cases ready for sale on that date. Right now, no bottle limit has been set. If it all sells that day, it is gone. Anything left will be sold at Flossmoor Station and COULD be shipped to the distributor, but no promises.

WOODEN HELL BOURBON BARREL AGED BARLEYWINE (2 BOTTLE LIMIT!!!):

This will be sold on a pre-order basis. $15 per bottle. 2 BOTTLE LIMIT!! There are only 360 bottles available for sale!!
Procedure (read carefully):
*Send an e-mail to orderflossmoorbeer@yahoo.com with:
-name
-phone number
-address
-desired number of bottles (either one or two)

*You will receive a confirmation response (an "out of office/vacation" type response) This is your confirmation letter. Print it!

*Bring the confirmation letter with you anytime BETWEEN TUESDAY, JAN. 20 and SATURDAY, FEB. 7
YOU CAN NOT PICK UP YOUR BEER BEFORE 11:30 AM on Jan 20.

*Your name will be on a list at Flossmoor Station and we'll sell you your beer when you come in.

*You may pick up your Wooden Hell at the Killer Kowalski Release Party (if you have ordered it)

*Any remaining or unaccounted for beer will be sold on Saturday Feb. 7th at the KK release party

*Questions and comments can be directed to flossmoorstation@yahoo.com (not the order e-mail)

Thanks-back to bottling........

Tap List 12/30/08

Celebration IPA (7.1% a.b.v.)
Let's Celebrate a New (and improved) year in 2009! Our reddish IPA is crafted with three American hops (Chinook, Amarillo and Cascade) and are balanced by the medium-bodied sweetness of the malt and the alcohol. The bold citrus and pine type flavors linger on your palate and blend magically with the caramel malt flavor.

Munich Winterbock (6.5% a.b.v.)
This started as a Munich Style Dunkel which is a dark malty lager made in the Munich style, and then it fermented lower, dryer, and made a stronger beer than we anticipated. Plus it’s winter.
Munich Winterbock is an amber/copper/brown colored lager made with lots of munich malt for a bready malt flavor. The nose hints at a touch of roast malt used with little to no hop aroma. The flavor is predominately malt but not sweet. This beer has a clean and crisp finish that makes you want to drink some more.

IPA for Change (7.1% a.b.v.)
Obama-Nation! The transition team needs a beer too, let's hope this gets made the official IPA of the new White house administration.

Guest Tap: Dark Horse Perkulator Coffee Doppelbock
Guest Stout:

Strong Ale Fest Continued

Wow.. I guess I must have been on vacation. Started this recap and then set it aside. time to finish the update.....

So as I alluded to, I traveled to San Diego a week or so ago(edit: a month or so ago) to Pizza Ports Strong Ale Festival. This Fest began 12 years ago as a brainchild of Tom Nickel formerly a handful of brewpubs and now of O'Briens), Tomme Arthur Port/Lost Abbey and Jeff Bagby, head of the pubs for the Pizza Port Empire. The idea is two days of beer sampling. All beers are over 8%. Woot! This year, their 12th, celebrated the 75th year since Prohibition ended and the goal was to gather 75 strong ales. Well, they overextended themselves and nabbed about 103! Beers were mostly from California but they also collected several from Arizona, Chicago and the East coast as well. And all were over 8% abv. Yeah, that's a lot o alcohol. but more on that later, let me back up.

I arrived in San Diego on a Thursday night. Christmas carols were ringing thru the speakers at the airport and as I exited baggage claim I could feel the warm tropical breezes blowing in the doors and I could see the palms. Weird, really weird. I'm a midwest boy and Christmas means cold and snow. (In fact as I type this it is about 1 outside -that's Fahrenheit in case you wondered-and ice galore) Once I got over that, Jeff Bagby picked me up and we grabbed his better half-much better half, Dande (and their pooch) and headed over to the semi new Toronado. What a great line-up of beers and a great place to tip back a pint. When I walked in the door, who did I see, but the one and only Pete Crowley of Rock Bottom Brewery in Chicago. Wow, half a country away and I run into my buddy. Oh wait, I knew he was doing a brewery audit in La Jolla and had planned to meet up with me . So, we had a few Califonia brews and parted company. We drove up to Carlsbad, about 20-30 minutes north where I would be staying for the night.




Upon arriving at Casa de Bagby in Cardiff by the Sea, I encountered one of the largest beer collections I have seen in a long time. I like to drink beer, evidently Jeff does not (just kidding, pal!) He has rare beers, common beers, vintage beers, and oh yeah, 12 beers on draft. Yeah baby! Maybe a pic or to of his shelves if he sends them over. Once again, forgot the camera (stupid!)

On Friday morning we headed up to Carlsbad Pizza Port, with a pit stop for Breakfast Burritos-sweet! I helped a bit with set up. That consisted of perilously riding up on a fork lift to hang tarps. (If you work for OSHA, stop reading at the last paragraph). It seemed like "tarp overkill" because rain was not in the forecast, but I was reminded that double IPAs get skunky real quick in the San Diego sun! AHA! You are not in Kansas anymore toto.

Around 11 AM I jumped in Jeff's truck and motored over to Stone Brewing in Escondido. All I can say is wow! Check out the website. I wish I had my camera. This place is just awesome-not only the state of the art (and clean) brewhouse but the gardens and the menu are great. Wish I had some pics to share. I had been there before, but it was for the Craft Brewers Conference gathering and seeing it with less crowds was much better.

Then I headed to the festival. They have a VIP session from 1-4. Less crowds. Rare beers that will run out quickly. Dark Lord from our very own Three Floyds ran out first. Yeah! Did they just send a growler??? This was a great feature to the fest as you could move a bit better and hit the rare beers. I met up with Pete (RB Chicago) and also Marty (RB La Jolla) who would be our taxi driver Sat to Lost Abbey.










Next Stop:Bed. Since the hotel was a mere 6 blocks away, we could sneak away whenever we "needed" to. A quick stop in the PP bottle shop to buy some beers that we would pass out with on the nightstand (hint: keep your a/c cranked in the hotel room, and the beer you passed out with will still be cellar temp. in the morning.)

Hydration!! A little vitamin water and a walk on the beach and I am ready for the day!













Pete and I caught up with Marty again and had lunch in Oceanside. There is a new brewery that is waiting to start brewing. Kirk McHale, formerly of Pizza Port, is owner/brewer-but is being tied up by the city and has a dormant system collecting dust. Good Luck Kirk!

From there we headed to Lost Abbey. Oh goodness does Tomme have barrels galore. We sampled straight from the barrels. Need I say more??





But I will. This is a picture of their bottling line. Homemade I am told. I was blown away that they just had a 8 head tabletop-ish filler. We have only 4 heads, but I think we are more automated. Sure we spent a whole lot more money, but I think it's time to upgrade and pump a little bit more beer out of there. Come on Tomme, beer drinkers await!





So, we were set up like kings (well, visiting brewers) atLA and then headed back to punish the 'ol liver and try take on a few more of the beers we missed Friday.



Hey, is that 2008 World Beer Cup Small Brewpub Brewer of the year, Tonya Cornett? Why yes it is. She was in town to brew a collaboration beer with Tomme at Lost Abbey. What a great person-and brewer.



So the fest wound down. I assisted Pete to the Extended Stay America about 11:30 (just to make sure a car didn't run him down and leave Rock Bottom Chicago brewerless) and then headed back to PP for post game festivities. Needless to say, much of the details are a blur, but I think I recall jeroboams of Duvel and something else, shutting down a bar down the street, drinking in the dark, a stray roll of red duct tape (sorry Jeff) and a stroll around Carlsbad looking for some place to feed us. Dennys it is folks. Bring on the omelet at 4AM!

Blurry eyed and foggy headed it was time to venture back to the midwest on Sunday morning. Thanks to Pete for the lift and entertainment of course. Major shout to Jeff Bagby and the entire PP empire not only for a kick ass fest, but also for extreme hosting skills. We will definitely be back! I'm not sure if I could handle 70 degree walks on the beach in December every day, but...wait, yes I could!
Awesome trip........

Chicagoist names Collaborative Evil Beer of the Week

Chuck Sudo over at Chicagoist.com had some great things to say about CE. If you don't read chicagoist on a regular basis, you better start. They write about us a lot. Check it out.

Tap List 12/17/08

Munich Winterbock (6.5% a.b.v.) On Tap 12/18/08 7 p.m. (8 p.m. for non-mugclubbers)
This started as a Munich Style Dunkel which is a dark malty lager made in the Munich style, and then it fermented lower, dryer, and made a stronger beer than we anticipated. Plus it’s winter.
Munich Winterbock is an amber/copper/brown colored lager made with lots of munich malt for a bready malt flavor. The nose hints at a touch of roast malt used with little to no hop aroma. The flavor is predominately malt but not sweet. This beer has a clean and crisp finish that makes you want to drink some more.

Big Black Pumpkin (8.0% a.b.v.)
Made with 100lbs real pumpkin, 20# cocoa nibs, and pumpkin pie spices (ginger, allspice, nutmeg, clove, and cinnamon). Nice and spicy in the nose, full bodied porter, with a smooth chocolate finish.

IPA for Change (7.1% a.b.v.)
Obama-Nation! The transition team needs a beer too, let's hope this gets made the official IPA of the new White house administration.

Guest Tap: Anchor Christmas Beer
Guest Stout: Founders' Breakfast Stout

Strong Ale Fest 2008

...Strong enough anyway. That's me waxing poetic about who knows what with Pizza Port Carlsbad's Jeff Bagby's dad. Anywho, I had the distinct pleasure of traveling out to San Diego last weekend (yeah, boohoo, right-rough life) for the 12th annual Pizza Port Strong Ale Festival. They had about 103 beers over 8%! And you can see it in my eyes I am sure. What a great weekend! Toronado, Stone, Lost Abbey and Pizza Port. Oh and 75 degree sunny weather. When I get the pictures from Pete Crowley (Rock Bottom brewer who I tagged on with) I will tell the story of the week. I like to do it with pix better. For now, know that it rocked and below is a pic with Pete at Lost Abbey's brewery infront of a few of the 8 bazillion barrels Tomme uses to age beer. Awesome!

Surly Darkness Tapping

December 11th @ 6 p.m. we are going to tap into our 5 gal keg of Surly Darkness. Snifters for $5.00 until it runs out. Open to everyone, not just our Mug Club Members. Stay and watch the Bears play the Saints and enjoy a free half-time buffet.

Tap List 12/04/08

Big Black Pumpkin (8.0% a.b.v.) [almost gone]
Made with 100lbs real pumpkin, 20# cocoa nibs, and pumpkin pie spices (ginger, allspice, nutmeg, clove, and cinnamon). Nice and spicy in the nose, full bodied porter, with a smooth chocolate finish.

The Curse IPA (7.3% a.b.v.)
Matt's beloved Cubs proved their worth again this year. Let's drink to forget with a big American IPA made with Columbus, Simcoe, Cluster, and Cascade hops.

IPA for Change (7.1% a.b.v.)
Obama-Nation! The transition team needs a beer too, let's hope this gets made the official IPA of the new White house administration.

Guest Tap: Founder's Red Rye
Guest Stout: Founders' Breakfast Stout