June 26th, besides the Real Ale Anniversary party (which I truly regret missing this), witnessed the Great Austin Beer Festival.

We were there loud and proud. See us in the pic above sporting our new rasterized banner (no, it’s not a pixilated image. It’s on purpose… IDIOT!)

As a disclaimer, I should mention that we were an event sponsor and appreciate the GATXBF guys including us.

GATXBF had a lot going on. 1,600 drinkers last I heard, ~40 breweries, tons of beer (we roughly counted 80 cases left over after!), and a good(ish) time for all. Plus nice local representation from Independence, (512), Real Ale, Saint Arnold, and Live Oak (who’s table was manned by the original party animal himself, Mr. Chip McElroy.)

The good- lots of lots of beer.

The bad- lots of lots of people/lines.

The ugly- some hipster man-boy called me an asshole because he didn’t win the raffle (learn to read the rules you stupid, illiterate, scenester fuck.)

The incredible- (512) blew off some socks with a cellared keg of the 2009 ONE and a rare appearance of the Whisky Barrel 2X Pecan Porter (don’t think I didn’t “sample” a few 6 or 7 of these.)

The from-left-feild- we debuted our BeerTownAustin Mustache glasses. If you got one, yr lucky. If not, we plan to have more available soon. Look left (<–) to see it.

Laser etching and wooden sign by our favorite laser artist in austin at Austin Laser Art.

The unsung heroes- big thanks to the Jester King gents for sharing their wooden banner frame. Sans their generosity, we’d have been left holding our rasturbated sign above our heads and out arms would have gotten so tired.

The rest of the story- Promoter Blake Richards did a quick video and e-mail interview wt us post GATXBF.

Here it is:

BTA: Was Saturday’s event what you initially set out to do?

GATXBF: We set out to give Austin another beer festival (the other being Flying Saucer’s in October) and we wanted the event to be something that could grow in the future.

BTA: Did you expect such a large turnout?

GATXBF: We expected a good turnout because Austin is an event driven town and there is a lot of interest in good craft and import beers.

BTA: Are there plans for a second GAtxBF, and if so, how would you like it be different than this year, if at all?

GATXBF: There are no plans for second event; but I would like to do it.  It would be different, we would go outside and we would work with the TABC to figure out how we can do draught beer.

BTA: Not even hours after the event Twitter, Facebook, forums and blogs were already pouring in reviews of the event, mostly positive, but some negative, how do you respond to those?

GATXBF: They have been about 90% positive, I have responded to as many as I can especially the negative feedback.  We are open to constructive negative feedback, we realize that the venue was way too crowded and the beer was in bottles not draught.  With that being said, there were a ton of beers to sample and there is a good chance that most of the guests could find at least twenty to thirty beers that they have never tried.

BTA: Lots of people are wondering why the beer was mainly served out of bottles, can you comment on that? 

GATXBF: There are a few reasons for the bottles, we are going to work on draught next year.

BTA: What type of post-festival feedback did you receive from the brewers?

GATXBF: The feedback from the breweries so far has been very good.  I strongly believe a good majority would want to come back.

BTA: Why did you choose Austin for your festival?

GATXBF: I have been coming to Austin for years, I have family in Austin, it is simply one of the best cities in the country.  Why not Austin!!

BTA: Assuming there will be a second festival, what are you most looking forward to next year?

GATXBF: If we do it next year, it will be outside.  I am looking forward to that, it will be a completely different event.

Here’s the video:

Here’re more pics: (also by the talented Mr. Haley)

Our friends from Austin Homebrew Supply.

Celeb sighting.

More glasses and some of the raffle stuff.

Eric at the Independence table.

Jeff of Jester King shaking hands wt @madhouselarry (thanks for all the beer runs, Larry!)

The rear of the Saint Arnold booth. Our friend Kevin pouring beers next to Mr. Frank Mancuso.

[UPDATE: Received an e-mail from Kevin explaining that the event on June 19th was NOT the anniversary party, but just the seasonal release party for the ONE.2.

From the horse's mouth:

The latest open house was not our 2^nd anniversary party. It was just the re-release of (512) ONE because every seasonal sells out so fast we had to squeeze another one in, because we love it,  and as a prelude to (512) TWO. We’ll have a 2^nd anniversary party in Late August (likely 8/28) where a brand new (512) beer will be unveiled!

No comment on the style of the TWO, but that is good news. I loved the ONE and was perfectly satisfied wt the idea of the ONE.2 being the next anniversary beer, but this just incredible. Maybe it will be whatever is resting in those barrels...

-Chris]

(512) celebrated their two-year anniversary with an open house/release party for their One.2 on June 19. If there’s something I know about June 19, it’s that it’s hot.

We got married on that same date six years ago and people still remind us how hot it was (get over it!). This party wasn’t any different. It was sunny. So much so I got a little bit of a farmers’ tan (sexy, I know).

We arrived just after the 2:00 p.m. start to find an entrance line extending to the back of the business/industrial park. It’s our own fault for increasing our wait… we stopped to talk to Frank and Lennie from Saint Arnold (warming up for their pub crawl later that evening). About 20 people walked past us while we chatted them up. We may be fools, but we’re no line cutters, so to the back we went.

Once inside the beer lines weren’t too bad, even with the weird vortex of inside and outside tap line crossing paths.  Knowing we had a full day of activities ahead of us, I opted for only a taster of the One.2, a Belgian-style strong ale coming in somewhere around 8% abv.

It was good: sweet, caramely and similar to last year’s. One of our followers said they did switch from Good Flow to Round Rock Honey for this batch.

I honestly can’t say too much more as I didn’t go back for it; it was a little too much for me to imagine drinking a full pint in the setting. I don’t think it stopped too many others.

It was soon on to the reliable and tasty IPA and Wit, the latter of which was perfectly refreshing on a Texas summer afternoon.

Every (512) party I have been to has been a good time and this was no exception. Yeah, you have to wait in line, but what do you expect with free beer?

While there we did spot some barrels filled with something fermenting… what could be next?!?! Word is the guys may be playing around with some new ideas like a soured version of their Wit. After their last barrel release (Whiskey Barrel Aged Double Pecan Porter!), I’m in for whatever comes next.

The second Saint Arnold Austin Pub Crawl was F-R-E-S-H fresh! New bars. New format. New pint glass.

After the success of the first crawl, Saint Arnold implemented a format similar to the one they use in Houston (I think?), allowing us to visit the first three bars in any order. It worked. I don’t think I waited in line longer than a minute or two.

We decided to head east first to the Liberty Bar and get our punch cards. It was fairly sparse when we arrived, but not long after our friends showed up, we noticed the line slowly growing. Then this guy joined up with us. I think it was a strategic move on his part so he could copy and paste our account of the night.

In addition to the reliable Saint Arnold Amber, all the bars had the “award winning” Summer Pils on tap. I admit I did not have any of this last summer. For me, pils are a “right place, right time” beer. This was the time and the place. I pretty much stuck to it the rest of the night. Outside on the patio the flies were after our beer faster than we were so we hit the road pretty quickly.

On our way west we took a detour at No. 19 Bus, a double decker food bus. We fueled up on Chicago dogs and free Live Oak HefeWeizen. If you’re in this part of town I suggest you check it out.

We made our way under 35 to the Texas Embassy (probably my least favorite stop) where Lennie Ambrose, Saint Arnold’s Events and Marketing guy, was meeting crawlers as they headed downstairs. In addition to the Saint Arnolds, I spotted Independence’s Stash IPA. Good to see this making it’s way into more places; it’s tasty (one may or may not have snuck into my cup).

We had to make the third stop before 9:00 p.m., so with little time to waste it was off to Side Bar. This place was dark. I liked it. I could see myself drinking some Lone Star here if I ended up near 6th Street. With more Pils in our bellies, it was off to Shangri-La to claim our pints.

We ran into Saint Arnold’s Austin/San Antonio beer man Frank Mancuso passing out the glasses (no short supply this time).  It’s always nice to chat with Frank. If you haven’t met him at an in-store tasting, beer party or the Ginger Man, you just aren’t getting out enough.

All in all it was a good evening. We heard about 350 people partook in the event. Shangri-La had good energy and none of the early bars were all that crowded, but it may have been because we started on the east side (word was Side Bar was hit kind of hard early).

Thanks to the Saint Arnold crew for putting on another fun event. There was talk they may try to do these with the release of every season. If that’s the case, I can’t wait for Oktoberfest!

April 29 Uncle Billy’s celebrated their third anniversary of slinging beers in Austin [we realize this is nearly two months tardy; we're still playing catch-up...]

Yup. And they had a party and a special beer to celebrate.

Specifically, the “Dave Tripel”; a Belgian style tripel that truly hit the celebratory spot. It’s been said before, but since I put it in my notes I’ll say it too, similar to the Real Ale Devil’s Backbone, but not in a hacky way.

I was told by Ryan Fulmer (UB manager) that the Dave Tripel was brewed close to the Tres Diablos from the Bitter  End. Sadly, I never tried any of their beers, so I have to take his word for it.

Also on deck were the second anniversary ale, the “Boozer Chavez” (a belgian style quad), the GABF/World Beer Cup medal winner Hell in Keller, a cask of the Axe Handle pale, and a round up of the usual suspects.

The 2nd Anniversary quad aged well. It was very smooth wt a good mouthfeel and a raisin finish.

I also imbibed in the Hell in Keller; my first time since the medal winnings. It was a bit awash after having both anniversary ales back to back.

All the beers were $3, the new parking lot was packed out, we ran into Jordan Weeks of South Austin Brewing Co (you ate our fried Okra and therefore owe us a video…), Josh Hare of Hops & Grain, JB of Austin Homebrew, Stuart West of the Church of Zmurology, and a few other Zealots and BeerAdvocates.

Also, congrats to Otis (formerly the assistant brewer to Brian Peters) on his promotion to full time brewer.

<unfounded blogger speculation>Perhaps this means Uncle Billy’s is prepping up to brew beer in a second location???</hopes and dreams>

All in all, it was a great event with some great beers.

Thanks for all you do in Austin, Uncle Billy’s and here’s to three more years!

Photos: Larry McIntosh Lycra and beer. Mmmmm. The starting line at Yett Memorial Park

Much thanks to our buddy Larry McIntosh over at USABeerTrends.com for sharing this excerpt about the Real Ale Ride. It should appear shortly in a full on American Craft Beer Week wrap up on their site soon.

MAY 22 — Real Ale Ride, Blanco, TX – MADHouseLarry with the Beef & Pie Cruiser Team

Photos: Larry McIntosh Beef & Pie Cruiser Team Captain Beefheart and MADHouseLarry, PieMan Yates lurking in the background.

A few weeks ago I was invited to join the Beef & Pie Productions Cruiser Team for the 2010 Real Ale Ride held in and around Blanco, Texas – the home of Real Ale Brewing. Quite an honor, as all members of the team had the same goal in mind: Finish the ride as quickly as possible so we can get to the beer drinkin’.

Problem. Of the bikes I do own, the only cruiser is a relic from large item trash pick-up day. I found it in a pile of car tires and oven doors and three-legged chairs by the curb in my neighborhood. The previous owner seemed a little confused on the issue of bike maintenance as this bike had been “maintained” by spray paint. The rims, spokes, seat springs, handlebars – basically anything that had been plain metal or chrome – had been spray painted silver. The tires and seat were spray painted black, and the frame looks like it was painted with a brush. Needless to say, I adopted the hulk hoping to make a project out of it. It has sat in my storage shed ever since. So, with a couple of weeks to remodel the cruiser, I figured, no cruiser. However, my mountain bike would be close enough for this crew. Fat , knobby tires and all. The idea, after all, was to finish quickly and get on with the beer.

So, we did the shortest route, a 15 miler that rolled out from Yett Memorial Park in Blanco, through the south end of town and out to some mild rolling hills and along the banks of the Blanco River. The few hills there were did a decent job of splitting up our bunch. Our Cruiser team were riding everything from a single speed pulling a kid in a trailer, to new, multi-gear city cruisers with smooth shifting internal hubs, to balloon tire beach bikes. While some folks hardly broke a sweat, others were beyond VO2 max. Thank goodness for the post-ride refreshments!

Photos: Larry McIntosh The B&P Cruiser Team relaxing by the Team B&P Burro. Take yer shoes off. Set a spell.

Oh well, I was committed to seeing the goal through. So I hauled ass. To get to the beer. Fun times. The rest of the crew came in sporadically, some in better shape than others. All, ready for the Real Ale.

Post-ride refreshments provided by the fine folks at Real Ale Brewing included Firemans #4 Blonde Ale, Full Moon Rye Pale Ale, Brewhouse Brown Ale and their ESB. Sadly, I didn’t see any Devil’s Backbone Trippel. There was a shuttle taking interested folks over to the brewery for a tour. I did not partake, this time.

The Real Ale Ride benefitted Ronald MacDonald House. Not sure how many riders there were, but there were plenty.

Beef & Pie is an Austin-based film and video production company. They work on everything from the U.S. Air Force to local commercials. Great, fun folks. There is a B&P racing team of serious cyclists, and then there is the Cruiser team – motto being Cruise. Booze. Snooze.

Cheers!

Remember the Live Oak anniversary party? It was more than a month ago so maybe not. Thankfully, we’re here with an ever so timely recap to help you live it all over again.

There was food. There was music. There was mud (but no rain!). More importantly, there was free beer (why else would we be there?). Live Oak celebrated its 13th year with its 14th party (?), and a good time was had by all.

The event came right as the last of the Primus was drying up around to town and the Liberation was about to make its return after a two-year absence. (Have you had it? If not, go get some.)

Live Oak describes the Liberation IPA as, “light in color and strong in hop character. Dry hopping with Cascade hops, gives this favorite a delicious citrus note reminiscent of a Texas Ruby Red. Its 60 IBUs will satisfy the most demanding of hop heads, while its full malt character balances the assertive hoppiness.” We describe it as “tasty.”

The regular staples were on hand, including the IPA, Pilz, Big Bark and much beloved HefeWeizen, perfect for a few afternoon beers.

In addition to chatting with Chip McElroy from Live Oak (below), we had a chance to visit with some of your other favorite beer friends from around town, including Frank Mancuso from Saint Arnold, Kevin Brand from 512 Brewing, the guys from Jester King, Ronnie Crocker, and a more.

It was good to catch up with the man himself and hear about the return of two Live Oak favorites (tree-what?!?!), the possible future site of the 14th anniversary party and what he has been up to lately. We hope to see you there next year!

Didn’t make it out to the anniversary party? Check out Live Oak’s weekly Saturday tours (reservation required).

On your way south from San Francisco on Highway 1, the scenery is absolutely stunning – chock full of parks and turn-outs offering travelers majestic views of the Pacific Ocean. Eventually, Highway 1 leads into the original “Surf City USA” of Santa Cruz, California. Santa Cruz is well known for a number of things including great surfing, an eclectic community and being a university town. Despite the obvious, many parallels are often drawn between Austin and Santa Cruz, but they have one staple to their community that Austin does not (currently) – Organic Beer.

Organic Beer? I know it sounds kind of niche – but the folks at Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing have mastered the organic craft brew business. Founder and head brew master Chad Brill was working for the local Parks and Recreation Department when his wife taught him all about home brewing. “My wife actually taught me how to brew beer” Chad states with a giggle on a sunny afternoon over a pint. Once he got comfortable with brewing, their garage became increasingly small. One day they were driving around town and found a small warehouse (see the video) for rent and they decided to start brewing beer in this rented space as their home was busting at the seams.

Once they got the space, they started brewing different flavors and a few stood out to their friends. Eventually, they decided to get a bigger set-up – which they found half-buried in the ground. They cleaned up the equipment, started purchasing kegs and began brewing beer for public consumption soon after. Since 2006, things have remained relatively unchanged and yet they have changed dramatically. For example, SCMB now has a tasting room with an outdoor patio in the front, has their beer distributed throughout the West Coast and is pumping out over 1,000 bbls of goodness each year.

As organically as the business started, the reasons for brewing with all organic ingredients also resonate with Chad and his wife Emily Thomas. The couple has always lived in an area where locally produced and organic goods are plentiful. They firmly believe in purveying their goods as locally as possible and with the beer, this has proven to be a bit tricky. “Genetically modified grain and crops are frighteningly unchecked and who wants that in their beer?” states Thomas, co-founder of the brewery. Additionally, hops are one of the most heavily sprayed (pesticides and herbicides) crop due to easy pest infestations, a fact that most consumers probably do not even consider as they drink their favorite beer.

Ironically, SCMB imports most of their organic hops (mostly) from New Zealand due to lack of availability in the US while their grains (mostly) come from Canada – and they would like to see this changed. “The problem is that there are no standards with organic beer. You could use one ingredient in the beer and call your beer organic. All of the ingredients we use in our beers are certified organic, and that is important to us” states Brill. Additionally, some breweries might have an organic beer as part of a larger lineup, but the lineup at SCMB is all organic.

The lack of available resources also makes brewing beer a constant challenge at SCMB. Most breweries can consistently brew the same beer every time, but when relying on seasonal products from various parts of the world, SCMB is constantly scrambling to adjust recipes to yield consistent results. But don’t let this fool you; the beers at SCMB are really good. I recently visited them and spent a couple of hours with Chad and Nicole Beatie (Sales Director and all things PR) and had a flight of their brews. Their standard lineup consists of an Amber, Pale Ale, Brown Ale, Stout, Wheat and Porter. Throw in a few seasonal brews and its no wonder why this place is packed most evenings. I especially enjoyed their India Pale Ale – a very classic West Coast style IPA with a whopping 78 IBUs.

I caught up with Chad and Nicole and learned more about Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing.

This is what it’s all about, folks. Blogging=free beer.

Mr. Josh Hare of Hops and Grain fame had us out to try his newest brews a few weeks ago.

We drank his beers, chilled on his south side patio, then moseyed over to Red’s Porch for more patio and beer action.

This jerk was there too.

I took notes on my iPhone whilst drinking, and I think it would be most honest (seeing how I already lost all objectivity and integrity wt my lead in) to present the notes as is:

Pleaz excuse the spelling…

Hops and grain

Alt- American yeast. Abv 5.3 halertau dry hopped wt saaz. Hops more accentuated. Hoppy crisp finish. Clear finish. Good mouth feel.

Schwartz- super dark. California lager yeast. “like a porter but no residual taste” rich but drinkable. Smooth. Josh thinking of barrel aging. 5.5 abv. Smokey.

Pale- simcoe Amarillo columbus dry hopped simcoe Cascade. Crisp.  5.9 abv. Citrus nose. Spicy finish. Solid pale ale. Good mouth feel. Refreshing. Tasty.

Red- hoppy hazzy. Dry hopped in keg wt simcoe and amarillo.  3 different crystal malts. Cara pilz and Munich. fuggle simcoe Amarillo. 6.2 abv

Hoppy brown- oh shit. Chocolate malt black patent two row crystal malt. All Columbus.  Super smooth drinkable yet crisp refreshing. 8.0 abv. Super dark. Favorite.

August one deadline to get into space. Very confident to be in production by end of yr.

There you have it.

I think I liked the Alt better with the German yeast, but this one was not bad, just not as biscuity as I’d like. The schwartz (be with you) is impressive. Super rich with an exciting dry finish. The pale was not bad, but didn’t really stand out to me. Besides, there are already lots of pales in this town already. I liked the red. I liked the red last time. Hopefully we’ll see this one in production.

And finally, the hoppy brown. I loved this beer. I think the only one I had seconds on. Josh told us we were the first people besides himself to taste his new recipe. It’s amazing. Recently I’ve been a big fan of the Lagunitas WTF, and Josh’s beer is along the same lines, only a bit maltier. I am really looking forward to drinking more of this one.

And that last little bit about him hoping to be in his space by early August and brewing by the end of 2010, sounds good to me. Josh said he is ditching the 5 barrel pilot system quick start, and going for full funding for a complete brewhouse. Cans are still in his future, as are brew biscuits (yum!)

Josh, here’s to your success and thanks for the beers, cheers!

Here are some photos Shawn took of us being nerds and taking ourselves too serious.

On Wednesday evening, The Ginger Man played host to Hildbasegard and Bas van Ostaden of Urthel Ales. Having been on a North American tour for nearly two weeks (Hildegard was a judge at the World Beer Cup), the couple were in high spirits supporting the release of their latest ale – the Saisonniere.

The beer came about when Hildegard asked Bas about brewing a Saison style ale and the reluctant response he espoused. However, Hildegard didn’t want to do a traditional style Saison (Urthel did coin the term Belgian IPA with the release of their Hop-It Ale) and so the recipe crafting began. The result is a light-bodied, sweet, (but with a subtle bite of hops) and thirst-quenching ale. At 6% ABV, it is light enough to be a good everyday beer in the steamy dog days of the Austin summer (think of a slightly heavier Belgian Lawnmower). It is seriously good.

The couple was also tasting their other flagship beers – the Hop-It and the Quadrium Ales. The former was born about eight years ago when the couple tasted the Stone IPA on a trip to Alaska. They liked it so much they wanted to try brewing a Trippel IPA in Belgium – which at the time was a rather radical idea. The concept has caught on and you can find it on tap at better beer bars in town and is very tasty – a little sweet but with a good douse of noble hops. Bas notes that the beer is a “tribute to all of the craft brewers in the USA.” Right on Bas!

The latter is a crazy 12% Quadruple Ale – yowsa! It is actually a really easy drink – but it will definitely sit you down. This beer was originally brewed for Blas and Hildegard’s wedding as Bas wanted to find a good beverage for the event that was strong enough for the event without it being a liquor. He recollects Hildegard pouring beer at the reception and trying to tell anyone who would listen – err remember – about the Urthel brand. It is really yummy!

I haven’t met a nicer, more outgoing and affable brew master – and her husband was equally engaging. As the evening came to a close, Bas explained that the name Urthel was invented based on a story of “little men who live in a forest” that he had imagined/wrote about thirty years ago. As the events of his life unfolded, he decided to tell his story by creating the caricatures you see on the bottles of Urthel. On every bottle, you will see the word Pache – which is a made up word in the vernacular of the Urthel people that is roughly translated to mean “wishing you all the most positive things in the world.”

Here is to you – Pache!

Saturday, March 13th, Austin Homebrew celebrated the grand opening of their new location at 9129 Metric Blvd with beer, music, food and good times.

It was a great party. I’m pretty sure the first “hot” day this year… and it barely capped over 85. Geeze.

Beer by Uncle Billy’s, Real Ale, Live Oak, Independence, (512), NXNW, Lovejoys, Saint Arnold, Sierra Nevada, Sam Adams, and Draught House (although the DH keg fell through at the last minute, it’s the thought that counts).

At one point there was a snaffu with the plastic cups running out, but the crowd got wise and went inside to purchase the new AHS laser etched glasses. These things are hot as shit, and you know the wife was pleased as punch when she learned I brought home another pint glass.

Not only was it a great event, there were great people present. The guys from Black Star Co-op were pouring the beer, Jester King were present with an impressive presentation board and brewery information, and it’s always a great day when I run into Josh from Hops and Grain.

Also, in the most random of coincidences, I was standing in line when Carl, the Beer My Valentine runner up, walked up and introduced himself and even before I finished shaking his hand Janice, the Beer My Valentine winner, got in line behind me and said hello.

Isn’t that crazy?!?!

Moving on.

If you haven’t made it out to the new location, you should. It’s great. JB explained they moved from the previous 6,000 sqf location on Burnet to the new 18,000 sqf one.

That’s something like three times as big.

He explained that part of the move to the new location allows AHS to purchase in larger bulk and trickle down the savings to us homebrewers. Nice.

Also, they have more registers at the counter in the show room!

All in all, it was a lot of fun. The various kegs moved quickly (the Uncle Billy’s Wood Eye Rye was gone before I could blink), but there was always something good ready to go.

And true to form, it being a hot day, I decided to start off with the Live Oak Primus, cause that’s always a good idea.

Thanks to Andrew Pogue for the photographs and JIB for the fancy video work and Garageband for the rockin’ tunes!